Best Christmas Markets in London 2025 – Riverside Festivals & Winter Events You’ll Love
Discover the best Christmas markets in London 2025 — from riverside festivals and artisan stalls to mulled wine, gifts and festive lights. Find dates, venues, tickets and travel tips for the city’s most magical winter events.
Published 05/11/2025
As the festive season arrives, London transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. From riverside strolls under twinkling lights to the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air, the city brims with atmosphere and celebration. Whether you’re exploring riverside markets beside the Thames, discovering artisan gifts in charming wooden chalets, or soaking up the music and lights of full-scale winter festivals, London offers something for every kind of Christmas lover.
In this guide to the Best Christmas Markets in London 2025 – Riverside Festivals & Winter Events You’ll Love, we highlight the most magical spots to visit this season — each with its own character, setting and festive flavour. Expect scenic views, delicious food and drink, beautiful gifts, and a wonderful dose of Christmas spirit.
Nestled along the Thames at the South Bank, the Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a delightful riverside outing for 2025. From its charming wooden chalets lining Queen’s Walk to its sweeping views of cityscape and river, this market blends artisan crafts, street food and seasonal drinks in a relaxed yet vibrant setting. You’ll find independent jewellery makers, decorative gifts, cosy hot chocolate stalls and savoury favourites such as dumplings, duck wraps and Dutch pancakes.
Date & Hours: 03 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026, Daily 11:00–22:00 (craft traders until 21:00)
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Website: Southbank Centre Winter Market
Tickets: Free entry (food/gifts purchased separately)
Parking/Access: Very limited on-site parking and only a few blue-badge spaces; public transport (Waterloo, Embankment) is strongly recommended.
This event is ideal for couples, families and groups of friends who want a scenic, festive outing without the hustle of larger fairs. It stands out as one of London’s most inviting and accessible markets — a perfect fit for the best Christmas markets in London 2025 list.
Set at the heart of London’s theatre and shopping district, Christmas in Covent Garden invites visitors into a beautifully festive world. Wooden chalets filled with artisan gifts sit beneath thousands of twinkling lights and alongside a striking 60-foot British-grown Christmas tree draped in decorative splendour. Guests can browse luxury skincare, handcrafted jewellery and gourmet treats during the day, then retreat to one of the cosy cafés or bars for mulled wine or hot chocolate as evening falls. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between elegant city glamour and warm festive charm — ideal for couples, friends or anyone seeking both style and seasonal cheer.
Date & Hours: From 12 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026 (shops & market hours vary)
Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF (Piazza & Market Building)
Tickets: Free entry; pay for shopping/food
Parking: No dedicated free parking at the piazza; use public transport or central London paid parking
The area truly comes alive after dark, when the lights shimmer across the cobblestones and the sound of live music and laughter fills the air. From festive pop-ups to seasonal dining experiences, Covent Garden offers endless ways to celebrate — whether you’re capturing photos by the Christmas tree, shopping for last-minute gifts, or enjoying an evening stroll surrounded by glowing decorations. It remains one of the most magical and accessible destinations on any list of the best Christmas markets in London 2025.
More than just a market, this world-famous event is a full-scale winter festival filled with rides, entertainment, and festive atmosphere. With over 100 wooden market cabins, the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, a giant observation wheel, circus performances, live music, and seasonal food and drink, it captures the spirit of Christmas on a dazzling scale.
Date & Hours: 14 Nov 2025 – 01 Jan 2026
Address: Hyde Park, London W1K 7AN
Tickets: Entry may be free for market-only areas; tickets required for most attractions
Parking: No dedicated free parking; public transport or pre-booked nearby parking is recommended
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a festive evening with friends, or a romantic winter date, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland delivers excitement and cheer for every visitor. The market section brims with handmade gifts and traditional treats, while the fairground-style attractions and ice shows add that extra sparkle. It’s an immersive experience where every corner offers something new — from alpine-inspired bars to twinkling light displays and cosy photo spots.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s West End, Leicester Square Christmas Market transforms one of the city’s most famous landmarks into a festive wonderland of lights, food, and traditional wooden stalls. The market brings seasonal sparkle to this iconic square, surrounded by theatres, cinemas, and the lively buzz of central London. Expect gourmet street food, spiced mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and the unmistakable energy that defines the West End during the holidays.
Date & Hours: From 1 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE
Tickets: Free entry; pay for food, drink or activities
Parking: Limited and expensive on-street parking; public transport or nearby parking garages are recommended
Perfect for a relaxed stroll, an after-theatre visit, or a cheerful shopping break, the open-air market offers a mix of festive ambience and city excitement. Twinkling decorations light up the square, while the scent of roasting chestnuts and sweet treats fills the air. It’s a favourite for those who love London’s classic holiday atmosphere — close to major attractions like Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, making it easy to include in a day of festive exploring.
