London Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in London is a magical time, with the city sparkling in festive lights and holiday cheer filling the air. From ice skating at iconic rinks to stunning window displays, there’s no shortage of seasonal joy. Keep reading to find the top Christmas markets in London for an unforgettable holiday experience.
The best Christmas Markets in London for 2024
1. Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a festive riverside experience with a range of pop-up bars, street food stalls, and independent craft traders selling unique gifts, seasonal treats, and a variety of food and drinks. It is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere while enjoying stunning views of the River Thames.
- Opening Dates: The market will be open from 1st November to 26th December 2024.
- Opening Times: The market is open Sunday to Thursday from 11am - 10pm, and Friday to Saturday from 11am - 11pm, with exceptions on Fri 1 Nov (5pm - 11pm), Tue 24 Dec (11am - 3pm), Wed 25 Dec (closed), and Thu 26 Dec (11am - 3pm).
- Location: The market is located at Queen’s Walk, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
- How to Reach:
- By train: The nearest tube stations are Waterloo and Embankment, with Waterloo also serving as the nearest train station.
- By bus: The nearest bus stops to the Southbank Centre Winter Market include Waterloo Bridge (Stop R) served by routes 139, 168, and 521, Southbank Centre (Stop B) served by routes 1, 59, and 139, and Belvedere Road (Stop D) served by routes 211, 341, and 507, all within walking distance.
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland brings festive fun to London’s most iconic park. With a huge ice skating rink, circus shows, fairground rides, Christmas markets, and food stalls, this winter festival offers a full seasonal experience.
- Opening Dates: The event will be open from 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
- Opening Times: The Winter Wonderland is open daily from 10am - 10pm.
- Location: The event is located at Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH.
- How to Reach:
- By train: The nearest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner and Lancaster Gate.
- By bus: The nearest bus stops include Hyde Park Corner (Stop B) served by routes 9, 14, 19, and 22.
3. Winter by the River at London Bridge
Previously known as Christmas by the River, this year’s event returns with a spellbinding winter festival offering a festive shopping experience, featuring seasonal stalls, Christmas gifts, and street food. Set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, this market provides a magical atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the holiday spirit with breathtaking views along the river Thames.
- Opening Dates: The market will run from 12th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
- Opening Times: The market is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, except on the following dates: Christmas Eve from 11 am to 5 pm, Christmas Day (closed), and New Year’s Eve from 11 am to 9 pm.
- Location: The market is located at London Bridge, London, SE1 2RD.
- How to Reach:
- By train: The closest tube station is London Bridge, served by the Northern and Jubilee lines.
- By bus: The nearest bus stops are London Bridge (Stop K) and Borough High Street (Stop F), served by multiple routes.
4. Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square Christmas Market brings festive charm to the heart of London’s West End. With a traditional German-style market, cosy chalets, live entertainment, and delicious food, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Christmas cheer. This venue is also home to La Clique - the world-famous, Olivier award-winning circus and cabaret show - that returns this Christmas for its 20th anniversary.
- Opening Dates: The market will be open from 6th November to 5th January 2025.
- Opening Times: The market is open daily: Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Location: The market is located at Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DE.
- How to Reach:
- By train: The nearest tube station is Leicester Square, served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines.
- By bus: The nearest bus stops include Leicester Square (Stop P) and Charing Cross Road (Stop H), served by several routes.
5. Greenwich Christmas Market
Greenwich Market shines with festive cheer each winter, offering seasonal treats and a variety of concerts, shows, and special events. Located near the Royal Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cutty Sark, this market boasts an artisan vibe and is the ideal destination for holiday shopping while soaking in the riverside views.
- Opening Dates: The festivities at the market have begun from 20th November 2024.
- Opening Times: The market is open daily from 10am - 6pm.
- Location: The market is located at Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ.
- How to Reach:
- By train: The nearest station is Greenwich, served by National Rail services.
- By bus: The nearest bus stop is Greenwich Market (Stop J), served by routes 180, 188, and 199.
6. Christmas in Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s Christmas festivities bring a magical atmosphere to the iconic Piazza, with twinkling lights, unique shops, and seasonal performances. The West Piazza is adorned with 30,000 LED lights and an 18-metre-tall Christmas tree, alongside Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, offering a perfect photo opportunity, followed by ‘Festive Thursday’ with live entertainment and shopping into the night.
- Opening Dates: The festivities at the market have begun from 12th November 2024.
- Opening Times: The market is open daily from 11 am onwards.
- Location: The market is located at Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF.
- How to Reach:
- By train: The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden and Leicester Square, both within walking distance.
- By bus: The nearest bus stop is Covent Garden (Stop C), served by routes 9, 24, and 29.
7. Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland, with magical light displays, festive trails, and seasonal activities for all ages. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a festive day surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic glasshouses.
- Opening Dates: The event will run on select dates between 13 November 2024 and 5 January 2025.
- Opening Times: The event is open from 4:20pm - 10pm (last entry times vary depending on entry gate).
- Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. (Entrances: Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate and Elizabeth Gate)
- How to Reach:
- By train: The nearest station is Kew Gardens, served by the District Line and London Overground.
- By bus: The nearest bus stops are Kew Gardens Station (Stop A) and Kew Green (Stop H), served by several routes.
Other things to do in London this Christmas
Here are some festive ideas for things to do in London this Christmas, beyond the Christmas markets:
- Ice Skating at Iconic Rinks: Glide across the ice at stunning outdoor rinks like the Natural History Museum, Somerset House, or Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
- Winter Light Displays: Admire Christmas lights in areas like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden. These areas feature elaborate decorations that make for a magical evening stroll.
- West End Christmas Shows: Enjoy a festive performance at one of London’s famous theatres. From pantomimes to Christmas classics, there’s something for all ages.
- Festive Afternoon Tea: Treat yourself to a Christmas-themed afternoon tea at venues like Claridge’s, The Ritz, or the Savoy, complete with seasonal cakes, pastries, and festive beverages.
- Visit the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square: See the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a gift from Norway, and enjoy the surrounding winter decorations.
- Christmas at the Zoo: Head to ZSL London Zoo for their ‘Zoo Nights’, where the animals are on display in a beautifully lit, festive setting.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees