Are you able to immerse your self within the enchanting world of Christmas magic? London, the center of Europe, is gearing as much as dazzle you with its festive splendour this yr. As town’s streets mild up with a symphony of twinkling Christmas lights, the aroma of mulled wine fills the air, and the sound of carolers warms your coronary heart, you’ll know that the Christmas Markets in London have actually come to life.
From the bustling Borough Market to the long-lasting Trafalgar Sq., London’s Christmas markets are a tapestry of joyful sights, scrumptious meals, distinctive presents, and a lot extra.
This yr, we’re excited to information you thru the “5 Finest Christmas Markets in London for 2023.” Whether or not you’re an area Londoner searching for new vacation locations or a traveller searching for the quintessential Christmas expertise, our curated record of must-visit markets guarantees to be your winter wonderland.
From the magical Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the charming Leicester Sq. Christmas Market, we’ll discover probably the most festive and well-known Christmas markets that London has to supply. So, seize your scarf and mittens, sip on some mulled wine, and let’s go on a journey by London’s most iconic Christmas markets. It’s time to unwrap the vacation season and uncover the most effective locations to make your Christmas market 2023 expertise actually unforgettable.
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The BEST Christmas Markets in London 2023 + Dates and Ideas
London‘s Christmas Markets are an absolute delight, providing a wealth of festive experiences. Right here, it’s not nearly indulging in mulled wine, savouring mince pies, relishing German sausages, or taking thrilling rides on the fairground. London’s Christmas Markets are a treasure trove of uniquely handcrafted presents that you simply gained’t discover anyplace else. Amidst the myriad choices, I’ve handpicked 5 of the perfect Christmas Markets in London so that you can discover.
Winter Wonderland, Leicester Sq., Covent Backyard, Trafalgar Sq., Southbank Centre London and a bonus tip for a really unmissable Christmas Market in London.
1. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
Winter Wonderland is considered one of London’s largest and most iconic Christmas markets, reworking Hyde Park right into a magical wonderland. It options quite a lot of points of interest, together with an ice skating rink, circus exhibits, fairground rides, and a Christmas-themed circus.
Location: Hyde Park, London ( Nearest London Tube Station is Hyde Park Nook)
Winter Wonderland Dates: Probably November 17, 2023 to January 2, 2024.
Opening Occasions: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Previous to your go to, it’s important to amass a ticket, which falls into considered one of three classes: off-peak, customary, or peak. These tickets embody the doorway price solely; rides and points of interest include an extra value. Whereas off-peak tickets can be found at no cost, they’re nonetheless a prerequisite for entry. You could find out extra right here.
Highlighted Points of interest at Winter Wonderland:
- Santa at Santaland.
- Ice skating on the open-air rink with gorgeous views of Hyde Park.
- Discover the Christmas Market with over 200 charming Bavarian-style wood chalets.
- Witness the charming Ice Sculpting Workshops.
Distinctive Options:
- Huge ice sculptures that create a charming winter ambiance.
- The Magical Ice Kingdom, a mesmerizing ice and snow sculpture expertise.
- An intensive choice of worldwide meals and festive drinks.
Advisable Meals and Drinks:
- Strive traditional festive treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
- Pattern worldwide cuisines from the various meals stalls.
Procuring Ideas: Go to throughout weekdays to keep away from the weekend crowds. E-book tickets for widespread points of interest prematurely to safe your spot.
Accessible: Sure
Pet-Pleasant? No.
The place to Keep:
Advisable Tour:
The place to Keep in London throughout Christmas
For the most effective festive season experiences in London, selecting the best place to remain is essential. Listed below are three classes to think about, luxurious, mid-range and funds. I’ve chosen these accommodations for finest expertise and by critiques the place friends have rated both excellent or glorious. These properties are provided by reserving [dot] com which is my go to useful resource for lodging.
Luxurious: Deal with your self to a keep at considered one of London’s iconic five-star accommodations like The Ritz or The Savoy. These institutions go all out in the course of the festive season with lavish decorations, world-class eating, and gorgeous views of town’s Christmas lights. Staying right here ensures a really magical and indulgent vacation expertise within the coronary heart of London. Alternatively, nonetheless inside the luxurious vary, it’s possible you’ll favor:
Midrange: Go for a snug and well-located midrange resort in Covent Backyard. Staying on this full of life district means you’re simply steps away from charming Christmas markets, theaters, and beautiful eating choices, offering an ideal stability between consolation and comfort.
- The Henrietta Lodge is a stunning boutique resort and restaurant that features breakfast each morning. Situated inside metres away from the Royal Opera Home and Covent Backyard Market.
- ME London by Melia within the coronary heart of Strand, London overlooks the spectacular Somerset Home which is legendary for its ice-rink at Christmas. Situated at simply 2 minutes’ stroll from the River Thames, Covent Backyard, Somerset Home and Soho, Melia ME is nice resort to remain at to expertise all issues Christmas.
