Christmas Markets in London 2026

London’s Christmas markets are all quite different. At one, you’ll find designer decorations; at another, you can grab a hot waffle by the river; and at a third, roller coasters and fairground rides take up most of the space. So there’s no need to spend an entire day at just one market. You can easily fit several into your trip.

Most markets run from November to early January, although some last only a few days. It’s worth checking the dates before you go. Here are 12 Christmas markets and festive attractions in London for the 2026/2027 season.

Dates and Locations

Dates are for the 2026/2027 season. Covent Garden and Greenwich markets are open year-round, so the table shows when their Christmas programmes begin. Some markets are closed on December 25.

1. King’s Cross Winter Market

• Dates: November 26, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: Granary Square, King’s Cross
• Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras

In 2026, Granary Square hosts its first full-scale winter market. Independent designers, local makers and street food vendors set up stalls around the square. You’ll also find seasonal bars between the stalls and live music on a small stage. The whole place has a modern feel.

It’s easy to combine the market with a walk around Coal Drops Yard, a former industrial complex that’s now home to shops and restaurants. King’s Cross also hosts other themed markets throughout the festive season. Entry is free, and the main stalls open daily from 11:00 am.

2. Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

• Dates: December 4–6 and 11–13, 2026
• Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
• Getting there: Take a train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court

More than 100 British producers set up stalls in the palace gardens, selling homemade sweets, chocolate, cheese, baked goods, drinks and gift sets. Local musicians perform while visitors browse the food stalls. This is a particularly good market for anyone who enjoys shopping for food and treats.

Entry to the fair is included with your palace ticket, so you can explore Henry VIII’s former residence after visiting the stalls. There are historic rooms, gardens and the famous maze to discover. I’d allow at least half a day for Hampton Court.

3. Southbank Centre Winter Market

• Dates: November 2, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: Southbank Centre, Queen’s Walk
• Nearest stations: Waterloo, Embankment

Southbank keeps things simple: wooden chalets, good food and the Thames just a few steps away. Vendors serve burgers, churros, Dutch mini pancakes and plenty of other treats that are easy to eat while walking around. A few stalls also sell small gifts and Christmas decorations.

In the evening, people head to the riverside to enjoy the festive lights and take a walk along the Thames. From the market, you can continue along the river to the London Eye. Entry is free, so it’s an easy place to stop by even if you only have half an hour.

4. Spirit of Christmas Fair

• Dates: November 2–8, 2026
• Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road
• Nearest station: Kensington (Olympia)

This large indoor shopping fair at Olympia London brings together more than 600 independent brands. You can browse clothing by British designers, jewellery, homeware, toys and gift sets. The fair celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026.

Alongside the shopping stands, there are restaurants and creative workshops. A dedicated section called Spirit Rising Stars showcases emerging brands. Entry is ticketed, with prices starting at £25.75. Children under 12 can enter for free.

5. Kingston Christmas Market

• Dates: November 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames
• Getting there: Take a train to Kingston station

During the festive season, wooden chalets fill Kingston’s main square. Stalls sell crafts by local makers, Christmas tree decorations, accessories and small gifts. Between shopping stops, you can grab a hot snack or a glass of mulled wine. There’s also live music on selected days.

Kingston is away from London’s main tourist routes, so the market attracts plenty of locals. Pedestrian shopping streets surround the square, and the Thames riverside is nearby. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed afternoon outside central London.

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6. Winter by the River

• Dates: November 10, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: London Bridge City
• Nearest station: London Bridge

Wooden market stalls line the Thames, with Tower Bridge rising just behind them. You’ll find decorations, candles, handmade products and gifts from small British businesses. There are also stalls serving hot food and winter drinks.

For 2026, the attractions include Swift Stone Curling, an indoor curling experience, and seasonal bars. The two-storey Clubhouse is worth visiting for its river views. The market runs from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and entry is free. Try to arrive around sunset so you can see Tower Bridge in daylight and then watch it light up after dark.

7. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair

• Dates: November 26–29, 2026
• Location: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road
• Nearest station: Sloane Square

For just four days, Chelsea’s historic botanical garden turns into a festive shopping destination. More than 100 independent makers bring designer jewellery, clothing, ceramics, textiles and home accessories. You’ll also come across food gifts from small British producers.

This fair is a good choice if you’re looking for something a little different to give as a present. Food and drinks are available inside the garden. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 at the entrance. Opening hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with an earlier closing time of 4:00 pm on Sunday.

8. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

• Dates: November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: Hyde Park
• Nearest stations: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch

Winter Wonderland is London’s largest Christmas entertainment attraction. You’ll find roller coasters, carousels, a giant observation wheel, an outdoor ice rink and plenty of market stalls. The Bavarian Village serves traditional German food, while the Christmas market offers gifts and decorations.

One of the highlights for 2026 is Luminarie Market, with its illuminated arches. Alongside shopping and fairground rides, there are ice-themed attractions and festive shows. Entry is ticketed during certain hours, and most attractions require separate tickets. Winter Wonderland is closed on December 25.

9. Leadenhall Christmas Craft Fairs

• Dates: November 14 and December 12, 2026
• Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street
• Nearest stations: Monument, Bank

Leadenhall Market is easy to recognise thanks to its colourful Victorian arcades and high glass roofs. In November and December, it hosts two SoLo Craft Fairs. More than 100 makers bring ceramics, jewellery, accessories, textiles and other handmade gifts. Visitors can also join free craft activities.

The fairs run from noon to 5:00 pm, and entry is free. The Christmas lights are switched on November 19, and the market stays decorated throughout the festive season. Even if you miss the craft fair dates, it’s still worth visiting to see the beautiful interior.

10. Greenwich Christmas Market

• Festive season begins: November 18, 2026
• Location: Greenwich Market
• Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR)

Greenwich Market is a great place to browse a wide variety of products. Beneath the roofs of its historic market halls, you’ll find handmade jewellery, artwork, vintage clothing, accessories and crafts. For Christmas, the market is decorated with festive lights, and seasonal gifts and special events are added to the usual selection.

The Lantern Parade takes place on November 18, followed by the Christmas lights switch-on. On other days, the market operates as usual. It’s easy to combine a visit with a walk around historic Greenwich and the riverside near the Cutty Sark ship.

11. Leicester Square Christmas

• Dates: October 31, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: Leicester Square
• Nearest station: Leicester Square

A circular ice rink is set up around the Shakespeare statue in the middle of Leicester Square, with festive stalls nearby selling sweets, hot drinks, decorations and small gifts. The rink is called Skate Leicester Square and opens before November even begins.

Skating sessions last 45 minutes, and tickets are sold separately. The market itself is fairly small, so it’s easy to combine with a walk around the West End. Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown and Covent Garden are all just a short walk away.

12. Covent Garden Christmas

• Festive season begins: November 12, 2026
• Location: Covent Garden Piazza
• Nearest station: Covent Garden

The main Christmas attraction at Covent Garden is the way the historic shopping district is decorated. Huge golden bells and mirrored baubles hang above the market halls, while a large Christmas tree stands in the piazza. In 2026, the decorations feature more than 300,000 lights, and the festive programme, The Theatre of Christmas, celebrates London’s theatre scene.

For Christmas shopping, head to Apple Market, where stalls sell jewellery, accessories and handmade crafts. Festive Thursdays bring special evening events throughout the season. There isn’t a traditional Christmas market with wooden chalets here, but you can easily spend an evening shopping, having dinner and wandering through the decorated streets.

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