Seasonal
The 5 Best Christmas Markets in London
Mulled wine, twinkling stalls and skating rinks: the best Christmas markets in London, chosen with care.
In short: our top picks are Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre Winter Market and Christmas by the River. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London does Christmas markets beautifully when it tries, from grand riverside affairs to smaller, prettier corners the crowds miss. The best are about more than a stall of mulled wine: a skating rink, a proper festive setting, somewhere to make an evening of it. These are the ones worth wrapping up for.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Hyde Park | ££ |
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | South Bank | ££ |
| Christmas by the River | London Bridge | ££ |
| Leicester Square Christmas Market | ££ | |
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | South Bank | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Why we pick itThe big one: rides, bars, an ice rink and a vast market; brash, busy and undeniably festive.
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Southbank Centre Winter Market
Why we pick itRiverside chalets and street food along the Thames; the prettiest free wander of the season.
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Christmas by the River
Why we pick itA calmer riverside market between the bridges; good food, real views and far fewer crowds.
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Leicester Square Christmas Market
Why we pick itA central, twinkling market with a Santa's grotto; handy for combining with the West End lights.
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Southbank Centre Winter Market
Why we pick itRiverside chalets of festive food and gifts.
Before you book
Go on a weekday evening if you can; weekends are heaving. Wrap up warmly and wear proper shoes for the cold. And pair a market with dinner nearby rather than relying on the stalls; a cup of mulled wine is lovely, but it is not supper. Dates shift each year, so check before you travel.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is our editor's choice: The big one: rides, bars, an ice rink and a vast market; brash, busy and undeniably festive. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre Winter Market and Christmas by the River lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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