Funds: Keep at a comfortable and inexpensive resort in areas like Paddington, close to Hyde Park which is inside easy accessibility to Winter Wonderland and to central London.
Finest Excursions for Christmas in London
The Christmas season in London is a time of surprise and enchantment, the place town’s rooftop bars and historic landmarks come alive with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and vacation cheer. To profit from your go to throughout this magical time, take into account exploring the most effective Christmas excursions that London has to supply.
Whether or not you’re keen to find the highlights of London’s iconic landmarks, immerse your self in Christmas-themed occasions, or embark on a pleasant culinary journey, there’s a tour to go well with each festive inclination. Right here, you’ll discover excursions that can guarantee your Christmas expertise in London is nothing wanting extraordinary:
1. Highlights of Landmarks and Sights: In the course of the festive season, these excursions will lead you on a charming journey by London’s most iconic landmarks and historic neighbourhoods, all dressed of their vacation finery. From the dazzling lights on Oxford Avenue to the grandeur of Trafalgar Sq.’s Christmas tree, these excursions are excellent for these searching for a festive immersion within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past and tradition. Discover out extra and ebook right here.
2. Foodie Excursions: For culinary fanatics, London presents a tantalising array of Christmas-themed meals excursions. From savouring conventional mince pies and mulled wine to indulging in festive afternoon teas and gourmand dinners, these excursions promise a tasty exploration of London’s wealthy and numerous meals scene in the course of the vacation season.
Whichever class appeals most to you, these excursions will enable you create cherished recollections and be certain that your Christmas in London is a really unforgettable expertise.
PRO TIP: Take a look at this bumper record of 72 Magical Issues to Do at Christmas in London.
2. Leicester Sq. Christmas Market, London
Leicester Sq. transforms right into a festive market, providing a pleasant Christmas expertise within the coronary heart of London’s West Finish. Guests can expertise a harmonious fusion of traditional appeal and modern leisure on the coronary heart of London.
A particular function of Leicester Sq. Christmas Market is the presence of a Spiegeltent, a mirrored tent that doubles as a stage for an array of performances. Right here, you may get pleasure from a various vary of exhibits, from family-friendly daytime acts to charming cabaret-style performances within the evenings. The market additionally options an attractive Christmas tree and quite a lot of stalls promoting distinctive presents and treats.
Location: Leicester Sq., London (Nearest London Tube Stations are Leicester Sq. Station on the Northern Line or Piccadilly Circus on the Piccadilly Line).
Leicester Sq. Christmas Market Dates: Probably from November 8, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
Opening Occasions: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free. Discover out extra about tickets to Spiegeltent right here.
No Santa and No Ice-skating.
Highlighted Points of interest: Quite a few stalls with artisanal crafts, decorations, and seasonal presents.
Distinctive Options:
- Proximity to West Finish theaters for a pre- or post-show go to.
- A comfortable, intimate ambiance within the coronary heart of London’s leisure district.
Advisable Meals and Drinks:
- Get pleasure from a glass of mulled wine or sizzling chocolate as you discover the stalls.
- Savour conventional British treats like mince pies and gingerbread.
Procuring Ideas: Test the market’s opening hours as they could fluctuate. Mix your go to with a present within the West Finish for a whole night of leisure.
Accessible: Sure.
Pet-friendly: No
3. Covent Backyard Christmas Market, London
Nestled within the coronary heart of considered one of London’s most famous districts, Covent Backyard transforms right into a festive wonderland with enchanting decorations, twinkling lights, and a large Christmas tree in the course of the festive season. The market is understood for its boutique shops and designer boutiques. The Covent Backyard Christmas Market showcases top-tier craftsmanship and an in depth choice of artisanal culinary delights.
Londoners usually say that Covent Backyard is the place to seek out the most effective presents for somebody and the final word assembly level for associates. Thus, Covent Backyard is likely one of the hottest purchasing locations in London at anytime of the yr. It’s distinctive as a result of it’s one place the place you’ll discover highend style names alongside market merchants, all providing a really particular purchasing expertise. There are over 200 shops and every provide their very own speciality together with a variety of distinctive handmade crafts and items. From jewelry and prints to watercolours, soaps and candy treats – all presenting an ideal alternative to buy underneath one roof for that particular present at Christmas in your family and friends.
Whereas strolling alongside the historic cobblestone sq., you’ll encounter an abundance of stalls that includes one-of-a-kind presents and should even be entertained by avenue performers, including to the colourful ambiance.
Past the handcrafted treasures, a tantalizing array of artisanal meals awaits, promising a thoughtfully curated epicurean journey.
Location: Covent Backyard Piazza, London (Nearest London Tube Station is Covent Backyard on the Piccadilly Line).
