by Anna Hann
posted on 1 November 2023
London enjoys any excuse to put on a show, not least at Christmas when the capital unleashes yuletide magic. London Christmas markets bring the seasonal atmosphere alive with the help of alpine chalets festooned with fairy lights, a soundtrack of choirs, and wafts of sweet chestnuts and cinnamon on the breeze. When you need a Christmas mood boost, a Christmas market in London is a banker.
There’s a big choice of London Christmas markets to deliberate over. Something crafty? Something dazzlingly huge? Or something that flies under the radar to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift? Before you book your car in London, check out our top picks for the best Christmas markets for the 2023 season.
Best for Christmas bells and whistles: Christmas in Leicester Square
At Christmas, red-topped alpine chalets replace the red carpets of Leicester Square, home of UK movie premieres. While all the usual Christmas market stalls are found here, this market brings an unusual twist– an award-winning cabaret show, La Clique, staged in a Belgian Spiegeltent.
When? 8 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Best for London views: Southbank Centre Winter Market
Part of the wider Southbank Centre Winter Festival, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is a great place to visit during the festive season. With pop-up bars and fairy-lit alpine chalets serving spiced cider, hot whiskey (for the non-driver), and sweet Dutch pancakes, this is an excellent market for indulging in some yuletide treats. And it’s all with a sensational view of the London skyline. Make an evening of it with friends and try gliding stones across the ice at The Curling Club.
When? 2 November – 26 December 2023
Best for a historic Christmas: Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Pair a visit to Henry VIII’s beautiful palace and gardens with a stroll around the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre that brings together over 100 artisan producers. Shop for Christmas puddings and learn how to mix Christmas cocktails in special masterclasses, then book yourself a spot to skate on the ice rink with the palace as your backdrop.
When? 1-3 December and 8-10 December 2023
Best for festive drinks: The Winter Warmer Festival
If mulled wine gets you firmly in the Christmas spirit, don’t miss The Winter Warmer Festival in Covent Garden. The festival runs for two weeks in November, when you can enjoy a wide selection of unusual twists on the classic mulled wine, such as mulled rosé and spiced punch. Even if you’re driving, you can still be a part of the festivities, as there are also non-alcoholic options, such as mocktails and hot apple ciders. It’s the perfect festival to enjoy alongside some Christmas shopping in Covent Garden.
When? 7 – 26 November 2023
Best for independent finds: Christmas Under the Canopy
Under a Victorian steel and glass roof in the heart of King’s Cross (the perfect Christmas market to visit in the rain), peruse the stalls of Canopy Market to find individually sourced gifts and crafts and support independent producers. This is the place to find scented candles, unusual jewellery, intriguing art, and delicious local food.
When? Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 23 November – 23 December 2023
Best for thrill seekers: Winter Wonderland
If the average Christmas Market feels far too pedestrian, try Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park instead. It’s an enormous festive bonanza, and while there is a vast traditional Christmas market with the food and decorations to buy, there’s also a fairground (with a real ice slide and a rollercoaster with five loop-the-loops), Santa’s grotto, an ice rink, and a Magical Ice Kingdom created from 500 tonnes of sculpted ice.
When? 17 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
Best for foodies: Borough Market
Any self-respecting foodie knows Borough Market is the ultimate venue for artisan produce and local goodies. Christmas arrives at Borough Market in November, but savvy folk head here in mid-December to pick up the Christmas Day essentials – perhaps a Sussex cheeseboard from Alsop & Walker with local condiments from the Condiment Pantry. Pop by Borough Wines to find the perfect wine pairings for your selections.
When? 28 November 2023 – 9 January 2024
Best for community spirit: Pexmas Festive Market
What started as a boutique market in Peckham ten years ago has transformed into an impressive celebration of local and independent traders over a magically festive weekend in December. At Pexmas, shop for sweet ceramics, books by local authors, hand-poured candles, and handmade cosmetics – alongside a vast selection of festive food and drink.
When? 2 – 3 December 2023
Best for proper Christmas shopping: Old Spitalfields Market
Things get super Christmassy in East London when the festive lights of Old Spitalfields Market are illuminated on 15 November. From then, the Christmas market runs every day until Christmas Eve. The range of shops and stalls here means you can sort all your Christmas shopping in one go, from designer gifts to local prints and unusual books. Go on Thursdays for the Antiques Market and Fridays for the Vinyl Market.
When? 15 November – 24 December 2023
Best for a date night: Skate at Somerset House
It’s not strictly a Christmas market (although you can buy pre-loved vintage clothing from the Shelter Boutique), but Skate at Somerset House is such a festive extravaganza that it’s worthy of a mention. Lace up some skates and twirl on the ice beneath an enormous Christmas tree, then slip into an alpine-themed restaurant for something suitably seasonal or find a seat rink-side and sip on a glass of rosé from event sponsors, Whispering Angel.
When? 15 November 2023 – 14 January 2024
…or something else?
Looking for something to do before or after visiting a Christmas market in London? Extend the Christmas magic with our pick of Christmas activities.
What could be more Christmassy than listening to traditional Christmas carols? Head to London’s most iconic churches and cathedrals for an atmospheric festive evening. Listen to the Cathedral Choir at A Celebration of Christmas on 14 December 2023 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, or take your kids to the free Family Day: Christmas at the Abbey at Westminster Abbey on 9 December 2023.
Catch a festive performance at the Royal Albert Hall, where Christmas movies are screened accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This Christmas, look out for Home Alone in Concert on 2 and 3 December 2023 and Elf in Concert on 9 December 2023. Or, for something more traditional, try Carols at the Royal Albert Hall.
Light trails have become increasingly popular in and around London at Christmas. Christmas at Kew is a magical winter light trail where you can pick up warming treats from street food stalls, walk through sparkling light tunnels, and watch mesmerising dancing flames in the fire garden. There’s also the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail at Kenwood in Hampstead.
Go like a pro
Before heading to a Christmas market or Christmas event in London, read six tips to make your visit go without a hitch.
- Check to see if you need to book in advance. Many of the best Christmas markets in London don’t need pre-booking and are free to attend. But bigger attractions may need a ticket.
- Visit when it’s quieter. Christmas markets in London can get busy! Go early in the day or nearer closing time to avoid the busiest spells.
- Check the weather. Don’t let an ill-informed outfit ruin your day out. It’s London in December, after all.
- Ask questions. Get the lowdown on what you’re buying and dazzle your gift recipients with plenty of intel about the provenance of their pressie
- Pre-book parking. Book a car on Turo to get around the capital, but think about where to park before setting off.
- Take cash. Some independent stalls may not have the facilities to accept card payments, so it’s best to go prepared.
Not London-bound this Christmas? Check out our guides to the best Christmas Markets in Edinburgh and Manchester.
