{"id":3631,"date":"2026-09-21T09:40:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T07:40:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:02:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T09:02:45","slug":"london-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/london-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas markets in London 2026: dates, addresses and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Christmas markets in London<\/strong> They transform the British capital from November onwards: wooden chalets, ice rinks, giant Christmas trees, and illuminations in the shopping streets. Having been based in the UK since 2012, we've selected the best markets, with their 2026 dates and our tips for experiencing them without the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> London Christmas markets 2026 open on 31 October in Leicester Square, then 2 November at the Southbank Centre, 10 November at London Bridge and 19 November in Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland. Most stay open until 3 January 2027 and close on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dates of Christmas markets in London in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the 2026 dates for the main Christmas markets in London, according to the organizers and the tourist office. Visit London<\/a>. Opening hours may change on public holidays: please check them before your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Market<\/th>Dates 2026-2027<\/th>Opening hours and information<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Leicester Square (market and ice rink)<\/td>From October 31, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td>Closed on December 25th<\/td><\/tr>
Southbank Center Winter Market<\/td>From November 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td>From 11am to 10pm, bars until 11pm<\/td><\/tr>
Winter by the River (London Bridge)<\/td>From November 10, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td>From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; until 5 p.m. on December 24th, closed on the 25th<\/td><\/tr>
Kingston Christmas Market<\/td>From November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td>Southwest of London<\/td><\/tr>
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland<\/td>From November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td>Closed on December 25th, tickets available during peak hours<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The best Christmas markets in London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It's first and foremost the biggest Christmas event in the capital. On the program: over 100 chalets, a huge open-air ice rink, a Ferris wheel, rides, and shows. Entry is free during off-peak hours, but a ticket is required during peak times, and most attractions have an additional charge. Book online. Winter Wonderland official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southbank Center Winter Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the banks of the Thames, opposite the London Eye, this market features Alpine-style chalets, street food stalls, and mulled wine. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is particularly pleasant in the evening when the riverbank is illuminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covent Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Covent Garden is particularly known for its monumental Christmas tree, spectacular decorations, and artisan markets held in the historic market hall. It's also one of the most popular spots: ideally, visit on a weekday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trafalgar Square hosts the giant Christmas tree gifted by Norway each year, along with a small market and choir performances. Just a short walk away, Leicester Square offers a chalet market and an ice rink, perfect before a West End show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter by the River, London Bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Facing Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, this riverside market also combines crafts, street food, and views of the illuminated monuments. The sunset there is particularly magnificent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greenwich, Kingston and Borough Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To escape the city center, Greenwich Market adds its Christmas stalls from mid-November, in the heart of the waterfront district. Kingston, in the southwest, also sets up its chalets in its historic square. Finally, Borough Market remains the place to be for food lovers, with special opening hours during the festive season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas lights not to be missed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

London's Christmas markets combine easily with the famous Christmas lights of the shopping streets. Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street are usually illuminated from November onwards. A walking tour from Piccadilly Circus to Covent Garden allows you to see a large part of them in one evening. For a warm break, book a afternoon tea<\/a> in one of the luxury hotels in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our tips for visiting Christmas markets in London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n