With so many markets throughout the city, many travellers won’t have time to see them all. Each one of London’s Best Christmas Markets has its own unique atmosphere, making it the right choice for your trip. I’ve organized all our top picks to visit this year and highlighted the best aspects of each to suit your unique taste!

Table Of Contents

1. Map of London's Best Christmas Markets
2. Southbank Centre Winter Market
3. Christmas by the River Market
4. Hay's Galleria Market
5. Christmas Market at Trafalgar Square
6. Columbia Road Flower Market
7. Covent Garden
8. Borough Market Christmas
9. Portobello Road Market
10. The Greenwich Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
11. Maltby Street Christmas Market
12. Canopy Market at King's Cross
13. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
14. What to Skip? The Leicester Square Christmas Market

Map of London’s Best Christmas Markets

Many small weekend markets pop up throughout the month, but I wanted to focus on the larger market that runs throughout the Christmas season, giving more people the chance to see them. But if you’re looking for something smaller and more local, keep your eyes peeled for posters advertising these pop-up events!

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Head to Southbank Centre Winter Market for a traditional alpine-style Christmas market experience in the centre of London. Located in the heart of the city along the Southbank of the River Thames, Christmas really gets into full swing! In addition to the gorgeous scenery along the famed Thames River, you also get stunning views of the London Eye above you as you peruse the goods in the market.

Over 90 wooden chalets lined the edge of the Southbank, covered in a canopy of thousands of twinkle lights. At the edge of the market, a vintage carousel delights young and old as it spins around playing Christmas tunes.

Southbank Christmas Market

Wandering the stalls here, you can find everything from festive indulgences to Christmas street food and handmade arts and crafts. My favourite stall was the unique map seller. Buying a vintage map of London feels like the perfect gift to bring home as a souvenir of your London travels.

As you stroll, winter classics like raclette, chocolate-covered marshmallow kisses, dutch pancakes, and even warm cheese toasties can be found. And don’t forget to grab a cup of mulled wine or a hot toddy to keep those hands nice and warm while drinking a delicious beverage to boost!

Why Visit Southbank Christmas Market

One of the biggest draws of the Southbank Market is the rotating art installations that accompany a visit to the market. The year I visited, ten internationally acclaimed light artists set up various installations featuring illuminated geodesic domes and neon glowing trees. There was also an area dedicated to featuring young up-and-coming skateboarders, which might not have anything to do with Christmas, but it was so entertaining to watch and really added to the overall exciting atmosphere inside this market.

Christmas by the River Market

Against the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations lies London Bridge City’s Christmas by the River. This holiday market is nestled along the water’s edge under the glowing lights of Tower Bridge. Winter cabins covered in fairy lights line the riverside. Each one sells hand-crafted items and delicious festive foods. 

In addition to shopping and food, there are activities throughout the seasons, such as outdoor film screenings and choir performances. The films are screened at 7:30 p.m. on various evenings; the full schedule can be found on their website. You can grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine to keep you warm while enjoying films like Elf, Home Alone, The Polar Express and my favourite, The Muppet Christmas Carol. If you’re looking to have a drink with some friends, the Riverside Lodge at The Scoop and Bar Reflexion are two lively spots to grab a seasonal cocktail.

Why Visit Christmas by the River Market

The location, set along the river with panoramic views across the city, makes it one of the most scenic markets in London. I also found that the food here was more inventive and interesting than the other markets. I happily returned here one evening just for the food and the view alone!

Hay’s Galleria Market

During the nineteenth century, Hay’s Galleria was a large warehouse servicing hundreds of ships docked along London’s harbour. In the 1980s, it was redeveloped as a mixed-use building where you can wander through the enormous arched warehouse’s interior. Inside, you’ll find a mix of charming boutiques and high-end restaurants.

At Christmastime, the galleries are decorated to the nines in festive swag. In the gallery’s centre is one of London’s largest Christmas trees, which towers down over its visitors.

The gallery is home to a pop-up of artisan Christmas market stalls selling impressive, unique, high-quality handicrafts. While it’s a smaller selection than at other spots on the list, I was so impressed by the handicrafts’ quality and uniqueness. Make sure you check out their free carol concert schedule to enjoy a festive sing-along lead by some amazingly talented singers!

