The London Christmas markets are the best way to soak up the festive spirit in the city. From alpine-themed river-side strolls to top-quality produce, here are the best markets you need to visit in 2024.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
A stroll through the London Christmas Markets is a celebration of the diversity of the city.
Some feature coloured trinkets, sweet mulled wine, and fat German sausage. Others favour specialist produce, designer goods, and festive events.
The London Christmas markets offer a great variety. They’re one of those annual events that bring together some of England’s best producers under the gaze of the city’s prominent landmarks.
Every year, we spend time seeking out the best markets, finding new ones that reappear and revisiting old classics.
This list includes the markets we like the most from the 2024 offerings.
IN THIS GUIDE
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN LONDON
01. TRAFALGAR SQUARE
02. LEICESTER SQUARE
03. COVENT GARDEN
04. SOUTH BANK
05. LONDON BRIDGE
06. BOROUGH
07. SPITALFIELDS
08. BATTERSEA
LONDON CHRISTMAS MARKETS MAP
There’s a magical London Christmas Market near many of the city’s great attractions. Use our map to find a festive winter warmer or beguiling alpine hut near you.
To help you put your plans together, read our article on how to spend Christmas in London.
How to use our maps // Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account. Â
1. TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Trafalgar Square Christmas market is a tourist favourite and very busy, but we still love it.
Under the façade of the National Gallery, with iconic London landmarks all around, it’s hard not to be impressed with the spectacle around you. Some may find it a little too busy, which we understand, but there’s no lack of Christmas cheer.
The star of Trafalgar Square’s Christmas is the huge Norwegian spruce tree. Norway donates it each year in gratitude for the support it received during World War II.
As it’s so centrally located, we’ve put Trafalgar Square on our London Christmas lights walking route.
2. LEICESTER SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas Market at Leicester Square is great for a night out with friends in London’s West End.
The market has all the usual festive treats, including traditional sausage and plenty of boozy treats.
The Prahava Beer Tent has a raucous atmosphere, and you can grab a pint, elbow to elbow, under Leicester Square’s sparkling lights.
The highlight at Leicester Square is Spiegeltent, one of our favourite London Christmas Events.
Every year, La Clique is on at Spiegeltent in Leicester Square. This risque cabaret show features mind-boggling performances, and Mark and I try to catch them every year.
Tickets for La Clique are already on sale for the 2024 season.
3. COVENT GARDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Christmas in Covent Garden is the festive hot spot of the capital.
The iconic piazza is occupied by a host of activities each year, including craft sessions, cocktail making, and various food festivals.
The Jubilee Market supplies an eclectic selection of arts, crafts and jewellery. Don’t miss the famous reconditioned 1884 Christmas Sleigh, the perfect festive photo opportunity.
The Christmas market at Covent Garden is a non-stop destination with late-night shopping, discounts, and happy hours.
Strolling around Covent Garden is one of the best free things to do in London and a great place for first-time visitors to the city.
4. SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER MARKET
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of England’s best Christmas markets. It offers a festive atmosphere in a vibrant riverside location.
Pop-up bars and cosy igloos serve some of the country’s best produce, overlooking London’s best landmarks.
There’s a wide selection of global and local cuisine. Feast on grilled meats, follow with churros, and wash it down with spiced whiskey.
Pop into the Between the Bridges and unique riverside location with street food, bars, live music and karaoke.
Throughout the year, the South Bank Centre has free public events that are well worth checking out. Our free things to do in London guide has more details.
5. LONDON BRIDGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Winter by the River is the annual Christmas Market held at London Bridge.
The panoramic setting under the gaze of Tower Bridge is the perfect place to enjoy the festivities in iconic surroundings.
The market is located on Queen’s Walk between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, near the HMS Belfast. Our self-guided route through Queen’s Walk covers more of the area.
The market has plenty of craft stalls and artisanal makers in cabins adorned by fairy lights. There’s also a karaoke room and pop-up bars. It’s one of the most fun markets in the city.
Don’t miss the Hays Galleria, which always has stunning decorations.
6. CHRISTMAS AT BOROUGH MARKET
While not a specific Christmas Market, Borough Market is one of the best places in London to stock up on quality supplies for your Christmas events.
It’s buzzing with energy throughout the festive season and something Mark and I highly recommend doing on our London itinerary.
The highlight of the Christmas calendar at Borough is An Evening of Cheese, which takes place each year.
Enjoy tastings from British, French, Italian, and Spanish cheesemakers, along with expert advice.
7. SPITALFIELDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Spitalfields is the go-to market for that unique gift idea.
All the regular traders will be on hand, and there’s a bumper programme of curated festive events. It’s one of the best places for Christmas shopping in London.
The Old Spitalfields Market will be open seven days a week, and independent retailers will supply a host of Christmas gift ideas.
Munch on some of the best street food in London or join one of their festive workshops to learn a new skill.
