The Christmas markets are already starting to appear in London early November. The closer you get to Christmas the more markets will be open and by December you will have the possibility to visit them all. Even if you arrive in London before they are all open, there are so many Christmas markets that you will still be able to experience the festive spirits.
This list is the ones that you have to see and is easy to get to. Be aware that as soon as the sun sets many of these markets can get very crowded. You should still see the markets when all the lights are on, but just so you are aware how popular the Christmas markets are.
Also one thing that is great is that the entrance is free, so if you decide you just want to look around or you are on a budget it will be of no cost to your wallet.
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Hotels to stay at near the Christmas markets:
£££ The Londoner – Check availability here
££ The Z hotel Covent Garden – Check availability here
£ Wombat`s City Hostel London – Check availability here
Leicester Square Christmas Market ✨
In the very center of London you have Leicester Square and each year they have a Christmas market with a small skating rink and cabin stalls. The statues that are usually in this area has gotten a festive twist, such as Mr. Bean sitting on Christmas presents.
It is close to many of the West End shows and you can easily combine these two. Have dinner, check out the cabin stalls and maybe rent skates before sitting down inside a theatre for one of the shows.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 🎄
This might be the one market I think of when I hear Christmas market in London. Maybe because I am Norwegian and the tree standing there is gifted by Norway as a thank you to England. As of later years the tree has arrived not looking it`s best, but that is a story for a different time.
However, the iconic Trafalgar Square just becomes even more iconic during the Christmas season. It is also possible to see carol singers who fill the air with festive tunes here.
The market is a bit smaller than what I pictured and remembered, but maybe I once again was a bit too early to the market. The Christmas tree from Norway had also not arrived yet when I visited in early November.
It is right in between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, making it easy to visit all three markets in one day.
St Katharine Docks Victorian Christmas Village 🍪
This market is very small, but I found it incredibly cute. I have been to the docks many times, just for walks, but this was my first time at the Christmas Market here and I absolutely fell for it.
Though it has a lot less stalls, there is just something about it. You can also write a Christmas card to yourself and send it. It might be restricted to UK residents, but I am not sure as I did not do it. The idea is still wonderful and lately very few people send Christmas cards which makes it even more special.
The Christmas tree had just been put up, so I considered myself very lucky that it was up even though it was so early in November. As you can see from my picture, I was there during the day, but next time I would come during the dark to see all the lights.
If you are still in a Christmas market mood you can cross Tower Bridge to Christmas by the River which is just ten minutes away. During the evening the two markets will be busy, so it might get a bit crowded.
Christmas by the River (London Bridge City) ⛄
This one is a bit sad for me as I was there just a day too early for the market. Unfortunately I had plans the day after, but it looked amazing with the White houses along the Thames and I am sure it will look even better after the sun has set. Therefore don`t be like me and please double check the opening days and times.
As it is right next to the Thames it might get a bit cold, but then there is mulled wine and hot chocolate to buy from the stalls. If you are there a bit early you can visit Tower of London, Tower Bridge or HMS Belfast.
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Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 🦌
This one opens in mid November, so when I was there it was not open, but I can tell you from previous visits that this is a must. It is one of the biggest Christmas markets in London with over 100 cabin stalls to visit.
It is also home to the biggest outdoor ice rink in the whole of UK. Even if it is your first time ice skating you will have more than enough space to learn. If you want to stay near the market Hilton Park Lane Hotel is right next to it and if you are lucky maybe your room will have a view overlooking the Christmas market.
Covent Garden 🔔
This market is open year round, so no matter when you visit London you can visit Covent Garden. I honestly think this is a must-see stop when you are in London, no matter the season.
During Christmas the market is decked out in large bells, lights and a spectacular Christmas tree outside. It even has various carts throughout the year on the outside of the building that is always in season. During Christmas you can find mulled wine and hot chocolate among other things.
I would also visit Whittard of Chelsea and have a look at their selection of Christmas tea, coffee and hot chocolate. If you don`t find anything you want, then it makes for amazing Christmas presents.
Leadenhall Market ❄️
Decorated for the Christmas season it might be a bit hard to fully appreciate the architecture of this market. If you are a Harry Potter Fan, you will recognize this building as Diagon Alley, even with all the wonderful Christmas decorations. This also makes it a must-see spot all year round for Harry Potter fans.
This is like Covent Garden a market that is there year-round, but during Christmas they have made it snow inside of it. You will have to check the time of when the snow is set to start, but it will happen 4 times a day. If you are there in early November the Christmas decorations might be up, but the snow show does not start before mid November. Which is what happened to me sadly, but hopefully I will be able to catch it next time I visit London in during Christmas season.
But I will be honest, I am not in the need of seeing the snow show as I am from a country with a long winter season and I have seen snow more than once.
✨ Please enjoy all the Christmas markets that London has to offer ✨
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