TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas remains a prominent holiday season in London. People start decorating their homes with a variety of ornaments as the joyous winter knocks on the door. But, in London, it’s not a Merry Christmas if there’s no Christmas market.
Christmas markets have long been a tradition in the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, adding a magical touch to the festive celebrations throughout the city. Families looking for a taste of holiday spirits in this holy month should look forward to visiting some of the best Christmas markets in London for the year 2024 below.
List of the Best Christmas Markets in London for 2024
Citing Visit London, Condé Nast Traveler, and Timeout Travel, here are the recommended Christmas markets in London for your year-end activities.
1. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Every winter, South Bank’s riverside always transforms into a winter wonderland. People especially flock to this market to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere while browsing jewelry and artisanal decorations.
Beyond the holiday ornaments, help yourself with a wide variety of treats, from truffle burgers, bratwursts, dutch pancakes, mince pies, and more. Don’t forget to have a mug of eggnog or mulled wine to keep you warm.
- Opening Date: Available through December 26
- Entrance Fee: Free
2. King’s Cross at Christmas
If you can’t get enough with one Christmas market, King’s Cross area provides you with eight different markets in total! Each location offers different atmospheres and experiences.
The Lower Stable Stree Market interests visitors with staple items in a Christmas market, from food and drinks to arts and clothing. If you’re into craft, don’t miss out on the Crafty Fox Markets, where you’ll meet more than 100 jewelry designers and makers.
- Opening Date: Available through December 22
- Entrance Fee: Free
3. Covent Garden Christmas Markets
Universally known as a shopping destination, Covent Garden emits a magical ambiance as glittery ornaments and Christmas trees adorn the whole place. Aside from admiring the holiday decorations, come across the stalls to shop for gifts or wander around to capture the vibrant surroundings.
- Opening Date: Available through January 2025
- Entrance Fee: Free
4. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
No place beats Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to fully experience Christmassy euphoria. Seize the hype with a variety of attractions, including rides, ice rinks, and performances. Enjoy the live music as you explore the Scandinavian-themed market, trying a bunch of things, from shopping to munching waffles and meatballs.
- Opening Date: available through January 5, 2025
- Entrance Fee: Free off-peak and requiring bookings
5. Winter by the River at London Bridge City
Perhaps you’re dreaming of spending a Christmas night with a backdrop of the Tower Bridge; this location is for you. The River Christmas Market offers a simple, yet memorable, holiday experience by the side of the River Thames.
Feast your eyes with the unobstructed panoramic view of London’s skyline and, of course, the Tower Bridge while savoring delicious snacks and warm beverages from nearby pop-up stalls.
- Opening Date: Available through January 5, 2025
6. Spitalfields Christmas Market
Be prepared to get enchanted with dazzling holiday decorations and lights as you walk into this one Christmas market in London. The Spitalfields Christmas Market guarantees an immersive, vibrant atmosphere, as well as an abundance of clothes and other goodies you can get from the stalls.
- Opening Date: Available throughout December
7. Borough Market at Christmas
Nestled by the London Bridge, the Borough Market is renowned as a foodie paradise, drawing the attention of food lovers with its fresh produce and mouthwatering street food. But it gets even more magical during the holy month.
The market beckons visitors with an array of seasonal treats. Cheese enthusiasts should head to Borough Market on December 11, as the place displays all the best cheeses from other parts of the globe for you to try.
- Opening Date: Available through December 24
8. Kingston Christmas Market
Kingston Christmas Market is the perfect place for those looking for unique gifts and crafts. While wandering around browsing for a variety of handmade arts and stocking fillers, sample some bratwursts and waffles from the food stalls.
- Opening Date: Available through January 5, 2025
9. Leicester Square Christmas Market
In addition to the food stalls and wonderful crafts, Leicester Square Christmas Market entices people with spectacular performances at La Clique. The latter showcases a handful of daring acrobatics and dazzling stunts ready to surprise you.
- Opening Date: Available through January 5, 2025
10. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Speaking of Christmas markets in London, the one in Trafalgar Square should be included. With carols singing at the back, go shopping for a bunch of wonderful gifts, or indulge in hot chocolate amidst the winter air.
- Opening Date: Available through January 1, 2025
These Christmas markets in London are the perfect places to catch holiday spirits. Other parts of the continent somehow celebrate this magical season with similar festivities. Find your way to our previous list of the best Christmas markets in Europe for the year 2024.
VISIT LONDON | TIMEOUT TRAVEL | CONDE NAST TRAVELER
Editor’s Choice: 11 Best Christmas Markets in Germany to Visit in 2024
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