While you may think of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre when you think of Christmas Markets in London, there are lots more Christmas markets dotted around the Capital. And while the former are ticketed events its best to book in advance, the others are often free to visit.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square Christmas Market is a delightful festive market located right in the heart of London. At Christmas time, this famous square turns into a charming winter wonderland with traditional market stalls and beautiful decorations. Despite its small size, Leicester Square Christmas Market offers a unique and magical experience for visitors.
As you stroll through the market, you’ll be greeted by twinkling lights hanging from the trees and a variety of wooden chalets selling a range of beautiful crafts and delicious treats. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for your loved ones or indulge in some festive shopping.
One of the highlights of Leicester Square Christmas Market is the Belgian spiegeltent, a unique and enchanting venue that hosts live cabaret, comedy, and magic shows. You can squeeze in and enjoy some fantastic performances while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
A stones throw from the Leicester Square Christmas Market is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market. This small but charming Christmas market is located in one of London’s most iconic locations, directly in front of the National Gallery. Despite its size, it offers a delightful festive atmosphere and a variety of stalls selling tasty treats and assorted gifts.
While exploring the market, you can also enjoy the lively atmosphere and take in the breathtaking view of Trafalgar Square and the iconic National Gallery. It’s a wonderful spot to soak up the festive ambiance and take memorable photos with the beautiful Christmas tree as the backdrop.
Covent Garden Christmas Market
This Christmas market is located in the heart of Covent Garden, one of London’s most vibrant and lively areas. From November 2023 until 7th January 2024, the magic takes over the iconic Piazza, Market Building, Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and surrounding streets.
Covent Garden has introduced a brand new Christmas installation inspired by traditional golden bells. Visit Covent Garden’s world-famous Christmas lights with over 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, all displayed in our iconic Market Building.https://www.coventgarden.london/experience/christmas-in-covent-garden/
While the decoration will be new, the traditionally decorated sleigh returns to Covent Garden, courtesy of Santa Claus himself. The sleigh is a reconditioned 1884 carriage hand painted by British artist James Gemmill and provides a wonderful photo opportunity.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Running as part of the Winter Festival the Southbank Centre Winter Market is open until 7 Jan 2024.
Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights at the Winter Market, where you can sample delicious drinks and street food or browse for Christmas gifts. At seasonal pop-ups, take part in alpine-themed curling at The Curling Club, toast marshmallows at Fire & Fromage and enjoy more goodies at Beltane & Pop, Choco Fruit and The Thirsty Farrier. https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/winter-festival
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Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a popular annual event held in Hyde Park. It is more than just a market, as it offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. The event features over 100 market stalls where you can do your Christmas gift shopping, but it also includes live shows, numerous rides, an ice-skating rink, and various food and drink options. It is known for its traditional wooden chalet-style stalls in the Bavarian Village, as well as unique bars like the slowly spinning carousel bar, Thor’s tipi inspired by the Sami people of Lapland, and an ice bar. https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Another annual event is the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre. This delightful Christmas market is held at Hampton Court Palace and offers visitors the opportunity to experience a festive celebration fit for a king, just as King Henry VIII might have done.
The Festive Fayre takes place in the palace grounds and features a wide array of market stalls specializing in food. You can explore the palace courtyards and grounds while perusing the stalls, which offer an impressive selection of artisanal produce, from Christmas puddings to sausages, churros, brownies, and everything in between. It’s not just about shopping for gifts, but also immersing yourself in the culinary delights of the season.
In addition to the market stalls, Hampton Court Palace is lavishly decorated for Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere. Your ticket to the market includes entrance to the palace itself, where you can marvel at the festive decorations, listen to live festive music performed on a bandstand, and even attend a special Bite-Size Carols event in the Chapel Royal.
It’s worth noting that the Festive Fayre only takes place over a weekend in December, so if you’re interested in attending, be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. It’s a truly royal Christmas treat that shouldn’t be missed! https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/hampton-court-palace-festive-fayre/
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