London Christmas Markets and Winter Events: A Practical Guide

London does not have one great Christmas market so much as a scattering of good ones, each with a different character. Choosing between them is easier if you know what each is for: browsing, eating, rides, or simply being somewhere lit up on a cold evening.

At a glance

When: most open in early or mid November and run into January. Where: the Southbank, Leicester Square, Hyde Park and beyond. Cost: markets are free; Winter Wonderland and Kew are ticketed. Best for: variety.

The main markets in 2026

Southbank Centre Winter Market

A line of wooden chalets along the Queen's Walk between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge, with the river alongside. It is free, open from early November into the first days of January, and probably the best all-rounder: decent food, independent stalls and a walk that continues along the river afterwards.

Leicester Square

A compact market around the square's central gardens, running from early November into January, alongside a small seasonal ice rink. It is in the middle of the West End, which makes it an easy add-on to a show or a meal rather than a destination in its own right.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

The capital's biggest seasonal event runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, every day except Christmas Day. It is closer to a funfair than a market — rides, shows, an ice rink and food halls — and entry is ticketed for most sessions. Book a weekday slot if you can.

Beyond the markets

Christmas at Kew

The light trail at Kew Gardens returns from 13 November 2026 into early January: about three kilometres of illuminated installations through the gardens after dark. Timed tickets sell out for weekends, so book early. Our guide to Christmas light trails has others across the country.

The free things

Some of London's best December sights cost nothing: the Christmas lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street and around Carnaby Street, the tree in Trafalgar Square, which is given each year by the city of Oslo, and the decorations at Covent Garden.

Planning a December weekend

Avoid Saturday afternoons in the West End if you can. Weekday evenings are far easier, and the markets are at their best after dark. Hotel prices in central London climb sharply in December, and staying somewhere on a direct Tube line in zones 2 or 3 can halve the cost without adding much time.

Carols and concerts

London's cathedrals and great churches hold carol services and concerts through Advent: Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral among them, alongside many smaller churches with fine choirs. Popular services are ticketed or queue early; see our guide to carol services.

Christmas windows

The big department stores dress their windows for Christmas, and walking between them on a weekday evening is free and surprisingly enjoyable. Our listings cover more things to do in London.

Our London staycation guide covers areas to stay, and you can browse hotels in London. For markets elsewhere, see UK Christmas market breaks.