Christmas is definitely one of the best times of the year in London, and the city comes alive with festive magic. You’ll find incredible Christmas markets in every corner of the city, featuring all kinds of treats, from artisanal crafts and gifts to delicious foods, warm mulled wine, and more. With a great variety of markets to explore, it’s the perfect time to look up London hotels packages and plan your perfect Christmas shopping guide, to make sure you don’t miss out.
Read on to find out more about the best Christmas markets to head to across London, this festive season.
Spirit of Christmas Fair
For those who take Christmas shopping very seriously, there’s only one destination to head to in London during the festive period – the Spirit of Christmas Fair at the London Olympia.
With 900 boutiques and sellers throughout the huge fair spanning two huge halls, this is the perfect place for the highly organised Christmas gift shopper. You’ll find everything for everyone, including jewellery and fashion, children’s toys and clothing, artisanal crafts, menswear, party clothing, home décor, furnishings and more.
To help you get to grips with the impending festive season, there will also be plenty of expert advice on hand, with ideas and workshops on how to make the most of the season. And when you need some replenishment, the festive food hall will keep your taste buds happy with snacks and drinks.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre puts on one of the best Christmas markets in the city each year, but it’s more than just a shopping destination. Spanning an extensive part of the riverside along the Thames, from the London Eye down to the Southbank Centre itself, you’ll find all kinds of attractions that make the visit a memorable one.
Look out for the beautiful festive lights around you, which cast the whole area in magical colours. You’ll discover that the air is filled with music from local performers, as well as the mouth-watering scent of all the delicious snacks and hot food on offer. With a huge variety of treats from all over the world, there’s something to whet everyone’s appetite.
The market also draws craftsmen and traders from across the city and further afield, and it’s one of the best places to find some unique and special gifts. After you’ve worked through your Christmas gift list, be sure to treat yourself to a tempting hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Borough Market
For serious food lovers, Borough Market is a worth a visit at any time of the year, but it certainly ups its game when it comes to Christmas. The market is filled with fresh food and produce, with some of the best artisanal food items in the city, including cheeses, wines, cured meats and baked goods.
It’s a great place to head to if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a foodie friend, or if you simply fancy treating your own taste buds. Be sure to take your time and explore everything on offer – you’ll often find hidden surprises tucked away within the winding paths of the market.
Located close to London Bridge, Borough Market is easy to get to from the Park Grand Kensington Hotel London and is just a quick Tube ride away.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
If you’re visiting London with children, one of the top Christmas markets to head to has to be the iconic Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Just a short walk away from Park Grand Kensington Hotel London, Winter Wonderland is a festive cacophony of fairground rides, live performances, food stalls, a skating rink, music and much more.
With something to keep everyone entertained and enthralled, you’ll want to spend a good amount of time exploring it, so it’s worth heading out early during the day time or afternoon, to avoid the busier crowds later in the day.
If the busy environment of the markets gets a bit much, treat yourself to a little serenity with a soothing Indian afternoon tea, the perfect way to unwind after a long day of shopping and exploring.
Tate Modern Christmas Market
For a taste of something a little more traditional, head down to the famous art gallery for a classic German holiday market. You’ll find plenty of charming chalets housing a variety of stalls and traders, with every possible kind of festive cheer.
Sip a glass of mulled wine or nibble on warm roasted nuts, crepes or German sausages, while you look for the perfect gift amongst the stalls of homemade jewellery, knitwear, accessories, and crafted goods.
With beautiful lights, Christmas music in the air and the scenic sight of St Paul’s Cathedral overlooking the river in the distance, it’s a great place to enjoy a more romantic experience of a Christmas market in London.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
If you’re in central London and fancy a visit to Santa’s Grotto, head to one of the most popular Christmas markets in the city. Leicester Square market is the perfect place to head to when you want to get a glimpse of the seasonal atmosphere and magic, without having to head too far across the city.
You’ll find all of the usual treats on offer, including plenty of delicious food and drink, and traders selling a variety of gifts and items. It’s free to enter, but you do need to book ahead of time if you want to plan a visit to the Grotto.
DIY Art Christmas Market
Located in east London, which is more creative neighbourhood of Hackney, this Christmas market is ideal for anyone keen to do something a little different. If you’d rather skip all the stalls filled with the usual festive baubles, try making your own crafts and gifts instead.
Taking place at the iconic Rich Mix arts centre in Shoreditch, you’ll find a variety of handmade items, as well as workshops and classes where you can try your hand at getting creative too.
There you have it! A complete guide to London’s festive Christmas markets. Which has gotten you in the holiday spirit?
