Festive Posts

There’s no shortage of places to go Christmas shopping in London. But if you want more of a festive feel than a crushing mass of bargain-hunting, maybe even with some carols thrown in, then one of the many London Christmas markets might be more up your street. There are plenty and they’re usually filled with independent craft stalls and artisan producers selling their goods, so you can get something a little bit different while supporting small businesses. The market is often only half the story too, with some fairgrounds and festivities as well as Santa’s grottos. Whether you just want to wander amidst the happy shoppers with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy the festive feels or tick some items off your Christmas shopping list, the winter markets in London are wonderful. By the way, if you're looking for a bit of sparkle, do check out our walking route of London's Christmas lights, the top picks for London Winter Illuminations this year, or get your rom-com on with these winter outdoor ice rinks. If all else fails, a panto or Christmas show should get you feeling festive (oh yes it will!). Leicester Square Christmas Market The central London square gets its regular festive makeover that runs from now until the new year. Christmas in Leicester Square is filled with over 25 traditional European-style market stalls, lots of food and drink offerings and Santa’s Grotto. Sadly Underbelly will not be running La Clique at the Spiegeltent this year, but they are bringing outdoor ice skating to the party. Free; some ticketed activities November 1st 2025 - 4th January 2026 Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre The Southbank is fairy-lit and beautiful all year round but it’s particularly twinkly and magical during the winter months; a big part of that is the Southbank Centre Winter Festival. It’s a seasonal highlight for Londoners and visitors alike, with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, including a curling club plus the much-loved market. Traditional, wooden-hut market stalls festooned with lights line the river bank each year as well as food stalls and cute pop-up bars. Follow the scent of mulled wine to explore hand-made gifts, decorations, jewellery, fashion, crafts and lots of street food, from cheeseburgers and chicken wings to Himalayan dumplings, New Orleans-inspired Po’Boy sandwiches and Yorkshire Pudding wraps. Free 3rd November 2025 - 4th January 2026 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Surrounded by twinking lights, the cute wooden chalets at Winter Wonderland's Christmas market are full of traditional decorations, gifts and tempting treats. New for this year is the Luminarie market, where you can browse hand-made gifts under the dazzling arches of light. With everything from ice skating and a ferris wheel to a bar where the tables, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice, Winter Wonderland has everything you need to get in the festive spirit. There’s free music across the site, over 100 fairground rides as well as SantaLand for kids. Check out our guide to what's on. See our detailed listing 14th November 2025 - 1st January 2026 Winter (aka Christmas) by the River: London Bridge Market London loves a riverside festive market and this picturesque stretch of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge has all the ingredients you need for a fun Christmas outing. There will be cosy vibes at the wooden cabins and homemade gifts from more than 60 independent traders. You’ll also find bars selling mulled wine and cider, craft beer and festive cocktails. You can top that off with a spot of curling, or craft workshops if you’re feeling creative. Free; some ticketed activities 13th November 2025 - 4th January 2026 King's Cross Christmas Markets This year King’s Cross will be ringing the changes with a line-up of amazing markets, each offering a huge array of unique gifts, festive street food, fashion from emerging brands, vintage vinyl, arts and crafts and much more. Christmas Under the Canopy is a covered market where you can shop for artisanal gifts and food under a canopy of stars, or spice up your festive shopping at the Mexican Christmas Market and browse Mexican clothing, accessories and crafts from independent designers. Tick off your Christmas shopping list before celebrating at the après ski bar, which will be serving up a selection of festive hot chocolates, hot toddies and delicious alpine cocktails. Free November-December 2025 Trafalgar Square Christmas Market Over 30 cute wooden chalets with gifts, mulled wine and cider, and Christmassy food including, er, a whole range of German sausages. While you're there, don't forget to check out the twinkling Christmas tree that is a gift from Norway every year. Free November 9th 2025 - January 2nd 2026 While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. This article was originally published in November 2019; last updated on 5th November 2025.

Festive Posts

London's Best Winter Festivals and Christmas Markets

Log in

Create Account

Recover Password

Log in Successful