It’s that time of year again – as soon as Halloween and Bonfire night are over, the shops fill with Christmas decorations and advent calendars and festive foods start to fill the supermarket shelves.
Whether you can’t wait to get into the Christmas spirit, or you’re more bah humbug about the whole season, there’s no denying that browsing a good Christmas market helps to take your mind off the miserable British winter weather. This year London is hosting more festive markets than ever before – here are the best..
Winter Wonderland
Truly living up to its name, Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park returns for its annual celebration of all things Christmassy. The location boasts several festive markets with over 200 fairy-lit wooden chalets selling gifts, crafts, Christmas decorations, festive food, and more.
As well as the markets, there’s a skating rink, several shows for kids and adults, a giant Ferris wheel, an ice bar, Santa Land, a carousel bar, The Magical Ice Kingdom, and more. It makes for a great day out and winter fun for all ages.
When? 19th November 2021 – 3rd January 2022
Where? Hyde Park, London W2
Cost? Admission to Winter Wonderland and the markets is free during off peak times, charges apply at other times. See website for full details
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
London Bridge City’s annual Christmas by the River market has proved popular enough to be back in the same location at London Bridge for its third year running. The market includes over 60 lit-up German style wooden cabins filled with gifts, books, toys, Scandinavian homewares, hampers, and an impressive selection of festive food all laid on by Tudor Markets. There’s also a pop-up bars serving mulled wine and festive cocktails. All this is set against the iconic backdrop of the Thames, overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
When? 16th November 2021 until 2nd January 2022. Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 – 21:00 Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 – 22:00. Christmas Eve: 11:00 – 17:00 Christmas Day: Closed New Year’s Eve: 11:00 – 20:00 2nd January: 11:00 – 17:00
Where? Christmas by the River at London Bridge City, SE1 2DB
Cost? Free
londonbridgecity.co.uk
Christmas in Leicester Square
Leicester Square is transformed into a winter wonderland every year before Christmas with a Santa’s Grotto, festive shows, a traditional 1920s spiegeltent, and a Christmas market of over 25 stalls offering handcrafted items and festive food and drink.
When? 12th November – 9th January, 12pm – 10pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 10pm Saturday and Sunday (closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Where? Leicester Square, London WC2
Cost? Free admission. Tickets must be bought for shows in the spiegeltent and Santa’s Grotto.
christmasinleicestersquare.com
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
The Southbank is lovely to wander at any time of the year but it really steps up its game at Christmas with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, a lit-up giant Ferris wheel, a huge Christmas tree, and and traditional winter market set in alpine-style chalets selling seasonal food and drink.
Amongst the delightfully festive stalls is plenty of tasty food, promising gourmet cheese toasties and traditional winter favourites including fondue and eggnog.
When? 4th November until 24th December
Where? Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX
Cost? Free entrance to markets. Price of tickets for events varies – see the website for full details.
southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/winter-festival
Enchanted Eltham Palace
Head down to Eltham Palace this year to see an amazing showcase of colour and light. Magical illuminations, unexpected sounds and bright colours, the Great Hall will be soaked in beautiful festive light. Walk around with a lovely cup of mulled wine and buy some unique Christmas gifts in the gift shop, this is fun for all the family.
When? 9th December – 30th December. Monday – Sunday 16.30 until 20.00. Bank holiday 16.30 until 20.00
Where? Court Yard, London SE9 5QE
Cost? Tickets: adult off peak = £14 per person. Peak = £16, Child off peak = £9.50. peak = £11.50
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens
Crafty Fox Christmas Markets
Those looking for more unusual Christmas gifts this year should head to one of the Crafty Fox Christmas Markets, which are held in Elephant & Castle, Brixton, Peckham, and Foxton this year.
The markets offer the best of crafts, gifts, art, homewares and handmade gifts from independent makers. There’s also live music, food and drink, and crafting workshops on offer.
The Department Store, Brixton (27th – 28th November, 11am – 5pm)
Mercato Metropolitano (4th – 5th December 11am – 5pm)
The Crossing (19th December 11am – 6pm)
Free entry to all markets.
craftyfoxmarket.co.uk
Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair
If you can’t wait until December to get your festive shopping done, get yourself a ticket for the Country Living Christmas Fair (which is really more of a trade show) with hundreds of exhibitors selling gifts, decorations, homewares, crafts, food and drink, and fashion and accessories.
There’s also a full schedule of festive craft workshops to choose from including origami Christmas decorations, needle-felted Christmas baubles, block-printed wrapping paper, and more. A champagne bar and tea rooms are available for refreshment and there’s live music and Christmas carols on Thursday evenings.
When? 10th to 14th November 2017 with various opening times – see the website for details.
Where? Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
Cost? Tickets from £10.50
countrylivingfair.com
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair
Head to Chelsea’s annual Christmas celebration and browse over 100 independent stalls and crafts. Set in the beautiful garden with lots of food and drink, this is a lovely day out for someone who is looking for a refined introduction to Christmas this year.
When? 25th November – 28th November
Where? 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS
Cost? £7 per person
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Covent Garden Christmas Village
The festive edition of this wonderful Piazza is a wonderful, chilled Christmas day out. The massive Christmas tree has returned and there is a daily fake-snow fall.
When? 1st December until 3rd January, there will be an immersive LEGO installation and from 9th November until 3rd January there will be a frozen exhibition; both are free entry.
Where? Covent Garden, WC2E
Cost? Free
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Eccleston Yards Christmas Market
Hidden in a lovely courtyard every Sunday, 11am – 5pm sees a quaint, artisan market selling handcrafted gifts such as homeware, jewellery and tasty treats. From 12pm until 4pm there will be live music (including some of the festive favourites). This market is sure to be a lovely day out which you can visit as many times as you like, because the vendors change every weekend.
When? Every Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Where? 21 Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9AZ
Cost? Free
belgravialdn.com
Selfridges Christmas Market
From the 5th November until the 23rd December (4-9pm on weekdays and 12-9pm on weekends), the market returns to Edward Mews for the second year running. A collaboration with Street Feast founder Dominic Cools-Lartigue, this market has an impressive variety of stalls. You’ll be certain to find at least one Christmas gift at this special market.
When? 5th November – 23rd December
Where? 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
Cost? Free