London’s Best Christmas Markets

It feels like a Christmas right-of-passage to visit one of the many markets that come along with the season. 

All around London magnificent market spaces offer artisanal gifts, to festive food and it’s the perfect way to spend a day this December. 

With so much choice, we’ve made it easier for you and shortlisted our favourites. Here is London’s Best Christmas Markets!

Covent Garden

Covent Garden has always screamed Christmas this time of year. Their huge and iconic Christmas tree leads the festivity. So does their gorgeous Piazza under which hundreds of vendors sell artisanal gifts. There’s even a Christmas Sandwich Festival to enjoy 3-10 December in the Piazza if you get peckish as you shop!

Southbank Winter Market

Running now until 21 December, London’s river-side will offer all types of food and drink to visitors. Grab yourself a gourmet cheese toastie or opt for classic Christmas flavours with an eggnog or mulled wine to keep you warm. This market is the perfect Christmassy stop-off before enjoying the Southbank Winter Festival. Read more on the festival in this months Super Seven.

Winter Wonderland

This famous Christmas market is one for the adventurers. Where else can you shop for loved ones, then hop on a ride right in the heart of London? Wooden chalets will adorn Hyde Park once again this year selling handmade Christmas decorations, to hot cider and play host to lively bars. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is open until 2 January. Book here.

Leicester Square

Right in the heart of London, bustling Leicester Square has been transformed into a sparkling centre of festive huts selling Christmas gifts, and tasty treats. Think bratwurst galore! Don’t forget about Spiegeltent, Leicester Square’s pop-up performance venue. It will host Olivier Award-winning variety show La Clique, and many more. Tickets to these shows do cost extra, but entry to the market is free.

Portobello Road

Christmas is coming to West London’s Portobello Road for the first three Sunday’s in December. Portobello’s famous vintage shops and stalls will have new festive neighbours selling artisanal gifts and food across the street on the 4, 11 and 18 December. Expect live music and plenty of Portobello’s character too.

DIY Christmas Art Market

On 11 December, Rich Mix in Bethnal Green will host the DIY Christmas Art Market. Over 100 creatives will set up over four floors in East London, selling unique gifts. A focus will be on ceramics, but expect sculpture, art prints and jewellery too. With so many independent retailers, this market is sure to set your gift-giving apart from the rest! Entry is £1.

Read more on this month’s Little London Whispers Super Seven