Covent Backyard Christmas Market Dates: Probably from November 8, 2023 to January 3, 2024.
Opening Occasions: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday 12 PM to five:00 PM
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas Lights Swap-on date: Probably on November 8, 2023.
Highlighted Points of interest:
- The 60-foot British grown grand Christmas tree within the historic piazza, embellished with over 30,000 lights.
- Distinctive boutique purchasing experiences in Covent Backyard’s shops. Freshly baked mince pies, distinctive flavoured chutneys, and a spread of plant-based meals.
- Numerous Christmas occasions similar to The Christmas Sandwich Pageant.
Distinctive Options:
- An enthralling, historic setting with avenue performers and entertainers.
- Excessive-end looking for these searching for distinctive presents.
Advisable Meals and Drinks: Get pleasure from gourmand eating choices in Covent Backyard’s famend eating places. Sip on champagne or cocktails in one of many trendy bars.
Procuring Ideas: Covent Backyard can get crowded, so take into account visiting throughout weekdays or earlier within the day for a extra relaxed expertise.
- An enthralling, historic setting with avenue performers and entertainers.
- Excessive-end looking for these searching for distinctive presents.
Advisable Meals and Drinks: Get pleasure from gourmand eating choices in Covent Backyard’s famend eating places. Sip on champagne or cocktails in one of many trendy bars.
Accessible: Sure
Pet-friendly: Sure however not really helpful attributable to giant crowd.
Test right here for the most recent data.
4. Trafalgar Sq. Christmas Market, London
Trafalgar Sq. hosts a captivating Christmas market with conventional wood chalets, providing a festive ambiance in a historic setting. It’s recognized for its Norwegian Christmas tree, gifted to London by Oslo as a logo of gratitude.
Located on the terrace in entrance of The Nationwide Gallery, this compact market is considered one of my London favourites for its intimate setting, charming ambiance by the fountains, pleasant music, and cultural spirit. It presents a novel and heartwarming festive expertise. Throughout the stalls, you’ll uncover an assortment of Christmas ornaments, cozy hats and gloves, an array of delectable avenue meals choices, and an array of distinctive present concepts preferrred in your family members. And, when you’re right here, don’t miss the chance to admire the magnificent Trafalgar Sq. Christmas tree.
Location: Trafalgar Sq., London; a brief stroll from Charing Cross Station (served by Bakerloo and Northern Strains on the London Tube system) or Leicester Sq. Station (served by Northern and Piccadilly Strains).
Trafalgar Sq. Christmas Market Dates: Probably from November 10, 2023 to January 2, 2024.
Opening Occasions: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free
Highlighted Points of interest:
- The long-lasting Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Sq..
- The Christmas market’s distinctive Scandinavian-themed presents and crafts.
Distinctive Options:
- A deal with Nordic and Scandinavian traditions and merchandise.
- A cultural expertise with Nordic meals, music, and crafts.
Advisable Meals and Drinks: Savour Scandinavian delicacies like æbleskiver (Danish doughnuts) and sizzling cider. Get pleasure from a style of gløgg, the Scandinavian mulled wine.
Procuring Ideas: Go to the market in the course of the tree lighting ceremony for a particular expertise. Discover the Scandinavian-themed presents and crafts for distinctive vacation presents.
Accessible: Sure.
Pet-Pleasant: Sure however not really helpful attributable to giant crowds and the compactness of the realm.
5. Southbank Centre Christmas Market:
The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is a beloved vacation vacation spot situated alongside the Southbank of the River Thames. It’s considered one of London’s most iconic Christmas markets, recognized for its gorgeous riverside setting and vibrant ambiance. This iconic market boasts charming Alpine-inspired wood chalets and all kinds of avenue meals distributors. providing a novel outside festive expertise within the coronary heart of London. Common reside performances additional improve the colourful ambiance.
Location: The Queen’s Stroll, close to The London Eye.
The Southbank Centre Christmas Market Dates: Probably from November 2, 2023 to December 26, 2023.
The Southbank Centre Winter Pageant Dates: From October 28, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
Opening Occasions: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Christmas Day: Open
Admission: Free
Christmas Lights Swap-On Date: Probably November 2, 2023.
Highlighted Points of interest:
- The market boasts over 80 festive chalets, adorned with twinkling lights, promoting all kinds of vacation presents, decorations, and crafts.
- Guests can discover distinctive artisanal merchandise, together with handmade jewellery, art work, clothes, and extra.
Distinctive Options:
- Spectacular Riverside Setting: The market’s location alongside the Thames presents breathtaking views of London’s skyline and iconic landmarks, such because the London Eye and Huge Ben.
- Festive Leisure: The Southbank Centre is understood for its cultural occasions and performances in the course of the vacation season, together with live shows, theater exhibits, and seasonal exhibitions.
