Here I go again – now it’s time for a mega-update to my last London Chrimbo markets article (which was 8 years ago, I believe!)
Anyway, a lot has changed and there are a lot more to choose from in this post. Christmas in London brings a magical atmosphere to the city, with bustling markets full of gifts, food and entertainment.
London’s Christmas markets, both long-running and seasonal pop-ups, offer visitors a delightful dose of festive spirit. If it snows, there are few better places to wander the markets and get the Christmas feeling, and even if the weather is grim a few glasses of your tipple of choice will soon put you back in the mood.
Or maybe that’s just me?
As the holiday season approaches, London transforms with twinkling lights, aromatic mulled wine, the sound of carolers, and stalls brimming with artisan crafts and tasty festive treats. Both tourists and locals flock to these holiday havens to soak up the Yuletide cheer.
This guide covers the 19 best Christmas markets happening in London for 2023.
The Best Christmas Markets in London for 2023: Key Takeaways
| Christmas Market | Key Highlights | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | Riverside location, global food stalls, dazzling light displays | Nov 2 to Dec 26 |
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Rides, shows, huge outdoor market | Nov 17 to Jan 1 |
| Covent Garden Christmas | Special events, iconic Christmas tree, mistletoe | Nov 7 to Jan 3 |
| Leicester Square Christmas Market | Alpine-style stalls, live music, Spiegeltent shows | Nov 8 to Jan 7 |
| Greenwich Market Christmas | Wreaths, gifts, tastings, Lantern Parade Nov 15 | Daily from Nov 15 |
| Kingston Christmas Market | 100+ stalls, 20 ft tree, carol singers | Nov 16 to Dec 31 |
| Trafalgar Square Christmas Market | Artisan gifts, mulled wine, Norweigan Christmas tree | Nov 10 to Jan 2 |
| Christmas at Borough Market | Tastings, wreath workshops, Evening of Cheese | Nov 28 to Jan 9 |
| Christmas in Leadenhall Market | Victorian decor, costumed actors, wine tastings | Nov 16 to Jan 6 |
| Winterville on Clapham Common | Festive shows, fire garden, unlimited re-entry | Nov 17 to Dec 23 |
| Crafty Fox Christmas Markets | 150+ designers, artisan gifts | Dec 16-17 |
| Christmas in Heaven at Charing Cross | Après-ski bars, karaoke, wreath making | Dec 5-23 |
| Christmas in the Wizarding World at Watford | Harry Potter Studio Tour’s festive makeover | Select dates Nov 18 to Jan 8 |
| Hampstead Christmas Festival | Boutiques, music, food | Nov 20 to Dec 4 |
| Peckham Palooza Christmas Market | 150+ creators, fire garden | Dec 3 |
| London Makers Christmas Pop-Up at Coal Drops Yard | 50+ makers, designers, craftspeople | Dec 3, Dec 17 |
| Winterville on Clapham Common | Comedy, cabaret, foodie treats | Nov 17 to Dec 23 |
| Christmas at Portobello Road Market | Antiques, fashion, art, live music | Every Sunday until Dec 18 |
| DIY Christmas Art Market in Bethnal Green | 100+ artists, prints, ceramics, zines | Dec 9-10 |
Types of Christmas Markets in London
London hosts two main types of Christmas markets:
Permanent Christmas Markets
These markets put on special festive events and decorations during the Christmas season. They may stay open later or have holiday-themed workshops and tastings.
Some of the best permanent London markets for Christmas include:
- Borough Market
- Greenwich Market
- Leadenhall Market
Pop-up Christmas Markets
Temporary markets that only run in the weeks leading up to Christmas. They offer gift ideas from local designers, festive food and drink, Santa visits, and entertainment.
Popular pop-up London Christmas markets include:
- Southbank Centre Winter Market
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Kingston Christmas Market
Now let’s explore some of the top Christmas markets you can visit in London this holiday season.
1. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Dates: November 2 to December 26, 2023
Along the River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market brings festive charm with its 80+ wooden chalet stalls selling unique gifts and artworks. The global food stalls offer a delicious array of snacks like raclette, paella, and mulled wine.
Visitors can enjoy free daily events like choir performances or paid concerts at Southbank Centre’s iconic performance venues. The dazzling light displays make it one of London’s most Instagrammable Christmas destinations.
📍 Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX
🚇 Closest station: Waterloo
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
No list of London Christmas markets is complete without the gigantic Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It’s one of the city’s most popular holiday events spanning across over 20 acres.
Inside this magical kingdom, enjoy fairground rides, circus shows, live music, an open-air ice rink, and hundreds of Albert’s Christmas Market stalls selling a variety of gifts, decorations, and festive foods.
Endless entertainment options make Winter Wonderland a top Christmas outing for families and couples seeking holiday magic. Entry is free or paid depending on the date.
📍 Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
🚇 Closest stations: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner
3. Covent Garden Christmas
Dates: November 7, 2023 to January 3, 2024
Festive events galore fill Covent Garden’s charming piazza, covered arcades and surrounding area each Christmas. The artisan gifts and eclectic products attract shoppers looking for something special.
Visitors flock to the glowing 40-foot Christmas tree and pose for photos under the iconic mistletoe installation. Christmas-themed events range from family craft sessions to special dining experiences across Covent Garden’s restaurants.
With London’s top shops bordering Covent Garden, visitors can easily combine Christmas market browsing with holiday shopping.
📍 Location: The Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8BE
🚇 Closest station: Covent Garden
4. Leicester Square Christmas Market
Dates: November 8, 2022 to January 7, 2023
Located in Leicester Square Gardens, this popular Christmas market offers Alpine-inspired stalls selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, novelty items and festive foods.
The market’s centerpiece is the Spiegeltent performance venue hosting award-winning variety shows and cabaret acts – a highlight for date nights or group nights out. Live brass band and choir performances entertain marketgoers in the afternoons and evenings.
Leicester Square’s bars, restaurants and cinemas sit alongside the market for easy post-shopping entertainment. Don’t miss the dazzling nearby light displays along Regent Street and Carnaby Street.
📍 Location: Leicester Square Gardens, London WC2H 7JX
🚇 Closest station: Leicester Square
5. Greenwich Market Christmas
Dates: Holiday market daily from November 15 onward
Historic Greenwich Market gets a festive makeover each Christmas while keeping its usual eclectic mix of 120 shops and stalls. Handmade wreaths, gifts and decorations make for excellent holiday shopping along with food and drink tastings.
Don’t miss the charming Lantern Parade on November 15 as local schoolchildren walk through the market carrying handmade lanterns, marking the start of Greenwich Christmas festivities.
Late-night shopping until 9 pm on Wednesdays adds enchantment with carolers and Christmas lights twinkling through the market.
📍 Location: Greenwich Market, 5B Greenwich Market, Greenwich, London SE10 9HZ
🚇 Closest stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark
6. Christmas in Kingston Upon Thames
Dates: November 16 to December 31, 2023
Housed in traditional wooden chalets, Kingston’s Christmas market brings seasonal cheer to Ancient Market Place from over 100 artisan traders and vendors.
Alongside festive gift ideas, sample winter warmers like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Don’t miss the 20-foot Christmas tree sparkling in the center! Carol singers, live music and free kids’ activities entertain visitors all day.
The riverside town’s 500+ shops, restaurants and pubs sit nearby for easy extended holiday wandering.
📍 Location: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JT
🚇 Closest station: Kingston
7. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Dates: November 10 to January 2, 2024
Situated beside Trafalgar Square’s iconic Norwegian Christmas tree, this traditional market offers a delightful dose of Christmas. Shop for handcrafted gifts and decorations at the wooden chalet stalls while listening to live choirs and bands.
Kids can visit Father Christmas in his grotto while adults enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. Don’t forget some amusingly tacky souvenirs to commemorate the legendary Trafalgar Square Christmas tree!
