Highlights – Christmas Markets in London 2026
- 🎄 20+ festive markets across the city from November to January
- 🛍️ Handmade gifts & artisan stalls in Covent Garden, Spitalfields, Greenwich and King’s Cross
- 🍷 Mulled wine, street food & Alpine chalets at South Bank, Winter Wonderland and Borough Market
- ❄️ Ice rinks & winter entertainment at Leicester Square and Hyde Park
- 🎺 Choirs & live performances at Trafalgar Square and Greenwich
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Set in front of the National Gallery, the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market offers wooden stalls selling ornaments, Norwegian knitwear, traditional gifts, festive food and warm drinks. In 2025 the square hosted daily choir performances from 9 to 23 December, plus weekend brass bands and a Christmas photo booth. The centrepiece is the towering Norwegian Christmas tree, gifted annually since 1947.
📅 2026 dates to be confirmed (2025: 9 November – 2 January)
Leicester Square Christmas Market
In the heart of the West End, Leicester Square Christmas Market features food stalls, gift stands, cabaret performances in the Spiegeltent and its own ice rink. Skate Leicester Square is a fully lit outdoor rink in the middle of the square, open from 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027.
📅 Ice rink 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027; market dates to be confirmed
South Bank Christmas Market
Along the Thames, the South Bank Winter Market invites visitors to enjoy seasonal food and drinks from Alpine-style chalets. Under warm Christmas lights, the riverfront comes alive with pop-up bars, craft stalls and festive flavours. The London Eye is just steps away — making it easy to combine both experiences.
📅 From November 2026; dates to be confirmed (2025: 3 November – 4 January)
Christmas in Covent Garden
Covent Garden transforms for the festive season with spectacular decorations, the large Christmas tree on the West Piazza, seasonal menus and abundant gift shopping. In 2025 the London Transport Museum ran a Christmas stall, and the LEGO Chalet of Play on the East Piazza offered free family activities, LEGO builds, mini games and photo opportunities.
📅 From 12 November 2026
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Market Square – Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
For six weeks, Winter Wonderland takes over Hyde Park with funfair rides, ice skating, Bavarian beer halls and festive entertainment. The Market Square area features dozens of stalls selling gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal food and drink — ideal for Christmas shopping.
📅 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, closed Christmas Day
Spitalfields Christmas Market
At Old Spitalfields Market, visitors can browse handmade gifts, vintage décor, artisan products and festive snacks. A pop-up bar serves seasonal drinks, and in December it features extended hours, live music, and a Festive Treasure Trail for children. In 2025 Santa visited every Saturday in December.
📅 2026 dates to be confirmed (2025: 12 November – 24 December)
Buckingham Palace Royal Mews Pop-Up
The Royal Mews Christmas Shop near Buckingham Palace opened for the first time in 2025, as a seasonal pop-up offering royal-themed ornaments, treats, collectables and an impressive advent calendar filled with exclusive items. It’s not a full Christmas market, but a festive pop-up inside the Royal Mews, offering both affordable souvenirs and premium gifts. Worldwide delivery is available, and all proceeds go to charity.
📅 Not yet announced for 2026 (2025: 14 November – 5 January)
Winter by the River – London Bridge
The area around London Bridge becomes a riverside winter festival, with chalets selling gifts, treats and products from social enterprises. The refurbished Glasshouse offers a heated two-storey space with river views, seasonal drinks, snacks and live music (Wed–Sat). For indoor fun, Swift Stone Curling provides curling lanes, a large bar and Alpine-inspired drinks.
📅 2026 dates to be confirmed (2025: 13 November – 4 January)
Christmas at Leadenhall Market
During November and December, Leadenhall Market hosts pop-up fairs offering vintage furniture, handmade crafts and artisan design. The 2026 dates aren't out yet; in 2025 the fairs were:
- 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
- 24 November – Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market
- 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
The historic market hall is decorated with festive garlands, and visitors will find warm food, drinks and seasonal atmosphere throughout.
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Christmas at Greenwich Market
During the festive season, Greenwich Market becomes a cosy winter destination filled with mulled wine, Christmas treats and handmade gifts. The season begins with a lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on, where local schoolchildren carry handmade lanterns through Maritime Greenwich. Expect live music, delicious snacks and stalls selling everything from vintage finds to soft toys and festive chocolates.
📅 From the lantern parade on 18 November 2026 to early January
Chelsea Winter Experience
Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Chelsea Winter Experience features a 1.5 km illuminated trail with artworks, light installations and soundscapes. The event continues in the Chelsea Winter Village, with:
- free Christmas market
- warming drinks and food stalls
- workshops and live music
- traditional funfair attractions
- marshmallow toasting areas
- gift stands and indoor curling
📅 25 November – 28 December 2026, closed Christmas Day
Christmas Under The Canopy – King’s Cross
At King’s Cross, Christmas Under The Canopy offers artisan crafts, independent designers, small-batch food and festive drinks under a covered, warmly lit market space. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, natural wines, craft beer and street food while browsing over 50 makers and designers. Friday nights feature live jazz, blues and folk. Nearby Christmas trees and light installations add to the atmosphere.
📅 2026 dates to be confirmed (2025: 28 November – 22 December)
Borough Market at Christmas
Borough Market becomes a glittering festive scene, with lights, decorations and seasonal produce. One of the market’s most beloved seasonal events is Cheese Night, where cheesemongers from the UK and Europe offer tastings of exceptional cheeses — an indulgent Christmas highlight. The market’s long history (dating back to 1014) and focus on high-quality food make it a must-visit destination.
📅 2026 dates to be confirmed (2025: 1–31 December)
Plan Your Christmas Market Trip
London’s Christmas markets run from early November through January, offering charming gifts, festive food, live music and seasonal entertainment across the city. Whether you’re browsing Covent Garden, skating in Leicester Square or exploring winter markets by the Thames, Christmas in London is full of unforgettable experiences.
