A Guide To The Best London Christmas Markets
‘Tis the season to visit a Christmas market, and what better place to do so than London! The capital is home to some of the best winter local attractions and some of the most magical winter markets in the country, meaning there are plenty of fabulously festive options to choose from.
Our Vauxhall hotel sits at the centre of the city, perfectly positioned to allow you to enjoy all the best Winter attractions. So, take your pick from fantastic foodie markets where the sweet scent of gingerbread will get your taste buds tingling, or make your way to everyone’s favourite - Winter Wonderland - for pure Christmas fun in all its glory.
Thankfully, this year many of London’s best Christmas markets are back - and they’re set to be bigger and better than ever.
Here are just a few of our favourites.
The Winter Market on the South Bank
Nothing screams Christmas quite like the South Bank’s annual festive market - it’s definitely not to be missed.
Every winter, the South Bank is transformed as traditional alpine-style chalets pop up along the banks of the Thames. The market is particularly festive at night, when it’s lit up by hundreds of sparkling lights that really do look pretty as a picture.
You’ll find all kinds of wares being sold at this Christmas market, so keep your eyes peeled for the perfect presents to put under your tree, as well as decorations, street food and sweet treats aplenty. And don’t miss the mulled wine stalls - there’s no better way to keep warm on a cold winter’s night.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the place to go for that fuzzy Christmas feeling!
This vast celebration of all things Christmas is back this year, and it’s just as impressive as ever. Beside the ice rink, you’ll find a fantastic Christmas market, complete with charming wooden chalets selling all kinds of festive favourites.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas Market is home to stalls full of unique gifts, stocking fillers, handmade decorations and plenty of tempting things to eat and drink too. Book your ticket to Winter Wonderland to enjoy all that this brilliantly festive event has to offer.
Christmas at Flat Iron Square, Southwark
Flat Iron Square is well known as one of the capital’s best foodie destinations, but it’s getting a festive makeover for this year’s Christmas celebrations.
Open until 23rd December, this epic winter wonderland brings the magic of the season to the heart of Southwark. The market has been transformed with over 40 pine trees, beautiful lighting, a new winter drinks menu and a programme of suitably festive events. There are even Christmas booth packages, available for party bookings.
Christmas Village at Covent Garden
If you’re in London during the Christmas period, we highly recommend you take a trip to Covent Garden. This world renowned piazza is always an impressive sight at Christmas, as it’s transformed with incredible festive decor and one of the capital’s biggest Christmas trees.
Within the Covent Garden piazza, you’ll find the Christmas Village, a beautiful Christmas market full of traditional festive stalls. Pick up gifts for friends and family, treat yourself to a brand new Christmas jumper or indulge in some of the seasonal treats on offer.
Kingston Christmas Market
Escape the hustle and bustle of central London with a trip to Kingston-upon-Thames. This traditional market town is easily accessible via public transport, and it’s well worth a trip.
During the Christmas period, the centre of Kingston becomes a winter wonderland, complete with an Alpine Village where you enjoy hot roasted chestnuts by a roaring fire, or even take a spin on the carousel. There’s live entertainment most evenings, and of course you’ll also find a huge selection of Christmas stalls selling everything you might need for the big day.
The Selfridges Christmas Market
Selfridges has always been a Christmas shopper’s paradise, but this year it’s going one step further with its own Christmas Market. Known as Christmas Market on the Mews, the event has been created in collaboration with pioneering food market expert, and Street Feast founder, Dominic Cools-Lartigue.
Head to Edwards Mews, at the rear of Selfridges London, where you’ll find Christmas trees for sale, as well as incredible unique gifts, delicious festive street food and live entertainment. We’ve even been promised an appearance from Santa himself - along with a few elves from his workshop.
Christmas by the River, Bankside
This winter, London Bridge City will be illuminated with a Christmas Market that’s as beautiful as it is enticing.
The Christmas market under the stars runs until 2nd January, and is set to bring something a little different to London’s selection of winter markets. Look out for woodland guardians, traditional Alpine cabins and a huge array of tempting pop-up food and drink stalls.
Visitors will be able to pick up all kinds of unique gifts and curiosites, along with stocking fillers, handmade cards and stunning decorations for the home.
Maltby Street Night Market
Maltby Street is home to another of London’s most popular food markets, but this winter its renowned Christmas markets are back after a two year hiatus. Every Friday in December, the Maltby Street market becomes Merry Maltby, a joyful celebration of the tastiest treats that the Christmas period has to offer.
Expect rustic barrels of spiced mulled wine, the sweet scent of sizzling fried onions, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and so much more. There’ll also be beautiful fresh floral decor for sale, including handmade wreaths, poinsettia planters and festive flowers for your hosts on the big day.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Enjoy Christmas celebrations in one of London’s most iconic settings: Leicester Square. Every winter, the famous square becomes the home of an incredible Christmas market, where you’ll find lines of traditional festive stalls selling everything you could want and need for the holiday season.
The pièce de résistance at this year’s Leicester Square market is the Spiegeltent, which will host the circus and cabaret show La Clique throughout the festive season. There are also children's events available to book.
Eccleston Yards Christmas Market
Enjoy a luxurious Christmas market in the heart of Belgravia, at Eccleston Yard. This beautiful courtyard has been transformed for the winter, with sparkling lights and stunning stalls selling all things festive.
Look out for artisan businesses selling impressive handmade products, from homeware and accessories to jewellery and cards. Christmas tunes will blare from the speakers every weekend in December, getting shoppers in the mood to celebrate as they explore one of London’s most charming Christmas markets.
Experience London This Festive Season
Book a stay in London and discover the unique atmosphere of the bustling city at Christmas time. If it’s your first time spending the festive season in the city, talk to our team about the best things to see and do while you’re here. We firmly believe that there’s no better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
