The London Christmas markets are a wonderful 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
We can’t get enough of the coloured trinkets, sweet mulled wine, and fat German sausage that are the staples of the London Christmas Markets.
But if you want something more specialised, you can also find top-quality produce, designer goods, and handcrafted gifts from independent creators.
There are many Christmas Markets in London. While I’m sure they all have something to offer, we’ve picked out the 10 best markets that we think visitors to the city shouldn’t miss.
IN THIS GUIDE
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN LONDON
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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, it’s hard not to be impressed with the huge Christmas tree donated by Norway each year.
Some may find it a little too busy, which we understand, but there’s no lack of Christmas cheer.
- What to buy: The German bratwurst and hot chocolate are our favourites.
- Tips for Visiting: Trafalgar Square can get crazy busy, so early afternoon is probably the best time to visit.
- Getting there: Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Embankment are the nearest tube stations.
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, delivered in a raucous atmosphere.
This is also a very busy Christmas market, so you need to be prepared to face the crowds.
- What to buy: Pick up some cheesy Christmas trinkets.
- Tips for Visiting: The highlight at Leicester Square is Spiegeltent, one of our favourite London Christmas Events.
- Getting there: Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are the nearest tube stations.
3. COVENT GARDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Covent Garden is the festive hot spot of the capital.
The iconic piazza is occupied by various activities yearly, including craft sessions, cocktail making, and various food festivals.
Don’t miss the famous reconditioned 1884 Christmas Sleigh, the perfect festive photo opportunity.
We have all the details in our guide to Christmas in Covent Garden, which covers the best things to do.
- What to buy: The Jubilee Market has an eclectic mix of arts, crafts and jewellery, perfect for a thoughtful gift.
- Tips for Visiting: Try a festive Christmas sandwich through the month of December.
- Getting there: Covent Garden tube station is just a few minutes walk from the plaza.
4. SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER MARKET
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is probably our favourite in the city.
Pop-up bars and cosy igloos serve the country’s best produce, overlooking London’s iconic landmarks.
There’s a wide selection of global and local cuisine. Feast on grilled meats, followed by churros, and wash it down with spiced whiskey.
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.
- What to buy: Jewellery and Christmas decorations by independent artists.
- Tips for Visiting: Pop into Between the Bridges, a unique riverside location with street food, bars, live music, and karaoke.
- Getting there: Waterloo and Embankment tube stations are an easy walk away from the market.
5. WINTER BY THE RIVER (LONDON BRIDGE)
Winter by the River is the annual Christmas Market held at London Bridge.
Set under the panoramic backdrop of Tower Bridge, this is one of the most scenic markets in London.
It’s 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.
- What to buy: Pick up a quality souvenir from To Home From London.
- Tips for Visiting: Don’t miss the Hays Galleria, which always has stunning decorations.
- Getting there: London Bridge is the closest tube station.
6. 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 to go Christmas shopping in London.
The Old Spitalfields Market will be open seven days a week, and independent retailers will offer a wide range 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.
- What to buy: Spitalfields is great for fashion and food.
- Tips for Visiting: Try our Shoreditch street art walk, which finishes at Spitalfields.
- Getting there: Liverpool Street Station is the closest tube.
7. 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.
We recommend this area if you’re looking for somewhere in London to have a festive Christmas drink with friends. The bars are bursting with atmosphere, and the Christmas lights are special.
- What to buy: This is one of the best markets for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts.
- Tips for Visiting: The Makers Market in Turbine B will host 60 independent artsy.
- Getting there: Battersea Power Station is the closest tube. Sloane Square is a 12-minute walk away; Victoria Station is 20 minutes’ walk away.
8. 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.
Despite the carnival atmosphere, this is 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.
- What to buy: Cheesy (but quality) Christmas trinkets.
- Tips for Visiting: Entrance is free from 10 am to 12 pm, Monday to Thursday, but online bookings are required.
- Getting there: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge and Marble Arch are the closest tube stations.
9. KINGSTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Kingston has one of London’s most festive Christmas markets located in the historic Ancient Market Place.
The European-style festive stalls are great for strolling around while sipping mulled wine. There’s shopping, entertainment for the kids and plenty of gift ideas.
You’ll also find top-quality street food from across the globe and quality products for your Christmas nibbles.
- What to buy: Artisanal cheeses, bath bombs and candles.
- Tips for Visiting: The Eden Crafts tent is a great place to find a thoughtful Christmas gift.
- Getting there: The market is a 10-minute walk from Kingston Train Station.
10. FESTIVE MARKETS AT KING’S CROSS
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.
- What to buy: The handmade ceramics are a great gift option.
- Tips for Visiting: Don’t miss the curated market by lifestyle brand, TOAST.
- Getting there: From King’s Cross Station, follow the signs to Regent’s Canal.
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.
- Find the best bars, restaurants, igloos and more in our London Christmas guide.
- Take our self-guided walking tour of the London Christmas lights.
- See what’s on in Leicester Square for Christmas.
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