A Quick Guide to the London Christmas Markets 2020

London is a fabulous city to visit at any time of year but it is really magical at Christmas. If you’re a fan of Christmas markets, then the huge choice of London Christmas markets will not disappoint. Wandering around these Christmas markets is a really lovely thing to do at Christmas.

**Please refer to the current government guidelines before organising your visit**

**Some of the London Christmas markets have been cancelled for 2020, most notably Winter Wonderland, but others are going ahead. If all of them are cancelled, make sure to check out this post for details on a virtual Christmas market and other virtual Christmas events!  This post contains affiliate links. Should you buy something through them, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you**

London Christmas markets walking tour

If you’re visiting London and would like to join a small group for a tour of the London markets, you might like to take a look at this tour.

Christmas by the River

Christmas by the River is the London Christmas market with the best views in London across the River Thames to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. There are over 70 wooden cabins selling Christmassy gifts with an artisan touch and a great selection of food. Keep a look out on their site closer to Christmas as they usually run fun Christmas workshops.

It’s one of the best placed London Xmas markets for visiting London’s top sights. While you’re in the neighbourhood, take a walk up and over Tower Bridge and peer through the glass floor to the river 42 metres below. The Tower of London, London’s most popular tourist attraction, is also right there. For dinner, head to The Coppa Club for a London igloo experience. It’s so cosy at Christmas time and a great spot to see the twinkling Christmas lights of the Shard.

Christmas by the River dates

26th November 2020 – 5th January 2021

Christmas by the River at London Bridge

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Southbank Centre Winter Market magical family shows, global street food, markets

Walk along the river to the Shakespeare’s Globe for Christmas at the Snow Globe or hop on the London Eye at dusk for amazing views over London just as all of the Christmas lights light up the city. For a free view of the city, pop into the Tate Modern and head up to the 7th floor of the Blatvnik Building where there’s a viewing platform.

Southbank Centre Christmas market dates

5th November to 27th December 2020 (although they have recently removed their page so it looks like it may be CANCELLED FOR 2020)

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland London is the largest of the London Christmas markets with the south end of Hyde Park being completely transformed into a winter wonderland from mid November until early January. There is an authentic Bavarian village with over 100 Christmas market stalls, an ice rink, fairground rides, ice sculptures and much more.

Entry is free and it can get incredibly busy. If you want to do any of the experiences such as ice skating, riding the Giant Observation Wheel or the fairground rides, these cost extra and you will need to book some of them in advance.

While you’re in the area, you might want to get your fix or carol singing at the Royal Albert Hall (tickets go on sale in October) or head to Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights. Don’t miss the Harrods lights (although they are illuminated all year round).

Winter Wonderland dates

2020 has been cancelled

Winter Wonderland London Image Credit: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Christmas in Leicester Square

Christmas in Leicester Square offers a traditional Christmas market with Bavarian-style wooden huts selling a range of Christmas goodies right in the heart of London in theatreland.

Whilst you’re in theatreland, you might want to check out some of the Christmas shows 2020 has to offer:

A Christmas Carol (London Coliseum from 1st December to 6th December)

The Nutcracker (London Coliseum from 10th December to 3rd January)

Christmas in Leicester Square dates

2020 dates to be released

Leicester Square Christmas market

Greenwich Christmas Market

Greenwich Market is open all year round but at Christmas it transforms into a lovely festive, twinkly space. The market is a historic World Heritage site and is filled with 150 stalls selling a range of Christmas goodies and London themed gifts.

While you’re in the area, how about stepping over the Greenwich Meridian Line or heading up to the top of the hill in Greenwich Park for spectacular views over London?

Greenwich Christmas Market dates

Every Wednesday through December 2020 from 10 am to 8 pm

Kingston Christmas Market

Kingston Christmas Market  is situated in the Ancient Market Place in the centre of town with the Alpine village offering lots of festive goodies. There’s live entertainment, a firepit for toasting marshmallows and even a vintage carousel.

While you’re in the area, you might want to check out what’s going on at the Hampton Court Festive Fayre or head up to Kew Gardens for the Christmas light trail.

Kingston Christmas market dates

2020 dates to be released

Kingston Christmas Market – Image credit: www.inkingston.co.uk

There may not be as many christmas markets this year, but there are also lots of other things to do in London at Christmas such as ice skating, visiting the Christmas lights or carol singing.

For something a little different…..

Covent Garden is a lovely place to visit at Christmas

Christmas at Kew is a really magical experience

Ice Skating at Christmas in London is fun for all ages