The best Christmas markets in London

If you happen to be in this enigmatic city as the days get colder and the nights get longer, you’ll notice a proliferation of twinkly lights that can only mean one thing – Christmas markets have appeared!

By Karleen Stevens
Busy street in London with two phone boxes and Christmas lights

There are plenty to choose from, each with their own charm – some are in grand, industrial-looking steel and glass constructions, in others you’ll find endless lanes of wooden chalet-style stalls more reminiscent of an open-air market in Germany. Whichever your preference, you’re bound to come away with some festive spirit, because nothing cheers up a dreary winter like fairy lights, mulled wine and some retail therapy! Some of London’s best include:

  • Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
  • Covent Garden Christmas Village
  • Leicester Square
  • Southbank
  • Maltby Street
  • King’s Cross
  • Greenwich
  • Hampton Court

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

 

The biggest (and most famous) of London’s markets, Hyde Park comes to life every year from the end of November to the beginning of January with this theme park-like open air market. Taking up most of the park between Wellington Arch, Marble Arch and Kensington Palace, you’ll find stalls selling all manner of handmade gifts, from traditional gingerbread hearts to candles, suncatchers and personalized Christmas decorations. It’s not just about the shopping, though – you’ll also find Bavarian-style chalets serving beer and oompah music, an ice rink, ice sculptures and rides and games for the whole family.

Covent Garden Christmas Village

 

Covent Garden market is lively at any time of year, but it gets an extra sprinkling of magic dust at Christmas. A giant tree adorns the square and the roof of the South Hall in the main building is transformed into a colorful Christmas canopy. There’s a pop-up Christmas village, and all the regular stall holders get into the spirit with decorations and Christmas gift offerings. To add to the festivities, there are always plenty of buskers plying their trade in the square, so find a good spot to watch and soak up the Christmas cheer, whatever time of day you’re there.

Leicester Square

 

Not far from Covent Garden is Leicester Square, famous for film premieres and M&M World – except at Christmas, when this modest plaza is packed to the edges with Christmas attractions. It’s free to explore, so warm your hands with a hot drink, wander through the maze of stalls and entertainers and perhaps indulge your inner child with a carousel ride. It’s quite compact, so you can easily see it all before or after your evening’s entertainment, or you could stay and enjoy a show here at the specially constructed Spiegeltent.

The South Bank

 

There’s just something special about a market on a riverbank. Perhaps it’s the gentle sound of lapping water, the skyline views up and down the river or the reflection of thousands of fairy lights – either way, the Southbank Markets in London are not to be missed! As well as gifts and trinkets you’ll find plenty to keep you warm, from burgers and bratwurst to waffles and fondue. The Southbank Center always puts on a good show – it’ll be busy, though, so if you find a good spot to sit, grab it straight away and settle in for an evening of live carol singing, street entertainers and people-watching. If it’s too much, head along the river past Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and you’ll find the less-touristy but just as charming Borough Markets.

Maltby Street

 

Nestled under the main railroad line at London Bridge are the Maltby Street markets, which turn into a kind of grown-up street party every Friday night in December. Explore the labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes, with stalls and shops tucked neatly under railroad arches, and stroll up the main alley, known as Rope Walk. This is mainly a street food affair, so get stuck into such culinary delights as tapas, steak, cheese, patisserie or waffles – there’s also plenty to wash it down with, including mulled wine and craft gin. If you fancy sitting outdoors there’s always live entertainment and craft demonstrations, but if things are feeling a little nippy, pop into the nearby Bierkeller in Bermondsey for a warming meal and hearty atmosphere.

King’s Cross

 

If you prefer your Christmas markets with a Dickensian feel, head for the indoor delights of the Canopy Christmas Market at King’s Cross in Coal Drops Yard. This curiously-named building has a large Victorian roof, which adds its own charm as well as keeping the weather out. Here you’ll find plenty of artisan craft and produce to take home, but while you’re there you might as well enjoy a tasting or two, along with live entertainment and various cooking masterclasses. There’s also one weekend each December dedicated to Vegan produce, so be sure to look it up for animal-free food, clothes, homewares and cosmetics.

