covent garden christmas

The best Christmas markets in London

29 Oct 2024 | | By Cordelia Aspinall

Catering to festive foodies and art aficionados, here are the best homegrown Christmas markets to get you in the holiday spirit this year – and tick off your gift list while you’re at it

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 so you can shop ’til you drop at the most wonderful time of the year.

Southbank Christmas market

Southbank Christmas market

When: 1 November – 26 December 2024

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 truffle burgers and lobster buns to Dutch pancakes, churros 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

Greenwich Christmas Market

When: 1-31 December 2024

Nearest station: Greenwich

It doesn’t get more Christmassy than pairing your seasonal shopping with carolling and mulled wine. Greenwich Market is pulling out all the stops this year with an exciting line-up of carol singing events to keep you merry while browsing its vast selection of arts, crafts, clothing and delicious foodie stalls under its spectacular festive lights. 

Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ, visit greenwichmarket.london

Winter Warmer Festival at Covent Garden

covent garden christmas

When: 12 November 2024 - early January 2025

Nearest station: Covent Garden 

Alongside the new Christmas decorations and huge tree lighting up the piazza, Covent Garden will also welcome the return of its much-loved Winter Warmer Festival, where shoppers can enjoy endless mulled wine while perusing a number of festive pop-ups from some of the globe’s most exciting brands, including Marc Jacobs and Sézane. Throughout November and December, the festival will also see the return of hourly snowfall on the piazza, alongside Festive Thursdays where dining offers, shopping events and surprise performances will take place across the neighbourhood.

For shoppers seeking to tick off their present list, Covent Garden has a wide selection of renowned brands offering unique and personalised gifting options, from luxurious pieces at Tiffany & Co, Bucherer and Tag Heuer, to fashion-forward items at Ganni, Reformation, Uniqlo, Theory and Free People. Don’t forget beauty favourites from Glossier, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Benefit, Aesop, and Jo Malone, too. 

Covent Garden, WC2, visit coventgarden.london

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

When: 6-8 and 13-15 December 2024

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 and mince pie in hand. While you're there, don't forget to take a peek inside Henry VIII's majestic former home too.

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

Christmas Independent Ceramics Market, Peckham 

christmas ceramics

When: 8 December 2024

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

Leadenhall Festive Weekend Markets

When: 16 November - 7 December 2024

Nearest station: Monument

Spend December weekends wandering around the Victorian cobbled walkways as Leadenhall’s weekend markets set 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. 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

King's Cross Christmas market

When: 21 November - 22 December 2024

Nearest station: King's Cross

Soak up the festive spirit at King’s Cross, with its twinkling lights, 50-foot tree and bustling Christmas markets. Offering a selection of homeware, art, books and clothing alongside delicious eateries, head to the Lower Stable Street market for treats and goodies for all the gang. Christmas under the Canopy also returns for 2024 showcasing some of London’s best artisan traders and food stalls. Go for the vibe, leave with stomachs and bags full. 

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

Christmas at Old Spitalfields Market

Christmas at Old Spitalfields Market

When: 30 November - 24 December 2024

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 Shopping Lates until 8pm, along with live music and wreath-making workshops.

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

The Market Square at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland 

winter wonderland

When: 21 November 2024 - 5 January 2025

Nearest station: Green Park

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

Hyde Park, W1K 7AN, visit hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Read more: The best luxury hotels in the UK for a magical Christmas break