Planning on visiting London winter markets during your visit to the UK’s capital this holiday season? The best winter markets London has to offer have everything from mulled wine and hot chocolate to artisan gifts, baubles, and an atmosphere that you won’t forget any time soon—and our special offers can make your visit that much more special.
What Are London’s Top Winter Markets to Visit This December 2025?
Of all London winter markets, Southbank Centre Winter Market, King’s Cross, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Old Spitalfields, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Christmas Market truly stand out. These London festive markets offer food, drinks, gifts, and the perfect fun day out for friends, families, or couples alike.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Running from November 3rd 2025, to January 4th, 2026, typically from 11am – 10pm, Southbank Winter Market is one of London’s most charming and festive destinations for tourists and locals alike. Here, the market stretches along Queen’s Walk by the Thames’ gentle twinkling lights and traditional chalets where you can pick up delicious street food, warm beverages, and all kinds of unique gifts.
Whether you like hot chocolate or mulled wine, or want to try churros or duck wraps, there is something here for everyone. For the gift buyers, this market offers a wide variety of decorations and fashion items, as well as handmade jewellery.
If you want to enjoy a festive atmosphere and riverside views, Southbank Centre Winter Market is an unbeatable location. With easy access from Waterloo station and located near the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, and Royal Festival Hall, you can quickly get here via public transport from any of our London hotels.
King’s Cross Christmas Market
Visit King’s Cross Christmas Market between November 28th and December 22nd between 11am and 6pm, and make the most of this festive scene while it lasts. Situated in the King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard neighbourhood, and running through the beautiful Christmas under the Canopy, this market boasts of artisan crafts, designer pieces, street food, and an unbeatable atmosphere that everyone will fall in love with.
Whether you are looking for homeware, seasonal treats, fashion, or even books, this Christmas market has it all. Visit King’s Cross Christmas Market struggle-free when you stay with Crown Group of Hotels, and enjoy the fantastic transport links that will take you right to this market’s doorstep.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Open until January 4th, 2026, Leicester Square is open from around 11am to 11pm, with shorter opening times of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This must-visit Christmas market is the perfect opportunity to bring festive cheer to your life and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones, whether it’s your first or third time visiting.
The cosy wooden huts scattered around this twinkling market offer everything you could ever want—delicious street food and festive cocktails, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats that you won’t be able to get enough of. For those doing some Christmas shopping, you can find winter accessories and personalised baubles after a fun-filled ice skating session.
Covent Garden Christmas Markets
Open until January 3rd, 2026, Covent Garden Christmas Markets offer the perfect festive trip for locals and visitors alike. Here, the glittering lights will mesmerise you, the Christmas tree will captivate you, and the atmosphere will make you wish it could last forever.
Visit this market any time between 10am to 9pm, and explore the stalls and the wonders they have to offer. Seasonal food and drinks, festive snacks, handmade gifts, and decorations are only a handful of what is on offer, making a trip here a must-do for anyone looking for an unforgettable day out with a partner or loved one.
Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
A classic and undeniable must-visit location on the list of London winter markets, Old Spitalfields Christmas Market is running until January 2nd, 2026, and is open from around 10am to 8pm most days. While this market is a bit further away, Liverpool Street, Shoreditch or Aldgate Station will get you within walking distance to enjoy this location’s collection of sweet treats, cosy drinks, and delicious food.
Do your Christmas shopping here, and find a collection of homeware, original gifts, food, art, jewellery, and so much more. The festive atmosphere of this market is unmatched, and no visitor should miss out on the opportunity to experience it at least once.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s Christmas Market
Open from November 14th 2025, to January 1st, 2026, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas Market is a must-experience location for locals and tourists, young and old. Here, you can enjoy a blend of the traditional Christmas market with delightful foods and drinks for everyone and all kinds of stalls alongside festive-themes rides like the Munich Looping rollercoaster, carousels, and the iconic ice rink.
This Winter Wonderland is situated right in the heart of the capital, and offers a unique experience for anyone who wants to have a truly incredible time. When you aren’t seeking a thrill on the rides, the market stalls offer artisan crafts, handmade gifts, decorations, and a variety of street foods to keep you fuelled—including mulled wine, pretzels, and so much more.
Just remember that Winter Wonderland 2025 is closed on December 25th (Christmas Day), and opening times typically run from 10am to 10pm, but some days will open later (between 11am and 2pm). For in-depth information, visit the tickets guide page.
Which Markets Offer the Best Food and Drinks in London?
All the London winter markets we’ve shared with you today offer incredible food that you don’t want to miss out on. The winter market food London has to offer is unbeatable, no matter what you like, and a trip to any one of the markets we listed is going to be a real treat.
Where Are the Best Places to Buy Unique Gifts at London Markets?
Southbank Centre Winter Market, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s Christmas Market, and Covent Garden Christmas Market are all incredible options if you are looking to buy unique gifts for loved ones during your festive visit. Here, you can find artisan gifts galore, handmade jewellery, and bits and pieces that all make a wonderfully meaningful gift.
What Tips Help You Plan a Winter Market Day in London?
Some tips to bear in mind when planning a day out at winter markets include dressing appropriately, wearing suitable shoes, using public transport as much as possible, bringing an umbrella with you, and timing your visits to avoid crowds where possible.
Key tips to bear in mind when packing and planning to visit London winter markets:
- Dress warm! Scarves, hats, coats, and gloves are must-haves — but you will also have the option to buy these accessories at many markets if you don’t feel warm enough
- Wear appropriate shoes! If you plan on doing a lot of walking, make sure that your shoes are not only warm, but comfortable enough for a day’s hike
- Make use of public transport! Public transport links around London are fantastic, and our hotels offer easy and accessible routes to all major stations to get you around the city
- Bring an umbrella! Winter in London can change quickly, so be prepared for rain, snow, wind, and more by bringing a brelly wherever you go
- Avoid the crowds by visiting at off-peak times (like the morning). If visiting the Winter Wonderland, check online to see when the off-peak times are to avoid crowds and enjoy cheaper rides
Stay With Crown Group of Hotels for Easy Access to All the Best Winter Markets This Festive Season
There are lots of London December events to make the most of, including West End shows, light events, and, of course, Christmas markets! Visit London winter markets this year during your festive visit, and forge new memories with your loved ones in the warm glow of Christmas lights.
Make your December visit to London magical when you stay with Crown Group of Hotels and enjoy cosy, centrally located rooms that offer easy access to London winter markets. Check availability and December 2025 offers now for festive stays and insider guides to make this festive season unforgettable.
Stay with us at Mabledon Court Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, Bloomsbury Palace, or Great St. Helen Hotel, and get the most out of your visit. Before booking, please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