Why Visit the Hay’s Galleria Market

My favourite part of Hay’s Galleria is its aesthetics. I love the modern take on Christmas decor that emanates from this entire building. Hay’s on the River is a chic food and drink venue that transforms into an Alpine Lodge for the winter. Inside, you can sip hot mulled wine and pink marshmallow-topped hot chocolate while indulging in raclette-covered fries. The perfect antidote for a chilly day! The bar features a cherry, festive atmosphere where large groups can enjoy a cocktail.

Christmas Market at Trafalgar Square

The Christmas Market at Trafalgar Square is set in the iconic Trafalgar Square, a bustling public square in central London, next to the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column. The location adds so much to the atmosphere and overall charm of the market.

The market features a variety of stalls and vendors, offering a wide range of holiday-themed foods and gifts. You can find traditional Christmas decorations, ornaments, winter clothing items, funky jewellery and London souvenirs. I will say that this market is definitely one of the most overpriced options with some of the least unique vendors, but they are trying to appeal to the widest audience, and the location comes with a steep price tag, hence the high price tag of the items.

Why Visit the Christmas Market at Trafalgar Square

This is my favourite market for first-time visitors to London. Towering above the market is the iconic London Christmas tree that is gifted to the city of London by the city of Oslo every year. This tree, usually a Norwegian spruce, is a symbol of gratitude for the assistance provided by the United Kingdom during World War II. Every day of the week, groups of carolers gather here to entertain visitors. Final timings and dates have not yet been finalized, although performances typically occur between 4 pm and 8 pm on weekdays and 2 pm and 6 pm on weekends.

Columbia Road Flower Market

The Columbia Road Flower Market is a vibrant and colorful market located in the East End. East London is known for its independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes. Throughout the years, every Sunday this peaceful cobblestone laneway is closed to traffic and florists from all over the country gather to sell their fresh cut greenery.

Why Visit the Columbia Road Flower Market?

In the winter, the Columbia Road Flower Market hosts a special Christmas market for the holiday season. Filling all the stands are boughs of holly, natural wreaths, mini-Christmas trees, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and various winter blooms. Even if you can’t bring any bouquets home, just wandering the stalls and admiring all the festive flowers is a feast for the eyes.

In addition to flowers and plants, the market offers unique Christmas gifts and crafts. Shoppers can explore the Columbia Road shops selling handmade ornaments, festive ceramics, candles, and other holiday-themed goodies.

To keep visitors warm the Christmas market offers a range of street food and hot drinks. You can indulge in warming mulled wine, hot chocolate, seasonal pastries, and other tasty treats. Music is blaring throughout the streets and everyone is getting into the festive spirit no matter where you go! The Columbia Road Flower Market is only open on Sundays, so it can get quite crowded as the day goes on. It’s recommended to arrive early to avoid the largest crowds.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is undoubtedly one of the busiest Christmas Markets in London, and many Londoners steer clear of it throughout the holidays as it can be too much for some. But there is a good reason for the hubbub. During Christmas, Covent Garden transforms into a festive wonderland with its own Christmas market under the covered rooftops inside the Apple Market hall.

Why Visit the Covent Garden Christmas Market?

One of the greatest parts about visiting the Covent Garden Christmas Market is walking around the historic Covent Garden Market building. The interior and exterior are beautifully decorated with various festive lights, ornaments, and giant Christmas trees. The market’s iconic glass-covered Piazza is adorned with seasonal decorations, creating a magical and cozy ambiance. And once every hour, they even have a “snowfall” in the plaza! Despite only being made of soap foam, it still looks real and helps get you into the Christmas spirit.

Inside the hall, a series of festive stalls featuring an assortment of holiday gifts, decorations, and crafts. Visitors can browse through unique and artisanal products, making it an excellent place to find special presents.

Because Covent Garden is so popular with tourists, it is often a very popular spot for street performers, and during the Christmas season, these entertainers add an extra layer of merriment to the market. You can expect magicians, musicians, jugglers, and other talented individuals to showcase their skills to the gathered crowds. Last year there were even performances by the Royal Opera House, the cast of Elf the Musical and the London International Gospel Choir.

