BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS MARKETS TO VISIT IN 2023
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This post is about Christmas in London and the best christmas markets to visit in London
London is magical at Christmas! There’s Christmas markets, ice skating, Christmas window displays at famous department stores, dazzling displays of Christmas lights… these are the best markets to visit in London at Christmas time.
London is one of the best cities in the world at Christmas time. Walking down the famous streets, wrapped up in cosy winter clothes, seeing the streets sparkle with thousands of Christmas lights, strolling through the Christmas markets that pop up throughout the town. There’s a great feel good, festive atmosphere everywhere you go.
Visiting a Christmas market is a must in London during the holiday season. Filled with tree decorations, stocking stuffers, clothing, and street food, these markets are the perfect place to browse for gifts for friends and family, try some delicious new foods, sip on mulled wine, and get into the holiday spirit.
The Christmas markets are located all over London and in this article we’re going to take a look at the best Christmas markets you should visit and the opening times and dates for London Christmas markets 2023.
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
LONDON CHECKLIST
✅ An excellent pair of walking shoes for all the walking you’re going to do around the capital.
✅ A hoodie or warm sweater to stay warm in the cold British winter.
✅ A decent raincoat as it rains quite a lot in England.
✅ A good quality compact camera to record those Christmas memories.
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This post is about Christmas in London and where the best christmas markets are in London
There’s so much to do in London at Christmas time. You should check out this guide to the best 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I have a guide to where the best London Christmas markets you simply must visit whilst in London. If Christmas lights are your thing then check out the best Christmas lights in London or the best Christmas window displays in London. If you’re stuggling to know what to pack for a trip to London this London packing guide can help.
WHERE ARE THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN LONDON?
CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER
This Christmas market has one of the best backdrops of all London Christmas markets with it’s views over to Tower Bridge and the City Skyline.
It’s a beautiful view in the evening when night has fallen and the skyline is all lit up.
The Christmas by the River pop up market in on the south bank of the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
Several cute winter cabins line the riverside selling crafty items and street food. There’s two festive bars - The Riverside Lodge at The Scoop and Bar Reflexion at The Pier that will provide you with your favourite festive tipple.
The free entertainment at this beautiful Christmas market is incredible with outdoor Christmas film screenings (Elf, Home Alone and other Christmas goodies) and choir performances.
All the London Christmas markets can get crazy busy especially as it gets closer to Christmas day but this one always seems extra crowded to me. I don’t know if it’s because of how the market is set up with one long strip of stalls or what but it definitely feels like one of the more congested Christmas markets in London.
Christmas by the River Christmas Market Dates 2023 : 14th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024
Opening times : Sunday to Wednesday: 11am to 9pm. Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm
Christmas Eve: 11am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 10pm.
2nd January: 11am to 5pm
Admission : Free.
Santa : No
Ice skating : No
Closest London Tube station : London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)
Tourist attractions nearby : Tower Bridge, the Shard, Borough Market
Highlights : Bustling London location; unique artisan gifts; mulled wine; festive food; lively street performers
LEICESTER SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
This pop-up market in Leicester Square is quite small but beautifully decorated. The huts are selling seasonal sweet treats, delicious festive drinks and plenty of bratwurst.
You can toast marshmallows over an open fire here to really get in the Christmas spirit.
There’s also a Spiegeltent that hosts a variety of performances to entertain you from the Olivier Award winning variety show La Clique to Dance Like Gatsby.
Leicester Square Christmas Market Dates 2023 : 8th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Opening times : 10am - 10pm
Admission : Free. Tickets required for Spiegeltent shows
Santa : No
Ice skating : No
Closest London Tube station : Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Tourist attractions nearby : Piccadilly Circus, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street Christmas lights and Covent Garden
Highlights : Bustling London location; unique artisan gifts; mulled wine; festive food; lively street performers
Bus tour of the London Christmas lights : A popular thing to do in London at Christmas is to take a bus tour of the Christmas lights. If you fancy something a little different you can do the tour on a vintage bus. It’s a great way to see the lights if you’re feeling a little lazy and don’t want to do all the walking or if you have mobility issues.
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LONDON
Lonely Planet Guide to London a fantastic guide book detailing all you need to know about visiting the UK capital.
Kids London Travel Guide is a wonderful book for kids to discover all about London.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Trafalgar Square Christmas market is located on the terrace in front of the National Gallery. Trafalgar Square is home to THE London Christmas tree - the Norway Spruce that sits all lit up in the middle of the square.
It’s a very touristy market due to it’s location and there are great views down Whitehall to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
If it’s your first time in London you definitely can’t miss Trafalgar Square as it’s one of the main tourist spots in the city.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is quite small and feels cosy and intimate.
At the stalls you can shop for Christmas ornaments, winter clothes and so much more. It’s a good place to browse for unique gifts for your friends and family, shop for Christmas decorations and eat delicious street food.
