As London starts to embrace the festive season, Christmas markets are opening up across the city. Here is our ultimate guide to the best ones this winter.
1. Leadenhall Market
A favourite for us the City Matters office, Leadenhall Market offers a wide array of pubs and restaurants year-round. Yet during the festive season, it also hosts a Christmas market popup at the weekend. Expect stalls selling crafts, jewellery, children’s toys, vintage furniture and more.
The SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market will be held on the 7 December and open from 12 to 5pm.
Additionally, join a festive guided walk held each Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm until 11 December. You’ll discover the market’s holiday traditions, both past and present. Tickets are priced at £8.30.
Festive Weekend Markets – Leadenhall Market
2. Southbank
Celebrate ten years of the Southbank Winter market! The Queen’s Walk along the Thames transforms into a festive scene, lined with twenty alpine-style chalets, twinkling lights and five pop-ups.
Choose from savoury favourites, including, Truffle Burger, The Duck Shed, Oh My Dog! and BAIT Seafood, or newcomers such as The Cheese Toaster, Voodoo Fries and Pabellon. If you fancy a sweet treat, Utter Waffle, Dutch Pancakes and Salvador Churros have you covered.
Get a headstart on your Christmas shopping at the retail stalls, which offer unique gift ideas like Old Maps Library, as well as specialty skincare and candles.
Open until the 26 December.
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/winter-market
3. Covent Garden Christmas markets
You can shop at the Apple and Jubilee Markets in Covent Garden year-round but the area becomes especially magical in November and December when the Christmas decorations are put up. Marvel at the festive installations, including 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls. You can also visit the 60ft Christmas tree with fairy lights that brighten up the West Piazza.
Additionally, Festive Thursdays have kicked off! Enjoy exclusive shopping and dining offers, as well as workshops and weekly choir performances from the London International Gospel Choir and The London Gay Men’s Chorus throughout November and December, both of which are raising money for Save the Children.
Christmas in Covent Garden | Covent Garden
4. Christmas in Trafalgar Square
There are plenty of food and gift stalls at Trafalgar Square’s Christmas market. Soak in the festive atmosphere while enjoying the view of the towering 65ft Christmas tree.
Since 1947, each year the people of Norway have gifted London a Christmas tree in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. The Christmas tree is typically a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) and is usually aged between 50 and 60 years.
This year, the tree lighting ceremony will take place on the 5 December at 5:30pm and will involve carol singing and poetry readings.
5. Spitalfields Christmas markets
Spitalfields Market is open year-round but it’s an ideal spot for Christmas shopping. For the wellness enthusiasts, check out Jenki Matcha, which offers premium ceremonial-grade matcha and unique blends.
For the art lovers, visit the Spitalfields Arts Market, featuring handmade one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists, including paintings, jewellery, ceramics and prints on 13 – 15 December.
Not only can you enjoy great stalls and fabulous food this December, but you can also take the kids to see The Overcoat”: A Magical Christmas Show for Children Inspired by Nikolai Gogol presented by Wildefolk Theatre.
Running until 23 December 2024 at the historic Spitalfields Market, embark on a Christmas adventure – a perfect family outing this festive season!
Christmas | Spitalfields Market E1
6. King’s Cross Christmas markets
There are plenty of specialist Christmas markets to chose from at Coal Drop yard, Kings Cross this year. Starting with the classic Lower Stable Street Christmas Market, open Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm between 21 November and 22 December.
The Vegan Christmas Market held between 6 Dec – 8 Dec 2024, pick up a treat for your vegan friends and family. The market will feature a range of vegan food, produce and skincare made by small businesses and local makers.
The Crafty Fox Christmas Market has a fabulous line-up of 100+ talented designers and makers, selling art prints, homeware, jewellery, ceramics, clothing, accessories and more. Held on 8 December, 14 December and 15 December at from 11am to 5pm each day.
The Lower Stable Street market will be transformed into a Japanese street market, showcasing an enticing selection of pan-Asian homeware and food. The Shōtengai Christmas Market will be held on 12 – 13 December at 12pm to 7pm and 14 -15 December at 11am to 6pm.
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/christmas
7. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Both loved and loathe by Londoners, Winter Wonderland is back this year!
Have a break from the rides – your stomach will thank you – and hit the Market Square to explore the festive retail stalls.
The enchanting atmosphere of the Market Square is brought to life by Scandinavian-style market huts, a lively bandstand with music, snow-capped trees, fire pits and a beautiful twinkling starlit canopy.
Open until 5th January 2025.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | 21st Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
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