Borough Market Christmas

While Borough Market is one of the most historic public markets in London, which is open all year! But this historic market takes on a special festive atmosphere during the Christmas season with various holiday-themed menus, additions and activities. Holly and ivy cover every inch of the roof, hung along with twinkle lights and giant red ribbon-wrapped wreaths.

While Borough Market is primarily a food market, it offers an array of seasonal produce and treats during Christmas. Vendors sell everything from traditional mince pies and Christmas puddings to fresh cranberries and festive cheeses. Britain does cheese almost better than anywhere else, and I loved sampling all these unique seasonal combinations.

Why Visit Borough Market Christmas Market?

One of my favourite activities is to come to the market and build yourself a Christmas hamper filled with seasonal treats. Christmas hampers, also known as holiday hampers or festive hampers, have a long and storied history in the United Kingdom. These hampers are typically filled with various food and drink items and are often given as gifts or used to celebrate Christmas.

The stalls have an enticing array of holiday-themed food and drink options. Mulled wine and hot cider are popular to keep warm while browsing the sprawling stands. If you’re looking for a gift for a foodie, Borough Market features an assortment of artisanal and handmade gifts that make for excellent Christmas presents!

Portobello Road Market

The Portobello Road Market is another weekly market that gets a makeover at Christmas. Located in the charming neighbourhood of Notting Hill, a now infamous neighbourhood thanks to the popular Hugh Grant and Julie Roberts movie of the same name, this vibrant market is known for its fantastic atmosphere and eclectic offerings. Portobello Road Market is primarily known for its antiques and vintage items. At Christmas, vendors go all out to find vintage Christmas decorations or retro holiday-themed clothes.

Other vendors sell unique, artisanal gifts, such as handmade crafts, jewelry, and festive decorations, which are great for anyone looking to check off many people from their shopping list. The international food stalls at Portobello Road Market are always a huge draw throughout the year, and at Christmas, you can find seasonal delights from all over the world.

Why Visit Portobello Road Christmas Market?

One of the best reasons to come down to the Portobello Road Christmas Market is to admire the colourful houses and charming streets of Notting Hill. The area’s unique architecture is made even more beautiful, covered in Christmas decorations, creating a picturesque setting for holiday shopping! Portobello Road is dotted with cozy cafes, pubs, and restaurants. These establishments decorate their interiors and often offer special seasonal menus, making it a great place to take a break from shopping and enjoy a festive meal or drink!

The Greenwich Christmas Arts & Crafts Market

The Greenwich Christmas Arts & Crafts Market is a festive market held in the historic district of Greenwich during the holiday season. Greenwich is famous for its maritime history and is home to popular attractions like the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.

The Greenwich Market is adorned with twinkling lights and colourful ornaments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who enter. Like many Christmas markets, Greenwich Christmas Market offers a variety of seasonal food and drinks. You can indulge in traditional treats such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, mince pies, and gingerbread cookies. Additionally, you may find stalls selling international cuisine and street food.

Why Visit the Greenwich Arts and Crafts Christmas Market

Undoubtedly, the Greenwich Arts and Crafts Christmas Market has the best selection, quality and price of handmade goods. Here, you can find so many different unique and handmade Christmas gifts. You can browse stalls selling a wide range of artisanal products, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, artwork, and more. Shopping at the market supports small-scale producers and allows you to discover unique, handcrafted items. Buying a gift here is such a feel-good experience!

The market often features live entertainment to get visitors into the holiday spirit. This may include carol singers, brass bands, local musicians, and other performers who entertain the crowds with festive tunes.

Maltby Street Christmas Market

Maltby Street Market, also known as Maltby Street Market Ropewalk, is one of the city’s more “underground” food spots. Located in the Bermondsey neighbourhood, the market is nestled in a series of railway arches along a charming cobbled street called Ropewalk. Over the years, this market has made a name for itself, featuring a diverse range of artisanal and gourmet food stalls. Here, you can sample many international cuisines, including Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern dishes, fresh seafood, charcuterie, cheese, chocolates, pastries, and more.

This is specifically a night market, which gives it a particularly enchanting vibe. Yes, some other markets on this list are open at night, but the fact that one is only open at night makes it feel like an intimate neighbourhood party you’re lucky enough to be invited to!

