As the festive season approaches, London prepares to transform into a winter wonderland, with its world-famous Christmas markets offering magical experiences for visitors and locals alike. The city's unique blend of historic charm and contemporary celebrations creates an unmissable atmosphere from November through January.
Complete Guide to London's Christmas Markets 2025
London's Christmas market scene combines traditional British charm with international flavours, featuring everything from artisan crafts and handmade gifts to global street food and warming mulled wine. The capital's markets are set against stunning backdrops including historic squares, riverside locations, and royal parks.
Essential Christmas Market Dates and Locations
Southbank Centre Winter Market runs from November 3 to January 4, offering festive treats along the Thames with pop-up bars and independent craft traders. Families can visit Santa while enjoying truffle burgers, duck wraps, and sweet Dutch pancakes.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland operates from November 14 to January 1 as a ticketed event featuring the UK's largest open-air ice rink, Bar Ice made entirely from ice, and thrilling fairground rides including the Wild Maus XXL rollercoaster.
Christmas in Covent Garden begins on November 12 and continues until January 5, featuring over 300,000 sparkling lights, a 55ft British-grown Christmas tree, and an immersive Theatre of Christmas experience.
Leicester Square Christmas Market launches on November 1 and runs until January 4, featuring a brand new ice rink and the Market Place Food Hall with crafted homeware and exclusive fashions.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market operates from November 9 to January 2, known for its traditional Norwegian Christmas tree gift from Norway since 1947. The tree lighting ceremony occurs on December 4 from 5pm to 6:30pm.
Winter by the River at London Bridge runs from November 13 to January 4, featuring a newly designed two-storey Glasshouse with panoramic Thames views and heated rooftop canopy.
Old Spitalfields Christmas Market begins on November 30 and continues until December 24, hosting Christmas Shopping Lates on December 4, 11, and 18 until 8pm with antique decorations and designer gifts.
Greenwich Christmas Market opens on November 19 until January 2, commencing with a traditional lantern parade at 4pm on November 20 followed by the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm.
Kingston Christmas Market operates from November 13 to December 28, offering a traditional German-style square complete with Bavarian curling lanes and classic carol singers.
Kings Cross Christmas Programme at Coal Drops Yard runs from November 5 to January 2, featuring club curling, a 50-ft alpine Christmas tree, and speciality markets including Mexican and Japanese Christmas markets.
Christmas at Borough Market extends to seven days weekly from December 1 to 24, with historical arches decorated in lights and garlands, plus extended trading hours.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre, a ticketed event, occurs on two weekends: December 5-7 and December 12-14, featuring over 100 independent artisan producers in Henry VIII's famous palace.
Planning Your Festive Visit
With markets spread across central London and beyond, visitors can experience diverse festive offerings from traditional British celebrations to international winter experiences. Many markets offer free entry, while larger attractions like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace require tickets.
The extended operating periods from early November through early January allow ample opportunity to experience London's Christmas magic, though peak periods around December's tree lighting ceremonies tend to be particularly popular.
