While Germany may be the best known destination in Europe for Christmas markets, it’s definitely not the only place worth traveling to for the market scene! The Christmas markets in London are some of the best in Europe.
London becomes magical at Christmas, and one of the reasons I actually prefer the Christmas markets in London is simple.
They speak English.
It’s not that I can’t navigate a German Christmas market, I absolutely can, but after a year living in Germany I find the UK to be a welcome change from trying to figure out a foreign language.
Not only that, but many of the Christmas markets in London rival those found in many German cities. Beautiful markets and a language I know? It’s a win-win!
Things to do in London at Christmas
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Probably the best Christmas market in London, the Winter Wonderland Christmas market has over 100 wooden chalets selling all types of festive food and gifts. It’s also home to the United Kingdom’s largest outdoor ice rink, where you can skate to live music.
If you get tired of Christmas shopping and skating there’s still plenty to do. Take a ride on the Observation Wheel and observe the lights from above, or take a walk through the Magical Ice Kingdom with over 500 tons of ice sculpted into secret passages and an ice slide.
Open November 21, 2024 through 5th January, 2025
Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Enjoy festive drinks and street food while strolling along the banks of the Thames at the Southbank Christmas Market. You can pick up lots of stocking stuffers from the variety of artisan stalls set up in traditional chalets along the river walk.
Sample winter classics like bratwurst, fondue and and mince pies, warm up with a cup of mulled wine or a hot toddy, and enjoy a variety of holiday performances and art along the river. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a fun place to find unique gifts and experience the festive cheer of the area. Just past the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, take a ride on the London Eye to see the holiday lights across London.
Open November 4 through December 26, 2024
Christmas at Borough Market
Consistently one of London’s best markets, Borough Market takes on new charm during the holiday season. Decked out with holiday lights, this London Christmas market extends its hours over the holidays to allow extra time to enjoy all the festive food and drinks.
The market will also be hosting their annual Evening of Cheese on December 11. Led by the market’s cheesemongers, you can enjoy tastings and learn how to put together the perfect holiday cheese board. Enjoy cheeses from Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Open daily in December, closed 24th December, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Winter by the River at London Bridge City
On the south bank of the Thames, across the river from the Tower of London and between the Tower Bridge and London Bridge, you’ll find the Winter by the River at London Bridge City. It’s a smaller Christmas fair, but you can’t beat the location and view of both the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Enjoy the festive food and a cup of warm apple cider or mulled wines while you browse for Christmas gifts at each wooden stall set up specifically for the market.
Open November 12, 2024 through January 5, 2025
Leicester Square Christmas Market
The Leicester Square Christmas Market is popular with tourists because it’s in the center of many of London’s top attractions. It’s one of London’s smaller markets, but worth a visit. Catch one of the many performances and shows ranging from cabaret to cirque, dance to comedy.
Open November 6, 2024 through January 5, 2025
Somerset House
Best known for their seasonal skating rink, Somerset House also has a small market. You can enjoy a bit of festive food or drink before or after your skating session. If you’re not a skater, that’s ok. Watch them glide by on the ice while enjoying the lights, Christmas tree and carols.
Open November 13, 2024 through January 12, 2025
Greenwich Christmas Market
Another year-round market, Greenwich Christmas Market pulls out all the stops for the holidays. The market building’s 120 stalls are all decked out with Christmas lights. You can buy all kinds of gifts and stocking stuffers while sipping on mulled wine.
Make sure to take some time to wander through Greenwich and enjoy the historic neighborhoods at their festive best.
Open from November 20, 2024
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden is always worth a visit, but even more so at Christmas. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas market Instagram photo this may be your favorite spot.
Their three separate markets are full of stocking stuffers and gifts that are sure to delight everyone on your list. You can listen to bands, enjoy mulled wine, and sample some of the best food in the West End.
Open from November 12, 2023
The bottom line: The best London Christmas markets for 2024
Whether you’re looking for a traditional European Christmas market or holiday performances and entertainment, you’ll find it at one of London’s Christmas markets.
