perks!Christmas markets and fairs in London
Come Christmas, London’s streets are transformed. From pop-up ice rinks playing catchy pop-tunes to unique events beneath twinkling lights, it’s a far cry from the usual concrete metropolis. But let’s be honest - whether you love or loathe Christmas shopping, the crowds on Oxford Street can make even the jolliest shopper say humbug. Luckily, there’s an alternative: a festive frolic through one of London’s magical markets.
Whether you’re looking for festive food, classic decorations, arts and crafts or that last-minute gift, you can find all you want for Christmas at a London market. Here’s our pick of London’s best Christmas markets and fairs to help you check off your seasonal shopping list. Eat your heart out, Santa.
We’ll be updating this list as more markets announce their dates for Christmas 2018.
Recommended: Your ultimate guide to Christmas in London
Christmas markets in London
Winter Wonderland
Even the Grinch would have a real job stealing all the Christmas from Hyde Park's annual tribute to festive fun. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free, and a wander past the fairground rides, around child-friendly Santa Land (including Santa's grotto) or through the Christmas markets is a real treat. For access to the other festive activities, attractions and themed bars you’ll need to book tickets.
Wintertime at Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre is a glorious place to be at Christmas, so make sure you pay a visit to this London institution over the festive period. There'll be pop-ups, activities and all manner of Christmas fun to jolly up your holiday.
Winterville
Expect great street food, festive performances, wintery film screenings, market stalls and loads more fun at London’s most eccentric Christmas village. It moved from east London to Clapham Common in winter 2017.
Christmas in Leicester Square
Christmas is coming to Leicester Square again, so expect sacks of festive fun and a twinkly, goodtime atmosphere in Central London for 2018. The ‘square’ in Leicester Square will be home to Santa's grotto, traditional Christmas market, featuring several food, drink and Christmas gift stalls, and a vintage Speigeltent – a velvety, wooden, mirrored home to a stocked programme of Christmas cabaret brought to you from the Underbelly team.
Spirit of Christmas Fair
Just when you thought Christmas couldn't get any bigger it goes and gets its own consumer show at Olympia. The vast exhibition centre will be packed with more Christmas shopping opportunities than you can shake a sleigh bell at and workshops in all kinds of festive activities to get you prepared for the big day itself.
Find more festive fun in the capital
More Christmas? Check out the best lights in London
There's nothing like the sparkle of London Christmas lights to give the city an instant festive makeover. Why not plan an outing to gaze upon Christmas lights in London ahead of a festive spot of ice skating or hitting the Christmas shops.