- Meals and Drink: Bask in a culinary journey with a spread of worldwide avenue meals stalls and luxuriate in warming mulled wine, sizzling chocolate, and different festive drinks.
Advisable Meals and Drinks: Sip on mulled wine or spiced cider to maintain heat within the winter chill. Pattern quite a lot of worldwide avenue meals, together with German sausages, Belgian waffles, and British pies. Don’t miss out on the candy treats like gingerbread cookies and crepes.
Procuring Ideas: Go to in the course of the late afternoon or early night to benefit from the magical ambiance because the market lights up. Be ready for crowds, particularly on weekends and nearer to Christmas. Think about combining your go to with a present or exhibition on the Southbank Centre for a whole festive expertise.
Accessible: Sure
Pet-Pleasant: Sure, however maintain canines on lead.
The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is a superb place to immerse your self within the vacation spirit, store for distinctive presents, get pleasure from scrumptious meals and drinks, and take within the gorgeous views of London’s riverside. It’s an expertise that captures the magic of Christmas within the coronary heart of town.
BONUS TIP
Borough Market, close to London Bridge
Borough Market presents a novel Christmas market expertise with its deal with gourmand meals and artisanal merchandise. It’s a meals lover’s paradise in the course of the vacation season.
An unlimited choice of gourmand meals stalls, providing every part from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked pastries. A festive ambiance with vacation decorations and music. Emphasis on high-quality, regionally sourced meals and substances. Excellent for foodies and people searching for distinctive culinary presents.
Come hungry! Be ready to pattern a variety of worldwide cuisines and gourmand treats. Discover the mulled wine and craft beer choices. Weekdays are typically much less crowded than weekends.
Associated Articles for Christmas Inspiration
Earlier than you go, check out a few of our articles about Christmas:
Go to additionally the resourceful pages about England and Scotland. For travels within the EU, go to our Europe pages which embrace highlights about Lake Como, Amsterdam, Budapest, Bordeaux, Milan and Verona.
FAQs
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is London’s most well-known Christmas market. Its sheer measurement, number of points of interest, ice skating, and leisure make it an iconic vacation vacation spot, drawing guests from around the globe.
The period of Christmas markets in London can fluctuate relying on the particular market. London’s Christmas markets usually run from mid/late November to early January, providing about seven to 6 weeks of festive enjoyable and vacation purchasing alternatives for guests and locals alike.
Christmas markets are pleasant each day and evening. Daytime presents a stress-free purchasing expertise, whereas the night enchants with magical lights. You possibly can discover within the day and return at evening for a charming and comfortable ambiance.
London shines throughout Christmas with its numerous and enchanting markets, from Winter Wonderland’s grandeur to cozy squares’ intimacy. Town’s historic backdrop, cultural variety, and festive ambiance make it an distinctive vacation spot for vacation markets.
Borough Market in London is at its liveliest and finest from Thursday to Saturday when all kinds of distributors provide their most interesting contemporary produce, avenue meals, and artisanal items.
In sum…
Spending the vacation season in London and exploring its enchanting Christmas markets is a really worthwhile expertise, particularly whenever you select to remain within the coronary heart of town.
Staying centrally means that you can effortlessly entry town’s most iconic websites, profiting from your time on this vibrant metropolis. As you wander by the cobblestone streets of Covent Backyard or savour delectable treats at Borough Market, the comfort of being within the coronary heart of London turns into abundantly clear. It’s the proper base in your vacation adventures, guaranteeing you may simply discover different vacation highlights just like the dazzling Christmas lights on Oxford Avenue, the festive window shows of Harrods, and the enchanting ice rink at Somerset Home.
For a incredible Christmas expertise, take into account becoming a member of a Christmas spotlight tour. These excursions will take you on a magical journey by London’s most superbly embellished neighbourhoods and landmarks, offering perception into town’s wealthy vacation traditions and historical past.
For all of the meals fanatics on the market, don’t miss the chance to embark on a Christmas foodie tour. London’s culinary scene actually shines in the course of the vacation season, providing every part from festive afternoon teas to gourmand Christmas dinners. Exploring town’s numerous culinary choices is an expertise in itself, and it’s a pleasant strategy to heat your coronary heart and style buds in the course of the chilly winter days.
So, whether or not you’re admiring the twinkling lights, indulging in seasonal delights, or discovering distinctive presents on the markets, London throughout Christmas is a metropolis that comes alive with festive magic. Profit from your go to by staying centrally, taking within the vacation highlights, and savouring town’s culinary delights.
Comfortable holidays and should your London Christmas be stuffed with heat, pleasure, and great recollections!
Comfortable and Secure Travels All the time, Wherever Journey Takes You xx
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This submit was first printed in October 2021, and final up to date on September 17, 2023.
