Festive joy: 12 must-visit Christmas markets in London 2025

Address: Hyde Park, London W1K 7AN

Dates 2025: November 14 to January 1, 2026

For a London Christmas market with all the bells and whistles, you can’t beat Winter Wonderland. This huge festive event is held in Hyde Park every year and has become the biggest Christmas market in the UK.

There are hundreds of wooden chalets selling everything from seasonal treats to handmade gifts. There are lots of other activities to enjoy including kid-friendly rides, a huge Ferris wheel and live performances.

Where to dine – with OpenTable: Warm up in a cosy pub like The Walmer Castle

Must try: Pull on your skates and hit the ice rink – it’s the biggest in the UK.

Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD

Dates 2025: Early December to early January, specific dates TBC

Covent Garden Christmas Market is one of the longest-running festive fairs in London and an absolute must-see. This square’s historic setting and charming Victorian-era buildings make the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market.

The square is decorated with hundreds of strings of lights and there are plenty of shopping opportunities.

Browse stalls selling handmade crafts or venture into the square’s high-end shops to discover special seasonal treats (and sometimes a few discounts).

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Dates 2025: Early November to late December, specific dates TBC

Combine a river stroll with some festive cheer at the Southbank Christmas Market. This is one of my favourite markets and is handy if you’re catching a show nearby at the National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe.

Browse the wooden Alpine chalets selling all kinds of wonderful gifts. There’s also plenty of food to buy – think German bratwurst, gourmet burgers, creamy fudge and festive mince pies.

Address: London Bridge, Riverside, London SE1 2DB

Dates 2025: TBC

London Bridge’s Christmas market never fails to amaze. That’s partly due to its amazing location next to two of London’s most iconic sights: the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

This market is on the smaller side but still packs a punch with its Christmassy treats and charming arts and crafts.

Where to dine with OpenTable: Enjoy all-day brasserie dining at The Ivy Tower Bridge.

Must try: Grab a cup of mulled wine and sip it slowly as you gaze out at London’s skyline.

Address: various venues around King’s Cross station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL

Dates 2025: Mid November – late December, specific dates TBC

Whether you’re catching a train from King’s Cross or not, the area’s markets are well worth stopping by.

There are typically several pop-up events throughout the festive season, with many of the events centred around Coal Drops Yard.

Each market sells a fantastic range of unique gifts, from artisan food and quirky homeware to cool independent fashion items.

Must try: Seek out the huge fir tree adorned with hundreds of lights and winter-themed decorations.

Address: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Dates 2025: TBC, market open daily

Get yourself down to historic Greenwich for its annual festive fair. The event takes place in the locally-loved Greenwich Market (which is open all year round).

The venue is decorated for the Advent period, while there are usually a few stalls outside along the riverfront, too.

Greenwich Christmas Market is well-known for its unique and crafty stalls, so prepare to pick up some amazing gifts.

Must try: Grab a festive drink and wander Greenwich’s pretty streets which are decked out in twinkling lights.

Address: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL

Dates 2025: December 2 to December 24, Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

Borough Market is a foodie haven throughout the year but it gets an awesome festive makeover in the winter months. Decorations are strung up between its arches, heaps of seasonal treats go on sale and there’s usually a busker or two singing Christmas tunes.

Spoiler alert: make sure you visit with an appetite. There are usually heaps of artisanal food from across the globe to purchase, from sweet delights like mince pies and stollen to award-winning cheeses perfect for your Boxing Day leftovers spread.

Must try: Keep an eye on the market’s website for themed festive food evenings that will have you salivating.

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU

Dates 2025: early November to early January, specific dates TBC

At any other time of year, you’ll find Leicester Square full of tourists snapping photos or queuing up to enter the M&M store. By early November, the square turns into a festive fairytale filled with wooden chalets and a huge Christmas tree.

It’s one of the best 2025 Christmas markets in London for those seeking a European vibe. Browse stalls selling bratwurst, gluhwein and other German delights.

Need some entertainment? Check out Leicester Square Christmas market‘s Belgian-style Spiegeltent hosting shows by the award-winning La Clique circus, cabaret and comedy troupe.

Must try: Grab tickets to one of the lively shows in the 1920s Spiegeltent.

Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9AU

Dates 2025: 5 – 7 December and 12-14 December

Few settings are more romantic than an actual royal palace! If you want to have a magical Christmas market experience with your other half, head to Hampton Court. The former home of Henry VIII is transformed into a winter wonderland for two weekends every December.

The event is hosted throughout the palace grounds and features tonnes of stalls selling street food, artisan gifts and handmade crafts.

Note that Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a ticketed event and includes entrance to the palace.

Must try: Check out the enchanting ice rink in front of the palace’s gates

Address: Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7DX

Dates 2025: November 21 to December 23

Picture tucking into a bag of hot roasted chestnuts with a view of the monumental St Paul’s Cathedral. That’s what’s on offer at this small yet charming Christmas market in London’s Paternoster Square.

As well as 20 or so cabins selling all sorts of lovely items, there’s a charming Christmas tree and a giant sparkling present installation to admire in the square. The market is open daily from 11am to 7pm.

Must try: Cherish your visit by taking a photo in the market’s giant snow globe.

Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX

Dates 2025: November 3-9

ancy getting into the festive mood a little early? Get your shopping done well ahead of time with a trip to the Spirit of Christmas Fair.

This three-day 2024 Christmas market in London will take place in early November at Olympia London and it’s always a memorable experience. It’s ticketed (prices start at £23) but worth paying for as you’ll have access to over 700 stalls from both independent and well-known brands.