Christmas Markets in London 2025

In 2025, the capital of Great Britain once again enchants residents and tourists with a variety of Christmas markets, each showcasing its own unique character and features. From the grand Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the cozy markets nestled in the city’s historic districts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 daily (closed on December 25)
Location: Hyde Park, London W2
Nearest Tube Stations: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge

The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is London’s largest and most famous Christmas market. Celebrating its 18th season in 2025, it promises to be more impressive than ever.

Spanning 350 acres, this winter entertainment spectacle features:

• The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink surrounding a Victorian bandstand with live music.
• A magical ice kingdom showcasing over 500 tons of ice transformed into scenes from “Alice in Wonderland”.
• A Bavarian village offering traditional German food and beer.
• More than 100 attractions, including a giant Ferris wheel and the Munich Looping, the world’s largest traveling roller coaster.
• Bar Ice, a unique ice bar chilled to -10°C.
• Cirque Berserk circus performances three times daily.
• A Christmas market with over 200 wooden chalets.

Tickets: Entry is free during off-peak times (advance booking required), £5 during standard hours, and £7.50 during peak hours. If you spend £25 on rides or food when booking, entry is free.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Dates: November 2 – December 26, 2025
Opening Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday–Saturday 11:00–23:00
Location: Southbank Centre, Queen’s Walk, SE1
Nearest Tube Stations: Waterloo, Embankment

Nestled on the picturesque south bank of the Thames, this market offers stunning views of the London Eye and Big Ben. It is renowned for its Alpine wooden chalets featuring:

• Handcrafted items from independent artisans.
• Mulled wine and hot chocolate.
• Truffle burgers and duck wraps.
• Dutch pancakes and churros.
• Unique decorations and gifts.

A highlight is Fire And Fromage, a pop-up restaurant offering unlimited raclette, complete with cozy marshmallow roasting by the fire. The Curling Club also operates under the bridge, providing curling lanes and an Alpine atmosphere.

Covent Garden Christmas

Dates: November 12, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–20:00 (Sunday 11:00–18:00)
Location: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E
Nearest Tube Stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square

Covent Garden transforms into a Christmas fairytale starting November 12, when over 260,000 lights illuminate the area. The centerpiece is a stunning 55-foot Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 lights.

Main features:

• 40 giant bells with bows.
• 12 large baubles.
• 8 rotating mirror discs.
• 29 miles of gold leaf.
• 275 kg of glitter.

Special events:

• Festive Thursdays (November 14 – December 19) — Enjoy late-night shopping with live music and exclusive offers.
• Mulled Wine Month (November 12 – December 1) — Delight in a variety of
  mulled wine tastings.
• Hourly Snowfall — Experience snowfall by the “Frozen”-themed tree.
• Vintage Carousel from Lego — A unique attraction for all ages.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Dates: November 6, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday–Saturday 11:00–23:00
Location: Leicester Square, WC2H
Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus

Leicester Square transforms into a cozy Christmas village, featuring traditional wooden chalets. The highlight is a 1920s Spiegeltent, a luxurious venue where performances by the renowned La Clique take place, celebrating its 20th anniversary.

What you can find:

• Traditional German sausages and bratwurst.
• Roasted chestnuts and handmade sweets.
• Hand-knitted hats and gloves.
• An opportunity to roast marshmallows over an open fire.
• The La Clique Show, an internationally acclaimed cabaret-circus performance.

Note: All vendors accept only cashless payments; cash is not accepted.

Kingston Christmas Market

Dates: November 13 – December 28, 2025
Opening hours: Daily (to be confirmed), closed December 25
Location: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JS
Transport: Kingston rail station (25 minutes from London Waterloo)

One of the most charming markets, located in Kingston’s historic center, is known for its friendly atmosphere and quality local goods.

Features:

• Cozy wooden stalls offering handcrafted items.
• Continental sausages and roast pork.
• Street food from around the world.
• Live music and performances.
• A vintage carousel for children.
• Choirs and local bands.

Practical information: The market is fully pedestrianized during operating hours. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.

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Spirit of Christmas Fair, Kensington Olympia

Dates: November 3–9, 2025
Opening hours: Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Saturday 10:00–18:00, Thursday 10:00–21:00, Sunday 10:00–17:00
Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX
Nearest tube stations: Kensington (Olympia), West Kensington

This event is not a traditional market but a luxury Christmas exhibition featuring over 600 independent brands.

