Christmas chalets by the river Thames at Southbank Centre Winter Market

Best Christmas markets in London 2026 – The ultimate guide

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Find much more than presents and stocking fillers at these magical Christmas markets in London.
Visit London Editors
Written by Visit London Editors Edited by Charlotte Pritchard 06 January 2026

Pick up the perfect Christmas gifts for loved ones and enjoy street food, twinkling lights and entertainment throughout the festive season at some of London's most popular Christmas markets. You'll find markets to suit every taste, from traditional markets in iconic locations to quirky market stalls selling artisan gifts.

The locations below usually host some of London's best Christmas markets – check back later for confirmed details of the best London Christmas markets for 2026.

Traditional Christmas markets

1. Leicester Square Christmas market

Opening dates: TBC

Warm twinkling lights illuminate a stall at the Leicester Square Christmas market with a toy soldier on the top and crowds of people walking around in front

Experience festive fun with Christmas in Leicester Square, which is known to give the home of blockbuster film premieres a yuletide makeover. Browse the traditional market filled with a wonderful array of crafts and tempting treats, get your skates on at the Skate Leicester Square ice rink, or head to one of the spectacular performances that often take place over the festive period.

Where: Shakespeare Water Fountain, 4 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DE

Best for: Vintage chalets and ice skating in the West End. 

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market

Opening dates: TBC

Twinkling lights at Southbank Centre Winter Market

See the South Bank's riverside transformed into a wintry wonderland, where global cuisine and an artisan Christmas market come together in one sparkling location for Southbank Centre's Winter Market. Amble past traditional wooden chalets that line the banks of the Thames and pick up stocking fillers or tuck into cheese-based food and mulled wine from the stalls. 

Where: The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 8XX

Best for: Artisan market stalls and street food with riverside views.

3. Trafalgar Square Christmas market

Opening dates: TBC

A water fountain with reflected purple lights illuminates Trafalgar Square. In the background is the famous Christmas tree with its blue neon decorations.

Wander past the wooden chalets filled with handmade crafts, cool gifts and delicious treats at the Trafalgar Square Christmas market. You can usually expect to find carol singers performing festive tunes by the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree throughout December.

Where: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS

Best for: London market with the famous Norwegian Christmas tree and carols. 

4. Covent Garden Christmas markets

Opening dates: TBC

Twinkling Christmas trees and lights line Covent Garden market

Be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of glittering lights during Christmas in Covent Garden, which usually features three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and unique gifts for Christmas. You can shop for presents and enjoy plenty of Christmas fun in the area, which invites visitors to enter an immersive world of festive magic.

Where: The Market Building, London, WC2E 8RF

Best for: Iconic Christmas tree, decorations and falling snow.

5. Old Spitalfields Christmas market

Opening dates: TBC

A red phone box stands under an Old Spitalfields Market sign with the door open and presents spilling out, surrounded by Christmas trees

Get in the festive spirit with a visit to Old Spitalfields Christmas market, where you can take your pick from several mouthwatering foodie delights, before wandering through themed stalls selling clothes, jewellery and art. Finish off your Christmas gift shopping in the many shops and boutiques surrounding the market.

Where: 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW

Best for: Covered market with independent makers.

6. London Bridge Christmas Market – Winter by the River at London Bridge City

Opening dates: TBC

People walk past stalls selling Christmas fare and covered with LED lights next to the river Thames at night with Tower Bridge in the distance

Winter by the River at London Bridge City is set against stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Last year's London Bridge Christmas market included a two-storey après ski-themed venue with a heated rooftop, seasonal food and drinks, and riverside views. Browse for original presents and handmade crafts before picking up delicious snacks with a backdrop of London's iconic skyline views.

Where: London Bridge City, London, SE1 2DB

Best for: Thames views, street food and a heated rooftop bar.

7. Kingston Christmas Market

Opening dates: TBC

A wooden star decoration with a snowy festive scene inside hanging inside one of the Christmas market stalls in Kingston surrounded by toy shoulders

Venture to picturesque Kingston upon Thames to search the riverside town's Ancient Market Place for unique Christmas gifts at the Kingston Christmas Market. The cosy cabins usually come packed with a range of handmade arts and crafts, beautiful decorations and stocking fillers. Afterwards, enjoy seasonal entertainment while tucking into some street food.

