The rush for festive grocery slots, merry jingles on radio stations and dark evenings can only mean one thing: the festive season is upon us!Â
There are many things that London does amazingly, with arguably the most impressive being Christmas in the city. In fact, ‘Time Out’ have described London as the most desirable place to visit at Christmas for many with more than 850,000 additional tourists visiting London during December.
In this blog, we’ll share the best Christmas markets to visit during 2024 which will help anyone plan the ultimate outdoorsy trip to London during the colder months. We will also share tips for how to navigate the city during the busy periods and advice on where is the best area to stay if you want to be close to the festive magic.
What to Expect When Visiting Christmas Markets in London?
Before we share the best Christmas markets to visit during 2024, we wanted to give you some helpful advice to help you navigate the increased seasonal footfall.
London is busy at any time of the year but is even more packed during the festive season. People travel from far and wide to experience Christmas in the city with highlights including the magical light displays, unique shopping options and seasonal entertainment. When visiting London during the festive season, here are some other things you can expect to be greeted with:
- Most Christmas markets are traditional, with craft stalls, food and drink and entertainment such as fairground rides and ice skating.
- For some larger Christmas markets, attractions will need to be booked in advance so be sure to do your research before you arrive in the city.
- Lots of London’s main attractions also include special events for the festive season, so there’s always lots to do if you want to explore seasonal things to do away from markets.
- Dates for festive Christmas markets will vary with many running from mid November through to early January. The opening hours will also vary with most starting business late morning and running into the evening.
- Many Christmas markets are also now card-only so be sure to be prepared for the method of spending.
The Best Christmas Markets in London for 2024
One of the brilliant things about visiting Christmas markets in London is there is something for everyone. This means whether you want to visit one of the famous spots or something more bespoke, there is something for any preference.Â
Below have gathered the top four markets we recommend visiting if you want to explore the most famous sights that London has to offer at this time of year.
Southbank Christmas Market
Opening Dates: Monday November 4th – Thursday December 26thÂ
One of the best Christmas Markets to visit close to a major train station is the Southbank Centre Winter Market, which is just a short walk away from London Waterloo. Adoring the side of the River Thames, the market is just a stone’s throw away from some of London’s must-see landmarks including The London Eye, Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament.
The market itself is made up of traditional alpine-inspired chalets which include delicious food, cute crafts and a selection of gifts. Free entry is available for everyone with opening hours going through the day and evening making it the perfect family-friendly spot to visit. It’s also important to note the market is cash-free so ensure you are prepared with contactless payment methods.
Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
Opening Dates: Thursday November 21st – Sunday January 5thÂ
No festive trip to London is complete without a visit to the world famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. The existing attraction brings in around 2.5 million visitors every year during the six-week opening period.
Open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm; this market is ticketed with prices starting from £5 per person. Once inside, there is a large array of market stalls, including everything from seasonal bites to eat to handmade decorations. Additional attractions available to book include rides, circuses, an ice bar, ice sculpture workshops and much more!
Not only is this market located in one of London’s most popular parks, but it’s also just a short walk away from Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and the Natural History Museum.Â
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Opening Dates: Saturday November 9th – Thursday January 2ndÂ
If you are looking to combine a day exploring London’s royal landmarks with also seeking some Christmas market excitement, then the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is worth a visit.Â
Made up of 34 wooden chalets, the market surrounds the famous Trafalgar square Christmas tree which is gifted from Oslo annually. The market includes a wide selection of items to browse plus regularly is accompanied by carol singers adding to the ambience of the special location.
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Opening Dates: Friday November 29th – Sunday December 22nd
Covent Garden is one of the most festive areas to visit at Christmas with celebrations starting before the market itself commences. There is plenty to experience from famous decorations to street entertainment.Â
The market is known for offering a selection of gifts including those from high end retailers and small businesses. Whether you are searching for a present or just want to soak in some festive ambience, we think you will love this market.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Opening Dates: Wednesday November 6th – Sunday January 5th
Last but by no means least we have the Leicester Square Christmas Market which is home to a selection of stalls, entertainment and an annual cabaret show. Not only is the market located close to some of the best shopping areas in London, but the central location means it’s easy to reach.
The ambience of Leicester Square is also undeniable thanks to the variety of places to eat and surrounding attractions. This means the festive display is always guaranteed to be one to be remembered by the whole family.
How to Travel to London’s Christmas Markets?
The easiest way to get around London when planning on exploring some of the Christmas markets is to either by rail, road or even water! Christmas markets always tend to be located in easy to reach locations to ensure large amounts of visitors can enjoy them.Â
Another option is to look for a festive-inspired walking tour, which will allow you to visit markets while also seeing some of the decorative sights.
Can You Explore Multiple Christmas Markets in London in One Day?
Yes, there is nothing to stop you from visiting a few of the markets shared on our list in one day. However, the true magic of Christmas markets is unlocked once the light drops for the evening, so you may want to plan a weekend getaway for a few nights in the city if you want to experience the sparkle of nighttime festive lights.
Also, some markets tend to open all stalls in the evening, meaning daytime visitors may miss out on some attractions.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay When Visiting London’s Christmas Markets?
Thanks to the brilliant transport connections in the city, any central location is ideal when visiting to experience Christmas markets.
Our selection of properties ( Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotel) each have festive sights nearby, making the perfect Christmas trip to the city easy to plan. After all, is there anything better than jumping into a cosy bed after a brisk evening? We offer a choice of rooms and often also have special offers, meaning you don’t have to spend all of the Christmas budget on your accommodation. If you are planning a trip to see some of London’s best markets for 2024, now is the time to book!
You can also contact our team should you have any questions about spending time in London during the festive season.
