15 of the best Christmas markets in London in 2023

Whether you’re searching for last-minute gifts or just love basking in the festive spirit of Christmas markets, London is packed with plenty of them, no matter what part of town you’re exploring. 

 

 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has become a full-blown Christmas attraction for London locals and visitors, alike. Yes, it may be a tad cheesy and touristy, with queues waiting for the ice slide or the Ice Mountain roller coaster, but what’s Christmas without a little bit of cheese? Vendors in wooden chalets offer all the holiday knick-knacks, and handmade gifts and sweets. And don’t forget the hot chocolate, a perfect finish after wandering the impressive sculptures in the Magical Ice Kingdom. Open until 1 January | www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

 

Duck Pond Christmas Market, Chiswick

 

Named one of London’s best Christmas markets, Duck Pond Christmas Market at Chiswick House and Gardens has a great selection of artisan vendors with a dazzling view of Chiswick House and Duck Pond. Shop along while the Chiswick School choir and steelpan band belts the very best holiday carols and Christmas cheer. Duck Pond Christmas Market only runs on the first weekend of December, so arrive early before eager crowds flood the grounds. Open 2-3 Dec | www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

 

Christmas in Leicester Square

Leicester Square’s market is right in the centre of the square next to the Spiegeltent – don’t miss the La Clique cabaret show, on until 6 Jan. You’ll find plenty of hand-crafted gifts, clothes and jewellery on the market stalls which extend to Trafalgar Square, and you can grab a hot chocolate or some mulled wine to keep you warm while you shop. Open until 7 January | www.christmasinleicestersquare.com

 

Covent Garden

Christmas in Covent Garden is as stunning as you’d expect, and this year is even more special as the market’s regular decorations have been redesigned for renewed festive magic. But don’t fret; the 1884 hand-painted carriage remains and is one of the iconic symbols of Covent Garden’s market. ‘Snow’ flurries fall by the hour, adding even more magical moments and Insta-worthy memories, and no matter what you’re looking for, the market’s stalls and pop-ups along the piazza have gifts and surprises for all ages. Check online for activities and events until January | www.coventgarden.london

 

Borough Market

Yes, Borough Market runs year-round, but this is such a special London haven, it’d be a strike on Santa’s naughty list if we didn’t include it. Cheese, wine, meats and charcuterie, bread and dairy, seafood and seasonings, produce and cooking utensils – the better question is what can’t you find in Borough? Here, it’s Christmas year-round for foodies, but the chilly air and festive decor makes Borough Market shine even brighter. Still hungry? Its annual Evening of Cheese (13 Dec) is a gluttonous heaven, with loads of cheese, chutnies and ciders to sample around. (28 Nov-9 Jan) www.boroughmarket.org.uk

 

Visit The Department Store in the heart of Brixton and celebrate Christmas, as well as African and Caribbean roots at the Black Culture Christmas Market. Over 40 vendors will be showcasing all kinds of crafts, gifts, books, cards and artwork, jewellery, beauty supplies and more. There’s even a Happy Hour from 11am to 12pm, where select traders will be giving extra discounts and deals on their products. It’s a great event to explore one of London’s most diverse areas while finding the perfect stocking stuffer and supporting local. (2-3 Dec) www.eventbrite.com/blackculturechristmasmarket

 

 

While you’re across the river, the Southbank Winter Market within the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival sells artisan crafts, jewellery, leathered goods and more within their twinkling Alpine chalets. Arrive hungry as there are dozens of street food and beverage options. Snack away, then stroll along the Thames and stumble upon live music, holiday displays and Winter Light, an outdoor showcase of contemporary artwork by ten luminous artists, all along London’s already breathtaking views. (2-26 Dec) www.southbankcentre.co.uk

 

 

Across the road, Winter by the River at London Bridge City enjoys a spectacular setting. Listen to carol singers as you wander around the fairy-lit wooden cabins selling all sorts of hand-crafted gifts, food and drinks. If you can drag your gaze away from beautifully illuminated St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge just a stone’s throw across the river, you could watch a free outdoor film screening after you’ve done your Christmas shopping. www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

 

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Cross off some sightseeing at London’s Trafalgar Square Christmas Market while browsing all the vendors in their wooden chalets and indulging in a proper hot chocolate. Trafalgar’s Christmas tree is always lit on the first Thursday of December, and is a symbol of long-lasting friendship between England and Norway, after Norwegians gifted the tree as a thank-you for England’s contributions in WWII. The market starts earlier and runs until early January, offering festive nibbles, holiday gifts, decor and other local vendors. Plan the timing and you may even see a London snowfall with the market’s artificial snow machine. The queues can get lengthy, but it’s well worth the view and experience from one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Within walking distance of Greenwich Park and the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Market is another artisan jewel that’s been around since 1700 and is open year-round, but Santa only joins at Christmas. Visit the market on select December dates and meet the man, himself, at Santa’s Grotto, where kids can expect a special gift and proceeds go to Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. www.greenwichmarket.london

King’s Cross gets cosy every winter season with its Canopy Market, held from 23 November to 23 December, and is filled with fresh food and produce, drinks, gift shopping and Christmas activities and workshops. It’s a great pitstop before or after your scheduled train, and perfect for  Harry Potter fans who want a photo at Platform 9 3/4. Doors stay open until 9 pm every Thursday until 14 December, allowing guests to enjoy some fun, late-night shopping and shenanigans like Club Curling. For £8 per person, guests can enjoy the game while dancing to live DJ sets and toasting drinks at the pop-up cocktail bar. www.kingscross.co.uk

 

Within the Hampton Court Place Festival, there’s the Festive Fayre, an exciting collection of shoppes and stalls of street food, pop-up bars, artisan producers, holiday gifts and more. The Fayre returns on the first two weekends of December, from 10am to 6pm, giving visitors ample time to do some last-minute gift shopping on one week, and explore the palace grounds in peace, the next. www.hrpfestivals.com 

 

 

If you’re exploring Shoreditch, Spitalfields Christmas Market is moments away and packed to the brim with food and craft vendor stalls. Columns of Christmas lights brighten the aisles, where you can find anything from independent brands to designer luxury goods. Check the market’s event calendar and find Christmas wreath-making workshops and more. www.spitalfields.co.uk

 

 

Yellow-golden lights, vast ceilings and arches adorn Leadenhall, the dazzling market that gave inspiration to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and it’s even more astonishing at Christmas. Independent boutiques line the halls with all kinds of gifts, stocking stuffers, holiday decor, dining and more, along with an enormous Christmas tree under the Leadenhall’s central star. History fans can join Festive Guiding Walks every Wednesday and learn about the history of the market, while determined shoppers and Christmas fanatics wander the halls and stumble on festive pop-ups like Leadenhall wreath-making workshops or the Alpine Lodge, where you can find all your favourite holiday goodies from mulled wine to mince pies. (16 Nov-2 Jan) www.thecityofldn.com

 

The DIY Christmas Art Market in Peckham is not only your chance to get some wildly creative gifts and crafts, but it’s also a great opportunity to support independent vendors and local artists in London. The market costs less than £3 to enter, is dog-friendly and is filled with over 100 artist stalls to browse from with all kinds of quirky finds. Find custom totes, ceramics, artwork, screenprints, comics, magazines and more to gift your loved ones and support local.  www.eventbrite.com/diychristmasmarket

 

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