Why Visit the Maltby Street Christmas Market

THE FOOD! This is the market to come to EAT! During the Christmas season, the market hosts a series of after-dark calls. The seasonal market features gastronomic delights, winter feasts and succulent flavours. All set under the exquisite Dickensian backdrop perfectly lit by the overhead twinkle lighting. You can also enjoy the festive sounds of carolers singing alongside your food. There is no escaping the aroma of hot mulled wine (or beer) filling the chilly night air. It’s impossible to resist!

Canopy Market at King’s Cross

It’s the perfect juxtaposition that today, one of the oldest Victorian-covered market halls built in 1888, is home to the most modern and trendy Christmas Markets. The King’s Cross Canopy Market was initially built with its steel and glass rooftop to cover workers loading goods in and out of railway carriages from London’s torrential downpours. Today, the Canopy Market brings together independent food producers, craft designers, artists and street food traders under the same roof.

The market is home to local artisans selling everything from handmade jewelry, ceramics, CBD products, textiles, skincare, candles, artwork, and other one-of-a-kind items that make for excellent Christmas presents. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as you shop under the overhead starry lights. Making you feel one with the night sky. But thanks to the covered roof, you get all the ambiance of the outdoors without being exposed to the frigid temperatures.

They host local musicians and festive choirs through the market’s open hours to entertain shoppers. The buzz of live music echoing inside this historic building is absolutely entrancing. Grab a cup of mulled wine, cider, or hot chocolate while swaying to the tunes, enjoying that infectious Christmas spirit.

Why Visit the King’s Cross Canopy Market

If you want to support sustainability and be more eco-conscientious in your Christmas gift-giving this year, the King’s Cross Canopy Market is here to come! Shopping here makes you feel good about supporting local artists and the London creative economy! They also host a special Christmas Vegan Market, highlighting some of London’s best independent makers and fantastic vegan delicacies!

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is one of London’s biggest Christmas attractions. Every year, Hyde Park is transformed into a magical extravaganza with carnival rides, skating rinks, ice sculptures and, of course, a traditional European Christmas Market. This annual festival kicks off in late November and shuts down in early January, making it an attractive option for visitors coming to London all throughout the Christmas season.

Christmas Market

The heart of Winter Wonderland is its Christmas market, which consists of numerous charming traditional wooden chalets and stalls. Here, you can shop for Christmas gifts, decorations, and crafts. You’ll find unique items, handcrafted goods, and many festive trinkets.

In addition to shopping, the stalls are filled with traditional winter treats like roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and gingerbread cookies. Additionally, you can savour craft beers, German bratwursts and hot pretzels inside the Bavarian Village.

Why Visit Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland in London is a beloved Christmas tradition, especially for families. While couples or solo travellers might find the atmosphere a bit excessive, for families, you can get an entire day’s worth of activities just from visiting this one spot! Creating lasting memories in a magical winter setting.

What to Skip? The Leicester Square Christmas Market

There is one notable Christmas Market not included on this list, and that is the Leicester Square Christmas Market. While this is one of the most popular Christmas Markets in the city, I found it to be anything but spectacular. I have nothing against a touristy market; I’ve included some on this list. They are as joyful as any hipster market. But the Leicester Square Christmas Market is simply too crowded and overpriced to get my endorsement. Several times, I went to check it out when the line to get inside wrapped around Cranbourn Street. And since the market is so small, it’s really not worth the wait.

If you’re looking for a market close to the tourist sights, opt for the Trafalgar Square market instead. The stalls are almost identical, but Leicester Square is so crowded and tightly packed that it can feel downright claustrophobic. And it lacks any of the beautiful views you get inside Tragalfar Square.

London truly comes alive during the festive season, and a visit to any of the city’s Christmas markets is the best way to get into the holiday spirit. From the enchanting lights and aromas of mulled wine to the unique artisanal finds and the joyous atmosphere, these markets offer something for everyone. So, whether you’re sipping hot cocoa at Southbank Centre Winter Market, or exploring the historical wonders of Greenwich Christmas Market, you’re in for a jolly good time. Happy holidays and may your London Christmas market visits be filled with warmth, joy, and a sprinkle of that special holiday magic!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Best London Christmas Markets to Visit this Festive Season [2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.