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ChristmasChristmas markets in London 2026: the best places to visit
Christmas markets in London can be very different from one another. Some take the form of chalet villages set up for a few weeks, others are part of major events such as Winter Wonderland, while historic markets such as Greenwich and Borough Market take on a festive atmosphere as Christmas approaches.
In 2026, you can shop for gifts by the Thames, sample seasonal food on the South Bank, enjoy the attractions in Hyde Park or simply browse the stalls of a London market decorated for Christmas.
Our tip: don't necessarily try to visit every Christmas market in London. Two or three well-chosen markets, combined with the Christmas lights and nearby neighbourhoods, will usually make for a more enjoyable day.
Here is our selection of the best Christmas markets in London in 2026, including dates that have already been confirmed, the markets that are genuinely worth visiting and our advice on which ones to choose for your itinerary.
To plan the rest of your trip, take a look at our guide to Christmas in London in 2026.
What are the best Christmas markets in London in 2026?
| Market | 2026-2027 dates | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Wonderland Christmas Market | 19 November - 3 January | Hyde Park | A major Christmas event |
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | To be confirmed | South Bank | Street food and the Thames |
| Winter by the River | To be confirmed | London Bridge | Views of Tower Bridge |
| Greenwich Market | Market open all year | Greenwich | Gifts and independent traders |
| Covent Garden | From November | Covent Garden | Decorations and first-time visitors |
| Borough Market | Open daily in December | London Bridge | Food |
| Kingston Christmas Market | 12 November - 3 January* | Kingston upon Thames | A small-town atmosphere |
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* Dates listed in London's 2026 tourism calendar; check the final opening hours before visiting.
The best Christmas markets in London in 2026
Winter Wonderland Christmas Market: the biggest
In Hyde Park, the Christmas market forms part of the huge Winter Wonderland event. This is not simply a standalone market: around the chalets you will find an ice rink, rides, shows, bars and numerous food stalls.
For the 2026-2027 season, Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and is closed on 25 December. Its Christmas Market brings together more than 60 traders, selling items including handmade creations and Christmas products. Part of the market has a Scandinavian-inspired feel.
It is the most obvious choice if you want to spend several hours in one destination. If your main aim is simply to buy a few gifts in a quieter setting, however, other markets in this guide will probably suit you better.
Practical information
- Dates: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Closed: 25 December
- Location: Hyde Park
- Number of traders announced: more than 60 in 2026
- Best for: combining a market, rides, ice skating and food
Entry to Winter Wonderland uses timed arrival slots and may be charged depending on when you visit. Spending at least £25 online in advance on eligible activities and offers unlocks free entry.
Southbank Centre Winter Market: for food by the Thames
The Southbank Centre Winter Market takes place along Queen's Walk beside the Thames, close to the London Eye. Its small chalets and stalls are particularly good for seasonal food and drinks, with a mixture of British favourites and international street food.
The location is a large part of its appeal: the market is easy to include in a walk between Westminster, the London Eye and the other attractions on the South Bank.
Southbank Centre has already confirmed the return of its Winter programme from November 2026. At the time this guide was updated, however, the exact dates of the 2026-2027 Winter Market had not yet been officially published.
Practical information
- 2026 dates: to be confirmed
- Location: Queen's Walk, South Bank
- Getting there: Waterloo, Embankment or Westminster
- Entry: traditionally free
- Best for: street food, hot drinks and a walk along the Thames
The South Bank is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon: you can eat at the market before continuing your walk as London's lights come on along both sides of the Thames.
The market is also very easy to combine with a ride on the London Eye, just a few minutes' walk away:
Winter by the River: for views of Tower Bridge
Further east, the London Bridge area usually hosts Winter by the River, with chalets, food and seasonal entertainment close to the Thames.
The setting is its main attraction. Tower Bridge and the City provide the backdrop to a riverside walk that also makes it easy to reach Hay's Galleria, HMS Belfast and Borough Market.
At the time of our update, the full programme for the 2026-2027 winter season had not yet been published. Information from the previous edition still appears on some official pages, so do not rely on old dates.
Practical information
- 2026 dates: to be confirmed
- Area: London Bridge
- Station: London Bridge
- Best for: Tower Bridge, riverside walks and photos after dark
While you are in the area, you can also visit Tower Bridge and its high-level walkways above the Thames:
Greenwich Market: for handmade gifts
Greenwich Market is different from the seasonal markets above: this historic market operates throughout the year. Its stalls sell art, crafts, jewellery, clothing, antiques, homeware and food, among other things.
At Christmas, both the market and the surrounding area become more festive. In 2026, the traditional Lantern Parade and Christmas lights switch-on will take place on 18 November. The parade starts at 4pm, with the lights due to be switched on at 5pm.
Greenwich Market is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm and closes on Christmas Day. It is probably one of the best choices in this guide if you genuinely want to find gifts from independent traders, rather than visiting a market dominated by food and drink stalls.