While Germany may be the best known destination in Europe for Christmas markets, it’s definitely not the only place worth traveling to for the market scene! The Christmas markets in London are some of the best in Europe.
London becomes magical at Christmas, and one of the reasons I actually prefer the Christmas markets in London is simple.
They speak English.
It’s not that I can’t navigate a German Christmas market, I absolutely can, but after a year living in Germany I find the UK to be a welcome change from trying to figure out a foreign language.
Not only that, but many of the Christmas markets in London rival those found in many German cities. Beautiful markets and a language I know? It’s a win-win!
Things to do in London at Christmas
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Probably the best Christmas market in London, the Winter Wonderland Christmas market has over 100 wooden chalets selling all types of festive food and gifts. It’s also home to the United Kingdom’s largest outdoor ice rink, where you can skate to live music.
If you get tired of Christmas shopping and skating there’s still plenty to do. Take a ride on the Observation Wheel and observe the lights from above, or take a walk through the Magical Ice Kingdom with over 500 tons of ice sculpted into secret passages and an ice slide.
Open November 21, 2024 through 5th January, 2025
Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Enjoy festive drinks and street food while strolling along the banks of the Thames at the Southbank Christmas Market. You can pick up lots of stocking stuffers from the variety of artisan stalls set up in traditional chalets along the river walk.
Sample winter classics like bratwurst, fondue and and mince pies, warm up with a cup of mulled wine or a hot toddy, and enjoy a variety of holiday performances and art along the river. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a fun place to find unique gifts and experience the festive cheer of the area. Just past the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, take a ride on the London Eye to see the holiday lights across London.
Open November 4 through December 26, 2024
Christmas at Borough Market
Consistently one of London’s best markets, Borough Market takes on new charm during the holiday season. Decked out with holiday lights, this London Christmas market extends its hours over the holidays to allow extra time to enjoy all the festive food and drinks.
The market will also be hosting their annual Evening of Cheese on December 11. Led by the market’s cheesemongers, you can enjoy tastings and learn how to put together the perfect holiday cheese board. Enjoy cheeses from Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Open daily in December, closed 24th December, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Winter by the River at London Bridge City
On the south bank of the Thames, across the river from the Tower of London and between the Tower Bridge and London Bridge, you’ll find the Winter by the River at London Bridge City. It’s a smaller Christmas fair, but you can’t beat the location and view of both the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Enjoy the festive food and a cup of warm apple cider or mulled wines while you browse for Christmas gifts at each wooden stall set up specifically for the market.
Open November 12, 2024 through January 5, 2025
Leicester Square Christmas Market
The Leicester Square Christmas Market is popular with tourists because it’s in the center of many of London’s top attractions. It’s one of London’s smaller markets, but worth a visit. Catch one of the many performances and shows ranging from cabaret to cirque, dance to comedy.
Open November 6, 2024 through January 5, 2025
Somerset House
Best known for their seasonal skating rink, Somerset House also has a small market. You can enjoy a bit of festive food or drink before or after your skating session. If you’re not a skater, that’s ok. Watch them glide by on the ice while enjoying the lights, Christmas tree and carols.
Open November 13, 2024 through January 12, 2025
Greenwich Christmas Market
Another year-round market, Greenwich Christmas Market pulls out all the stops for the holidays. The market building’s 120 stalls are all decked out with Christmas lights. You can buy all kinds of gifts and stocking stuffers while sipping on mulled wine.
Make sure to take some time to wander through Greenwich and enjoy the historic neighborhoods at their festive best.
Open from November 20, 2024
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden is always worth a visit, but even more so at Christmas. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas market Instagram photo this may be your favorite spot.
Their three separate markets are full of stocking stuffers and gifts that are sure to delight everyone on your list. You can listen to bands, enjoy mulled wine, and sample some of the best food in the West End.
Open from November 12, 2023
The bottom line: The best London Christmas markets for 2024
Whether you’re looking for a traditional European Christmas market or holiday performances and entertainment, you’ll find it at one of London’s Christmas markets.
