15 of the best Christmas markets in London in 2024

Whether you’re searching for last-minute gifts or just love basking in the festive spirit of Christmas markets, London has a fantastic range. 

 

 

Duck Pond Christmas Market, Chiswick (30 Nov)

 

Named one of London’s best Christmas markets, Duck Pond Christmas Market at Chiswick House and Gardens has a great selection of artisan, independent vendors with a dazzling view of Chiswick House and Duck Pond. Stalls offer everything from coffee and street food to plants, gifts and crafts. Duck Pond Christmas Market only runs on the first weekend of December, so arrive early before eager crowds flood the grounds. Open 30 Nov www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

 

Christmas in Leicester Square (to 5 Jan)

Leicester Square’s market is right in the centre of the square next to the Spiegeltent – don’t miss the La Clique cabaret show, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, on until 5 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. www.christmasinleicestersquare.com

 

Covent Garden (from 12 Nov)

Christmas in Covent Garden is as stunning as you’d expect, with the iconic Piazza, Market Building, Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and surrounding streets transformed for the season. Last year’s debut decoration scheme of iconic giant bells with bows will return this year. Look out for Santa’s sleigh, refresh yourself at the mulled wine stations and browse the many market stalls and pop-ups along the piazza. They have gifts and surprises for all ages. www.coventgarden.london

 

Borough Market, various dates through Dec

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 make Borough Market shine even brighter. Still hungry? Its annual Evening of Cheese (11 Dec) is a gluttonous heaven, with loads of cheese, chutneys and ciders to sample. www.boroughmarket.org.uk

 

Black Culture Market (23 Nov)

Visit Shepherd’s Bush Market London to celebrate Christmas, as well as African and Caribbean roots at the Black Culture Christmas Market. Over 40 vendors will showcase all kinds of crafts, gifts, books, cards and artwork, jewellery, beauty supplies and more. Check out the candle-making workshop, art gallery and interactive play area for kids. It’s a great event to explore one of London’s most diverse areas while finding the perfect stocking stuffer and supporting locals. (23 Nov, 10.30am-6pm) www.eventbrite.com/blackculturechristmasmarket

 

Southbank Winter Market (to 5 Jan)

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 family activities. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

 

Winter by the River (to 5 Jan)

Across the road, Winter by the River at London Bridge City enjoys a spectacular setting in the midst of beautifully illuminated landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. Listen to carol singers as you wander around the fairy-lit wooden cabins selling all sorts of hand-crafted gifts, food and drinks. Brand new for this year is the pop-up curling experience, Swift Stone Curling Club, complete with wintry après ski vibes. www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

 

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, Nov TBC

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. The queues can get lengthy, but it’s well worth the view and experience from one of London’s most iconic landmarks. www.london.gov.uk

 

Greenwich Market

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. Enjoy a mulled wine while you browse the fantastic array of arts, crafts, clothing and food. Listen out for the joyous tones of carol singers who will provide the soundtrack to your Christmas shopping experience. www.greenwichmarket.london

King’s Cross gets cosy every winter season with its Christmas at Canopy Market and is filled with fresh food and produce, drinks, gift shopping, Christmas activities and workshops. It’s a great pit-stop before or after your scheduled train, and perfect for Harry Potter fans who want a photo at Platform 9 3/4. The market will run Tuesday to Sunday from 29 November to 22 December, as well as Monday 16 December with extended opening hours, allowing guests to enjoy some fun, late-night shopping. www.kingscross.co.uk

 

Hampton Court Place hosts a number of seasonal festivals each year, including 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 from 6-8 and 13-15 December, giving visitors ample time to do some last-minute gift shopping one week, and explore the palace grounds in peace, the next. www.hrpfestivals.com 

 

Spitalfields Christmas Market (29 Nov-24 Dec)

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. Brand new for this year, The Greenhouse Theatre is putting on a show called The Lost Library of Spitalfields, which you can catch twice a day, every day, except Tuesdays at 8 Market Street. The theatre will also put on many other exciting events that will happen over the Christmas period. Check the website for details. www.spitalfields.co.uk

 

Leadenhall Market (14 Nov-7 Dec)

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. (14 Nov-7 Dec) leadenhallmarket.co.uk

 

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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