London knows how to do Christmas. From the twinkling lights on Regent Street to carol concerts, ice skating, seasonal roasts and late-night shopping, there’s a reason why out-of-towners and locals alike flock to the capital each festive season. And for that extra touch of magic, every year there’s a swathe of Christmas markets to get you in the spirit (and help you bag a few unique gifts while sipping on mulled wine). 

There are Christmas markets along Southbank, in Covent Garden, in Peckham and beyond, providing the finest street food, glittering decorations and quirky handmade presents to delight young and old. Glad tidings we bring with this edit of London’s best Christmas markets where you can shop ’til you drop at the most wonderful time of the year.

Southbank Christmas market

When: 3 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Nearest station: Waterloo

A stalwart on the Christmas market scene is Southbank, which lights up the Thames every year with its twinkling lights, sparkling stalls and plethora of foodie joints. From indulgent New Orleans-inspired Po’Boy sandwiches and Yorkshire pudding wraps to Dutch pancakes, churros, cookies and decadent hot chocolates, there’s plenty of festive fare to choose from, served directly from alpine-style chalets. The independent sellers, offering an array of decorations and gifts for young and old, are open until Boxing Day, catering for those last-minute shoppers.

The Queen’s Walk, SE1 8XX, visit southbankcentre.co.uk

Greenwich Christmas Market

When: 19 November 2025 – early January 2026

Nearest station: Greenwich

It doesn’t get more Christmassy than pairing your seasonal shopping with carolling and mulled wine, and Greenwich Market is pulling out all the stops this year. Kickstarting festivities with a sparkling Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On on 19 November, it’s offering an exciting line-up of carol singing events to keep you merry while browsing its vast selection of arts, crafts and clothing stalls from more than 200 artisan makers. Plus, there’s a delicious foodie scene – think gingerbread, mince pies and Christmas pudding galore.

Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ, visit greenwichmarket.london

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

When: 5-7 and 12-14 December 2025

Nearest station: Hampton Court

Don’t miss the winter wonderland takeover at Hampton Court Palace, spanning two weekends in December. With more than 100 hand-picked artisan producers, providing food, drink and gifts galore, get lost in a magical world of all things Christmas and shop ’til you drop, hot chocolate (or mulled wine) and mince pie in hand. While you're there, don't forget to take a peek inside Henry VIII's majestic former home and enjoy live music at the bandstand for the ultimate festive day out.

Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU, visit hrp.org.uk

Christmas Independent Ceramics Market, Peckham 

When: 14 December 2025

Nearest station: Peckham Rye

Pick up some unique and quirky gifts for your loved ones at the Independent Ceramics Market, which will be in Peckham for one day only this December. More than 150 ceramic artists will be descending on south east London from around the UK and Europe to sell their creations – from mugs and plates to impressive art sculptures. Plus there’ll be mulled wine and seasonal bites to nibble on as you browse for the ultimate festive experience. 

133 Copeland Road, Peckham, SE15 3SN, visit eventbrite.co.uk

Leadenhall Festive Weekend Markets

When: 16 November - 7 December 2025

Nearest station: Monument

Spend December weekends wandering around the Victorian cobbled walkways as Leadenhall’s weekend market sets up shop in the heart of the city. Shoppers can enjoy an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and fashion, as well as a selection of unique gifts from talented crafters, ideal for Christmas gifting, all while being surrounded by fir tree garlands, giant baubles, sparkling festive lights and the iconic 18ft tree. Refresh with warming food and drinks from the market’s restaurants, cafes and bars for a touch of seasonal magic. 

Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LT, visit leadenhallmarket.co.uk

King’s Cross Christmas Markets

When: 22 November - 22 December 2025

Nearest station: King's Cross

Soak up the festive spirit at King’s Cross, with its twinkling lights, 60ft tree in Granary Square (as well as a 50ft Christmas tree in Coal Drops Yard) and an array of bustling Christmas markets. Offering a selection of homeware, art, books and clothing, alongside delicious eateries, there'll be 10 different markets to get lost in throughout the festive season. Head to the Lower Stable Street market for treats and goodies for all the gang. Or the Mexican Christmas market in Coal Drops Yard for piñatas and crafts from independent artists and designers. Christmas under the Canopy also returns for 2025 showcasing some of London’s best artisan traders and food stalls. Go for the vibes, leave with stomachs and bags full. 

King's Cross, N1C 4BH, visit kingscross.co.uk

Christmas at Old Spitalfields Market

When: 12 November - 24 December 2025

Nearest station: Aldgate East

Old Spitalfields Market is the place to be in the run-up to Christmas for shopping, eating, drinking, and general merriment. Go stall to stall browsing the selection of handmade gifts and vintage homewares before grabbing a festive tipple at the pop-up bar. In December there will be extended opening hours, along with live music from the Big Sing Community Choir and Santa Saturdays, plus a kids' Festive Treasure Trail illustrated by Ella De Souza. A whole lot of fun for the whole family.

The holiday cheer is expanding next door – also from Wednesday, 12 November, Spitalfields E1 is transforming Bishops Square into a pop-up Christmas experience. Expect dazzling new festive lighting displays and cosy chalets serving delicious seasonal foods and drinks.

16 Horner Square, E1 6EW, visit oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

The Market Square at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland 

When: 14 November 2025 - 1 January 2026

Nearest station: Green Park

A popular London haunt year after year, Hyde Park will transform once again into Winter Wonderland for six magical weeks in the build up to Christmas, featuring a giant ferris wheel, helter skelter, snowy rollercoaster, ice skating, Bavarian beer hall and so much more. Stop by the Market Square to browse Scandinavian-inspired artisan market stalls filled with unique gifts, alongside live music and delicious food and drinks for a festive extravaganza.

Hyde Park, W1K 7AN, visit hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Christmas markets at Battersea Power Station

When: 7 November 2025 - 4 January 2026

Nearest station: Battersea Power Station

From 7 November, Christmas sparkle is taking over Battersea Power Station. From its riverside ice rink and oversized decorations to its unmissable shopping and dining experiences, it's the perfect base for a festive day out. Don't miss the series of Christmas markets to pick up some one-of-a-kind gifts and treats from local independent businesses. Salad Days returns for three weekends with 30 different independent makers each day, while the Your Brand, Your Story pop-up market in the South Atrium spotlights eight small businesses.

Battersea Power Station, SW11 8BJ, visit batterseapowerstation.co.uk

A Toast Festive Market

When: 5 - 7 December 2025

Nearest station: Old Street

A Toast Christmas Market returns this year for a three-day celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Taking over the historic ticket hall of Shoreditch railway station, the market will showcase a selection of 40 independent makers selling unique handcrafted gifts for all your nearest and dearest. There will be baked goods and warming drinks on hand, provided by the popular Jolene bakery, along with exciting workshops and a musical performance to ensure a weekend of guaranteed merriment.

Kachette, 347 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LP, visit toa.st

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