Greenwich

 

Head east down the river a bit and you’ll find the maritime borough of Greenwich, famous for the National Maritime Museum, Royal Naval College and Royal Observatory (you might also recognize it from its appearance in Thor: The Dark World). There’s also a regency-period undercover market, which is lively all year, selling socks and other things, but is especially good at Christmas, when evening opening hours are extended and Santa makes an appearance in his special grotto. Add to the adventure by getting there via the river, and be sure to try a bit of ice skating or climb aboard the Cutty Sark.

Hampton Court Palace

 

If you need to get out of the city for a day, head south-west and in less than an hour you’ll be at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s favorite country escape. If you visit on the right weekend in December, even better, because you’ll be able to enjoy its Festive Fayre, complete with ye olde castle background and (somewhat more modern) ice rink and street food. Just for the weekend there are special carol services held in the Chapel Royal, and since you’re there you might as well explore the vast rooms and grounds of Hampton Court, which will be fully decked out in the season’s best finery. Highlights include the vast kitchens, the sumptuous banqueting hall and the yew hedge maze.

Celebrate the silly season with Go City

Warm up this winter with some retail therapy at London’s best Christmas markets. Be sure to have your Go City Explorer Pass handy, so you’ll save on all the city’s hottest attractions as well!

Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert

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Best London Souvenirs

You! Yes, you there! Are you a fan of things? Do you like stuff? Perhaps items related to a specific city? Well, you must be a fan of souvenirs! Loveable keepsakes of times past, that help remind you of the exciting adventures you've experienced. If you're visiting London from further shores, or simply from another part of the UK, you might want something to remember your trip. But which are the best souvenirs? Well, pay attention, and take a gander down below, guv'nor. What we will do, is provide you with a list of the best London souvenirs. Tiny Bus You know them; you love them. London's big red buses are one of the most recognisable elements of the country's capital. And, predictably, you'll find little red buses of all shapes and sizes you can buy and put around your house. Big Ben Definitely one of the must-have London souvenirs. Everyone's favourite large clock, Big Ben is another of London's most famous landmarks. Fancy some of that large clock action in your little lounge? Go grab one and put it on a shelf. That way, it will always be there, watching you. And waiting. Waiting for what, you may ask? You'll just have to wait and see. LDN tees Did you love your visit to London? Do you want to memorialise it in clothing form? Go get an 'I Love - or heart - London' t-shirt. That way, you can wear your memories. And when people see it, they'll ask you all about your trip. Maybe. Red Box Another red London motif is the iconic red telephone box. Sadly a dying breed in this modern age of smartphones and texting, there are still a few dotted about the city. Before they die out completely, go pick up a keepsake. Then, put it somewhere so that the red phone box will live on forever. In your bedroom, or other room. Wherever you want it. Union Jacks Is there anything more English than the Union Jack? Probably, as it's actually the flag of the United Kingdom. Never mind that, go grab a flag, mug, or some Spice Girls-related memorabilia. Anything with a Union Jack, and display it proudly. No list of the best London souvenirs would be complete without it. Harry Potter The boy wizard who changed the lives of an entire generation. You'll find a sorting hat-load of Harry Potter memorabilia all over London, especially since the success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End. Wands, sweets, hats, and more. Anything a muggle could want! Oyster Card A staple of every Londoner's wallet, you'll probably pick up an Oyster Card so you can get about on the tubes and buses that take you across the city. Keep it, frame it, and display it for your friends and family to see. You went to London, and dared to travel too. And, when you want to come back, you'll be ready to hop on immediately. Marmite. Yes, really Whether you love it or hate it, marmite is the quintessential British spread. So, why not pick up a jar or two, put it somewhere prominent in the kitchen, and then never touch it again. Coasters Do you drink drinks? Do you ever put them on a table only for them to leave a ring stain no matter how hard you tried to avoid it? Then you, my friend, need a coaster. And why not get one that commemorates your trip to the big city of London? There are plenty of coaster options available to