What to Expect:

• Women’s and men’s fashion.
• Jewelry.
• Christmas decorations.
• Toys.
• Artisan delicacies and drinks.
• Spirit Rising Stars — featuring new young brands.

Additional Services:

• Lunch and afternoon tea.
• Louis Roederer champagne.
• Spirit Inspirations — lectures and workshops.
• Free creative workshops.
• Access to The Luxury Travel Fair exhibition.

Tickets: Starting from £23 for adults (free for children under 12).

Greenwich Christmas Market

Dates: November 2025 – January 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00–17:30 daily
Location: Greenwich Market, SE10
Transport: DLR to Cutty Sark or train to Greenwich

Greenwich Market is the only historic market within a UNESCO World Heritage site. In December, Late Christmas Market Nights occur every Wednesday with special lighting.

Features:

• Over 100 stalls offering handcrafted items.
• Unique artworks from 35 local artists.
• Vintage clothing and accessories.
• International street food.
• Christmas lights with a maritime theme.
• Less crowded than central markets.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Dates: December 5–7 and 12–14, 2025
Opening Hours: 10:00–17:00 (palace closes at 16:00)
Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Transport: Direct trains from London Waterloo to Hampton Court

This event provides a unique chance to combine Christmas shopping with a visit to Henry VIII’s historic palace, held in the beautiful Great Fountain Garden.

What’s Included:

• More than 100 independent producers.
• Artisan food and drinks.
• Live music on the bandstand.
• Access to the palace and 60 acres of gardens.
• Famous maze.

VIP Package: Includes complimentary beer, wine, and prosecco from 12:00 to 16:30.

Tickets: £30 for adults on weekends, £27.20 on Fridays; reduced prices after 15:00 — £10 for adults.

Old Spitalfields Christmas Market

Dates: Throughout December 2025
Opening Hours: Daily until December 24; Christmas Shopping Lates on Wednesdays until 20:00
Location: Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street, E1
Nearest Tube Stations: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East

The historic Victorian market features festive decorations throughout December and is known for its eclectic mix of goods and bohemian ambiance.

Features:

• Vintage clothing and contemporary art.
• Christmas Shopping Lates on Wednesdays (December 4, 11, 18) with live music.
• Performances by gospel choirs and steel drums.
• Wreath-making workshops.
• The Thirsty Trap — festive pop-up bar.
• Diverse street food.

Special Events:

• Hot Chocolate Festive Trail (December 1–8).
• Vintage record market.
• Artists’ Christmas Market Pop-up.
• Workshops by ArtPlay London.

Practical Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
• For atmospheric photos with lights, visit between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
• Avoid the last weekends before Christmas, as this is when visitor numbers peak.

Make a List: Decide in advance which markets you want to visit and check their opening hours, as they may vary.

Transport and Getting Around

Public Transport:

• London’s public transport provides excellent connections to most markets.
• Avoid Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch stations on weekend evenings, as they can be overcrowded.
• Consider using alternative routes through Bond Street, Victoria, or Paddington.

Walking: Many markets are within walking distance of one another. For instance, it’s only a 5-minute walk from Leicester Square to Covent Garden.

Food and Drinks

Must-Try Items:

• Mulled wine — a classic Christmas drink..
• Roasted chestnuts — the quintessential aroma of Christmas in London.
• German sausages and bratwurst.
• Dutch pancakes and churros.
• Raclette at the Southbank Centre.

For Children: Most markets offer children’s menus and non-alcoholic versions of popular drinks.

Entertainment for the Whole Family

For Children:

• Santa’s Grotto at Winter Wonderland (free, but expect long queues).
• Carousels and various children’s attractions.
• Craft-making workshops.

For Adults:

• Theatrical performances, such as La Clique at Leicester Square.
• Beer and wine tastings.
• Live music and street performances.

Christmas Events Calendar 2025

November 2025

• November 2 – December 26 — Southbank Centre Winter Market.
• November 3–9 — Spirit of Christmas Fair, Olympia London.
• November 6 – January 5 — Leicester Square Christmas Market.
• November 12 — Covent Garden lights switch-on.
• November 13 – December 28 — Kingston Christmas Market.
• November 14 – January 1 — Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

December 2025

• December 5–7 — First weekend of Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.
• December 12–14 — Second weekend of Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.
• Throughout December — Old Spitalfields Christmas Market.
• November–January — Greenwich Christmas Market.

January 2026

• January 1 — Closure of most markets.
• January 5 — Closure of Leicester Square Christmas Market.

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