Best Christmas Markets in London
When the festive season lurks around the corner, it shakes up the shopaholic inside many in London. It is also quite natural because, with so many bedazzling London Christmas markets that come together during the holiday season, it is hard to resist visiting some of these. Amidst that little competition to get the best Christmas present for your loved ones, secretly wishing to decorate your Christmas tree better than your neighbors, and enjoying the best times of the season these markets promise to fulfill your every festive need. All you have to do is put on your winter clothes, fetch your wallet, and show up at some of these irresistibly beautiful wonderlands the city has to offer
While you think about what sock fillers to buy, we have curated a list of the best London Christmas markets in 2022 for you to decide where to buy them from.
Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
Nothing can beat a shopping experience on the twinkling streets with live music, that you could end with skating on an Ice Rink. You can glide around the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink in Hyde Park while enjoying the live bands that play around under the canopy of beautiful lights. The market also hosts a circus show and a Giant Observation wheel from where you can admire the dazzling view of the entire London city. The market is one of the best London Christmas markets with vendors offering the most unique options for your gift items.
If you wish to visit the Winter Wonderland make sure to get your tickets in advance because though it is free in the off-season, during the peak season you will have to buy entry tickets. It shall remain open from 10 am to 10 pm starting around mid-November till the new year, except on 25th December.
Christmas by the River
This beautiful London Bridge Christmas market is a charming beauty in itself. Situated on the bank of the River Thames, the crowd can enjoy the backdrop of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the iconic skyline of the city. Adorned with a cluster of wooden cabins, that offer various types of handmade crafts and presents, you can experience the fiesta with a steaming cup of mulled wine. The stealer of the show however here is the different themes that this market has come up with every season, for the last five years. From a vintage ski theme to a festive tale motif, it shall be worth the wait to see the theme for this London Christmas market 2022.
More than anything, this market is a hub for foodie shoppers and offers a wide array of food from Mexican, Korean, and Chinese to burgers and whatnot. So if you plan to visit the market, make sure to go with some space for food in your stomach. The market runs from around mid-November till the new year and opens at 11 am every day.
Southbank Center Winter Market
The cheesy goodness of the food and a fairyland market at Southbank’s riverside to hop around is an unbeatable combo. Beautifully lit chalets beckon you to explore the plethora of stocking fillers that you can buy from them for your loved ones. The market brings together a blast of entertainment with the circus, twinkling lights, unforgettable musicals, free fun events for families, comedy shows, and some amazing concerts for you to go gaga over. As much as the market offers these amenities, it does not lag in offering a wide food choice either. From gourmet burgers to oozing fondues, waffles, mac and cheese, pancakes, mince pies, etc; all of these topped with indulgent hot chocolate and mulled wine is an experience to cherish. The best part is however yet to come. Apart from everything, this most awaited London Christmas market brings beautiful snow globes where you can chill after your shopping spree and taste the decadent food while letting yourself lose in this festive wonder.
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews
If you are someone who believes in customized decorations for your house, this market is perfect for you. Selfridges market has run for two successful years already and is expected to return with a bang in 2022 as well. This open-air market has something to offer to everyone. Amazing rides for both kids and adults, including their biggest attraction, the dizzying helter-skelter, tunnel of lights and so much more. The performances from Santa and his friends will keep your Christmassy spirits high throughout the entire period.
The florist Moyses Stevens brings to you an entire Jungle of substantially grown Christmas trees to choose from, that can also be home-delivered for you. If you are looking for customized wreaths, they have got you covered because the vendors can make one for you right there.
And finally, the food that those Christmas markets are all about. This amazing market is created in collaboration with the founder of Street Feast, Dominic Cools-Lartigue featuring the best-curated food trucks for you. Along with food from all over the world, they also have varied drinks like mulled wine, warm apple cider, hot buttered rum, and whatnot to keep you warm.
This Christmas market runs from around mid-November to December 24.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
This otherwise ‘not so safe at night place’ becomes a beautiful winter wonderland around Christmas. Although not as big as other London Christmas markets this tourist centre of the city still has a lot to offer. With beautifully decorated alpine lodges, pop-up theatres, an abundance of seasonal treats, the biggest hot dogs, and a cup of hot mulled wine, this market is a beauty in itself.
The market also plays host to some great performances at the Magic Mirror tent, along with variety and comedy shows. Also, you can always visit the theatres, Chinatown, casinos, and pubs around the square. Just be cautious of your personal belongings when visiting the market. Entry to the market is free, but the events and performances shall be chargeable.
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Adorned with giant disco balls and huge mistletoes, this market is a Christmas party in itself. For the 2022 Christmas market, they have decided to bring the free experience of snow showers every day throughout November and December. Do not forget to check that out. Apart from this, the market will also see a row of exclusive pop-ups from some of the best brands and boutiques that they promise you won’t find anywhere else. The market will be hosting London’s biggest Christmas tree along with some magical photo moments that will continue to pop throughout the piazza during its course. With some of London’s best eateries and beautiful lights, this time London’s best Christmas Market will leave no stone unturned to make this shopping experience an unforgettable one.
With the exact dates yet to be announced, the market timings shall be 7 am until 11 pm.
Kingston Christmas Market
A traditional European-style Christmas market to get you into your festive spirits with colorful lights and mulled wine at this Kingston upon Thames Christmas market. The market every year is decked with beautiful cabins to enjoy delicacies from all over the world, offered by the most unique food chains and vendors that you can relish while enjoying live music and Christmas carols. It is bringing its carousels for kids, unique handmade crafts and arts, along with some great options for the stocking fillers.
Also, if you are an artist looking to perform at a Christmas market, don’t forget to check out their social media inviting applicants around late September. The market shall open on 10th November 2022 till 24th December 2022. The bars, food, and entertainment shall continue until 2nd January 2023.
Greenwich Christmas Market
Decked at a world heritage site, this market looks nothing less than a wonderland during Christmas with festive lights and mulled wine. Although it is a bustling market throughout the year, it goes Chrimbo in November every year. With a beautiful lantern parade, Christmas Carols, live bands, and handcrafts to be gifted as stocking fillers, this market is a complete package. It remains open till late at night every Wednesday for the workaholics to have their fair share of Christmas fun. If you are new to the city, don’t forget to take a stroll along the ancient maritime Greenwich neighborhood adorned with lights and goodies throughout.
London Artisan’s Winter Edition
If you are a fan of the artsy and sustainable gift options, you should not miss out on this market. Running for just 2-3 days it sells works of some of the best contemporary designer-makers that you can gift your loved ones.
Other than these best London Christmas markets there are still numerous more that show up during the holidays to stir up your festive vibes throughout the city. Some more that you should check out are Borough Christmas Market, Angel’s Christmas Market, Canopy Christmas Market, and several other short-running markets that would perfectly match your colorful festive vibes.