📍 Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX
🚇 Closest station: Charing Cross
8. Christmas at Borough Market
Dates: November 28 to January 9, 2024
Foodies flock to Borough Market for some of London’s best artisanal Christmas foods and beverages. Under the Victorian railway arches, over 100 stalls offer holiday tasting sessions alongside the year-round gourmet treats.
Festive tipples like mulled cider and spiced rum make for great gifts alongside tricks like panettone, cheeses, chutneys and preserves..
Special seasonal events include wreath-making workshops, Christmas choir concerts and the ever-popular Evening of Cheese. Don’t forget to peek at the gift stalls while grazing on festive bites!
📍 Location: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
🚇 Closest stations: London Bridge, Borough
9. Christmas in Leadenhall Market
Dates: November 16 to January 6, 2023
A true taste of Victorian Christmas awaits in Leadenhall Market’s covered halls and cobblestone walkways, adorned with garlands and sparkling lights. The choral singers, brass bands and costumed actors transport visitors back in time.
Browse the giftable goods like luxury hampers, craft gins, cheeses and sweets. Special events include wreath-making workshops, wine and cocktail tastings.
The adjacent Cheese Grater building also joins the festive fun, with weekend craft markets and pop-up food stalls.
📍 Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
🚇 Closest stations: Monument, Bank
10. Winterville on Clapham Common
Dates: November 17 to December 23, 2023
Across four festive villages on Clapham Common, Winterville hosts dozens of music, comedy and cabaret shows alongside excellent food, Christmas shopping and free activities for families.
Must-try festive foods include German bratwurst, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and the winter spiced gin. Don’t miss the spectacular fire garden!
With unlimited re-entry, visitors can enjoy Winterville day-and-night across its festive wonderland.
📍 Location: Clapham Common West Side, Windmill Dr, London SW4 9DE
🚇 Closest stations: Clapham Common, Clapham South
11. Crafty Fox Christmas Markets
Dates: December 16-17, 2023
For shoppers seeking unique Christmas gifts, these creative markets pop up across London on select weekends. They showcase over 150 of the UK’s most talented designers, makers and craftspeople.
Discover stylish ceramics, art prints, clothing, homewares, jewelry, knitwear, skincare and decadent food and drink treats.
It’s the perfect place to find those special personalized and sustainable gifts made with care. Enjoy festive music and nibbles while you browse!
📍 Location: Granary Square, Kings Cross (December 16-17)
🚇 Closest station: King’s Cross St Pancras
12. Christmas in Heaven at Charing Cross
Dates: December 5-23, 2023
Nestled under the arches beneath Charing Cross station, Heaven’s Christmas market, bar and lodge transports visitors to an Après-Ski winter retreat.
Enjoy German bratwurst, raclette, crepes, gluhwein and craft beer alongside holiday shopping and festive activities like cocktail masterclasses, wreath making and Christmas karaoke!
With unlimited re-entry, make a day of Christmas market wandering along the Strand before cozying up in Heaven’s twinkling forest bar.
📍 Location: Under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6NL
🚇 Closest stations: Embankment, Charing Cross
13. Christmas in the Wizarding World at Watford
Dates: Selected dates November 18 to January 8, 2024
Harry Potter superfans (and muggles) won’t want to miss the Christmas magic arriving at the Making of Harry Potter studio tour in nearby Watford.
The Great Hall ceiling glitters with festive floating candles above intricately decorated trees. discover festive Hogwarts sets with faux snow and holiday scenes. Enjoy seasonal treats like hot Butterbeer and Christmas pudding. It’s also a great visit for fans and non-fans alike any time of the year. Check out my extensive report here: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Timed entry tickets often sell out for this spectacular seasonal transformation at the UK’s movie making attraction.
📍 Location: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
🚇 Catch the shuttle bus from Watford Junction station
14. Hampstead Christmas Festival
Dates: November 20 to December 4, 2023
Historic Hampstead Village in North London hosts a magical Christmas festival across its shops, restaurants and pubs.
