9 of London's best Christmas markets to visit this winter

Looking to check off your holiday gift list? Head to one of London’s many charming winter markets, which pop up all over the city in November and December. Whether you want to sip mulled wine overlooking the River Thames, browse crafts by local artisans or immerse yourself in all things festive at a huge carnival, here's our pick of the best Christmas markets in the UK's capital.

1. Southbank Centre’s Winter Market 

Best for accessibility

When: November 3, 202 to January 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Eve)
Where: Riverside outside the Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

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A stretch of the Thames outside the Southbank Centre will be lined with traditional alpine-style chalets from early November and through December for its free annual market. Visitors can shop handmade jewelry, homewares and other gifts from independent craft traders and dine on a variety of tasty street food like Cajun fries, lobster buns and churros smothered in chocolate.

Planning tip: Stay into the evening for festive events, mulled wine and cocktails at Between the Bridges.

2. The Swedish Church’s Christmas Fair 

Best for traditional crafts

When: November 21 to 23
Where: Church of Sweden, 6 Harcourt St, W1H 4AG

For a taste of classic continental European markets in London, head to the Swedish Church in Marylebone, where the church hall will be transformed for a weekend in November for the annual Christmas fair. Traders dressed in national costumes sell glassware, textiles, candles and decorations alongside sweets, gingerbread and other baked goods.

Planning tip: There is a £3 entry fee, and you may have to queue at busy times, but once inside, visitors can warm up with some glögg, the Swedish rendition of mulled wine, or drop by the cafe for an open sandwich.

3. Winter Wonderland 

Best for a carnival atmosphere

When: November 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026 (closed November 18, 24 and 25, plus Christmas Day)
Where: Hyde Park, W2 2UH

London’s biggest winter attraction takes place in the capital’s famous Hyde Park, running for six weeks starting in mid-November. Open every day from 10am to 10pm, Winter Wonderland offers more than 150 things to do, from roller coasters and ice-skating to circus performances and sing-alongs. 

For a more low-key visit, make your way to the Scandinavian-themed Market Square. It’s filled with a range of stalls where you can stock up on gifts, snack on waffles or listen to live music under the starlit canopy.

Planning tip: Winter Wonderland is among the more expensive London markets, so be prepared to pay a £7 entrance fee (off-peak entry is free) and additional charges for each of the activities. Book your entry in advance.

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4. Covent Garden

Best for entertainment

When: November 12 to December 31
Where: Covent Garden, WC2E 8RD

Covent Garden embraces the festive season with one eye firmly on its historic role as a center of street performance. The usual market stalls will be bathed in over 300,000 sparkling lights and set the stage for the Theatre of Performance, a 7-week celebration of the Christmas period. Browse for crafts, antiques, clothes and jewelry underneath elaborate decorations of giant golden bells and red ribbons.

Planning tip: The lights switch-on takes place on November 12. 

5. Leadenhall Market 

Best for ornate architecture and history

When: November 8, November 30, and December 13
Where: Leadenhall Market, City of London, EC3V 1LT

Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall is one of the oldest markets in London. It's also one of the most stunning, with a Victorian wrought-iron and glass structure that has been carefully preserved. It's said to be the place where Scrooge sends a boy to buy a turkey for the Cratchit family in Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol.

Weekend markets are held through the year here, but during the festive season, Leadenhall is at its most beautiful, when the shopping arcade sparkles under glimmering lights and an 18ft-tall tree stands proud in the center. The Vintage Furniture & Flea market takes place on Sunday, November 30, where you can find mid-century homewares and collectibles, as well as gifts and timeless fashion. The SoLo Craft Fair, showcasing the works of South London-based independent artists and creators, is running on Saturday, November 8 and Saturday, December 13. The cobbled walkways will be packed with stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, homewares, art and more. 

6. Christmas Art Market and Independent Ceramics Market 

Best for unique works of art

When: December 13 and 14
Where: Unit 8, 133 Copeland Rd, Peckham, SE15 3SN

With two separate December events in the warehouses of Peckham’s Copeland Park cultural quarter, DIY Art Market provides a platform for a diverse group of artists and designers to share their work. The Christmas Art Market is held on Saturday, December 13, showcasing works by creators and independent publishers. The popular ceramics market takes place the following day, featuring 150 national and international exhibitors selling unique pieces. Browse a vast selection of affordable ceramics, from mugs and tableware to sculptures and jewelry. There’s a £2 entry fee.

Planning tip: Nearby Peckham Levels is hosting its first-ever Festive Market on Saturday, December 7. DIY Art Market, in partnership with Hackney Flea Market, is also running Thriftmas in Stoke Newington on December 20 and 21. 

7. Queermas, LGBTQIA+ Christmas Art Market hosted by London Queer Mart

Best community event

When: December 7
Where: Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, SE8 4RJ

Returning for its fourth year, the capital’s leading queer Christmas market will take place on Sunday, December 7 in the Deptford Lounge community hub in southeast London. The venue will welcome over 130 queer artists and LGBTQ-owned small businesses from around the UK, selling all kinds of artwork including prints, ceramics, zines, sculptures, jewelry, textiles and more.

Planning tip: There’s a suggested donation of £2 for entry.

8. Borough Market

Best for food-based gifts

When: Daily through December (closed December 25 to 27)
Where: 8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL

The culinary institution that is Borough Market is a must-visit all year round, but it’s especially lovely at Christmastime, when its historic green arches are adorned with festive garlands, fairy lights and leafy trees. The market extends its hours in December, too, and is open every day up to Christmas Eve. 

Go hungry so you can feast on all of the seasonal fare, such as smoked turkey sandwiches, decadent mince pies and warm spiced apple juice. You’ll also be spoiled for gift ideas guaranteed to impress the foodie in your life.

9. Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Best for a combo of festive shopping and sightseeing

When: December 5 and 7, 12 and 14
Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU

Less than a 40-minute train ride from Waterloo in central London stands the riverside Tudor royal palace of Hampton Court Palace, former home to King Henry VIII. For two weekends in December, the Great Fountain Garden plays host to the Festive Fayre, where over 100 artisans and creators sell crafts and gifts to a backing track of live musical performances. Combine your festive-season shopping with sightseeing around the historic royal palace and 300-year-old maze. 

Planning tip: The nearest station is Hampton Court, a 10-minute walk from the entrance. The Festive Fayre can only be visited with a ticket to the palace.