The Best Christmas Markets to Visit in London

Christmas in London brings together historic streets, illuminated riversides, independent makers, traditional food stalls and some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

From the large-scale attractions of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to the artisan stalls of Greenwich and the palace setting of Hampton Court, London offers a wide range of festive shopping experiences.

This guide combines major Christmas markets, year-round London markets with special festive programmes and shorter artisan fairs. Whether you are looking for handmade gifts, Christmas food, a romantic evening or a family day out, these are ten of the best places to consider for Christmas 2026.

London Christmas Markets 2026 at a Glance

Market	2026 dates	Typical opening times
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland	19 November 2026–3 January 2027	Up to 10pm daily; variable opening times
Kingston Christmas Market	12 November 2026–3 January 2027	Stalls: 10am–6pm or 8pm
Borough Market at Christmas	Daily from 30 November through December	Mostly 10am–5pm
Greenwich Market at Christmas	Festive season begins 18 November	Daily 10am–5.30pm
Hampton Court Festive Fayre	4–6 and 11–13 December	10am–5pm
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair	26–29 November	10am–5pm; Sunday to 4pm
Covent Garden Christmas	From November 2026	Full festive hours TBC
Southbank Centre Winter Market	2026 dates TBC	Recent schedule: 11am–10pm
Christmas in Leicester Square	2026 dates TBC	Usually November to early January
Old Spitalfields Christmas Makers Market	2026 dates TBC	Christmas pop-ups typically 11am–6pm

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Best for: A full festive day out

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is much more than a shopping market. It combines Christmas stalls with rides, live entertainment, ice skating, food, seasonal bars and more than 150 attractions.

For 2026, Winter Wonderland runs from Thursday 19 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027. It is closed on Christmas Day.

The site closes at 10pm each evening, although opening times vary. Most days begin at 10am, while selected weekdays open at 11am, 12 noon or 2pm. The last entry is at 9.30pm. Visitors must book an arrival date and time in advance. (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland)

Why visit?

This is the strongest choice for families and groups looking for several activities in one location. Alongside the Christmas market, you can build an entire day around rides, shows, ice attractions and food.

Essential information

Location: Hyde Park, Central London
Dates: 19 November 2026–3 January 2027
Closing time: 10pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Booking: Timed entry must be booked in advance
Official website: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland)

Dollond & Co. tip

Book popular attractions before arriving, then leave enough time to browse the market stalls without rushing between timed sessions.

2. Kingston Christmas Market

Best for: A traditional market-town atmosphere

Kingston Christmas Market brings a European-style Christmas experience to the historic Ancient Market Place in Kingston upon Thames.

The 2026 market runs from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Market stalls are scheduled to open:

• Sunday to Wednesday: 10am–6pm

• Thursday to Saturday: 10am–8pm

Food, bar and entertainment areas stay open later, reaching 10pm from Thursday to Saturday. The market closes on Christmas Day, while stalls close earlier on Christmas Eve. (Kingston Christmas Market)

Why visit?

Kingston offers a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the major central London events. Expect festive lighting, gift stalls, global street food, traditional winter dishes and live entertainment.

It is also a good choice for visitors who want to combine Christmas shopping with Kingston’s high-street and independent shops.

Essential information

Location: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JS
Dates: 12 November 2026–3 January 2027
Market stalls: 10am–6pm or 8pm, depending on the day
Christmas Day: Closed
Official website: Kingston Christmas Market (Kingston Christmas Market)

3. Borough Market at Christmas

Best for: Festive food and edible gifts

Borough Market is not a temporary Christmas market, but its extended December opening and festive produce make it one of London’s best seasonal food destinations.

From Monday 30 November 2026, the market opens seven days a week throughout December:

• Monday to Friday: 10am–5pm

• Saturday: 9am–5pm

• Sunday: 10am–4pm

There are several special dates:

• 23 December: 10am–6pm

• Christmas Eve: 8am–3pm

• 25–27 December: Closed

• 31 December: 10am–3pm

• New Year’s Day: Closed (Borough Market)

Why visit?

Borough Market is ideal for Christmas ingredients, cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, confectionery, wine and gifts for food lovers. It is also a strong choice for lunch, although the market can become extremely busy close to Christmas.

Essential information

Location: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
Festive opening: Seven days a week from 30 November
Entry: Free
Official website: Borough Market (Borough Market)

Dollond & Co. tip

Visit on a weekday morning when possible. The final weekend before Christmas and Christmas Eve are likely to be among the busiest periods.

4. Greenwich Market at Christmas

Best for: Handmade gifts and a complete London day out

Greenwich Market is open throughout the year, but the historic covered market becomes particularly atmospheric during the Christmas season.

