Borough Market doesn’t need a seasonal rebrand to draw a crowd, but the weeks leading up to the holidays bring hamper stalls, specialist producers, and a noticeably more gift-focused selection alongside the regulars. The Borough Market Christmas is less a separate event and more the existing market at its most generous.
Christmas at Borough Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Festive dates: 30th November 2026 to 6th January 2027
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Borough Market
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.
Admission: Free.
Vegetarian: Plenty of options.
Vegan: Plenty of options.
Gluten free: Some options.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Public transport: Take the tube to London Bridge Station.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Oldest food market in London.
Recommended tour: London’s top 20 sights tour.
Specialities: Handmade chocolate truffles, British fruits and vegetables, street food, international specialties.
Where to stay: The Hoxton is in the Southwark neighbourhood.
Hotels in the Area
Staying near London Bridge or Southwark Station will place you near Borough Market. These areas are well connected by public transport and offer a range of accommodation options. I recommend The Hoxton for its excellent location near Southwark Station.
Interesting Tours
This tour of the top 20 sights in London is a great place to start.
For something different, try this Secret Old London walking tour.
If you’re interested in London’s culinary scene, a food tour is a fun alternative. This is a hugely popular London food tour that I took a few years ago, and it still rates highly.
Read our complete London Christmas Markets guide.
If you’re looking to head out of the capital, visit one of these UK Christmas Markets.
Location
What to Expect
Situated south of the River Thames, near London Bridge, Borough Market is renowned for its diverse, high-quality food. When Christmas arrives, this focus on quality and provenance takes on a seasonal twist. The market’s range during this period is impressively broad, featuring everything from local fruits and vegetables to handmade chocolate truffles to unique street food.
With a history spanning nearly a millennium, Borough Market continues its commitment to delivering extraordinary British and international produce during the holiday season. Once a wholesale market, it has become a symbol of sustainable food production and ethical practices.
Food Specialties
- Chocolate Truffles: Handcrafted by local chocolatiers with quality cocoa and an assortment of fillings, including mint, orange, and caramel. They’re often beautifully packaged, making them ideal gifts as well.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, locally sourced produce is available throughout.
- Indian Street Food: Adding an international flavour to the market, various stalls specialise in dishes like samosas, butter chicken, and tandoori kebabs.
- Raclette: This Swiss-origin cheese dish is a special treat here. Cheese wheels are half-melted and then scraped over potatoes or bread.
- Mulled Wine: Particularly enjoyable here due to the quality of wine used.
- Mince Pies: Made by British bakers.
- Roast Chestnuts: Served hot and seasoned with a pinch of salt.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Baked in various shapes and sizes.
- Hot Chocolate: Prepared using quality cocoa and milk; variations include whipped cream or a sprinkling of cinnamon on top.
- Sausage Rolls: Vendors provide their own twist on this classic snack.
- Stollen: German festive bread.
- Fish and Chips: An English staple.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Artisan Jams and Preserves: Small-batch jams and preserves made from locally sourced fruits and packaged in nice jars.
- Fine Teas: An assortment of teas, including traditional blends and exotic infusions.
- Craft Beer: Borough has its share of local brewers; you can find bottled or canned craft beers from the region.
- Borough Market Merchandise: Souvenirs like postcards, magnets, and tote bags.
Sustainable Shopping Tips
- Reducing Food Waste: The food stalls are a feast for the senses, but it’s easy to over-purchase. Plan your meals and buy only what you can consume.
- Ethical Consumption: Purchase only what you truly need or can use. Look for sustainably made products with minimal environmental impact.
- Diets: Consider choosing plant-based foods or sustainably sourced items to reduce your environmental impact during your visit.
- Transport: The area is well connected by public transport, including bus routes and cycling lanes.
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.
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