Few things say Christmas in London quite like a festive market. There’s mulled wine steaming in paper cups, wooden chalets glowing under strings of lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and warm gingerbread drifting through the cold evening air. Every winter the city fills with them, from huge spectacles in Hyde Park to riverside stalls with skyline views and cosy local fairs full of handmade gifts.
Whether you’re planning a festive weekend, ticking off your Christmas shopping or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, this guide covers the best Christmas markets in London, what makes each one special, how to reach them from Putney, and a few lovely local markets that many visitors miss.
Most London Christmas markets open between late October and mid-November and run until late December or the first weekend of January. Here are this year’s key dates:
• Christmas in Leicester Square: from 31 October 2026. Free (skating is ticketed).
• Southbank Centre Winter Market: from 2 November 2026. Free.
• Christmas in Trafalgar Square: from 6 November 2026, with the tree lit on 3 December. Free.
• Covent Garden Christmas: from 12 November 2026. Free.
• Kingston Christmas Market: 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Free.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Ticketed.
If you only visit one Christmas market in London, many would say make it this one. Winter Wonderland is the biggest festive event in the UK, and it’s much more than a market. Rows of Christmas stalls sit alongside Bavarian-style bars, fairground rides, circus shows, a giant observation wheel and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink. Weekday mornings are the quietest and best value, while evenings and weekends bring the full atmosphere and the biggest crowds.
Getting there: The nearest stations are Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge and Marble Arch. From Putney, take the District line from East Putney to Earl’s Court, then change to the Piccadilly line for Knightsbridge or Hyde Park Corner.
Stretched along the Queen’s Walk beside the Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is a favourite with food lovers. Alpine-style chalets serve everything from raclette and bratwurst to churros and hot chocolate, with independent traders selling gifts, jewellery and decorations. The setting is a big part of the charm, with the river on one side and the London Eye just steps away. Come at dusk, when the lights switch on and the skyline starts to glow.
Getting there: The nearest stations are Waterloo and Embankment. Direct trains run from Putney station to Waterloo in around 15 to 20 minutes, and the market is a short walk from there.
The West End is where London’s Christmas spirit feels strongest, and all three of these are close enough to visit on foot in one evening.
• Leicester Square is usually the first to get festive, with vintage-style chalets set around an ice rink. It’s a great stop before a West End show, and our Leicester Square guide has more to do nearby.
• Covent Garden is one of the most photographed festive spots in the city, with a giant tree, oversized baubles and beautifully decorated market halls.
• Trafalgar Square hosts a small, charming market beside the famous Norwegian Christmas tree. Carol singers often perform by the fountains, and it’s a short walk down the Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Getting there: Take the District line from East Putney to Earl’s Court, then the Piccadilly line to Leicester Square or Covent Garden. Charing Cross and Embankment are closest for Trafalgar Square.
Winter by the River sets up between London Bridge and Tower Bridge from mid-November into early January, with wooden huts, street food and festive drinks. It’s especially magical after dark, when Tower Bridge lights up across the water.
Right next door, Borough Market is open all year but comes into its own at Christmas. It’s the place for festive food shopping, from cheeses and charcuterie to mince pies, with plenty of warming food to eat as you browse.
Getting there: London Bridge station is right beside both. From Putney, take the train to Waterloo, then the Jubilee line two stops to London Bridge.
You don’t have to travel into central London for a proper festive market. Some of the most charming are right here in South West London, and they’re often calmer than the big city-centre markets.
Kingston’s European-style market fills the historic Ancient Market Place with wooden chalets, twinkling lights and a carousel for children. It’s the closest you’ll get to a continental Christmas market without leaving London.
Getting there: The market is a short walk from Kingston station. From Putney, the 85 bus runs straight to Kingston town centre, or you can take the train.
Battersea Power Station goes all out at Christmas, with festive markets and pop-ups from independent makers inside the restored Turbine Halls. Glide, the riverside ice rink beneath the iconic chimneys, opens on 6 November.
Getting there: Battersea Power Station has its own Northern line station, and Battersea Park station is also close by. From Putney, take the train to Clapham Junction and change for Battersea Park, or arrive by Uber Boat at Battersea Power Station Pier.
From 25 November, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea become a festive winter village with illuminations and a Christmas market, while Chelsea Physic Garden holds its popular Christmas Fair from 26 to 29 November. Make a day of it with a stroll along the King’s Road, and see our Chelsea guide for more ideas.
Getting there: Sloane Square station is closest to both. From East Putney, the District line runs to Sloane Square (change at Earl’s Court if needed), and both venues are a 10 to 15 minute walk from there.
On Sunday 6 December, Wimbledon Village hosts Christmas in the Village, a family-friendly day of stalls, entertainment and festive treats. Discover more in our Wimbledon guide. Two days earlier, Hampton Court Palace opens its Festive Fayre, a food-focused market in one of the most beautiful historic settings around London.
Getting there:
• Wimbledon Village: The 93 bus from Putney runs through the Village, or take the District line from East Putney to Wimbledon and walk up the hill.
• Hampton Court: Take the District line to Wimbledon, then a direct train to Hampton Court station, just across the bridge from the palace.
Half the fun of a Christmas market is grazing your way around it. Look out for mulled wine and hot cider, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and mince pies, along with alcohol-free options like spiced apple juice.
For gifts, the smaller local markets are your best bet. Kingston, Battersea and the Chelsea fairs are known for handmade jewellery, ceramics, prints, candles and decorations you won’t find on the high street.
• Go early in the week: Weekend evenings at the big central markets can be very crowded, while Monday to Thursday afternoons are much better for browsing.
• Book Winter Wonderland ahead: It’s the only major market that needs a timed entry ticket, and peak evening slots sell out.
• Bring a card: Most stalls are cashless or prefer contactless payment.
• Plan ahead for Christmas week: Opening hours and transport change over the holidays. Our guide to Christmas in London covers getting around and more festive things to do.
After a day of mulled wine and market stalls, there’s nothing better than coming back somewhere warm and quiet. The Lodge Hotel sits in leafy Putney, a few minutes’ walk from East Putney station, so you can mix the big central markets with quieter local ones in a single stay. Relax with a festive drink in our bar and restaurant, sink into goose-down duvets in one of our boutique rooms, and if you’re driving in for your Christmas shopping, use our on-site parking.
Book direct for our best rates, see our latest offers for your festive break, and explore more things to do in London all year round.
When do the Christmas markets open in London?
The season begins at the end of October with Leicester Square, and most markets are open by mid-November. Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November, and the majority run until late December or early January.
What is the best Christmas market in London?
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the biggest and best for a full day out. For food and river views, choose the Southbank Centre Winter Market, and for handmade gifts, Kingston and the Chelsea Christmas fairs are favourites.
Are London Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes, most are free, including Southbank, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square and Kingston. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the main exception and needs a ticket booked in advance.
Are London’s Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?
No. Almost all London Christmas markets close on 25 December, and the Tube doesn’t run that day either, so plan your visits for the days before.
Are there Christmas markets near Putney?
Yes. Kingston Christmas Market, Battersea Power Station, Chelsea Winter Village and Wimbledon’s Christmas in the Village are all within easy reach of Putney and The Lodge Hotel.
Which London Christmas market is best for families?
Winter Wonderland is the top choice for older children who love rides. For younger families, Kingston’s carousel and Wimbledon’s Christmas in the Village are calmer and closer to Putney.
