Would you like to enjoy the fabulous Christmas markets in London this year? There are several fantastic Christmas markets to choose from. In this article, we will tell you about the most popular Christmas markets in London and also tell you when the different Christmas markets will open and close this year.
One of the most frequently asked questions is when will the Christmas markets in London open this year? Some Christmas markets publish the dates months before Christmas, while others keep this information well hidden. Below, we will share what we know so far.
The most important Christmas markets in London.
Below you can read about the most important Christmas markets in London, and you can also see the dates for the different markets.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
The market is open from 10:00 until 22:00 every day, except for December 25th on which it is closed.
This is an extremely popular and famous Christmas market in London. Hyde Park is beautiful, but even more so during the Christmas market period. Unfortunately, there is an entrance fee to enter the area during this period, but it is well worth the money.
You can enjoy an ice skating rink, other fun activities, and of course, eat and drink awesome food. This is a must-see place if you want to breathe in some British Christmas atmosphere while in London.
Website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Kingston Christmas Market
14 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
The Christmas market is open from 10:00 until 18:00 from Sunday to Wednesday. It is open from 10:00 until 20:00 between Thursday and Saturday. The market closes at 17:30 on December 24th and it is entirely closed on December 25.
This Christmas market is referred to as a traditional European market with a British style. In other words, a fantastic place to visit if you want to enjoy traditional food and market stalls where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs and Christmas presents.
The Christmas market is located at the Ancient Market Place. Yet another fantastic Christmas market in London.
Website: https://www.kingstonchristmasmarket.co.uk/
Southbank Centre Winter Market
November 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Christmas market is open between 11:00 and 22:00 (or 23:00). It closes at 16:00 on December 24, and it is entirely closed on December 25. It is only open from 11:00 until 15:00 on December 26. There are daily concerts during this period, and we cannot guarantee that the Christmas market is open already from November 1, but the Winter Festival starts then with concerts and other programs.
This is a Christmas market with a good reputation. Not only can you eat and drink and buy Christmas souvenirs, but you can also enjoy arts, exhibitions, and fun programs for the entire family. This is part of a larger Winter Festival in which you can see art exhibited in the area, and so much more. It is definitely worth a visit.
Website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/winter-festival
Christmas in Covent Garden
November 12, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Covent Garden, the Piazza, and the Market Building is always open, but the shops usually operate between 10:00 and 20:00 Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from around 11:00 to 18:00. The Apple Market is open daily from 10:00 until 18:00 and the East Colonnade Market is open from 10:30 until 19:00. The market is open from 11:00 until 18:00 on December 24, while it is closed on December 25.
This is a fantastic place if you want to enjoy a Christmas market in a beautiful environment. This is perfect for late-night shopping, daily snow showers, fantastic dining opportunities, a beautiful Christmas tree, and magical evening illumination.
Would you like to find out even more about the Christmas market at Covent Garden? Visit the website.
Website: https://www.coventgarden.london/christmas-in-covent-garden/
Leicester Square Christmas market
(exact dates to be announced))
The Christmas market at Leicester Square isn’t just about awesome food and drinks. This is also an area known for theatres. As a result, you can enjoy a fabulous show in a special tent, showing talented artists performing cabaret, musical, and circus performances throughout this period.
On its website, you can find some more information about the Leicester Square Christmas market.
Website: https://www.leicestersquare.london/leicester-square-christmas-market/
Questions about the Christmas markets in London.
Are the Christmas markets in London open on December 24 and December 25?
We have tried to include this information in the article, so you will find more information there. In general, most Christmas markets in London are open on December 24, but they often close earlier than on normal days.
On December 25, people are home celebrating Christmas and opening presents. As a result, all the Christmas markets in London are closed on December 25.
Where can I find cheap hotels for my trip to London?
Would you like to book a hotel in London without paying a fortune? London is a very expensive city, but there are cheaper hotel options available. To help you, we have included a map below showing the center of London with price estimations for hotels and apartments. As a result, you can zoom in on the area you are interested in, and then select accommodation with a price that you can afford.
You can see Hyde Park (for example) on the map above. If you want to live close to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, choose a hotel close to the park. This is a central area in London, meaning you are close to famous attractions such as Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, and the rest of the city center. You are also close to Covent Garden, and Leicester Square. If you walk across the Thames River, you will soon discover the Southbank Centre Winter Market next to the popular London Eye.
Use the map above to find a hotel with a good location at a good price!
Are the Christmas markets in London free to visit?
This depends on the different markets. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has an entrance fee and you are recommended to buy a ticket in advance at the website of the market. At the Christmas market at Leicester Square you will find quite a lot of free activities and the area is free to visit, but there are lots of performances arranged in connection to the Christmas market, and these have an entrance fee. Besides that, most Christmas markets in London are free to visit.
I want to explore the Christmas markets in London on foot. Do you have a recommended route?
London is a beautiful city so it is always a good idea to explore the city on foot instead of using the metro system. A great place to start is in Hyde Park at the Winter Wonderland. You can get there on foot, or travel by metro to either Marble Arch or Hyde Park Corner.
When you are finished in Hyde Park, walk through the Wellington Arch and walk along Constitution Hill. You will quickly discover Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial. Now it is time to walk along The Mall. You will now see St. James’s Park on your right.
After walking approximately 1,4km on The Mall, you will reach the beautiful Trafalgar Square, where you can find the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Behind the square, you will find Leicester Square, and from there you can walk along Cranbourn Street until you reach Garrick Street. As you walk there, you will end up reaching Covent Garden with its beautiful Christmas tree and Christmas market.
To finish your stroll, walk to the river Thames and walk across the Jubilee Bridges. You can enjoy the view towards the London Eye, the Westminster Bridge, and other famous attractions while crossing the river. On the other side, have a wonderful time at the Southbank Centre Winter Market.
If you do all of this, you have walked more than 4500 meters, and seen a lot of beautiful London attractions and Christmas markets.
We hope this article has given you useful information about some of London’s best and most important Christmas markets. In addition, you should also consider visiting some of the following Christmas markets:
- Borough Market.
- Christmas by the River (by Tower Bridge).
- Greenwich Christmas market.
- Canopy Market at King’s Cross.
- Selfridges Christmas Market.
If you have any questions, comments, or tips about other Christmas markets, please write a comment below!