you, featuring many of the things we've already discussed. Want a big ben coaster? We're sure you'll find one. Holmes for your home Of course, one reason many of you are travelling to our fair capital is because of the man himself, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The legend himself prowled the streets of London, solving cases and getting up to other Sherlock-related hijinks. Given the recent Sherlock Rennaissance, expect to find a whole host of Sherlock bits and bobs. If you can get the hat, the magnifying glass, and the pipe, you win Sherlock bingo. Your prize? Looking awesome. Royal Family things Another big English export, the Royal Family draws a remarkable amount of tourism to London every year. Arguably the most famous royal family on the planet, millions tune in to watch their weddings. So, you can expect that there's a lot of Royal-themed memorabilia on offer to would-be collectors. Plates, cups, calendars, books, t-shirts, the list goes on. However you want to celebrate this oddball family, you'll find it in London. You can't leave London without one of the best souvenirs! London keyrings If you live in a house or flat, chances are you have keys. They're the things you use to get in, and keep people out. If you have multiple keys, you might be in the market for a keyring. Well, why not combine your love of keys and your love of London with a London-themed keyring? Whether you want one with a bus, Big Ben, or another landmark like the London Eye, you're sure to find one. Keep your keys safe, stylish, and flash them to all your friends. They will envy your keyring, and they will love it. Footie stuff If you are a big fan of the actual football, the one where people hit the ball with their feet, then you're in luck. There are a number of large football clubs that call London home. You've got world-renowned clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, and you'll find a lot of football shirts, training kits, mugs, posters, and much more at their respective stadium shops. Why not combine your shopping spree with a tour of the Emirates or Stamford Bridge? Or, there are lesser-known, but still great clubs, like West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brentford, QPR, the list goes on. Whichever team you like, player you follow, or kit you prefer, you're bound to find it in London. And that's our list of the best London souvenirs! We hope you enjoy your memorabilia bounty, and display it for all to see. Are you wondering what else you can do while in the city? Why not check out London's best markets, art galleries, or museums?
Dom Bewley
A couple walk past Tower Bridge in London in April
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One week in London: your ultimate itinerary

London isn’t just a list of landmarks to tick off but a living entity which has been constantly evolving for over 2000 years. Hugely diverse in origin, Londoners shop, work and worship amidst world-beating attractions. Spend enough time in the capital, and you’ll realize that behind their frosty exterior most of London’s nine million people are also a friendly – if modest – bunch worth taking the time to get to know properly. A week in London it is then! Plan it well and a London 7 day itinerary can provide you with a view of the British capital it’s not possible to get with a two or three day visit. As Samuel Johnson once said, when you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life. Your first day in London With your camera battery fully charged and SD cards empty, ease yourself into the next 7 days in London at Piccadilly Circus. 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End your day in and around the Museum of London, which tells the story of the capital from the time of the mammoths to the latest archeological discoveries. A day of live performances Make sure you haven’t missed anything by spending the morning enjoying the commentary and day ticket opportunities of a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour through the heart of the capital. Follow this up with a matinee performance at one of the West End’s top theaters, where dramas, musicals and comedies switch between coming from and going to New York’s Broadway and attract big names in television and cinema to their stages. On a bright summer night the open-air amphitheater forming Regent’s Park Theater ensures each show is unique, whilst an afternoon at ZSL London Zoo provides another type of entertainment. Its 750 species, from aardvarks to zebra, never fail to charm. A week in London with Go City Capture the essence of the living and breathing British capital with one week in London. Its range of attractions are extensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to watch your bank balance drain. Travel with Go City to take advantage of massive savings on admission to many top attractions!
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