Mark and I always love strolling around this part of London. To see more, try our Shoreditch street art walk, which finishes at Spitalfields.
8. BATTERSEA POWER STATION CHRISTMAS MARKET
Battersea Power Station transforms into a festive feast for the eyes with high-tech installations, stunning Christmas decorations, London’s only river-side ice skating, and plenty of great shopping.
The Christmas Market at Battersea has independent craft stalls featuring handmade gifts, Christmas cards, personalized baubles, ceramics, jewellery, and much more.
If you’re looking for somewhere in London to have a festive Christmas drink with friends, Mark and I recommend this area. The bars are bursting with atmosphere, and the Christmas lights are something special.
The Christmas market is located on the Ground Floor, Turbine Hall B.
9. COLUMBIA ROAD WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Columbia Road is a vibrant flower market in London. On each Wednesday in December, the shops open late for one of the friendliest Christmas markets in London.
Christmas Trees are on sale opposite the Royal Oak pub, and carol singing, accompanied by a brass quintet from the Guildhall, takes place on the street.
This is a very different atmosphere from the other markets in this guide.
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays is a relaxed neighbourhood market with friendly shop owners sharing a glass of mulled wine on the street.
It’s one of our favourite things to do for Christmas in London.
10. HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVE FAYRE
The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a magical Christmas event in the historical setting of Hampton Court Palace.
The palace courtyard and grounds are transformed into a Christmas wonderland with over 100 independent artisan producers offering tasty food and interesting gifts.
You can try a cocktail masterclass, savour the flavours of mulled wine, or go ice skating in front of the magnificent Tudor Palace.
Book a timed entry at hrpfestivals.com
11. WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS MARKET
Winter Wonderland is a huge theme park-style Christmas village in Hyde Park.
In addition to rides and arcade games, Winter Wonderland also has a traditional Christmas Market.
In spite of the carnival atmosphere, this is actually one of the best Christmas Markets for unique gifts. There are handcrafted decorations and various other artisanal products.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas Market is located next to the ice rink.
Entrance is free during off-peak times, which are 10 am to 12 pm Monday through Thursday. However, online bookings are required even for free entry.
12. KINGSTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Set in the historic Ancient Market Place, Kingston has one of the most festive Christmas markets in London.
Armed with a mulled wine, stroll the European-style festive stalls filled with unique gift ideas.
You can pick up a thoughtful Christmas gift in the Eden Crafts tent, which has everything from artisanal cheeses and bath bombs to handmade jewellery and candles.
You’ll also find top-quality street food from across the globe, as well as quality products for your Christmas nibbles.
13. KING’S CROSS CHRISTMAS MARKET
With its whopping 47-foot Nordmann fir tree, King’s Cross is one of our favourite spots for festive Christmas lights.
It’s also an excellent destination for some inspirational Christmas shopping.
The King’s Cross Christmas Market in Coal Drops Yard has quality handmade gifts and cool designer pieces. You’ll also be tempted by delicious food from some of London’s best bars and restaurants.
If you’ve had your fill of shopping, there are plenty of other things to do at King’s Cross over Christmas, including curling, late-night shopping, and themed cinema nights.
14. MALTBY STREET WINTER MARKET
Maltby Street Market, known for its quality food offerings, is a true gem in the heart of London.
Over the festive season, they put on a Christmas Market with winter merriment centred around delicious food.
Festive Fridays will take place in December when the street food stalls will be open from 6 pm to 9 pm, while the bars and restaurants will be open until 10:30 pm.
For an extra dose of holiday cheer, the Borough Welsh Choir (Côr Y Boro) will serenade visitors on the first two Fridays from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
We will update this guide with more details for the 2024 season as they become available.
15. FLEET STREET QUARTER MAKERS’ MARKET
The Fleet Street Quarter Makers’ Market offers a quieter and more local Christmas market in London.
New Market Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring unique gift ideas provided by the talented Crafty Fox Market.
You can expect to find homewares, jewellery, fashion, beauty, and arts and crafts.
Additionally, there will be a series of free festive workshops. With the assistance of local artists, you can brush up on your wreath-making skills or elevate your homemade Christmas cards.
MORE GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR LONDON CHRISTMAS
- To plan your trip, start with our 4-day London Christmas Itinerary, a day-by-day walking plan.
- To book your accommodation, read our guide to the best neighbourhoods in London which includes our hotel recommendations.
- Hit the festive spirit with our guide to the best London Christmas Markets.
- Here are all the best places to see the London Christmas lights.
- Our bumper guide to Christmas in London has the best events and things to do.
- Read our guide to Christmas Day in London to see what’s open.
- Soak up the atmosphere with Christmas in Covent Garden.
- Take our self-guided walking tour of the London Christmas lights.
- See what’s on in Leicester Square for Christmas.
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- Paul & Mark.
