There’s nothing like the arrival of London’s Christmas markets to let us know that the festive season is upon us. The capital comes alive during the holidays, when its busiest shopping streets and riverside walkways are lit up with some of the most dazzling festive displays in the country. Here you’ll find everything from quaint Alpine chalets selling homemade crafts to seasonal street food stalls serving up truly decadent dishes and winter warming cocktails. Here’s our edit of the best Christmas markets in London for 2023.
Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
Until 1 January 2024
This is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the whole of the UK, and with good reason. People flock from all over the country to come and browse the hundreds of Bavarian-style wooden chalets at Winter Wonderland’s Christmas Market, which sell the usual Christmas decorations and handmade crafts alongside jewellery and clothing from independent brands. Afterwards, take a turn on the ice at Hyde Park’s skating rink, have a go on one of the many fairground rides or book in for a tour of the magical ice kingdom, which features sculptures crafted from 500 tonnes of ice and snow.Â
Hyde Park, Kensington, London W2 4RU
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Borough Market
Until 9 January 2024
The foodie wonderland that is Borough Market gets a festive transformation at this time of year, with special opening times throughout the Christmas season. Extending their opening hours into the evening, the historic venue is decked with wreaths and hung with sparkly tinsel and fairy lights as their stalls get into the Christmas spirit, stocking up on festive additions like mulled wine and traditional Christmas cakes. Alongside their usual offerings they’ll also be hosting a series of Christmas-themed tastings and demonstrations in their festive kitchen, including their Evening of Cheese on Wednesday 13 December, where you’ll get the chance to put together the ultimate festive cheeseboard.Â
8 Southwark Street, Southwark, London SE1 1TL
boroughmarket.org.uk
Southbank Winter Market
Until 26 December 2023
The Southbank has become synonymous with festive fun over recent years, thanks to the Christmas market that runs along it every winter, casting a fairy-lit glow across the Thames. Wooden huts and Alpine-style chalets covered in twinkling lights line the riverside promenade, selling everything from stocking fillers and gifts to delicate baubles and homemade crafts from independent sellers. As well as getting your Christmas shopping sorted there’s a big emphasis on food and drink here, with fondue at Fire & Fromage, winter warmers from The Thirsty Farrier and Beltane & Pop and Choco Fruit’s indulgent desserts some of this year’s highlights.Â
Southbank Market, The Queen’s Walk, Southbank, London SE1 8XX
southbankcentre.co.uk
DIY Christmas Market
Saturday 9 December 2023
Back by popular demand, the DIY Christmas Market is a chance to meet – and buy from – some of London’s most exciting emerging and established artists and publishers. If you’re looking for a one-off gift or a present for yourself, there’s plenty to choose from here, with everything from ceramics, jewellery, sculptures and sewn items to comics, fanzines and limited edition prints – all at affordable prices. Not only will you be able to get your hands on a unique piece, you’ll also be supporting the independent retailers – and what’s not to love about that?
133 Copeland Road, Copeland Park, Peckham, London SE15 3SN
diyartmarket.com
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair
23 – 26 November 2023
There are few places in the capital more enchanting than the Chelsea Physic Garden, which was founded in 1673 and remains one of London’s best-kept secrets. This is doubly true during the festive season, when the bucolic gem plays host to the most refined of Christmas fairs. Head here to explore over 100 stalls manned by some of the finest independent makers in the land, where you can pick up everything from handmade ceramics and jewellery to unusual plants. Pay a visit to the charming cafĂ© while you’re there, which will be serving up suitably festive snacks and nibbles.Â
66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HSÂ
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Until 7 January 2024
Bigger is better at Covent Garden this year, where their world-famous British-grown Christmas tree reaches to a staggering 60ft and is festooned with over 30,000 lights. For the first time in almost a decade, Covent Garden has introduced a brand new Christmas installation, complete with over 40 giant gold bells with red and gold glittering bows. The covered market is filled with craft stalls selling festive trinkets as well as designer offerings from the likes of Messika, Atelier 100 and Marc Jacobs, who have taken over the Piazza with their first ever UK pop-up. As if that wasn’t magical enough, there’s also a traditional Santa sleigh and the return of the Wonder Wood, filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees.Â
Cranbourn Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 7AR
coventgarden.london
Fulham Palace Christmas Fair
2 – 3 December 2023
This charming Christmas fair, held in the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Tudor palace, is packed with fun events for the whole family. Start by taking a tour of the market, which features over 75 stalls run by local small businesses – you can pick up everything from sustainable coconut wax candles to homemade chutneys – before exploring the kids’ activities on offer, which include face painting, storytelling sessions and a visit to the Jolly Tuck Shop to stock up on sweet treats. To really get you in the festive mood, there are also carol singalongs from a local choir and elegant Christmas wreaths for sale, hand-crafted by the Palace’s gardeners and volunteers.Â
Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EA
fulhampalace.org
Christmas Markets at Battersea Power Station
25 November, 2 – 3 December and 9 – 22 December 2023
This year, Battersea Power Station is hosting three different Christmas markets under its iconic chimneys. First up on Saturday 25 November is The Prince’s Trust Festive Marketplace, which will be showcasing businesses founded by inspirational young people in the Turbine Hall. Next up, from 2 – 3 December, popular south London-based Salad Days Market will be selling their wares, offering everything from personalised baubles and hand-painted ceramics to homeware and jewellery. Finally, from 9 – 22 December, Curated Makers will be bringing 40 makers, creators and small businesses to their Christmas market. Come to discover one-of-a-kind gifts and meet the makers behind them.Â
Battersea Power Station, Battersea, London SW11Â 8BJ
batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Christmas Independent Ceramics Market
Sunday 10 December 2023
Pottery enthusiasts will love this Christmas market, which specialises in all things ceramic. Held at Unit 8 in Peckham, a stone’s throw from the Bussey Building, the event brings together over 150 ceramic artists, ranging from current students and up-and-coming graduates to established ceramicists from various studios across the UK and Europe. This is the place to come to pick up truly unique and original pieces, with stalls selling everything from pots and vases to ceramic jewellery and art sculptures. With pieces ranging from big to small and all price points covered, it’s almost impossible to leave empty handed.Â
133 Copeland Road, Copeland Park, Peckham, London SE15 3SN
diyartmarket.com