The market normally opens daily from 10am to 5.30pm and closes on Christmas Day. It offers arts, crafts, antiques, jewellery, clothing, handmade products and food from independent traders. Entry is free. (Greenwich Market)

Greenwich’s 2026 festive season begins with its annual Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On on Wednesday 18 November 2026. The parade and celebrations run from 4pm to 6pm, with the market lights switched on at 5pm. (Greenwich Market)

Why visit?

Greenwich combines Christmas shopping with some of London’s best-known maritime attractions. Visitors can also explore the Cutty Sark, Old Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park.

The covered market is particularly useful when London’s winter weather is less than cooperative.

Essential information

Location: Greenwich Market, Greenwich
Opening times: Daily, 10am–5.30pm
Lights switch-on: 18 November 2026
Christmas Day: Closed
Entry: Free
Official website: Greenwich Market (Greenwich Market)

5. Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Best for: Artisan shopping in a historic royal setting

The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre takes place over two weekends:

• 4–6 December 2026

• 11–13 December 2026

It opens from 10am to 5pm and features more than 100 artisan producers in the Great Fountain Garden.

The fair is included with palace admission. Pre-booking is recommended, and members can attend without an additional admission charge when booked in advance. (Historic Royal Palaces)

Why visit?

Few festive fairs have a setting comparable to Hampton Court Palace. Visitors can shop for artisan food, drinks, gifts and seasonal products while also exploring the palace and gardens.

The palace’s Christmas programme also includes an ice rink and the Winter Palace experience, making it suitable for a full day out. (Historic Royal Palaces)

Essential information

Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Dates: 4–6 and 11–13 December 2026
Opening times: 10am–5pm
Entry: Included with palace admission
Official website: Historic Royal Palaces – Hampton Court Palace (Historic Royal Palaces)

6. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair

Best for: Independent makers in an intimate setting

Chelsea Physic Garden’s Christmas Fair is a shorter event held in the historic garden near the Thames.

Official organiser paperwork for 2026 lists the fair for:

• Thursday 26 November: 10am–5pm

• Thursday VIP evening: 6pm–8pm

• Friday 27 November: 10am–5pm

• Saturday 28 November: 10am–5pm

• Sunday 29 November: 10am–4pm (Chelsea Physic Garden)

The fair is held in a heated marquee within the four-acre garden and brings together independent gift, food and craft businesses. (Chelsea Physic Garden)

Why visit?

This is a good alternative to London’s larger, busier Christmas markets. The focus is more firmly on quality gifts, artisan products and independent sellers.

Essential information

Location: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HS
Dates: 26–29 November 2026
Opening times: 10am–5pm; Sunday to 4pm
Official website: Chelsea Physic Garden (Chelsea Physic Garden)

Because public ticket details may be released separately from the exhibitor information, check the official visitor page before attending.

7. Christmas in Covent Garden

Best for: Iconic decorations, shopping and restaurants

Covent Garden is not a single pop-up Christmas market. Instead, the entire Market Building, Piazza and surrounding streets become a major festive shopping destination.

The official Covent Garden website confirms that Christmas celebrations return from November 2026, featuring the area’s famous 55-foot Christmas tree, oversized bells and baubles inside the Market Building, and illuminated displays around Seven Dials. (Covent Garden)

Why visit?

Covent Garden is a strong option for visitors who want to combine festive decorations with permanent shops, beauty brands, restaurants, bars and nearby West End theatres.

It is also one of London’s most photogenic Christmas locations, particularly after dark.

Essential information

Location: Covent Garden Piazza and Market Building
Dates: From November 2026
Opening times: Full 2026 festive programme TBC; individual shops and restaurants have their own hours
Official website: Covent Garden London (Covent Garden)

8. Southbank Centre Winter Market

Best for: Riverside views, street food and evening visits

The Southbank Centre has confirmed that its annual winter programme will again include a Winter Market, although complete 2026 market dates and opening hours had not yet been published at the time of writing. (Southbank Centre)

For planning purposes, the most recent official schedule ran from 3 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, opening daily from 11am to 10pm, with craft traders closing at 9pm. The market was closed on 25 and 31 December. (South Bank London)

Why visit?

The market stretches along the Thames near the Royal Festival Hall and Jubilee Gardens. Alpine-style chalets offer street food, warming drinks, seasonal treats and gifts from independent creators.

The location makes it particularly appealing after dark, when the riverside and central London skyline are illuminated.

Essential information

Location: Queen’s Walk, beside the Southbank Centre
2026 dates: TBC
Expected season: Early November to early January
Official website: Southbank Centre / South Bank London (Southbank Centre)

9. Christmas in Leicester Square

Best for: A central West End Christmas stop

Christmas in Leicester Square transforms one of London’s busiest entertainment districts with alpine-style stalls, seasonal food, festive drinks and gifts.