Make the most of your trip by exploring Greenwich and, if you have never visited it before, the Cutty Sark, one of London's most famous historic ships.
Practical information
- Open: all year
- Usual opening hours: 10am - 5.30pm
- Start of the 2026 Christmas festivities: 18 November
- Closed: 25 December
- Best for: crafts, original gifts and exploring Greenwich
Christmas at Covent Garden: for the decorations
Covent Garden appears in almost every selection of London's Christmas markets. It is worth being clear about what you will actually find there, however: Covent Garden is not a traditional temporary Christmas market like those in Hyde Park or on the South Bank.
The Market Building, Apple Market and permanent shops remain at the heart of the experience, but the entire neighbourhood is transformed for the festive season. The Christmas decorations return from November 2026, including the huge 55-foot Christmas tree and the famous giant bells and baubles suspended above the market.
This is primarily a stop for the atmosphere, decorations, shops and photos. Its central location also makes it easy to continue towards Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street or Soho.
Practical information
- Christmas decorations: from November 2026
- Location: Covent Garden Piazza
- Station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
- Entry: free
- Best for: decorations, shopping and a first Christmas trip to London
Borough Market: the best choice for food lovers
This is not a temporary Christmas market either. Borough Market is one of London's major food markets and operates throughout the year beneath the railway arches near London Bridge.
December is nevertheless a particularly good time to visit: the decorations go up, seasonal produce becomes more prominent and the market extends its opening calendar.
In 2026, Borough Market will be open seven days a week from 30 November and throughout December. The market will be closed from 25 to 27 December and on 1 January 2027.
Come here primarily to eat and discover producers rather than to look for a chalet-style Christmas market. Cheese, pastries, British produce, international food and ingredients for festive meals make it a particularly good lunchtime stop.
Practical information
- Daily opening in December: from 30 November 2026
- Closed: 25, 26 and 27 December 2026 and 1 January 2027
- Location: 8 Southwark Street
- Station: London Bridge
- Best for: food, seasonal produce and lunch
Borough Market can become extremely busy around lunchtime in December. Visit in the morning or outside peak hours if you want more room to move between the stalls.
Kingston Christmas Market: for a trip outside central London
If you have already visited the major markets in central London, Kingston upon Thames offers a different atmosphere. Its Ancient Market Place hosts a historic year-round market, joined by additional Christmas installations and entertainment during the festive season.
For 2026, London's tourism calendar lists the Kingston Christmas Market from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. As not all the operational details for the new edition have yet been published locally, check the opening hours before making the journey.
Kingston is particularly worthwhile if you want to see another side of Greater London: the market is in the heart of the town centre, just a short walk from the Thames.
Practical information
- Announced dates: 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Location: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames
- Getting there: Kingston (National Rail)
- Best for: a more local atmosphere and a trip outside central London
What about Leicester Square Christmas Market in 2026?
Leicester Square is normally one of the easiest places to include in a Christmas visit to the West End. Its market can easily be combined with Covent Garden, Chinatown and a show.
2026-2027 season: at the time this article was updated, the official Skate Leicester Square website was still displaying dates for the 2025-2026 season and stated that new information would be published soon. We will add the 2026 dates as soon as they are officially confirmed.
Rather than using an estimated date or repeating last year's dates, we prefer to wait for the organiser's announcement before adding it to the main table.
If you are spending the evening in the West End, you can also continue with one of the Christmas shows in London.
Which Christmas market should you choose in London?
It depends on what you want from your visit. A market that is perfect for dinner beside the Thames will not necessarily be the best place to shop for gifts.
| You are looking for... | Our choice |
|---|---|
| The biggest Christmas event | Winter Wonderland |
| A festive atmosphere beside the Thames | Southbank Centre Winter Market |
| Great views of Tower Bridge | Winter by the River |
| Handmade gifts | Greenwich Market |
| The best decorations | Covent Garden |
| Food | Borough Market |
| A more local atmosphere | Kingston |
| A market and attractions with children | Winter Wonderland |
Are London's Christmas markets free?
Most of them are. You can enter Greenwich Market, Borough Market and Covent Garden free of charge, while the seasonal markets on the South Bank and around London Bridge also traditionally operate without an admission ticket.
Winter Wonderland is different. The event uses timed entry tickets, and the price depends in part on when you visit. For the 2026-2027 season, spending at least £25 online in advance on eligible activities and offers unlocks free entry.
Some temporary Christmas fairs and special events elsewhere in London also charge admission. Always check the conditions before travelling specifically for an event.
What can you buy at London's Christmas markets?
The selection varies considerably from one market to another. Large seasonal events generally sell decorations, jewellery, accessories, gifts, clothing and handmade products, although a significant proportion of the stalls are often dedicated to food and drink.