Guildhall Christmas Market
Set within the historic halls of the City of London, Guildhall Christmas Market offers a refined and atmospheric festive shopping experience. Hosted in the grand Gothic-style venue via the Guildhall Art Gallery, the market features luxury handmade gifts, unique treats and supporting the work of a major charity. As one of the capital’s longest-running Christmas markets, it blends heritage, elegance and generosity in one location.
Date & Hours: Monday 8 December 2025, 17:15–21:00
Market Day: Tuesday 9 December 2025, 10:30–19:00
Address: Entrance via Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 7HH
Tickets: Paid entry (£7 per person, or group offer 5 for £30)
Parking: Parking is limited in the City of London; public transport or nearby paid parking is recommended
Winter by the River 2025 (London Bridge)
Returning to London Bridge City for another season, Winter by the River 2025 transforms the Thames waterfront into one of London’s most scenic festive destinations. Running from 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the event stretches between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, lined with illuminated wooden cabins, sparkling lights and riverside charm. Visitors can browse artisan stalls offering handmade gifts, decorations and crafts, while enjoying the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine in the crisp winter air.
Date & Hours: 13 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026, Daily 11:00 – 22:00 (Christmas Eve 11:00–17:00; Christmas Day closed)
Address: London Bridge City & Riverside Walkway, London SE1 2DB
Tickets: Free entry; pay for food, drink and activities (curling sessions may require booking)
Parking: No dedicated parking; public transport is recommended due to congestion in the area
The setting is truly special — with the city skyline, Tower Bridge and the river itself creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your festive outing. Highlights this year include the two-storey Glasshouse Terrace Bar with a heated rooftop lounge and the return of the ever-popular pop-up curling rink from Swift Stone. Whether you come for an evening drink under the lights or a full day of Christmas shopping, the event offers a relaxed, magical experience at the water’s edge. Entry is free, and while you can pay for food, drink or activities, no advance tickets are required.
Just outside central London, Kingston Christmas Market brings a relaxed, riverside charm to the festive season. Set in the Ancient Market Place at the heart of Kingston upon Thames, this picturesque market combines an Alpine-village feel with the warmth of a traditional British celebration. Wooden chalets are filled with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and seasonal delicacies, all framed by twinkling lights and the hum of cheerful visitors.
Date & Hours: 13 November – 28 December 2025
Sunday–Wednesday 10:00–18:00; Thursday–Saturday 10:00–20:00
Address: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JP
Tickets: Free entry; pay for food, drink and gifts
Parking: Town-centre parking available, but public transport or early arrival is recommended during busy periods
It’s an ideal destination for a leisurely festive afternoon or evening stroll by the river. The market’s cosy atmosphere, friendly traders and excellent food stalls — offering everything from bratwurst and roasted nuts to mulled wine and hot chocolate — make it perfect for families, couples or friends looking to experience Christmas at a gentler pace. With the Thames nearby and plenty of local cafés and shops to explore, Kingston Christmas Market offers the perfect blend of community spirit and festive style.
For early festive shopping in a stylish indoor setting, the Good Housekeeping & Country Living Christmas Fair 2025 is one of London’s most anticipated seasonal events. Taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington from 12 to 15 November 2025, this large-scale fair brings together more than 600 independent brands and artisan exhibitors under one roof. Visitors can explore a curated selection of gifts, home décor, fashion, jewellery, gourmet treats, and handmade crafts — all while escaping the winter chill.
Date & Hours: 12–15 November 2025
Address: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH
Tickets: Paid entry; book via the official website
Parking: Limited on-site parking; public transport or nearby pay-and-display car parks recommended
The event offers a polished yet festive atmosphere, blending the buzz of a Christmas market with the organisation and comfort of a premium exhibition. Expect beautifully designed stalls, live demonstrations, tastings, and creative showcases throughout the day. It’s the perfect outing for those who want to shop early, discover new brands, or simply soak in the season’s spirit in a warm, elegant environment. Whether you come alone, with friends, or as part of a festive day trip, this fair is a must-visit for stylish seasonal.
London’s festive season truly comes alive across its riversides, parks, and historic squares — each offering a different take on the city’s winter magic. From relaxed riverside browsing and gourmet street food to grand ice rinks, twinkling lights and artisan gift stalls, the best Christmas markets in London 2025 promise atmosphere, variety and style in equal measure. Whether you’re planning a cosy evening out, a weekend shopping trip or a day of family fun, these London Christmas events and winter festivals deliver something for everyone.
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead for travel and parking, as the city can get busy during December. Then wrap up warm, meet friends or family, and enjoy a stroll through the lights, stalls and music that make London at Christmas truly unforgettable.
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