Closest London Tube station : Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern line) and Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle line)
Tourist attractions in the area : The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, a stroll down Whitehall to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, the Benjamin Franklin House
SOUTHBANK CHRISTMAS MARKET
On the bank of the River Thames, just a stones throw from the London Eye is the Southbank Centre Christmas market. This Christmas market is much more about food and drink rather than selling holiday gifts and decorations.
Southbank Christmas Market a really small Christmas market so it has great cozy vibes.
There are spectacular London views across the River Thames to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
There are cosy wooden chalets selling street food and delicious warming festive drinks.
Jimmy’s Winter Lodge has cosy riverside igloos you can book for fondue, warming drinks and Alpine street food.
If you’re planning to ride the London Eye it’s worth popping over to this market for some mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm you up on a cold London evening.
Southbank Christmas Market Dates 2023 : 2nd November to 26th December 2023
Opening times : 11am to 10pm. Closes at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission : Free
Christmas lights : Yes, switch on date : 2nd November 2023
Santa : Yes
Ice skating : No
Closest London Tube station : Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, Waterloo & City lines)
Tourist attractions nearby : London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, Sea Life
Highlights : Unique performances, street food, hot toddies, cosy wooden chalets and pop-up bars. Not to mention the brilliant location on the River Thames
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
I’ve attended Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for many years and I love it!
Winter Wonderland is a massive Christmas market / amusement park. These days you have to prebook your ticket online and it is no longer free. You choose your entry time and then can stay as long as you like. The earlier in the day slots tend to be the cheaper. You do get your entrance ticket price back if you spend £25 or more on food or the amusements.
Winter Wonderland does tend to be pretty crowded especially in the evenings, at weekends and as we get closer to Christmas. If you can visit earlier on in the day and month and go mid week you will experience less crowds.
Winter Wonderland is huge and has a little of everything. There are rides, a Magical Ice Kingdom, a Bavarian village, an ice bar, an ice rink a Christmas market and Father Christmas makes a daily apperance at Santaland.
In Magical Ice Kingdom you journey through the nine realms of Norse mythology as you are immersed in a mythical frozen world. In 2023 you can discover a Viking Ice Village and Lands of Giants, Fire and Ice. There are iconic Norse Gods and Goddesses carved from ice reaching up to five metres high. Magical Ice Kingdom is one of the largest ice exhibitions in Europe.
Bar Ice is a unique pop up bar that you’ll need to warm up for. It’s kept at a chilly -10°C but you will be provided with gloves and a winter cloak as you arrive to ensure you keep warm. You can enjoy delicious festive cocktails in a glass carved from ice with a free cocktail included in the entrance price. They’ve adapted Bar Ice over the years and although it’s a great experience I do feel it’s a little expensive now at £15.50 - £17.50 and you only get 20 minutes in the bar.
The Bavarian Village is fantastic and the perfect place to unwind and have fun with its cosy chalets, outdoor seating, bars, cafes and restaurants.
There is evening entertainment in the Bavarian Hall with live music and DJs.
The perfect place for some german food and a beer!
Before you go, visit the official website and purchase your tickets in advance because time slots for the more popular days and times can sell out.
It’s a must if you’re visiting with kids due to all the rides and kids activities. If you haven’t got kids, I’d skip Winter Wonderland and stick to the other Christmas markets in London as Winter Wonderland is very commercial and the other markets have a better feel about them, in my opinion anyway.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Dates 2023 : 17th November to 2nd January 2024
Opening times : 10am to 10pm
Admission : You must purchase an off-peak, standard, or peak ticket before you go. Tickets prices only include the entrance fee, rides and attractions are additional. Off peak tickets and times are free but tickets are still required
Santa : You can see Santa at Santaland
Ice skating : Yes, around the Victoria Bandstand
Popular rides: Giant Wheel, Ice Slide, Ice Mountain, Wave Swinger
Popular attractions: Magical Ice Kingdom, Christmas Circus, Ice Sculpting
Closest London Tube station : Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line), Marble Arch (Central line) and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line
Tourist attractions nearby : Buckingham Palace, Mayfair, Harrods
Highlights : Giant Wheel with unmatched views; largest open-air ice rink in the UK; high-energy rides and attractions; the heart of London location.
BOROUGH MARKET
Borough market is an historic, all year round food market that is amazing to visit at any time of year. It is located in the heart of London and is well known around the city for having some of the best produce and street food you can get in London.
There are lots of little food shops and restaurants where you can try a whole host of different foods.
At Christmas time Borough Market gets a Christmas face lift and is the perfect place to try some new foods. From homemade cakes and pastries to Taiwanise street food and karaoke - Borough Market has it all!
It’s a great place to shop for unique food gifts for family and friends as you can get amazing wines, olive oils and kitchen equipment.
You can take part in a great foodie walking tour of Borough Market.
Borough Market Christmas dates : Likely dates: 8th November 31st December 2023.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm
23rd December: 8am to 5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am to 3pm
Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th Dec : Closed
28 - 30th December: 10am to 5pm
New Year’s Eve : 10am to 3pm
Admission: Free
Closest London Tube station : London Bridge (Jubille, Northern, Thameslink lines)
Tourist attractions nearby : The Shard, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge
KINGS CROSS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Many Christmas markets pop up in King’s Cross at Christmas time and it’s a place full of festive cheer.
