It usually goes like this: everything you see in London in October is Halloween-related. But when November arrives, it’s like a switch is flipped. You hear Mariah Carey everywhere, city lights get festive additions and those nostalgic smells come into action to get you in the mood for “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Yes, Christmas is just over a month away and you can already get your share of mince pies and panettone (pandoro for me, please) at the supermarkets. Oxford and Regent streets already look as sparkling and busy as ever. And of course London Christmas Markets await locals and tourists to taste all the season’s flavours, buy handmade gifts and crafts and find comfort in a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate (with Baileys for me please).
So, let’s explore a list of London Christmas Markets that you don’t want to miss this year.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Opening dates: 14 November to 1 January
Opening times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Calling Winter Wonderland a “tourist trap” has become one of Londoners’ favourite sports, along with complaining about the weather. Even so, this Christmas market and amusement park has become a tradition in the British capital.
Besides all the food you can get in the other Christmas markets at Winter Wonderland there are live shows, fairground rides and an outdoor ice rink as part of its attractions. Ticket prices go up to £7.50 for peak hours. For off-peak hours, tickets are free but visitors still need to book their time slots. You can book tickets here.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Opening dates: 1 November to 4 January
Opening times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The festive spirit has already taken over Leicester Square Christmas Market with food stalls offering traditional German bratwurst and kartoffelpuffer, as well as other international cuisines stalls including Mexican. This year visitors will be able to show off their skating skills at the new Skate Leicester Square ice rink.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Opening dates: 9 November to 2 January
Opening times: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Just a few minutes’ walk from Leicester Square, head down to Trafalgar Square Christmas Market and continue exploring the flavours of the season including roasted chestnuts, as well as churros, mini pancakes and more.
Also, as tradition calls, a big Norwegian fir tree is expected to arrive at Trafalgar Square. The lighting ceremony is on 4 December from 5 p.m., featuring live Christmas carols.
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Opening dates: 12 November to 5 January
Opening times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) / 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever bought was from an artisan at the Covent Garden Christmas Market a couple of years ago, so this one is definitely a personal recommendation for those looking for special handmade crafts. Decorations are beautiful and all street performers get extra inspired this time of the year!
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Opening dates: 3 November to 4 January
Opening times: 11 a. m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday) / 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
London South Bank is an amazing destination all year round – vibrant in summer, beautiful in winter. This Christmas time make sure to explore the food stalls at the Southbank Centre Winter Market on the Queen’s Walk.
Winter by the River (London Bridge Christmas Market)
Opening dates: 13 November to 4 January
Opening times: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Winter by the River at London Bridge will get you that “I’m in London” feeling all the way as you walk from stall to stall by the Thames. A top tip for visiting London Bridge Christmas Market is to add extra layers and grab something warm to drink right away.
Kingston Christmas Market
Opening dates: 13 November to 28 December
Opening times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday and Monday) / 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Tuesday and Wednesday) / 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursday to Saturday)
A chance to explore more than central London Christmas Markets is Kingston Christmas Market packed with German-style food and loads of entertainment options. Kingston is located in South West London and the market is a short walk from Kingston Bridge and Riverside Walk.
Leadenhall Market (Christmas specials)
Opening dates: 13 November and more
Opening times: Noon to 5 p.m.
Leadenhall is one of London’s most beautiful markets and it gets even more special with Christmas decorations from 13 November. If you are a fan of crafts, vintage furniture and fashion the SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market and the Vintage Furniture and Flea Christmas Market are a must-visit.
London markets get extra special at Christmas
Just like Leadenhall Market, every market in London has something special to offer during Christmas. So throughout November and December make sure to pay a visit to:
- Greenwich Market: Christmas specials from 19 November
- King’s Cross (Coal Drops Yard): From 27 November
- Old Spitalfields Market: From 30 November
- Borough Market: From December
- Camden Market: From 6 December
Bonus tip: Go on a Christmas lights running tour
Besides checking out all the London Christmas Markets this winter, how about doing something completely different while getting to explore the city? A special bonus tip for enjoying the festive season in the British capital is to go on a Christmas lights running tour. From 5k to 10k, these guided group tours take you through areas such as Mayfair, West End, London Bridge, Chelsea, Battersea and Belgravia.
Guides highly encourage you to dress up – and people do get inspired! So, get your Rudolph jumper ready and have yourself a merry little Christmas!
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Read more from Andrea here on Dispatches.
Andrea Juste is a writer and editor covering health, psychology, travel, productivity, thought leadership, and more. Andrea was born and raised in Brazil, where she worked for a decade as a journalist before moving to Italy in search of her roots, then the UK, to connect with different cultures. Based in London, she manages content marketing projects for clients worldwide.
