The Best Christmas Markets in London (and What to Book Early)
There’s something about London at Christmas that feels straight out of a movie. Fairy lights on every street, buskers singing carols, that first mulled wine of the season warming your hands it’s the city at its most magical. And while London has plenty of year-round charm, Christmas markets are where the season really comes alive.
But here’s the catch: London’s Christmas markets aren’t all the same. Some are huge and full of spectacle, others are smaller and more local. Some are free to wander through, others you’ll want to book weeks in advance if you don’t want to miss out.
So whether you’re a first-timer in London or a local trying to plan your festive season properly, here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets in London in 2025 and what you need to lock in early before it sells out.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Let’s start with the giant. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland isn’t just a Christmas market it’s a full-blown festive theme park. Picture endless wooden chalets selling everything from ornaments to giant pretzels, plus rollercoasters, ice bars, circus shows, and even a huge ice skating rink.
But here’s the important part: entry is free at off-peak times, but you need to book tickets online in advance for evenings and weekends. And if you want to do the big stuff ice skating, the ice bar, circus shows those sell out weeks ahead. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
It’s touristy, yes, but also one of those things you kind of have to experience once. Just don’t go in expecting a “cosy little market” vibe. This is London doing Christmas at full volume.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
If Winter Wonderland feels like a theme park, Southbank’s Christmas market is more atmospheric. Wooden chalets line the Thames, fairy lights reflect on the water, and you can wander from mulled wine stalls to craft markets with street performers in the background.
It’s free, it’s central, and it always feels buzzy without being overwhelming. No booking needed, but if you want to see one of the Southbank Centre’s Christmas shows (they often run seasonal theatre or concerts), it’s smart to book ahead.
Christmas by the River at London Bridge
For pure views, nothing beats this one. At Christmas by the River, you’ve got Tower Bridge and the Shard as your backdrop while you browse stalls selling crafts, jewellery, and festive food. It’s smaller than Winter Wonderland but feels much more relaxed.
No tickets required, but weekends do get crowded. If you want that perfect Tower Bridge-at-sunset photo with fairy lights twinkling, go on a weekday afternoon.
Greenwich Christmas Market
Greenwich Market is open year-round, but in December it gets properly festive. The whole covered market is filled with independent traders selling handmade gifts, art, and vintage finds. Add in Christmas lights and carol singers, and it’s one of the most atmospheric markets in London.
This one’s brilliant if you actually want to buy gifts that aren’t mass-produced. And if you’re making the trip, time it so you can catch the Greenwich Christmas lights switch-on or one of the lantern parades.
No need to book anything, just show up and enjoy.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square isn’t where you’d expect a cosy Christmas market but it actually works. A pop-up wooden village appears in the middle of the square, with festive stalls and food stands. What makes this one different is the Spiegeltent, a cabaret tent hosting comedy, circus, and cabaret shows throughout December.
If you want to see a show in the Spiegeltent, book early. The market itself is free to wander, but those performances often sell out weeks in advance.
Kingston Christmas Market
A little further out, but worth it. Kingston Christmas Market feels like stepping into a European-style festive town square. It’s big on food bratwurst, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts but also has live music and local craft stalls.
It’s less touristy, more local, and a great excuse to explore Kingston if you’ve never been.
Little Local Markets (Worth Seeking Out)
Not all of London’s best Christmas markets are the big headline ones. Smaller neighbourhoods often host pop-up Christmas fairs for just a weekend or two in December think Chatsworth Road in Hackney, Duke of York Square in Chelsea, or Fitzrovia’s Christmas market.
They’re not as flashy, but they often have the best atmosphere because they’re truly community-run. Keep an eye on local listings to catch them they’re the kind of thing you stumble into and end up staying for hours.
What to Book Early
Here’s where most people trip up.
Winter Wonderland tickets (especially evenings and weekends).
Ice skating sessions — whether at Winter Wonderland, Somerset House, or the Natural History Museum rink (if it returns this year).
Cabaret shows at Leicester Square’s Spiegeltent.
Special Christmas concerts and carol services — St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey services often book out weeks in advance.
If you’re only in London for a few days in December, plan these first, then let the markets and mulled wine fill the gaps in between.
Final Thoughts
London does Christmas properly. From the over-the-top madness of Winter Wonderland to the riverside calm of Southbank, every market has its own vibe. The trick is knowing which ones to wander into freely and which ones need planning ahead.
Do one big market, one riverside stroll, and one smaller neighbourhood market, and you’ll feel like you’ve done Christmas in London the right way.
And if you want more insider tips like this the ones that help you avoid the tourist traps and find the good stuff follow me on Instagram @london.yaar I share weekly updates on London’s events, hidden gems, and seasonal guides to help you make the most of the city.