From late November on, London has no shortage of holiday cheer! This cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom is a great destination any time of year, but there is something about visiting at Christmas time that is especially enchanting. The historic landmarks and glamorous buildings seem even more impressive when surrounded by holiday decorations. Londoners go all out in preparing for the holiday season, especially when it comes to the city’s Christmas markets! Though these shopping, dining, and entertainment spectaculars are reminiscent of the old-world markets on the European continent, the London markets go above and beyond with rides, attractions, and performances too! If your upcoming visit to London is going to overlap with the Christmas season, be sure to read this list of the best Christmas Markets in the city.
1. Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is a huge holiday event full of family-friendly activities! It has not one, but two Christmas markets to explore.
The Angels Christmas Market has 150 chalets where you can buy arts and crafts, jewelry, and decorations. The German Christmas Market evokes the feeling of traditional European Christmas markets, and with over 200 shopping stalls it is one of the largest Christmas markets in the city.
Besides shopping, there are lots of other things to do at the Winter Wonderland festival. Skate on the United Kingdom’s largest outdoor ice rink, or watch professional skaters perform Peter Pan on Ice. Explore the ice sculptures of the Magical Ice Kingdom’s Secret Forest, or even make your own at the Ice Sculpting workshops! From games to rides, to food and drink, the list of opportunities at the Winter Wonderland goes on and on.
Winter Wonderland
Address: Hyde Park, London, UK
Dates: November 18, 2021 - January 3, 2022
Website: Winter Wonderland
2. Winterville
Winterville is sure to be unlike any other Christmas market or festival you’ve ever attended. It mixes traditional holiday activities with trendy and fun events that are just as exciting for adults as for children! Like other Christmas markets, Winterville has an ice skating rink and weekend craft fair where you can buy unique gifts you’re sure to not find anywhere else. If you’re looking for the more unusual Christmas attractions, there’s a roller disco, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, and a huge labyrinth that leads to surprises like an outdoor cinema and a secret tequila bar. Kids will love the circus performances, puppet shows aboard a traveling double-decker bus, and fairground. In the evenings, adults can see the 18+ puppet shows, club nights on the roller skating rink, or festive alcoholic drinks at the Street Feast.
Winterville
Address: Clapham Common, London, UK
Website: Winterville
3. Christmas by the River
London has so many iconic landmarks that would be the perfect backdrop to a Christmas market! Luckily, Christmas by the River is a market that runs right along the Thames and several London attractions, making it a great setting for holiday activities. This market is right in front of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge with stunning views of the skyline across the river. It has charming chalets where independent vendors sell unique products. There are also lots of food vendors with mouthwatering treats that will keep you warm while you shop under the stars. There is more than just shopping and sightseeing at Christmas by the River. The market also hosts craft workshops and food tastings so you can try lots of new things during the holiday season!
Christmas by the River
Address: London Bridge City, 2A More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB, United Kingdom
Dates: November 16, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Special Holiday Hours: December 24: 11am - 5pm; closed on December 25; December 31: 11am - 8pm; Jan 2: 11am - 5pm
Website: Christmas by the River
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4. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Under the shimmering lights of the London Eye and the Thames River, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is a magical place to partake in some holiday cheer! Dozens of stalls sell artisan gifts and foods from around the world. Warm up in one of the restaurant pop-ups like the Bar Under the Bridge for a cheese-themed meal like baked camembert, or The Circus Bar for a delicious meal alongside a cozy firepit. The Southbank Centre Winter Market also features free performances for the family as well as two exciting Christmas shows.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Address: The Queen’s Walk, Lambeth, London, UK
Date: November 4 - December 24, 2021
Hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
Website: Southbank Centre Winter Market
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !
Tours by Robert
5. Christmas in Leicester Square
Leicester Square is a bustling part of London any time of year, but at Christmas, it is transformed into an enchanting holiday wonderland! The Leicester Square Christmas Market welcomes about 25 vendors selling handcrafted goods and bespoke gifts, from toys to decorations to accessories. There are also food stalls selling delicious snacks and drinks to keep you warm while you explore the market. Performances take place in a traditional 1920’s Spiegeltent, a large velvet circus tent. Children and their families can also visit Santa’s Grotto for photographs and to whisper their Christmas wishes!
Christmas in Leicester Square
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE, United Kingdom
Date: November 12, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Website: Christmas in Leicester Square
6. Kingston Christmas Market
Kingston upon Thames is a city only a short distance outside of London, but it is well worth hopping on the train to visit the Kingston Christmas Market! This beautiful holiday spectacular consists of over shopping stalls that fill the Ancient Market Place and spill onto the surrounding streets. You’ll be sure to find goodies that make lovely and unique gifts. The market also features two outdoor bar areas that sell mulled wine and classic German foods that are the perfect accompaniment to the festive entertainment. Kids can explore the Candy Cane Forest, which has fairground rides, or visit Santa and his elves at the Christmas Grotto!
Kingston Christmas Market
Address: Kingston Ancient Market Place, Kingston-Upon-Thames, London KT1 1JS
Date: November 18 - December 24, 2021
Website: Kingston Christmas Market
7. The Taste of London: Festive Edition
Taste of London is the city’s premier food showcase, bringing together London’s best chefs and food and drink brands. Attendees can sample signature dishes from the top restaurants, watch master chefs cook live on stage, and take interactive classes to hone their cooking skills. The main Taste of London festival runs in June and has over 50,000 attendees, but a smaller version takes place in November to herald the holiday season. Though the event is smaller, the food is no less delicious and there are plenty of opportunities to purchase treats and ingredients for gifts or holiday cooking.
Taste of London: Festive Edition
Address: Tobacco Quay, Wapping Ln, London E1W 2SF, United Kingdom
Date: November 18 - 21, 2021
Website: Taste of London: Festive Edition
Have yourself a very happy Christmas
To some foreigners, the idea of an English Christmas might bring to mind visions of a Charles Dickens holiday, complete with pudding and Christmas crackers. There is much more to the British holiday season than these old-timey traditions, making it the perfect time to visit! The Christmas markets of London are the stars of the season, with tons of activities and events that will keep everyone entertained and happy. They are the perfect place to get in the festive spirit, so start planning your visit to a London Christmas market today!
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