Southbank Christmas Market 2026: At The Winter Festival

Running from early November well into January, the Southbank Christmas Market stretches along the Thames between the London Eye and the National Theatre. Alpine-style chalets, pop-up bars, and street food stalls line the riverside walkway, and the long season means you don’t need to squeeze your visit into December.

Southbank Christmas Market 2026

Dates and Information

Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 2nd November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Southbank Centre

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Location: The Queen’s Walk, not far from the London Eye.
Opening times: 
Craft stalls: 11am to 9pm.
Food stalls: 11am to 10pm.
Bars: 11am to 11pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Closed.
New Year’s Day: Closed.

Admission: Free.
Winter Light: 24th November to 18th January 2026.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Ferris wheel: Yes.
Vegetarian: Plenty of options.
Vegan: Plenty of options.
Gluten free: Limited options.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Live performances, street food, cosy wooden chalets and pop-up bars.
Recommended tour: Take a river cruise on the Thames or skip the line to go up the London Eye.
Specialties: Mulled wine, duck wraps, chocolate fruit, gourmet burgers, mince pies.
Where to stay: CitizenM London is excellent value for money in this area.

Convenient Hotels

Finding a hotel in London can be difficult if you don’t know the city well and the best areas to stay in. This studio is a great option if you want to be near Southbank.

But I generally wouldn’t recommend staying in this part of the city if you’re visiting as a tourist. Where to stay obviously depends on why you’re in London. But if you want to be fairly central with shopping, theatre and museums at your door, I think Covent Garden or Soho are great options.

I suggest staying at the Covent Garden Hotel for its location and lovely rooms.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, then CitizenM London Victoria is a great choice.

There many interesting winter events taking place. These are the best London Christmas Markets this year.

Read my UK Christmas Markets guide for places to visit outside the capital.

Event Location

What to Expect

Set along the Thames, Southbank is a cultural hotspot featuring the London Eye and the National Theatre. The market is an open-air shopping experience amidst alpine chalets. Expect a mix of craft stalls, live performances, and diverse street food.

Food Stalls

• Warm drinks: To combat the chilly London weather, pick from one of the following warm drinks. Mulled wine, hot cider, hot chocolate, unique teas, and sparkling wines. These are perfect for warming up while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
• Cheese and sweet fondue: You can enjoy both savoury and sweet fondue, traditional Swiss dishes perfect for sharing. Cheese fondue consists of melted cheese served with bread, while sweet fondue is melted chocolate with a selection of fruits and marshmallows for dipping.
• Swiss-style raclette: Another Swiss favourite, raclette is melted into a round, then scraped onto bread with accompaniments such as potatoes, pickles, and cured meats.
• Dutch pancakes: Known as poffertjes, these small, light pancakes are a Dutch specialty often served with toppings such as powdered sugar, chocolate or butter.
• Cheese toasties: A local favourite, gourmet cheese toasties at the market combine different types of cheese with ingredients such as caramelised onions, chutneys, and cured sliced meats. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan toastie fillings.
• Truffle burgers: One stall sells gourmet truffle burgers, combining high-quality beef patties with truffle-infused ingredients.
• Duck sandwiches: These sandwiches and wraps are made with slow-cooked duck, either confit or shredded, and served with accompanying sauces and vegetables.
• Lobster rolls: British lobster rolls consist of freshly prepared lobster served in a buttered, toasted roll, often accompanied by chips or salad.
• Choco fruit: For a sweet treat, you can enjoy choco fruit, which is simply fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, dipped in melted chocolate and sometimes decorated with various toppings.
• Toasted marshmallows: Available on their own or as part of an American s’mores-inspired dessert.

Unique Gifts

• Jewellery: Local artisans create handcrafted pieces sold at some stalls. These pieces often incorporate British hallmarks and traditional designs.
• Artisanal Chocolates: Chocolatiers present a selection of fine chocolates. These range from classic truffles to inventive flavours, often using locally sourced and Fairtrade ingredients.
• Books and Prints: Vendors sell books and prints, many featuring work by local illustrators and authors. These make for thoughtful gifts, especially for those who appreciate London’s literary and artistic culture.
• Ornaments: Many feature London’s landmarks, a popular choice for holiday decor.
• Gourmet Foods: The market is a destination for gourmet food items. You can find everything from fine teas and spices to luxury preserves, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any holiday meal.
• Winter Skin Care: The cold London winter necessitates good skin care. Stalls sell locally made lotions and balms made with natural, often organic ingredients.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-friendly Hotel: If you’re visiting London, stay at a hotel committed to sustainability. In London, several hotels use renewable energy sources and have policies to reduce energy, water, and waste consumption.
• Mindful Eating: When you indulge in market foods, order only what you can eat to minimise waste. Many stalls serve dishes in compostable containers and practice portion control to reduce leftovers.
• Conscious Shopping: Purchase gifts that are meaningful and useful. Southbank’s festivals often feature handmade goods by local artisans, supporting the community and reducing the environmental impact of mass-produced items.
• Plant-based Options: Choose plant-based foods where possible. The markets have delicious vegetarian and vegan options with a lower environmental footprint.
• Public Transport: Use London’s extensive public transport network. The city’s buses, trains, and bikes are efficient ways to get around, especially in the Southbank area, reducing your carbon emissions.
• Reusable Containers: Bring your own reusable bags, water bottles, and food containers when visiting the markets to reduce single-use plastics.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.