Festive cheer: 12 London Christmas markets to explore in 2024

• 2024 dates: 21st November to 5th January
• Location: Hyde Park, London W1K 7AN
• Nearest station: Marble Arch or Hyde Park Corner
• Must try: Lace up your skates and glide on the ice rink – it’s the largest in the UK.

For a Christmas market in London that offers everything, Winter Wonderland is the place to be. This grand festive gathering takes place in Hyde Park every year and has become the largest – and arguably the finest – Christmas market in the UK.

In addition to hundreds of wooden stalls offering seasonal delights and handmade treasures, there’s a multitude of activities available, including family-friendly rides, a towering Ferris wheel, and a stage for live entertainment.

• 2024 dates: To Be Confirmed
• Location: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD 
• Nearest station: Covent Garden
• Must try: Capture a moment in a beautifully restored 19th-century sleigh, surrounded by festive fir trees adorned with decorations.

This square, with its historic charm and delightful Victorian architecture, serves as an enchanting backdrop for the Covent Garden Christmas Market, one of London’s longest-running festive fairs and an essential visit.

The square is typically adorned with countless twinkling lights, providing ample shopping opportunities. Explore stalls featuring handmade crafts or visit the upscale shops in the area for unique seasonal goodies (and perhaps a few discounts).

• 2024 dates: To Be Confirmed
• Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
• Nearest station: Southwark or Waterloo
• Must try: Sip festive beverages in your very own igloo along the riverside.

Enjoy a riverside stroll combined with holiday spirit at the Southbank Christmas Market. This is one of my personal favorites, especially if you’re planning to catch a performance at the nearby National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe.

Wander through the wooden Alpine chalets selling an array of delightful gifts. There's also an abundance of delicious food options available – think German bratwurst, gourmet burgers, creamy fudge, and traditional mince pies.

• 2024 dates: To Be Confirmed
• Location: London Bridge, Riverside, London SE1 2DB
• Nearest station: London Bridge
• Must try: Enjoy a cup of mulled wine while taking in the breathtaking view of London’s skyline.

The Christmas market at London Bridge consistently delights. Its prime location next to two of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, contributes to its charm.

Although this market is relatively small, it offers a delightful selection of festive treats and charming arts and crafts.

• 2024 dates: To Be Confirmed
• Location: Various spots around King’s Cross station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL
• Nearest station: Kings Cross St Pancras
• Must try: Discover the magnificent fir tree decorated with hundreds of lights and winter-themed ornaments.

Whether you're boarding a train or just passing through, the markets in this area are definitely worth a visit.

Throughout the festive season, expect multiple pop-up events, especially around Coal Drops Yard.

These markets showcase an incredible variety of unique gifts, ranging from artisan food to distinctive homewares and trendy independent fashion pieces.

• 2024 dates: 20 November to late December
• Location: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
• Nearest station: Cutty Sark
• Must try: Enjoy a festive drink while strolling through the beautifully lit streets of Greenwich.

Make your way to historic Greenwich for its beloved annual festive fair, held at the charming Greenwich Market, which operates year-round.

The venue is adorned for the Advent season, with additional stalls typically lining the riverfront.

Known for its unique and handcrafted offerings, Greenwich Christmas Market is a great place to find amazing gifts.

• 2024 dates: To Be Confirmed
• Location: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL
• Nearest station: London Bridge or Borough
• Must try: Keep an eye on the market’s website for themed festive food nights that will tantalize your taste buds.

Borough Market is a paradise for food lovers year-round, but it truly shines during the winter with its festive transformation. Beautiful decorations hang between the arches, seasonal treats are plentiful, and you can often find buskers performing beloved Christmas songs.

Be prepared to arrive hungry! You’ll find an abundance of artisanal foods from around the world, ranging from sweet treats like mince pies and stollen to award-winning cheeses.

• 2024 dates: 6th November to 5th January
• Location: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU
• Nearest station: Leicester Square
• Must try: Secure tickets for a vibrant show in the 1920s Spiegeltent.

Normally bustling with tourists taking photos or waiting to enter the popular Marks and Spencer store, Leicester Square transforms into a festive wonderland by early November, complete with wooden chalets and a grand Christmas tree.

This market is perfect for those seeking a taste of Europe, with stalls offering bratwurst, gluhwein, and other German specialties.

For entertainment, don’t miss the Belgian-style Spiegeltent, which hosts shows from the award-winning La Clique circus, cabaret, and comedy troupe, celebrating its 20th anniversary at the market in 2024.

• 2024 dates: 6th to 8th December and 13th to 15th December
• Location: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9AU
• Nearest station: Hampton Court
• Must try: Visit the enchanting ice rink located right at the palace gates (open from 22nd November to 5th January).

Few places offer a more romantic setting than a royal palace! For a magical Christmas market experience with your partner, head to Hampton Court. The former residence of Henry VIII is transformed into a winter wonderland for two weekends each December.

The event spans the palace grounds, featuring numerous stalls with delicious street food, artisanal gifts, and handmade crafts.

The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a ticketed event, which also grants access to the palace itself. Always wanted to explore its grand halls and luxurious chambers? Now’s your chance to enjoy an enchanting festive experience while discovering this historic site.

• 2024 dates: To Be Confirmed
• Location: Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7DX
• Nearest station: St Paul’s
• Must try: Capture the moment with a photo inside the market’s giant snow globe.

Imagine enjoying a bag of hot roasted chestnuts with the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral as your backdrop. That’s the charm of this intimate Christmas market nestled in Paternoster Square.

While it hosts a regular food market throughout the year, come November and December, it transforms with festive stalls brimming with holiday spirit.

With around 20 cozy cabins offering delightful goods and a beautiful Christmas tree display in the center of the square, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the festive atmosphere.

• 2024 dates: 13th November to 5th January
• Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB
• Nearest station: Kew Gardens
• Must try: Don’t miss the Christmas Cathedral; a stunning tunnel adorned with countless strings of fairy lights.

With lush greenery, enchanting greenhouses, and dazzling lights, Kew Gardens is a sight to behold at any time of year. However, during Christmas, it becomes a festive wonderland.

Celebrating its 12th year in 2024, Christmas at Kew promises to be just as spectacular as last year’s festivities. The highlight is the illuminated light trail, showcasing thousands of twinkling lights synchronized with music, fire displays, and mesmerizing visual effects.