There are amazing light displays and Christmas trees to really get you in the mood for Christmas. One of them being a striking geometric tree sculpture that you can wander inside.
The markets are full of food, drink, handmade gifts and cool designer items as well as plenty of warming drinks and delicious food.
If you fancy trying your hand at curling you can do so on an ice rink at King’s Cross.
Kings Cross Christmas Market Dates 2023 : 30th November 2023 to 27th December 2023
Opening times : Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm to 7pm. Friday: 12pm to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 6pm
Admission : Free
Closest London Tube station : Kings Cross St Pancreas (Thameslink, Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern, Hammersmith and City, Circle and Metropolitan lines)
Tourist attractions nearby : Platform 9 3/4 Kings Cross Station
GREENWICH CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas market in Greenwich is a little outside of central London so if you fancy getting away from the majority of the crowds head east to Greenwich.
Greenwich Christmas market has wonderful stalls selling a range of stocking fillers, fashion items, crafts and original artworks.
After you’ve been to the market I recommend a walk to the historic maritime neighbourhood of Greenwich, which is all beautifully decked out in twinkling Christmas lights.
There are children’s arts and crafts activities and lots of festive entertainment.
Greenwich Christmas Market Dates 2023 : 17th November 2023 to early January 2024
Opening times : Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Admission : Free
Closest London Tube station : Greenwich (DLR)
Tourist attractions nearby : Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Prime Meridian Line
COVENT GARDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Covent Garden is one of my favourite places in London. It’s massively touristy but I don’t care, I love it!
During December it becomes a great festive location in London with a huge Christmas tree, Christmas decorations and lights and the usual famous, comedic street performers.
Covent Garden has a great mix of restaurants and shops. There are alot of small boutique shops that are wonderful to browse for Christmas gifts for family and friends.
You can also relax in one of the many restaurants - have a mulled wine at Chez Antoinette, eat a delicious festive feast atThe Ivy Market Grill or taste the chocolate at Neuhaus and Godiva.
Covent Garden Christmas Market Dates 2023 : 8th November 2023 to 3rd January 2024
Opening times : Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm. Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
Admission : Free
Christmas lights : Yes, switch on date : 8th November 2023
Santa : No
Ice skating : No
Closest London Tube station : Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Tourist attractions nearby : Ice skating at Somerset House, Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard, Leicester Square Christmas market, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square
Highlights : The 60-foot British grown Christmas tree is decorated with over 30,000 lights, unique luxury gifts, lively street performances.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth visiting London at Christmas?
I absolutely love London and would recommend visiting at any time of year but there’s something magical about London at Christmas. It’s full of dazzling light displays, festive markets, ice skating rinks and so many other Christmas themed activities you can take part in to really get in the mood for the holidays.
What is the weather like in London at Christmas?
The weather is England is famously unpredictable but for the month of December the average high is 9°C/49°F and the average low is 5°C/41°F.
The days are short in December with the shortest day of the year on December 21st. Sunrise is around 8am and sunset is 3:30 - 4pm. This may seem like it could be a problem but a lot of the activities to do in London at Christmas are better in the dark - the Christmas trees, the lights, the markets etc.
It can be quite rainy in December with an average of 9 rainy days each month. Snow can fall in December but it is quite rare. If you’re lucky enough to be in London at Christmas time during the snow you’re in for a rare treat - and I’m very jealous as I’ve not managed to be there during a snowy December yet.
What are the best things to do in London at Christmas with kids?
If you will be visiting London during the Christmas holiday season, there is plenty of child friendly activites for all ages. You can visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, have Christmas-themed afternoon tea, go ice skating, visit Hamley’s, see the Christmas lights, and watch a holiday musical. All great activities for kids and adults alike.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOURS
BOAT TRIPS
TOP 10 LONDON EXPERIENCES
WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON
These are my favourite hotels for a range of budgets in London.
BUDGET TRAVELLER
Dover Castle Hotel is great for budget travellers costing around £40 per night during the festive season. It’s less than a mile from the Tower and London and Tower Bridge and offers dorm rooms at a great price in a handy location.
The Walrus Bar and Hostel is on the south side of the river just across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It offers twin rooms with breakfast available close to Lambeth North and Southwark tube stations.
MID RANGE BUDGET
The Portico Hotel is located in Westminster so excellent for Big Ben and Houses and Parliament and most of the central London tourist attractions. Room are available for around £150 per night during the festive season.
Inhabit, Southwick Street is near Paddington Station and offers beautiful rooms. Breakfast is available at the hotel should you wish to eat before you head out on your day exploring the capital.
LUXURY ACCOMODATION
is located right by Hyde Park. It has breath taking views over the famous London skyline. There is a gym on site and two award winning restaurants.
this superb luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city overlooking the impressive Somerset House. You can stay here from £450 per night over the festive season. There is an amazing rooftop bar with spectacular views over London.
LONDON ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to London? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in London but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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