London at Christmas: Quick Facts

📍 Location: London, England, United Kingdom

🎄 Market season: Late October through early January (most markets open mid-November)

✈️ Main airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), and London City (LCY)

💷 Currency: British pound sterling (GBP, £)

🚇 Getting around: The Tube, buses, and walking – tap in with a contactless card or phone

🌡️ December weather: Cold, damp, and dark early – sunset is around 4pm

🎟️ Entry: Most markets are free to enter (Winter Wonderland requires a timed ticket)

What to Know Before Visiting the London Christmas Markets

✈️ How to get to London, England

Most international travelers fly into London Heathrow (LHR), which has direct flights from dozens of US cities. From Heathrow, hop on the Elizabeth line into central London in about 30 minutes, or take the Heathrow Express to Paddington in about 15 minutes. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City are great options if you’re flying in from elsewhere in Europe – and if you’re already on the continent, the Eurostar gets you from Paris to St Pancras in just over two hours!

🎄 When to visit London for the Christmas Markets

The sweet spot is mid-November through mid-December, when nearly every market is open and the Christmas lights are up across the city. My top tip? Go in late November or the first week of December on weekdays – you’ll get all the magic with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find the week before Christmas. Keep in mind that most markets close on Christmas Day, and a few (like Spitalfields) wrap up on Christmas Eve.

📅 How long to visit London for the Christmas Markets

I’d highly recommend at least 3 to 4 days to see the best London Christmas markets without feeling rushed. That gives you time to hit 3 or 4 markets a day, plus see the lights, a few landmarks, and maybe a West End show. If you want to add day trips or museums, 5 to 7 days is ideal.

🚇 How to get around London for the Christmas Markets

The London Underground (the Tube) is the fastest way to hop between markets, and buses are a fun (and cheap!) way to see the city lights. You don’t need an Oyster card – just tap in and out with a contactless credit card or your phone, and fares are automatically capped each day. Many of the central markets are also within walking distance of each other, so pack comfy, waterproof shoes!

💷 What is the currency in London and do you need cash for the Christmas Markets?

The currency in London is the British pound sterling (£). You honestly don’t need much cash – nearly every Christmas market stall in London takes contactless cards and Apple Pay or Google Pay, and some are completely cashless. That said, I’d recommend carrying a small amount (£10 to £20) for donations at smaller pop-up fairs, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees!

Best London Christmas Markets

1. Apple Market at Covent Garden 🍎

• 📅 Dates: 12 November 2026 to early January 2027
• 📍 Location: Covent Garden Market Building, WC2E 8RF
• 🚇 Nearest station: Covent Garden

If you only visit ONE place in London at Christmas, make it Covent Garden. The whole piazza is decked out with giant baubles, a massive Christmas tree, and twinkling lights – it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city. The Apple Market sits indoors under the historic glass roof of the Market Building, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. It has more of a flea market feel than a traditional Christmas market, with antiques, vintage finds, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Do not miss browsing the stalls, then wandering the piazza after dark when the lights are at their best!

2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 🎡

•  📅 Dates: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Day)
• 📍 Location: Hyde Park, W1K 7AN
• 🚇 Nearest stations: Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch
•  🎟️ Entry: From £1 off-peak, £5.50 standard, and £8.25 peak – book ahead!

Winter Wonderland is less of a Christmas market and more of a full-blown festive theme park – and it’s HUGE. Expect a 70-meter Giant Wheel, roller coasters, a circus, the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, Bavarian beer halls, and a Christmas market with dozens of wooden chalets. It’s ticketed (you book a timed entry slot online), and rides and the ice rink cost extra. My top tip: go on a weekday in November when entry is cheapest and the lines are shortest. Evenings and weekends in December get PACKED.

🏨 Where to stay in London for the Christmas Markets

For first-timers, I’d highly recommend staying in Covent Garden, the South Bank, or near London Bridge – you’ll be walking distance from several markets and right by the Tube.

Budget:

• Premier Inn London County Hall ⭐⭐⭐ – Steps from the Southbank Centre Winter Market and the London Eye
• hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden⭐⭐⭐ – Compact, modern rooms right in the heart of Covent Garden
• Generator London ⭐⭐ – A fun, social hostel near King’s Cross with private rooms available

Mid-Budget:

• The Hoxton, Southwark⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Stylish rooms and a rooftop restaurant, a short walk to Borough Market
• citizenM Tower of London ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Sleek rooms with views of the Tower, close to Winter by the River
• Strand Palace Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Classic hotel between Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square

Luxury:

• The Savoy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – London’s most iconic hotel, and it goes ALL out for Christmas
• Shangri-La The Shard, London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Jaw-dropping skyline views right above London Bridge
• The Ned ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – A glamorous former bank, a few minutes from Leadenhall Market

3. Winter by the River at London Bridge 🌉

4. Old Spitalfields Market 🎨

5. Southbank Centre Winter Market 🎄

•  📅 Dates: 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
• 📍 Location: The Queen’s Walk, South Bank, SE1 8XX
• 🚇 Nearest stations: Waterloo and Embankment

The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a classic for a good reason – cozy wooden chalets right along the Thames, with the London Eye glowing above you. It’s not a huge market, but it has a nice mix of shopping and food options, from mulled wine and hot chocolate to cheese toasties and Dutch pancakes. It gets very busy on weekends, so I’d highly recommend visiting on a weekday afternoon and then walking along the river toward Westminster after dark.