For independent creations, we would favour Greenwich and some of London's specialist markets. Borough Market is a better choice for food. Winter Wonderland offers greater variety, but in a much more tourist-oriented environment.
If Christmas shopping is your main priority, don't limit yourself to the markets: London's department stores and shopping districts can easily be combined with them during a day out.
What can you eat at a Christmas market in London?
Expect a broad mixture rather than exclusively British food. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, pastries, sausages, melted cheese and Christmas treats now sit alongside burgers, Asian food, vegetarian dishes and international street food.
The South Bank is particularly convenient for eating during a sightseeing walk, while Borough Market offers a much wider choice throughout the year.
The most touristy markets are not necessarily the cheapest. If you mainly want to have lunch or dinner, look at the menus and prices at several stalls before ordering.
Can you visit several Christmas markets in one day?
Yes, and it is actually one of the best ways to organise a Christmas day out in London. Several markets and festive areas in central London are close enough to connect on foot or with a short Tube journey.
Our Christmas walking itinerary
- Covent Garden: start in the morning to enjoy the decorations before the biggest crowds arrive.
- Leicester Square: walk to the West End in just a few minutes if the 2026 market is open during your stay.
- Trafalgar Square: stop to see the large Christmas tree given to London by Norway each year.
- Westminster: head down towards Whitehall and Big Ben.
- South Bank: cross the Thames and finish at the Winter Market for something to eat at the end of the day.
This walk also lets you see some of the Christmas lights in London. If you would rather dedicate an evening entirely to the illuminations, you can also book a panoramic tour:
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Christmas markets and ice rinks: where can you combine the two?
Winter Wonderland is the easiest option because both the market and ice rink are part of the same event. Depending on the season's programme, other parts of London also make it possible to combine Christmas shopping with ice skating.
Take a look at our guide to the best Christmas ice rinks in London in 2026 to find the one that fits your itinerary.
Which Christmas market should you visit with children?
For a full day out, Winter Wonderland offers the widest choice of activities thanks to its rides, ice rink and shows. Greenwich is quieter and easy to combine with a cultural attraction, while Covent Garden is particularly appealing for its large-scale decorations.
If you are travelling as a family, you can also find more ideas in our guide to visiting London with children.
Practical tips for visiting London's Christmas markets
- Visit during the week: markets in central London are considerably busier on Friday evenings and at weekends in December.
- Shop before dark: it is generally easier to move around the stalls earlier in the day, before enjoying the Christmas lights later on.
- Dress for spending time outdoors: several markets are directly beside the Thames, where the wind can make it feel colder.
- Bring a contactless payment method: contactless payments are widely accepted at London markets.
- Check the dates: some markets close before Christmas, while others continue into early January.
- Be aware of Christmas Day: most markets, shops and attractions are closed on 25 December.
FAQ about Christmas markets in London in 2026
What is the best Christmas market in London?
For a first visit, Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of the easiest to include in a sightseeing itinerary. For a much larger event with rides and an ice rink, choose Winter Wonderland. Greenwich is a better option if your priority is buying gifts from independent traders.
What is the biggest Christmas market in London?
The market at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park forms part of London's largest Christmas event. More than 60 traders are announced for its Christmas Market in 2026.
Which Christmas market is best for food?
Southbank Centre Winter Market is convenient for street food and seasonal drinks. For a much wider selection of food, Borough Market remains our preferred choice.
Which Christmas market is best for buying gifts?
Greenwich Market is particularly good for crafts, jewellery, independent creations and unusual gifts. The markets at King's Cross can also be worth visiting once their full festive programme has been published.
Are Christmas markets open on 25 December?
No. The vast majority of markets are closed on Christmas Day. Winter Wonderland, Greenwich Market and Borough Market are among the places closed on 25 December 2026.
Do London's Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?
Some do. Winter Wonderland continues until 3 January 2027, and several winter events traditionally continue into early January. However, always check the exact closing date of the market you want to visit.
When do Christmas markets start in London?
The first events generally begin in November. In 2026, Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November and Greenwich's Christmas festivities officially begin on 18 November. Other markets will publish their final dates closer to the season.
Do you need to book London's Christmas markets?
Markets with free access, such as Greenwich and Borough Market, do not require a booking. Winter Wonderland, however, operates with entry tickets and timed arrival slots.
Summary
The Christmas markets in London in 2026 offer very different experiences. Winter Wonderland is the best choice for a large festive day out with attractions, the South Bank for eating beside the Thames, Greenwich for finding handmade gifts and Borough Market for food.
Covent Garden is also well worth visiting, even though it is better described as a beautifully decorated shopping district than a traditional Christmas market. For a more local atmosphere, Kingston offers an interesting alternative outside central London.
Finally, don't plan your trip using dates from the previous year: several markets, including Southbank, Winter by the River and Leicester Square, have not yet published their complete 2026-2027 calendars. We will update this guide as official announcements are made.
Sources and useful links
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