Underbelly has operated the event on behalf of Westminster since 2016, and describes it as a November-to-January Christmas festival featuring markets in the West End. (Underbelly)

The current Leicester Square visitor information confirms that the Christmas market returns in November for approximately two months, although exact 2026 dates and opening times were not yet available at the time of writing. (Discover Leicester Square)

Why visit?

Its central location makes Leicester Square easy to combine with Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and a West End show.

It is best treated as part of a wider evening itinerary rather than a destination requiring an entire day.

Essential information

Location: Leicester Square, London WC2H
2026 dates: TBC
Expected season: November to early January
Official website: Discover Leicester Square / Underbelly (Discover Leicester Square)

10. Old Spitalfields Christmas Makers Market

Best for: Designer-makers, fashion and East London atmosphere

Old Spitalfields Market is open all year, but special Christmas Makers Market events add more independent designers and seasonal gifting.

The official Christmas Makers Market page lists the festive Urban Makers pop-up on Wednesdays from 11am to 6pm, although visitors should check the 2026 calendar for confirmed individual dates. (Old Spitalfields Market)

The regular market’s opening hours are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am–6pm

• Thursday: 8am–6pm

• Saturday: 10am–6pm

• Sunday: 10am–5pm (Old Spitalfields Market)

Why visit?

Spitalfields is particularly good for jewellery, art, prints, homeware, clothing, vintage pieces and contemporary gifts. It also has an extensive selection of street food, restaurants and permanent shops.

Because the market is covered, it offers a useful wet-weather option.

Essential information

Location: 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW
Christmas Makers Market: Selected Wednesdays, typically 11am–6pm
Regular market: Open seven days a week
Official website: Old Spitalfields Market (Old Spitalfields Market)

Which London Christmas Market Should You Choose?

For families

Choose Hyde Park Winter Wonderland for rides and attractions, or Kingston Christmas Market for a more relaxed traditional experience.

For food lovers

Visit Borough Market for premium produce and ingredients, or Southbank Winter Market for festive street food beside the Thames.

For handmade and independent gifts

Try Greenwich Market, Old Spitalfields Market, Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair or Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.

For a romantic evening

The best choices are Covent Garden, Southbank Centre Winter Market and Christmas in Leicester Square, especially when combined with dinner or a West End performance.

For history and atmosphere

Choose Hampton Court Palace, Greenwich Market or the historic Kingston Ancient Market Place.

Tips for Visiting London’s Christmas Markets

Check the official website before travelling

Opening hours can change around Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and during severe weather. Several 2026 programmes are also still being finalised.

Book ticketed events early

Winter Wonderland requires a timed entry booking, while Hampton Court Palace recommends pre-booking because admission cannot always be guaranteed at the door. (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland)

Visit earlier in the day

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are generally more comfortable for shopping. Friday evenings and weekends are better for atmosphere but usually attract larger crowds.

Allow time for nearby attractions

Many of London’s Christmas markets are close to other places worth visiting. Greenwich has major maritime attractions, Southbank is near the London Eye, Leicester Square is surrounded by the West End, and Borough Market is beside London Bridge.

Carry a payment card

Many modern market traders prefer contactless payment. It is sensible to carry both a card and a small amount of cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest Christmas market in London?

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the largest full-scale festive event in this guide, combining a Christmas market with more than 150 rides, attractions, shows, food outlets and seasonal experiences. (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland)

Which London Christmas markets are free to enter?

Year-round public markets such as Borough Market and Greenwich Market are free to enter. Winter Wonderland requires a timed entry ticket, while Hampton Court Festive Fayre is included with palace admission. (Borough Market)

When do London Christmas markets start in 2026?

Some begin in early or mid-November. Kingston opens on 12 November, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November, and Greenwich’s Christmas lights event takes place on 18 November. (Kingston Christmas Market)

Are London Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?

Most are closed on Christmas Day. Winter Wonderland, Kingston, Borough Market and Greenwich Market all confirm Christmas Day closures. (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland)

What is the best London Christmas market for gifts?

Greenwich and Old Spitalfields are particularly strong for handmade and independent products. Hampton Court and Chelsea Physic Garden are also excellent choices for concentrated artisan shopping over shorter event dates.

Christmas Shopping with Dollond & Co.

London’s Christmas markets are full of inspiration, from handcrafted gifts and traditional decorations to pieces made to be kept for generations.

For those looking for a personalised gift with a sense of history and adventure, explore the Dollond & Co. collection of engraved compasses, sundials, pocket watches and nautical instruments.

Add a name, date, personal message or meaningful quotation to create a Christmas gift made especially for its recipient.

EXPLORE PERSONALISED CHRISTMAS GIFTS