london's best christmas markets 2023

London's Christmas markets are back and better than ever! There’s festive shopping, and so much more – even Mexican wrestling, giant puppets and a roller disco! Here's a rundown on the best of the many Christmas markets.

Festive accommodation in London fills up faster than the Christmas markets! But with 5 incredible properties located all across London, you'll find the perfect fit for you and your squad. Book your stay with us today!

 

winter wonderland

 

This Christmas extravaganza in Hyde Park combines yuletide wonder with theme park fun. There’s an ice rink (book in advance), Zippos Christmas Circus, a Santa’s grotto, an ice slide, fairground attractions and rides that range from kiddie carousels to heart-in-the-mouth high-flying contraptions.

Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

When: 17th November 2023 — 1st January 2024. Closed Christmas Day.

Cost: Free to enter but tickets must be booked in advance. Rides can be expensive.

Website: Home - Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 

 

 

southbank centre’s winter market and wintertime events

 

It’s lovely to wander down the Thames in the shadow of the Eye eating everything from Thai food to raclette to fish-shaped pastries filled with cream (why? We don’t know, but we love them). The ornate carousel here is great for pictures and you can pick up gifts, drink seasonal cocktails, and soak up the festive spirit.

At the Southbank Centre’s Winter series, there’s Christmas-themed culture of every kind. Its Rumpelstiltskin performance puts a new spin on the classic fairy tale, Circus 1903 recreates a turn-of-the-century circus using life-sized elephant puppets from the War Horse team, and The Snow Ball invites everyone to don their fancy dress and hit the floor to seasonal hits, just to name a few of the options. Plus there’s storytelling, classical music, Caribbean Christmas, a drag show and more.

Where: Southbank

When: 28th October 2023 - 7th January 2024

Cost: The market is free; events are either free or various prices. Check website for details.

Website: Winter Market 2023 | South Bank London

Tips: It’s worth taking time to scan through all the Southbank Centre’s Winter offerings, as they showcase such a wide variety of uplifting performances, cultures and arts.

 

 

christmas in leicester square

 

The compact Leicester Square market has a Santa’s grotto, fairy lights and buzzy atmosphere. Visit the vintage Spiegeltent for the programme of Christmas shows, pantomimes and kid's theatre. 

Where:  Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA

When: 8th November 2023 - 7th January 2024.

Cost: Tickets start at £24

Website: Christmas in Leicester Square

Tips: Go early to avoid the crowds, which build up in the evenings

Festive accommodation in London fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don’t miss out — book your stay with us today!

 

 

christmas by the river

What could be more English than browsing twinkling stalls next to Tower Bridge? Christmas by the River stretches from Hay’s Galleria to London Bridge City Pier with than 50 independent traders. Plus, there is a bar carved from ice in Eis Haus. (Say that in your best German accent.)

Where: 2A More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB

When: Dates for 2023 are TBC, however are likely to fall from 14th November 2023 - 2nd January 2024.

Cost: Free

Website: Tudor Markets, Christmas by the River 2023

Tip: With older kids, try late-night shopping til 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday

 

greenwich market

London’s only market set within a World Heritage site is open 7 days a week and is stuffed full of the kinds of distinctive gifts friends and family love to discover under the tree: vintage maps, creamy linen, and bona fide antiques sit next to original fashion and jewelry both classic and modern. Since it’s open all year, Greenwich is technically not a Christmas market but it’s one you won’t want to miss, especially after the Christmas lights get turned on on the 17th of November. 

Where: Greenwich Town Centre, SE10 9HZ

When: Open every day

Cost: Free

Website: Greenwich Market, London

Tip: The nearby Staycity Greenwich High Road puts you minutes away from the market and Greenwich town centre.

 

 

country living christmas fair

 

The popular magazine arrives in London to bring style to the season. Designers, makers and regional food purveyors sell their wares as well as share their secrets in talks, demos and hands-on workshops. For a fee in the Crafting Studio, you can decorate gingerbread, block print your own Christmas card, weave with sari strips and more.

Where: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH

When: 8th – 11th November 2023

Cost: Advance tickets start at £22 adults. Some special entry packages include extras like drinks or a goody bag.

Website: About - Country Living Fair 

Tip: Check out the Crafting Studio schedule and book a place before you go. Sessions run all day!

 

a taste of london winter 2023

 

Yes, yes, Christmas is a time to give gifts to your loved ones — but it’s also a time to eat. Here you’ll see cooking demonstrations, hands-on masterclasses, small dishes and wine and whisky tastings (skip those for the kids) along with boutique food gift stalls. This is the perfect place to ensure you’re raising another generation of gourmands.

Where: Tobacco Dock, Wapping

When: 2023 dates TBC

Website: Home - Taste of London: The World's Greatest Food Festival in London (tastefestivals.com)

Tip: Come hungry!

 

hampton court palace festive fayre

 

Prepare yourself for a royal treat at this Christmas food festival and market at this gorgeous palace that was a favourite of Henry VIII. You’ll wander around the courtyards tasting artisan food and drink, watching cookery demonstrations and enjoying carol singing.

 

Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU

When: 1st - 3rd December and 8th - 10th December 2023

Cost: Members go free as do under 5s, adult tickets start at £26.30, children at £13.10

Website: HRP Festivals Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre | Festive Fayre

Tip: Don’t miss the festive classics at the Courtyard Bandstand and sing along!

 

Festive accommodation in London fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don’t miss out — book your stay with us today! Merry Christmas y’all!