Where: 20 Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JP

Best for: Alpine village vibe in west London.

8. Winter Wonderland Christmas market

Opening dates: TBC

Twinkling string lights hang above people perusing wooden Christmas market stalls.

Follow the lights to Hyde Park and soak up the festive atmosphere of Winter Wonderland, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London. Discover more than 100 wooden cabins overflowing with fantastic gifts, including handmade crafts and beautiful pieces of jewellery. It's also home to the UK's biggest outdoor ice rink, a giant observation wheel and top Winter Wonderland Christmas shows.

Book tickets

Where: Louisa Duckworth Walk, London, W1K 7AN

Best for: Huge rides, ice rink and festive fun for all ages.

9. Greenwich Christmas market

Opening dates: TBC

Tick items off your Christmas shopping list while browsing Greenwich Market's stalls and shops that have a range of stocking fillers, fashion items, crafts and original artworks. Afterwards, wander the historic maritime neighbourhood of Greenwich, which is decked out in lights and a nautical-inspired Christmas tree

Where: Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ

Best for: Handmade gifts set among nautical history.

10. Columbia Road Christmas Market – Christmas Wednesdays

Opening dates: TBC

Looking to get festive midweek? Christmas Wednesdays at Columbia Road is your answer. Just a short stroll from Shoreditch High Street station, you'll find independent boutiques with extended Christmas opening hours filled with unique items for gifting. Take photos of the extravagant shop window displays to fill up your Instagram feed. 

Where: Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG

Best for: Atmospheric village market with twinkling shopfronts.

11. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair

Opening dates: TBC

Be enchanted by the annual Christmas Fair at Chelsea Physic Garden, boasting a selection of more than 100 independent sellers on the grounds of London's oldest botanic garden. 

Where: 66 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HS

Best for: Luxury artisanal goods in a botanical setting. 

12. King's Cross Christmas markets

Opening dates: TBC

Star shaped lights hang above King's Cross Christmas market

Stock up on presents at one of eight different Christmas markets popping up in King's Cross over winter. Find eclectic gifts from independent arts and crafts sellers, hunt for unique trinkets at Mexican- and Japanese-themed markets and more. Plus, sample plenty of warming drinks, hearty food and vegan treats while shopping to the sound of live music.

Where: 2 Granary Square, London, N1C 4BH

Best for: Trendy markets to suit every taste.

13. Borough Market at Christmas

Opening dates: TBC

Crowds of people wrapped in warm clothes queue for a cheese stall at Borough Market stocked with piles of cheeses of different shapes, sizes and colours whilst a man behind a counter wearing a Christmas hat weighs cheese.

Explore the historical arches of Borough Market, decked out with lights, decorations and twinkling ornaments as you source some of the finest seasonal foods, while listening to buskers singing jolly tunes. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting themed nights that usually pop up around the festive season, including the famous Evening of Cheese.

Where: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL

Best for: Iconic central London market for food lovers.

14. Broadway Market at Christmas

Opening dates: TBC

Wander the length of Broadway Market next to London Fields where you can soak up the village atmosphere and browse stalls selling unique gifts. Find everything from handmade jewellery and artwork to freshly baked bread and sweet treats. Pick up flowers for that special someone before warming up in one of the area's cosy pubs.  

Where: 50 Broadway Market, London, E8 4QJ

Best for: Creative crafts and local produce in east London.

15. Camden Market at Christmas

Opening dates: TBC

A photo of four friends dressed as elves taking a selfie on a phone with Santa inside an ice palace themed grotto with shiny decorations and a disco ball

Experience the iconic Camden Market dressed up for the festive season with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and an ice palace grotto where children big and small can meet Santa. From artisan goods to foodie delights, you'll find a present for everyone at this famous London market.

Where: 32 Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AL

Best for: Eclectic stalls with festive vintage finds.

