The 9 best Christmas markets in London for 2023

CTD rounds up the finest festive markets across London to visit this year.

And just like that it’s Christmas market season once again. London’s Christmas markets are one of the most joyful ways to shop all year round, but they truly come alive at Christmas time with twinkly lights, crafty goodies and a liberal sprinkling of good cheer. When it comes to experiencing the enchanting Christmas markets in London, Connecting the Dots is here to curate an unforgettable itinerary for our members. From recommending the must-visit markets to arranging exclusive experiences and seamless travel arrangements, we ensure a luxurious and tailored journey through London's festive wonderland. Let us craft your holiday season with the finest selections of markets, ensuring an exquisite and magical experience for our discerning members.

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1. Christmas in Covent Garden

It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than the annual 60ft Christmas tree sparkling with more than 115,000 colourful lights in Covent Garden. Head down to see it towering in its glory and while there, enter the magical Christmas Village spread across the East Piazza of the market building. Mooch around the craft stalls for some Christmas gift shopping, warm up with one of the 25 varieties of mulled wine on offer and ensure it’ll be a white Christmas with the daily snow showers.

When: Until Sunday 7 January 2024
Address: Covent Garden, The Market Building, London WC2E 8RF
Website: coventgarden.london
Price: Free entry

2. Southbank Market

The Thames never looks so enchanting than the stretch along the Southbank during the festive season, as it reflects the twinkling Christmas lights of the market that spills over its banks between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye. The Southbank Centre’s seasonal food stands and winter pop-up bars have become a staple for capital-dwellers in search of a large dose of festive favourites, warming drinks and an atmosphere of general merriment. Foodies should keep their eyes peeled for gourmet cheese toasties, truffle burgers, fondue, bratwurst, eggnog, dutch pancakes, mince pies, mulled wine and other festive delights to be eaten in hand or book a heated snowglobe for a cosier experience.

You'll be able to browse stocking fillers, gifts, decorations and crafts from independent sellers up until Boxing Day, so no need to panic buy now. Plus, what's better than doing your shopping with a Bailey's hot chocolate and a duck wrap in hand?

When: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri and Sat 11am-11pm until Tuesday 26 December 2023
Address: Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
Price: Free entry

3. DIY Christmas Art Market

Returning for 2023, the DIY Christmas Art Market will be held at Rich Mix this year, showing the artistic talents of more than 100 stall holders. There will be lots to snap up including art prints, ceramics, fanzines, clothes, sculptures and jewellery and with all pieces crafted by independent retailers, you’ll know you’re supporting a good cause this Christmas.

When: Saturday 9 December 2023, 11am-5pm
Address: Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN
Website: diyartmarket.com
Price: £2 entry

4. Christmas Independent Ceramics Market

Find unique works from the best potters in the city at this festive clay day in Shoreditch. There’ll be stalls from over 100 ceramicists, from students to well-established artists, all selling their wildly varied jewellery, pots, vases, sculptures, kitchenware, cups and more. With pieces big and small, there’ll be plenty of options whether you’re looking for memorable gifts, cute stocking fillers or just something nice for your own mantlepiece.

When: Sunday 10 December 2023, 11am-5pm
Address: Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN
Website: diyartmarket.com
Price: £2

5. Crafty Fox Markets

Looking to buy something a bit different this year? Throughout November and December, Crafty Fox Market will be popping up with its wonderfully quirky selection of lovingly-made goods including ceramics, geometric cushion covers, natural soaps, knitted hats, candles, chopping boards, jewellery, art prints and so much more. There’s smaller markets at Mercato Metropolitano and the big one is at the Granary Building in King’s Cross with over 100 different artisan stands. Good gifts guaranteed.

When: Sunday 10 December 2023
Address: The Crossing, 1 Granary SquareLondon, England, N1C 4AAUnited Kingdom
Website: craftyfoxmarket.co.uk
Price: Free entry

6. So Last Century Christmas Market

Beckenham Place Park is home to a two-day Christmas market in December, made up of 35 vintage traders. Several of the Mansion’s resident artists will open their studios, and you can pick up decor, lighting, furniture, ceramics and glass, homeware, books, records, prints and more.

When: Saturday 9-Sunday 10 December 2023, 10am-4pm
Address: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham BR3 1SY, United Kingdom
Website: solastcenturyfair.co.uk‍

7. Borough Market

The year-round food market has a festive makeover for December. Extending its opening hours into the evening, the space will be decorated with wreaths, tinsel and fairy lights as its stalls sell their usual delicious offering as well as festive additions – mulled wine, Christmas cakes and gifts. Make sure to check out the Borough Cheese Company for the perfect Christmas Day cheese board, or Olivier’s Bakery for artisan bread.

When: Every day, see website for specific times each day
Address: Borough Market, 9 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AA
Website: boroughmarket.org.uk
Price: Free entry

8. Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays

The independent shops and restaurants of East London’s Columbia Road will be drawing merrymakers on Wednesday evenings throughout December as Christmas Wednesdays return once again. The road – home to Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday mornings – is made up of 60 independent cafés, art galleries, boutiques and bars to dip in and out of. Businesses are staying open until 9pm, so it's perfect for a post-work pitstop – and there’s also carol singing, Christmas trees and mulled wine.

When: Every Wednesday throughout December
Address: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG
Website: columbiaroad.info
Price: Free entry

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9. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

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Commonly referred to as Winter Wonderland, is a large annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park, London, from mid-November to early January. It features several festive markets, over 100 rides and attractions from across Europe, a Giant Wheel, numerous live shows, including a circus, ice show, and live music, as well as numerous bars and restaurants.

When: 17 November 2023 - 01 January 2024; Mon - Sun: 10am - 10pm
Address: Louisa Duckworth Walk, London W1K 7AN, United Kingdom
Website: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Price: £5.00 - £7.50

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