Christmas in London: markets, lights and festive things to do

This post is also available in: Português

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year in London. Although I often spend Christmas Day with family in Brazil, I always enjoy the decorations and festive atmosphere around the city in the weeks leading up to it.

Every year, I set aside a day to explore the Christmas markets, walk along the illuminated streets and browse the Christmas shops.

Weekends can get crowded, especially at Winter Wonderland and the central London markets. If you can, visit on a weekday. Daytime is good for browsing the stalls, while late afternoon and evening are better for enjoying the lights.

Here are the places I recommend visiting during the Christmas season in London.

Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets

There is nothing like wandering around a Christmas market, browsing decorations, sipping mulled wine and trying some street food. Many markets run from November until early January, but smaller fairs sometimes take place over just a few days.

Winter Wonderland is much more than a Christmas market, with gift stalls, bars, food, an ice rink, rides and live shows. The Bavarian Village is a good place to stop for German food, drinks and music. It is one of the busiest Christmas events in London, so book ahead and check the entry conditions and separate attraction tickets. Check Winter Wonderland visitor information and ticket options.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market has wooden chalets offering gifts, Christmas decorations, festive food and warm drinks. Its central location makes it an easy stop while exploring the West End.

Southbank Centre’s Winter Market: along the Thames, near the London Eye, this market combines alpine-style chalets, food stalls, independent craft traders and riverside views. It is a convenient place to stop for mulled wine or something to eat during a walk along the South Bank. If you also want to see London from above, you can book London Eye tickets before your visit. Check the Southbank Centre Winter Market website for opening times.

Christmas in Leicester Square: right in the West End, Leicester Square has Christmas stalls selling gifts, food and drinks. You can also go ice skating at Skate Leicester Square, making it an easy place to combine both activities.

Winter by the River: this market stretches along the Thames at London Bridge City, with Tower Bridge providing the backdrop. It is one of my favourite settings for a Christmas market. Visit nearby Hay’s Galleria too, which is usually beautifully decorated. Check the London Bridge City events calendar for the 2026 dates, which had not been confirmed when this guide was updated.

King’s Cross Christmas markets: hosts different festive markets, with independent makers selling gifts, ceramics, jewellery and other handmade products. They take place on specific dates, so check the programme before visiting.

Kingston Christmas Market: located in Kingston upon Thames, the Kingston Christmas Market brings wooden chalets, festive gifts, street food and warm drinks to the town centre.

Greenwich Market: is open throughout the year, but Christmas brings festive decorations and seasonal events alongside its usual crafts, gifts and food stalls.

Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair: has over 100 independent businesses selling gifts, homewares, clothing, artisan food and drinks in the surroundings of the garden. Unlike the longer-running markets, it lasts only four days and requires a paid ticket.

These are just a few examples, but there are numerous other smaller markets and fairs spread across the city. Checking local event listings closer to your visit date will give you the most accurate and up-to-date information!

Top Lighted Streets

Walking around London during the Christmas season is a delight, despite the cold. The streets and shop windows give you plenty to see without needing to book an attraction.

Regent Street is one of the most famous places to see the lights. Its Spirit of Christmas angels return for 2026, stretching above the street and continuing towards St James’s.

New Bond Street is my favourite one. Lined with designer shops, decorated windows and Christmas lights. It is well worth including in a walk around Mayfair.

Carnaby Street, between Regent Street and Oxford Street, is another stop I always enjoy. If you have time, head to Kingly Court for something to eat or a warm drink.

Oxford Street is illuminated too, with Christmas window displays at department stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis. Nearby Liberty is also worth a visit.

Covent Garden is charming throughout the year, but its Christmas decorations make it particularly enjoyable to explore. Continue towards Seven Dials, where the surrounding streets are decorated too.

Other places worth including are Trafalgar Square, The Royal Exchange, Marylebone Village, Leadenhall Market, King’s Road and Sloane Square.

Where to buy Christmas decorations

I love buying Christmas ornaments. If my house had more storage space, I would surely have many more of it. But still, I always end up buying a little bauble here, a little garland there, and every place I go, even out of season, I ended up buying something for Xmas.

Several shops in and around London have Christmas collections:

• Selfridges, Oxford Street: a wide selection of decorations, although prices tend to be higher.
• Liberty: one of my favourite places to browse Christmas decorations, near Regent Street and Oxford Street.
• Homesense: part of the TK Maxx group, with homeware and seasonal decorations. I usually find a good balance of price and quality here.
• Christmas Magic: I particularly like its range of decorations. I have visited the Bluewater shop, outside London; check the current store locations before making a trip.
• Ruxley Manor: another favourite of mine, in Sidcup, with Christmas trees, lights, garden decorations and plenty of baubles.

• Harrods, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer also sell Christmas decorations, and supermarkets can be useful for picking up simpler seasonal items.

Ice-skating rinks in London

If you have never tried ice skating, Christmas in London gives you plenty of opportunities.

Personally, I find some festive rinks crowded, and the ice can become uneven during busy sessions. If you prefer more space, look for a quieter weekday session.

These seasonal rinks are confirmed for Christmas 2026:

• Skate Leicester Square: 31 October 2026–3 January 2027.
• Glide at Battersea Power Station: 6 November 2026–3 January 2027, with interconnected rinks and a riverside skate trail.
• Skate at Somerset House: 11 November 2026–10 January 2027, in the historic courtyard.
• Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich: 18 November 2026–3 January 2027.
• Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park: 19 November 2026–3 January 2027.
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: 20 November 2026–3 January 2027.

Book your session in advance and check each website for opening times and holiday closures.

Canary Wharf’s ice rink will not operate during the 2026 winter season. The Natural History Museum ice rink has permanently closed.

If you want to skate outside the Christmas season, you can also check the year-round rinks at Alexandra Palace, Lee Valley Ice Centre and Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.

Tips for visiting London at Christmas

Book Christmas at Kew in advance

Christmas at Kew is an evening light trail through the gardens, and it is one of the Christmas activities I have enjoyed most in London. For 2026, it runs on selected dates from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Entry is timed, so book ahead if you have a particular date in mind. Use the official website to check available dates and book your tickets.

Plan your transport

Public transport is practical for visiting the central London markets and lights. Use the TfL journey planner to check your route. If you are travelling into London by train, you can compare train times and fares through Trainline. I use the platform because it makes it easy to check different options and manage the booking in one place.

Dress warmly

London’s winter weather can be cold and damp, especially when you spend several hours outside. Wear layers and comfortable shoes, and leave time to warm up in a café, pub or restaurant.

Plan separately for Christmas Day

The weeks leading up to Christmas are very different from 25 December itself. Regular London public transport, including the Underground and buses, does not operate on Christmas Day, and many attractions, shops and markets close. Check the TfL Christmas travel information before planning your journey.

Whether you prefer Christmas markets, illuminated streets or browsing decorations, there is plenty to enjoy around London. Choose a few nearby stops, leave time for a warm drink and enjoy the city during the festive season.

Which London Christmas market or light display is your favourite? Let me know in the comments.