London Christmas Market 2026 Dates & Locations

London doesn’t have one Christmas market, it has dozens, and they range from full-scale theme parks to neighbourhood pop-ups that last a single weekend. I’ve pulled together the dates and highlights of 11 of the main Christmas markets in London to help you decide which ones are worth your time.

London Christmas Markets 2026

Dates – Expected, based on previous years

Covent Garden: 11th November to 2nd January 2027

Southbank: 2nd November to 4th January 2027

Hyde Park: 13th November to 1st January 2027

Leicester Square: 1st November to 4th January 2027

Spitalfields: 11th November to 24th December 2026

London Bridge: 12th November to 4th January 2027

Trafalgar Square: 8th November to 5th January 2027

Borough Market: 30th November to 6th January 2027

King’s Cross: 26th November to 22nd December 2026

Camden: 30th November to 23rd December 2026

Greenwich: 18th November to 24th December 2026

Update: Last year’s dates were finalised in October. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Plan Your Visit

Click on any of the links below to find detailed information for each event:

Covent Garden – Upscale crafts and gourmet food.
Southbank Winter Market – International food stalls and live entertainment.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Amusement rides, ice skating and activities.
Leicester Square – Traditional stalls and cabaret performances.
Spitalfields – Diverse market stalls and seasonal events in East London.
London Bridge – Stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Thames.
Trafalgar Square – Famous Norwegian Christmas tree.
Borough Market – Renowned for festive food shopping.
King’s Cross – Conveniently located near the station.
Camden Market – Alternative gifts and Santa’s Grotto.
Greenwich – Eclectic stalls and vintage items.

Before discussing each market in detail, here are some convenient hotel options and recommended tours to help you make the most of your visit to London.

Convenient Hotels

London’s Tube makes it easy to get around, so location isn’t crucial.

Covent Garden: Stay near attractions and dining.
Recommended: The Henrietta.

East London: Offers better value.
Recommended: Motel One Tower Hill.

Recommended Tours

Top 20 Sights Tour: Ideal for newcomers, covering key attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye.

Secret Old London Tour: Perfect for repeat visitors looking for unique experiences.

East End Food Tour: Explore the culinary side of London. A popular tour I personally enjoyed.

1. Covent Garden

Iconic Covent Garden offers bespoke crafts, luxury gifts, craft drinks, gourmet foods like fresh mince pies, innovative artisan chutneys, and the unique Sandwich Festival. Enjoy live music and theatrical street performances in the historic piazza, which features a 60-foot tree decorated with over 30,000 lights.

Read our Covent Garden Christmas Market guide.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 11th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Location: Covent Garden Piazza.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

2. Southbank Winter Market

Alpine chalets selling diverse crafts and global street food line the Thames at Southbank. Enjoy live entertainment and festive pop-up bars as part of central London’s lively Winter Festival.

Read our Southbank Winter Market guide.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 2nd November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Location: The Queen’s Walk.
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.

3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park transforms into London’s ultimate Christmas destination at Winter Wonderland. Skate on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, take in panoramic views from the Giant Wheel, and enjoy rides like the Ice Slide. Browse over 100 market stalls for treats and gifts, explore the Magical Ice Kingdom, and don’t miss Santaland for a chance to see Santa.

Read our guide to Hyde Park Christmas Market.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 13th November 2026 to 1st January 2027
Location: Hyde Park (near Hyde Park Corner).
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
18th November: Closed.
24th November: Closed.
25th November: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Day: Family Fun Day.
Tickets: Available online.

4. Leicester Square

Christmas in Leicester Square blends tradition with modern entertainment. The market’s highlight is the Spiegeltent, featuring family-friendly shows by day and cabaret by night. This mix of culture and celebration makes it a standout in central London’s festive scene.

Read the guide to Christmas in Leicester Square.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 1st November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Location: Leicester Square.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

5. Spitalfields

Head to Spitalfields for vintage, sustainable and zero-waste gift shopping from makers, designers and independents. Find unique homewares, retro decorations, live gospel singers and wreath-making classes. Finish up at the pop-up bars serving mulled wine, hot cider and various spiced chai.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 11th November to 24th December 2026
Location: Bishop’s Square and Old Spitalfields Market.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 8am to 11pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 11pm.
Lights switch-on: 12th November. Plan your visit.

6. London Bridge

Take in the views of Tower Bridge and the City skyline as you wander the chalets at one of London’s most picturesque winter markets. Winter by the River at London Bridge highlights gifts, food and drinks from local producers.

7. Trafalgar Square

Leading up to Christmas, Trafalgar Square transforms into a festive marketplace amidst historic London landmarks. Don’t miss the annual lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree, a symbol of the enduring friendship between Norway and the UK. The market’s central location near Charing Cross and Leicester Square stations makes it easily accessible and popular.

Read our Trafalgar Square Christmas Market guide.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 8th November 2026 to 5th January 2027
Location: Trafalgar Square.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

8. Borough Market

Christmas at Borough Market is a paradise for food lovers, featuring organic meats, fine cheeses and handcrafted chocolates. Seasonal specialties include spiced ciders, roasted chestnuts and Christmas puddings made with fresh, local ingredients. Indulge in traditional mince pies and discover unique culinary treats, such as truffle-infused honey and artisanal panettone.

