Days Out

Top Christmas markets in London

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Christmas markets are becoming all the rage in the UK. Here are some of the best London has to offer.

While Christmas markets have always been a huge part of Christmas on the continent, the same can’t be said for the UK. However, in recent years the British people have also begun to look fondly on the tradition of drinking mulled wine and browsing atmospheric stores during the coldest time of the year.

By now, you can find excellent Christmas markets in practically every major town in the UK. Some places even have multiple ones – especially London. But with so much choice, which one should you visit if you had to choose a single market? We’ll help you out.

Southbank Centre Christmas Market

With a heavy focus on traditional spectacle and emphasising the Christmas spirit, the Southbank Centre Christmas Market makes the top of our list. As is typical for the area around Southbank, you’ll find endless amounts of homemade crafts, beverages, mulled wine, rides, carols and other bits and pieces to give you an evening you won’t forget any time soon.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

One of the newer markets on this list, the Leicester Square Christmas Market is modern, above all else. Here you’ll find a range of unique attractions. A visit to Santa’s Grotto? A theatrical performance? No problem! Aside from that, you obviously also have the traditional elements – food, drink, music, plenty of stalls, people, and a good amount of holiday cheer.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

This is probably London’s most famous Christmas market, although it’s only just over 12 years old. It contains the UK’s largest outdoor ice-skating ring, a Ferris Wheel, several attractions such as an ice palace and a haunted house, food and mulled wine stalls, and much, much more. You can spend endless hours roaming around and finding something new at every corner – if you manage to brave the crowds.

Honorable mentions

Of course, those are only a few of the many Christmas markets in London. Several other worthwhile ones include:

Greenwich Christmas Market

London Bridge City Christmas Market

Stepney City Farm Christmas Market

Geffrye Festive Makers’ Market

Christmas Canopy Market at King’s Cross

Winterville at Clapham Common