Stroll Hampstead High Street adorned with twinkling lights and stop at the Christmas Market’s cabin stalls for hand-crafted presents. Festive music, carol singers and dancers entertain all day.
Kids can visit Santa in his grotto while parents browse the boutiques and art galleries before relaxing in a cosy local pub or cafe.
📍 Location: Hampstead High St, Hampstead, London NW3 1QE
🚇 Closest stations: Hampstead Underground Station, Hampstead Heath Overground
15. Peckham Palooza Christmas Market
Dates: December 3, 2023
South London’s coolest Sunday market pops up every December for an extra-special festive edition. Over 150 creative businesses sell their wares across food, drink, arts, crafts, music and more.
Pick up unique gift ideas while enjoying street food and listening to DJ sets and live music performances. Kids activities make it an excellent family-friendly event.
Don’t miss the flickering fire garden! Visitors can easily combine a trip to Peckham Palooza with drinks along Bellenden Road or explorations of Peckham Rye park.
📍 Location: Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
🚇 Closest stations: Peckham Rye, Queens Road Peckham
16. London Makers Christmas Pop-Up at Coal Drops Yard
Dates: December 3 and 17, 2023
For shoppers seeking something special, don’t miss the London Makers Christmas Pop-Up markets at Coal Drops Yard behind King’s Cross station. Peruse over 50 makers, designers, and craftspeople offering distinct gift ideas.
Discover advent calendars, ceramics, glassware, prints and framed photos, clothing, homeware, specialty foods and more – the vast majority made sustainably in the UK.
Enjoy festive treats and music while finding those personal, heartfelt gifts for loved ones. Visitors can easily combine the pop-up market wandering with drinks and dining at Coal Drops Yard.
📍 Location: Coal Drops Yard, Stable St, London N1C 4DQ
🚇 Closest stations: King’s Cross St Pancras, Angel
17. Winterville on Clapham Common
Dates: November 17 to December 23, 2023
Across four festive villages on Clapham Common, Winterville hosts dozens of music, comedy and cabaret shows alongside excellent food, Christmas shopping and free activities for families.
Must-try festive foods include German bratwurst, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and the winter spiced gin. Don’t miss the spectacular fire garden!
With unlimited re-entry, visitors can enjoy Winterville day-and-night across its festive wonderland.
📍 Location: Clapham Common West Side, Windmill Dr, London SW4 9DE
🚇 Closest stations: Clapham Common, Clapham South
18. Christmas at Portobello Road Market Dates: Every Sunday until December 18th, 2023
London’s world-famous Portobello Road Market gets dressed up for Christmas festivities every Sunday leading up to the big day. Alongside over 1,000 dealers of antiques, fashion and art, find Christmas gifts from local designers plus food stalls offering mulled wine and mince pies.
Special seasonal events include pop-up bars, acoustic music performances, and local school choir singers serenading visitors as they wander between the festive stalls under twinkling fairy lights. It’s the perfect way to soak up Christmas charm along Portobello Road.
📍 Location: Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, W11
🚇 Closest stations: Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate
19. DIY Christmas Art Market in Bethnal Green Dates: December 9-10, 2023
This independent Christmas market in East London brings together over 100 artists, publishers and makers offering visitors the chance to buy directly from creative talents crafting ceramics, prints, zines, comics, apparel and more.
An excellent spot to buy unique crafted gifts and art from up-and-coming creatives. Entry costs £2 per person to support artists and operations. Enjoy festive music with a mulled wine in hand while you shop for something special!
📍 Location: York Hall, 5 Old Ford Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PJ
🚇 Closest station: Bethnal Green
Try combining Winterville with Brixton Christmas Extravaganza or the festive lights trail through Battersea Park for an excellent South London holiday adventure.
Those are 19 of the best Christmas markets and events happening across London in 2023! Between the magical Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the illuminations of Covent Garden, and the bespoke gifts of local pop-up markets, there are endless ways to soak up some festive spirit this season.
