London Bridge Christmas Market 2026: Winter by the River

Now rebranded as Winter by the River, the London Bridge Christmas Market lines the south bank between Tower Bridge and City Hall with food stalls, bars, and gift chalets. The setting does most of the work here, with Tower Bridge lit up on one side and The Shard on the other.

London Bridge Christmas Market 2026

Dates and Location

Status: Expected, based on previous years
London Bridge dates: 12th November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Last checked: July 2026
Source: London Bridge City

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Location: The Glasshouse at London Bridge.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 9pm.

Admission: Free.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Public tranport: London Bridge or Monument Tube stations.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Stunning Thames views, heated terrace, central location.
Recommended tour: London’s top 20 sights tour.
Specialities: Classic mulled wine, artisanal mince pies, cheese boards, gourmet sausages, spiced apple cider.
Where to stay: The Shard is 7 minutes from London Bridge.

Hotels in the Area

The best area to stay near London Bridge is Southwark, ideally between the Tate Modern and Tower Bridge. This location grants easy access to the market and other key attractions. Consider booking a room at The Shard for a unique experience with incredible views across London. It’s a convenient hotel near London Bridge.

Recommended Tours

A London city tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s diverse history and culture. This tour of the top 20 sights in London is a great place to start, as it covers key sights such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. For something different, try this Secret Old London walking tour.

If you’re interested in London’s culinary scene, a food tour is a compelling alternative. This is a hugely popular London food tour, which I took several years ago. These tours are gaining in popularity and provide an informative and delicious way to understand local culture and flavours.

For an overview of what to expect, check out my London Christmas Markets guide.

Read our complete guide to the UK Christmas Markets.

Event Location

What to Expect

London Bridge combines modern city life with centuries-old traditions, making it a unique spot to celebrate the holidays. Walking through the market, you can enjoy the impressive views of the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and the City skyline, a setting that sets it apart from other markets in London.

The market features winter cabins along the riverside, filled with crafts, pop-up bars, and street food outlets. Additionally, the market plans to host workshops, tastings, and storytelling events, ideal for those looking to engage in festive activities.

Food Specialties

• Mulled Wine: A market classic, mulled wine at London Bridge market is often infused with a blend of local spices. It provides warmth as you stroll through the event.
• Artisanal Mince Pies: You can find mince pies all around the UK during the season, but the ones here are made by local bakers using traditional recipes. The crust is buttery, and the filling includes a variety of dried fruits and spices.
• British Cheese Boards: A stall specialising in British cheeses can give you a taste of the country’s dairy diversity. You’ll find a selection from mature cheddar to soft blues sourced from local dairies.
• Gourmet Sausages: Sausages served in a bun with a selection of homemade sauces appeal to those looking for a hearty snack. Local butchers often supply the meat, ensuring quality and flavour.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Available as a low- or non-alcoholic option. The drink is made from local apples and is warmed and spiced, serving as an excellent palate cleanser between snacks.
• Pretzels: These hand-twisted, salty treats are baked fresh and often enjoyed with mustard or cheese dips.
• Roasted Chestnuts: A traditional snack that goes back centuries, roasted chestnuts are a simple yet satisfying option. They’re often sold in paper cones, making them easy to carry as you explore.
• Hot Chocolate: You’ll find stalls serving rich, creamy hot chocolate, often with the option to add whipped cream or marshmallows. It’s a popular choice for families with children.
• Stollen: This German festive bread features dried fruit, nuts, and a dusting of icing sugar. It gives visitors a taste of international holiday traditions.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Cut into various shapes and decorated with icing, these sweet treats appeal to both kids and adults.
• Grilled Seafood: Somewhat unique to Winter by the River is a stall selling freshly grilled seafood. Drawing on London’s status as a global city, this offers a different yet locally sourced dining option.
• Craft Beers: Local breweries often set up shop, giving you the chance to try limited-edition craft beers.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Ornaments: Several stalls feature locally crafted ornaments made of glass, wood, and ceramic.
• London-Themed Merchandise: As you’d expect in a city as iconic as London, you can find souvenirs that feature classic symbols like the red bus, the Underground sign, and the Union Jack.
• Art Prints: For those interested in London’s art scene.
• Personalised Gifts: Customisation is sometimes available for products.
• Hand-Knits: These winter accessories are functional and stylish, made from British wool.
• Gourmet Food: Several stalls offer hampers of gourmet items, including local cheeses, jams, and even wines.
• Antique Books: A stall or two usually sells books.
• Traditional Wooden Toys: Serve as both nostalgic gifts for adults and educational toys for children.
• Specialty Teas: Given Britain’s love for tea, it’s no surprise that vendors sell a range of specialty teas.
• Potted Plants: Some stalls sell potted plants, such as miniature Christmas trees or winter flowers.

Sustainable Event Tips

• Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Many hotels in the London Bridge area are committed to sustainable practices, including renewable energy.
• Reduce Food Waste: While it’s tempting to overindulge, consider sharing dishes with your travel companions to minimise waste. Also, remember to bring your own reusable cutlery and containers.
• Practice Ethical Consumption: Buy only what you truly need or will use, rather than impulsively grabbing items simply because they catch your eye. This way, you’ll support local businesses without contributing to unnecessary waste.
• Opt for a Sustainable Diet: You’ll find a variety of food options in the Jubilee Walkway and the Queen’s Walk area, including vegan and vegetarian dishes. These options usually have a smaller environmental footprint compared to meat-based dishes.
• Use Sustainable Transport: London Bridge is well-connected by public transport, including trains and buses. Walking is also viable, especially given the area’s many pedestrian-friendly pathways.

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.