10 Of The Best London Christmas Markets.
As long winter nights draw in and the weather turns colder, the excitement of Christmas and its glittering festivities promises to warm up our souls and brighten those dark December days. Dotted around our capital city, which is itself the epitome of Christmas with its lamplit Dickensian streets and doorways festooned with holly wreaths and fairy lights, are bustling Christmas Markets setting the scene for marvellous Christmas shopping experiences. As you clutch a mulled wine to warm your cold hands and breathe in the crisp winter air scented with enticing yuletide foods, indulge in the sights, scenes and sounds that are sure to get anyone into the festive spirit. Whether you are choosing gifts for a loved-one, wanting to stock up your Christmas parlour with unique delicacies or simply want to enjoy these special advent festivities that only come once a year, London has a myriad of Christmas Markets to suit your every desire and we have listed our favourites for you below.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Brimming with festive treats in the form of street food, winter pop-up bars and indie gift stalls, visitors to Southbank Centre Winter Market can browse for stocking fillers, gifts, decorations, foods, and crafts on the banks of the River Thames. Enjoy iconic city views across the river as you try truffle burgers, fish wraps or gourmet cheese toasties, or fill up on winter classics by dipping into fondue, bratwurst, and eggnog as well as sweet treats like mince pies, Dutch pancakes, and hot chocolate.
Where? Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
When? until 24 Dec
Selfridges Christmas Market
Taking up the whole of Edward Mews next to their Oxford Street store, Selfridges Christmas Market has combined glitz and glamour with all the tradition of a classic Christmas market, resulting in a truly unique festive London experience. Have a go on their impressive Helter Skelter or pick out your own sustainably grown Christmas tree. Design your very own Christmas wreath with one of the talented florists and allow yourself utter indulgence with treats from the Selfridges Selection Range, which of course make excellent gifts, such as panettone, stollen and mulled wine.
Where? 400 Oxford St, London W1C 1JS (behind the store)
When? 5 Nov – 24 Dec
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Set to be ‘the most magical Covent Garden Christmas yet’, the Christmas Village 2021 sees the return of beloved decorations, the legendary Christmas tree, an immersive LEGO installation, a plethora of mulled wine varieties to sample and of course, the daily snowfall to truly set the scene. An Instagrammer’s festive heaven, Covent Garden has, as is tradition, gone all-out on decorations, this year including bauble dining domes and a Disney’s Frozen theme. Find all this in the open air, pedestrianised Piazza, surrounded by streets filled with great brands, heated terraces and the best dining in the West End.
Where? Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
When? From 15th Nov
Leadenhall Christmas Market
Embrace the true splendour of London’s Victorian past with Leadenhall Christmas Market, set in the iconic Leadenhall against magnificent architecture festooned with sparkling lights and gorgeous garlands, as well as a giant Christmas tree. On Wednesday 8th December, enjoy a fun-filled festive evening of late-night shopping and Christmas workshops, with everything from wreath making to whisky tasting. Live music, a choice of interactive masterclasses and late-night shopping will fill the Market’s Victorian cobbled streets and airy alleyways amongst boutique stores, a photo booth and the Market’s famous shoeshine team.
Where? Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LT
When? From 19th Nov
Eccleston Yards Christmas Market
Adding extra sparkle in true Belgravia style is the Eccleston Yards London Christmas Market. Located in a stunning courtyard, every Sunday from 11am until 5pm, visitors can discover the delights of advent through independent, artisan market shopping and indulge in the wares of handcrafted home accessories, jewellery, and scrumptious baked goods. Live music from up and coming indie, pop and country musicians between 12pm and 4pm, including some best-loved classic Christmas tunes will be the perfect recipe to get anyone in the Christmas spirit!
Where? 21 Ecclestone Place, SW1W9AZ
When? 14th November onwards
Borough Market Christmas
A foodie’s ultimate festive delight, the legendary Borough Market embodies the taste of Christmas for the month of December by embracing everything yuletide. Decked out with twinkling lights, glowing ornaments, and bustling with the busy sounds and delicious smells of some of the world’s best artisan food vendors, source your finest foodie treats and gifts under the historic arches of this iconic London favourite. Indulge in An Evening of Cheese (15 Dec), and delight in the teachings of Festive Kitchen demonstrations (7-9 Dec) to get yourself ready and raring to take on your own cooking this Christmas.
Where? 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
Christmas under the Canopy at King’s Cross
One for the creatives and craft lovers among us, Christmas Under the Canopy at King’s Cross invites guests to browse a dazzling array of stalls hosted by independent, ethical, and sustainable vendors. Craft workshops run by talented artists are there for anyone to get involved in, and for those wanting to simply mooch the stalls, expect to be immersed in live jazz, carol singers, food tastings and mulled wine galore.
Where?West Handyside Canopy, N1C4BH
When? 26th November – 23rd December
Greenwich Christmas Market
With a miraculous 150 stalls and shops to delight in, Greenwich Christmas market is the perfect place to gift shop for friends and family, expect to find unique, personal treasures to suit every personality. With everything from novelty stocking fillers, fashion, artwork and handcrafted items, you are sure to lose track of time as you wander around this festive haven in awe of their glittering goodies.
Where? Greenwich Town Centre
When? 17th November onwards
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Christmas Fair in Leicester Square
Set right in the heart of our bustling capital city, the Christmas Fair in Leicester square transforms this world-famous spot into a Christmas wonderland of traditional market stalls, a Santa’s grotto, plus a whole host of fantastic shows and spectacles in the beautiful surrounds of a traditional 1920s Spiegeltent. Treat yourself to a German Bratwurst in true Christmas Market style and suss out the best mulled wine or hot chocolate as you browse stalls of handcrafted gifts and delicious foods from all over the world.
Where? Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA
When? 12th November-9th January
Kingston Market
Kingston Market prides itself on being a ‘European style market in a traditional British setting’ and with over and with over 40 traditional wooden cabins, visitors are sure to find a treasure trove of unique and handmade goodies perfect to gift to loved ones this year. After meandering through the festooned chalets, visit the Alpine Village and cosy up next to the fire pit with a bag of roasted chestnuts and hot choc in hand. Enjoy a ride on the vintage carousel or feast on a hog roast roll, as you watch the live entertainment under twinkling lights.
Where?Kingston Ancient Market Place, KT1 1JS
When? 18th November-24th December
