London in the Christmas season is a true spectacle, and the city’s markets and festive hubs are the heart of the magic. They offer everything from gourmet street food and unique artisan gifts to dazzling light displays.
Forget generic shopping—this is your guide to experiencing the best of London’s diverse holiday atmosphere, complete with 2025 opening dates to help you plan!
1. The Riverside Wonders: Food, Views & Atmosphere
These markets capitalize on the River Thames, offering spectacular views and a vibrant, festive dining scene.
| Market Name | Location | 2025 Start Date | The Vibe |
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | South Bank (near London Eye) | November 3 | Cozy & Gourmet. A trail of alpine-style chalets with global street food (Yorkshire Pudding wraps, Himalayan dumplings, Dutch pancakes) and fantastic views of the London Eye and Big Ben. |
| Winter by the River | London Bridge City | November 13 | Atmospheric & Stylish. Stalls line the Thames path between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Offers incredible views and features The Glasshouse, a two-storey festive venue with heated rooftop views. |
| Greenwich Market | Greenwich | November 19 | Historic & Artisan. A truly unique, centuries-old market that starts its Christmas trade with a magnificent Lantern Parade and Lights Switch-On ceremony (Nov 19, 5 PM). Best for unique, handmade arts and crafts. |
2. The West End Festive Hubs: Glamour & Entertainment
These spots are less about traditional market stalls and more about high-end spectacle, entertainment, and essential Christmas shopping.
| Festive Hub | Location | 2025 Start Date | The Vibe |
| Christmas in Leicester Square | Leicester Square | November 1 | Glamour & Theatre. A pop-up market set amid the bustling theatre district. Features traditional wooden chalets, seasonal treats, and often houses a temporary ice rink and a Spiegel-tent for exclusive performances. |
| Apple Market at Covent Garden | Covent Garden Piazza | November 12 | Elegant & Theatrical. The true spectacle is the massive Christmas Tree and the famous golden bell and mistletoe installations over the historic market hall. Excellent for luxury artisan gifts and atmosphere. |
| Trafalgar Square Christmas Market | Trafalgar Square | November 9 | Quintessential London. Set beneath the huge Norwegian Christmas Tree (lit in early December). Features charming wooden chalets, sweet treats, and live carol singing. |
3. The Grand Outliers: Scale & Exclusivity
These destinations offer either the biggest scale of fun or a rare, unique access point to royal luxury.
| Destination | Location | 2025 Start Date | The Vibe |
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Hyde Park | November 14 | Massive & Thrilling. London’s largest Christmas event, combining a huge market, the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, rollercoasters, and circus shows. (Entry fee often applies) |
| Kingston Christmas Market | Kingston upon Thames | November 13 | Traditional & Bavarian. Located slightly outside the center, this market offers a classic German-style village experience with bratwurst, mulled wine, and Bavarian curling lanes. |
| Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-up / Royal Mews | Buckingham Palace Road | November 14 | Exclusive & Royal. The Christmas shop is often located in the Royal Mews grounds. Offers free entry to buy official royal-themed gifts and festive decorations in a highly exclusive setting. |
| Old Spitalfields Market | East London | November 30 | Designer & Artisan. Focuses more on independent designers, crafts, and vintage goods than typical Christmas food. Great for unique, high-quality gift shopping in a magnificent covered Victorian hall. |