16. Wembley Park Festive Market

Opening dates: TBC

A photo of people walking around Wembley Park Christmas market with stalls and Christmas lights dotted around the area

Head to the Wembley Park Festive Market every weekend in December to find more than 50 traders selling artisan trinkets and handmade gifts. Browse stalls selling everything from American alpaca crafts to African textiles, and don't forget to stop by the free festive light trail during your visit.

Where: Market Square, Wembley Park, London, HA9 0NP

Best for: International artisan stalls and nearby light trail.

Best Christmas markets in London map

Quirky Christmas markets to catch while you can

A young woman in a brown puffer jacket with a blue shoulder bag takes a brown paper bag filled with goodies from an independent seller at a market, with her stall full of goodies like colourful handmade mugs and painted canvases

Discover a wide range of weekend and one-off Christmas fairs and specialist London markets that take place all over town in the run-up to Christmas.

  • Shop for that stylish friend or family member at Olympia London's Spirit of Christmas Fair, featuring stalls from one-of-a-kind designers and plenty of foodie treats and festive drinks. TBC
  • Head to Leadenhall Market, which regularly welcomes leading craftspeople and vintage furniture and fashion, including on selected weekend dates in the run-up to Christmas. TBC
  • Plan a trip to Battersea Power Station for its annual Christmas markets, featuring special gifts from local traders on selected weekends in the run-up to Christmas. TBC
  • Head to Between the Bridges for the South Bank Christmas Market by SoLo Craft Fair where you can find unique handmade gifts for your loved ones. TBC
  • Stop by Islington Square Festive Market in north London every Saturday over Christmas where you'll find independent market stalls and live musicians. TBC 
  • Visit the Finnish Christmas Market in London for a range of Finnish gifts, Moomin memorabilia and plenty of Finnish treats. TBC
  • Drop by Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre where you can celebrate all things foodie during Christmas in London. TBC
  • Come along to the The Big Christmas Market at Riverside East for hot food, vintage clothing, face painting, festive film screenings and more from local traders. TBC
  • Expect to find rich traditions, authentic Japanese food and unique handmade gifts at the Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market in Dalston. TBC
  • Get in the festive spirit with a trip to the Windsor Christmas Market, packed with stalls offering a host of local artisan products. TBC
  • Be charmed by the community feel of Wimbledon's Christmas in the Village, a day of festive fun featuring a Christmas market, pony rides, Santa's grotto, storytelling and more! TBC
  • Find one-of-a-kind gifts at the DIY Christmas Art Market in Peckham, featuring handmade trinkets, artwork, zines and more from emerging artists. TBC
  • Enjoy plenty of festive food, funfair rides, ice skating and circus shows at Olympia London's Winter Funland – the only indoor funfair in London during Christmas! TBC
  • Discover hundreds of the UK's finest designer-makers and gifts you won't find elsewhere with Crafty Fox Market at various locations across town. TBC

London Christmas markets FAQs

Which Christmas market is the best?

Each London Christmas market has something unique to offer visitors, from artisan craft sellers and fresh food markets to unique settings.

Covent Garden hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in London, renowned for its iconic Christmas tree, decorations and buzzy central London atmosphere.

Christmas at Borough Market is also loved for its vast selection of mouthwatering fresh food, sourced locally.

Are Christmas markets in London free?

Many London Christmas markets are free. However, some require a paid-for ticket. 

Paid-for tickets are needed to access markets such as Winter Wonderland, which it's advised you book in advance. Other markets such as the Leicester Square Christmas market are free but have certain activities like the on-site ice rink which require paid-for tickets.

Be sure to check specific Christmas market websites for more information around access and ticketing.

When are Christmas markers in London open?

Most Christmas markets in London open in early or mid-November and run through to late December or early January. 

Many of these markets are open daily from morning to evening, while others such as King's Cross markets, Broadway Market and Columbia Road Christmas Market are only open on certain days.

Avoid disappointment and check the official website for more details on opening dates and times!

Need more ideas for Christmas presents? Treat the special people in your life to luxury Christmas gifts and experiences in the city. Plus check out these top places for 101 festive ideas for a magical time in London at Christmas.

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