6. Leicester Square Christmas Market ⛸️

7. Christmas at Leadenhall Market ✨

8. Christmas at Borough Market 🧀

8. King’s Cross Canopy Market 🍷

10. Greenwich Market at Christmas ⛵

11. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 🎅

12. Camden Market 🎸

Bonus: The Finnish Christmas Fair at the Finnish Church 🇫🇮

• 📅 Dates: 27 to 29 November and 4 to 6 December 2026
• 📍 Location: The Finnish Church, 33 Albion Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 7HZ
• 🚇 Nearest stations: Canada Water and Rotherhithe

This was one of my favorite experiences in London at Christmas, and it’s a true hidden gem! The Finnish Church hosts its pop-up Christmas fair for only a limited weekend window, and it fills up FAST. Be prepared for an insanely long wait – I stood in line for about 1.5 hours – but it was absolutely worth it. Inside, you’ll find a café, Finnish food like grilled sausages and steaming cups of glögg (Nordic mulled wine), plus Finnish artists and treats to buy, from Moomin goodies to Fazer chocolate. Entry is free, though visitors are asked for a small donation. My top tip: go right when it opens and bring a friend to hold your spot in line!

Tips for Visiting London at Christmas Time

1. Visit on weekdays (and early!)

The London Christmas markets get INCREDIBLY crowded on Friday nights and weekends, especially in December. If you can, plan your market-hopping for weekday mornings or early afternoons – you’ll actually be able to browse the stalls and get photos without a sea of people.

2. Plan around the early sunsets

In December, the sun sets around 4pm in London. My top tip: do your sightseeing in the morning, then hit the markets from mid-afternoon onward so you catch them as the lights come on. Twinkling chalets at dusk = pure magic!

3. Group markets by neighborhood

Save time (and your feet!) by grouping nearby markets together. Pair Winter by the River and Borough Market near London Bridge, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square in the West End, and Spitalfields and Leadenhall in the City and East London.

4. Dress in layers and pack waterproof shoes

London winters are cold, damp, and drizzly rather than snowy. Bring a warm coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf, plus waterproof shoes you can walk in all day. Trust me – soggy socks will ruin a market day faster than anything!

5. Book Winter Wonderland and Christmas events ahead

Winter Wonderland entry, ice skating slots, festive afternoon teas, and Christmas shows sell out fast, especially on December weekends. Book as soon as you know your dates – and look for off-peak tickets to save money.

6. Bring a reusable mug or tote

Some markets serve mulled wine in souvenir mugs with a deposit you can get back when you return the mug (or keep it as a fun keepsake!). A foldable tote is also handy for carrying all your goodies between markets.

7. Don’t miss the Christmas lights

The markets are just the start! Take an evening stroll down Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden to see London’s famous Christmas lights, and peek at the festive window displays at department stores like Harrods, Liberty, and Selfridges.

8. Check holiday hours and transport closures

Most markets close on Christmas Day, and some shut down early on Christmas Eve or right after Christmas. Public transport also doesn’t run on Christmas Day, and service is limited on Boxing Day (December 26), so plan ahead if you’re in London over the holiday itself.

9. Stay safe in the crowds

The busiest markets are prime spots for pickpockets. Keep your phone and wallet zipped in a crossbody bag worn in front of you, especially at Winter Wonderland, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. Solo travelers – London is a very walkable city at night, but stick to well-lit, busy streets and take the Tube or a licensed black cab back to your hotel.

There’s truly nothing like London at Christmastime. Whether you’re riding the Giant Wheel at Winter Wonderland, eating your way through Winter by the River, hunting for one-of-a-kind art at Spitalfields, or waiting (patiently!) in line for glögg at the Finnish Church, the London England Christmas markets are pure holiday magic.

My biggest advice? Don’t try to see them all in one day. Pick a few neighborhoods, slow down, grab a mulled wine, and soak in the festive atmosphere!

Now I want to hear from you, Roam Free Fam: which London Christmas market are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below! 🎄

Plan Your London Trip

🏠️ Accommodation: Compare London hotels on Booking.com for flexible cancellation options.

🚗Car Rental: Book through Discovercars.com for the best rates.

🎫 Activities:Book Christmas lights tours, Winter Wonderland tickets, and festive afternoon teas on GetYourGuide.

🧳 Packing: Waterproof boots, a warm coat, gloves, a reusable tote, and a portable phone charger

🌍 Travel Insurance: do not skip travel insurance for London! I always recommend World Nomads for adventure travelers and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

📱 eSIM: Always stay connected by using an eSIM! You’ll have access to data WITHOUT having to spend a ton on your at-home plan, change your number, or buy a physical sim. My favorites are Airalo for affordable plans (save with my code “REBECCA3” for $3 off your first eSIM) and Holafly for unlimited data (use my code “ROAMFREEREBECCA” to save 5% on any plan!).

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