When you think of markets you are probably thinking of vintage markets or farmers markets but since its that season again lets dive into London’s best Christmas markets!
Who doesn’t love hand painted Christmas cards, a one of a kind bauble, or a hand crafted nutcracker? Every year people gather to these markets to emulate that ever loved joy of the Christmas season, and no one does Christmas better then London… so here are our top choices of Christmas markets in London that you need to visit to get those beloved family members the gifts they deserve and maybe even have a sip of some mulled wine! Let the countdown to Christmas finally commence!
Winter Market at Southbank
London’s Southbank is not only a magical setting come wintertime with its twinkling lights glistening off the inky water, but it’s also incredibly accessible for anyone looking to pop into a Christmas market on the way into catch a show, en route back from work or as an act of last minute desperation as you run for the train on Christmas eve.
A magical setting come wintertime with its twinkling lights glistening off the inky water…
Traders from around the world will meet to tout their seasonal gifts and trinkets, but far more importantly streetfooders will bring their very best in terms of bratwurst and raclette (including Igloo kings Jimmy Garcia) as well as more esoteric takes on Christmas cooking from Asian, Indian and Greek pop-ups.
When: 28 October 2023- 7 January 2024
Where: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX
Website:www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Winter Wonderland
The Christmas market at Winter Wonderland takes Christmas marketing to another level.
Located right next to the ice rink (check it out), the best entry is the Blue Gate to bypass the throngiest of crowds.
Over 200 Bavarian cabins selling all manner of Christmas items…
With over 200 Bavarian cabins selling all manner of Christmas items at the Hyde Park extravaganza, it’s quite possibly the largest German Market that’s not in Germany right now.
When: 17 November 2023- 1st January 2024
Where: Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Website:www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Christmas By The River
Visit the South Bank Christmas Market and just keep on walking! For about 20 minutes and you’ll hit the other market on the bank of the river.
A does-what-it-says-on-the-tin affair…
Christmas By The River, a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin affair, marries Christmas market vibes with stunning riverside views.
Hot toddies all round.
When: 14 November 2023- 1 January 2024
Where: London Bridge City, Southwark, SE1 2DB
Website:www.londonbridgecity.co.uk
Kingston Christmas Market
If Christmas is approximately 2,000 years old, there’s been a market in Kingston’s Ancient Market Place for more than half of that. It seems unlikely that medieval traders would have passed on the opportunity to flog sticks of stripy rock, tasteful tinsel or toasted marshmallows from B&Q garden sheds, so it’s probably safe (if historically dishonest) to suggest that Kingston’s Christmas Market’s the oldest Christmas market in the world.
This is a South West London alternative to central options, and the ideal place to come if you’re ‘sarf of the river in need of some nogged egg.
When: 16 November 2023- 31 December 2023
Where: Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JS
Website:www.kingstonchristmasmarket.co.uk
Canopy Market, King’s Cross
Coming to Kings Cross this winter, Canopy Market’s Christmas Market will be a mulled-wine fuelled chance to pick up any number of foodie gifts.
A mulled-wine fuelled chance to pick up any number of foodie gifts…
The market will include different weekends, in the form of a vegan fest (between 3rd and 5th December), festive workshops and tastings (between 10th and 12th December) and a craft gifting weekend (17th and 19th December).
When: 23 November 2023- 23 December 2023
Where: Canopy Market, West Handyside Canopy, 1 Wharf Road, Kings Cross, N1C 4BZ
Website:www.canopymarket.co.uk
The Royal Exchange Christmas Market
Head to the Royal Exchange Christmas Market this holiday season to enjoy amazing dishes and drink options, because nothing seems more festive than a mulled wine on a cold evening. They have introduced 2 seasonal huts from The Libertine and Henley Regatta who will be serving mouthwatering dishes and drinks. For our vegan’s out there, they have options for you as well including delicious plant-based sausage rolls. Don’t forget to try the hot cocoa to end an already perfect evening.
When: 11 November 2023- 22 December 2023
Where: Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LL
Website: www.theroyalexchange.com