Read more about Christmas at Borough Market.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 30th November 2026 to 6th January 2027
Location: 8 Southwark Street, near London Bridge Station.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm.
Saturday: 9am to 5pm.
Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
23rd December: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Eve: 8am to 3pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
27th December: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 3pm.
New Year’s Day: Closed.
2nd January: Closed.

9. King’s Cross

King’s Cross adds a contemporary edge to the festive season at the Canopy Market. Just steps from the famous station, it features a curated selection of designer crafts and gourmet foods, including regional cheeses, craft chocolates and boutique wines. Its convenient location makes it perfect for those passing through or looking to enjoy the holiday spirit amid a busy itinerary.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 26th November to 22nd December 2026
Location: Granary Square.
Opening times:
Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm to 7pm.
Friday: 12pm to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
Monday: Closed.

10. Camden Market

Camden Market offers an alternative festive experience with its eclectic mix of unique gifts, vintage clothing and quirky accessories. Wander through the vibrant stalls and discover hand-crafted jewellery, custom artwork, retro toys and plant-based meals. Don’t miss Santa’s Grotto, where kids can meet Santa in a truly unconventional setting.

Read our Camden Christmas Market guide.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 30th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Camden Lock and Stables.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: 12pm to 7pm.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 6pm.
New Year’s Day: 12pm to 7pm.

11. Greenwich

Near the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Market offers a mix of contemporary finds and traditional items. Easily accessible by the DLR, it features antiques and collectibles on select days, including vintage books and retro toys, offering a diverse shopping experience along the River Thames. Don’t miss the unique Lantern Parade, which lights up the area with beautiful handmade lanterns.

Read our Greenwich Christmas Market guide.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 18th November to 24th December 2026
Lantern Parade: Opening day – 4pm to 4:50pm.
Lights Switch-on: Opening day – 5pm to 5:10pm.
Location: Greenwich Market, London.
Opening hours: 10m to 5:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Christmas in London

Find more destinations with my curated list of the best UK Christmas Markets.

If you’d prefer to travel abroad, visit one of these Christmas Markets in Europe.

Food Stalls

Mince Pies: A British Christmas is incomplete without mince pies. These small, round pies, dusted with icing sugar, have a filling of chopped dried fruit, spices, and sometimes spirits such as brandy.
Mulled Wine (Glühwein): Infused with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, mulled wine is the traditional drink to warm up with on a cold London evening. Most mugs are unique each year, so you can keep one as a souvenir.
Pigs in Blankets: Small sausages wrapped in bacon, a classic treat.
Roasted Chestnuts: Grab a paper cone filled with hot, roasted chestnuts.
Bratwurst: Although German in origin, bratwurst can be found at most markets grilled over open BBQs.
Fish and Chips: You really can’t beat it.
Hot Chocolate: Topped with marshmallows or whipped cream and optionally spiked with Baileys or rum.
Stollen: Traditional German bread with dried fruit and marzipan, and dusted with icing sugar.
Hot Cider: Apple cider, heated and spiced, is a light alternative to mulled wine.
Gingerbread: All shapes and sizes, decorated with icing and sweets.
Turkish Delight: Take home a gift box from small batch makers.
Oysters and Champagne: High-end stalls in places like Covent Garden and Borough Market serve freshly shucked oysters alongside miniature bottles of champagne or by the glass.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

British Teas: There is always at least one stall focusing on Britain’s tea culture. Pick up classic Earl Grey, green tea varieties, or choose from many herbal infusions. These often come in pretty tins or boxes, making them a nice gift.
Custom Illustrations: Some artists set up shop, offering to draw custom illustrations or portraits. Whether it’s a sketch of a loved one or a London landmark, these illustrations are nice personalised gifts.
Hand-Knitted Scarves: You can find a range of scarves, often knitted by small businesses.
Vintage Items: Old maps, rare books, or antique jewellery are some examples. These could be nice gifts for people who appreciate history or unique artefacts. Greenwich is the best place to go for vintage items.
Personalised Baubles: Ornaments can often be personalised on the spot, making them a sentimental gift or a souvenir for your own tree.
Craft Beer and Spirits: Local breweries and distilleries sell beer, gin and other drinks in single bottles or gift sets.

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Westminster Bridge and Big Ben in London in winter.

Sustainability Tips

Eco-Friendly Hotels: If you’re visiting from abroad, look for hotels committed to sustainability. Many hotels in Central London have adopted renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power.
Reducing Food Waste: The markets are a feast for the senses, but it’s easy to overorder. To reduce food waste, consider sharing dishes with your travel companions. Some vendors also offer smaller portions; you can ask even if it’s not advertised.
Ethical Consumption: Buy only what you need or know you will use. Purchasing from local artisans and makers helps them continue their creative work.
Sustainable Diets: When possible, choose plant-based or locally sourced meals. Borough Market, for example, has several stalls specialising in locally grown or organic produce.
Transport: London’s public transport system is one of the most extensive in the world, making it easy to get around without a car. The Tube, trains, buses and light rail can get you close to all the major attractions. Walking or cycling is also a great way to see the city, especially now that there are more protected bike lanes in central areas.

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.