{"id":3631,"date":"2026-09-21T09:40:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T07:40:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T16:40:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T14:40:02","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

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

Two dates are already confirmed: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and Kingston Market, from November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027. For the other markets, contact the tourist office. Visit London<\/a> announcement of expected openings between early and mid-November, until the beginning of January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will update this article as soon as the official dates are announced. Please also check the opening hours before your visit, as they vary from day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 as early as November. A walk from Piccadilly Circus to Covent Garden allows you to see a large part of them in one evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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