There’s no city quite like London at Christmas. Streets glow with fairy lights, the air smells of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and markets fill every square with festive energy. From grand light displays in the West End to riverside chalets along the Thames, London transforms into a winter wonderland for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Londoner, there’s something enchanting about exploring the city’s Christmas markets as the lights come on and the carols play.
With so many festive hotspots across the capital, it can be hard to know where to start — but that’s where this one-day London Christmas Market Route comes in. This carefully planned itinerary guides you through the city’s most iconic markets, from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Covent Garden to Southbank, London Bridge City, and even Kingston-upon-Thames. Along the way, you’ll discover everything from artisan crafts to gourmet street food, while soaking up the warmth and sparkle of London’s most magical season.
When Do London Christmas Markets Open in 2025?
Market | Approx Opening / Period | Opening Hours | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | 14 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | In Hyde Park, London’s largest festive fairground and market. Best visited after dark for the full lights experience. |
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | 3 Nov – 26 Dec 2025 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Along the Queen’s Walk by the Thames, featuring food, drinks, and gifts. |
| Christmas in Leicester Square | 1 Nov – 4 Jan | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Central West End market with festive stalls and entertainment. |
| Covent Garden Christmas Market | From 12 Nov | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | In the Covent Garden Piazza, beneath giant chandeliers and twinkling lights. |
| Trafalgar Square Christmas Market | Early Nov – Jan (TBC) | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Beneath the Norwegian Christmas tree beside the National Gallery. |
| Winter by the River (London Bridge City) | Nov – Dec (TBC) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Riverside market between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. |
| Old Spitalfields / Shoreditch | Nov – Dec (TBC) | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Indoor East London market featuring independent designers and makers. |
| Greenwich Market (festive pop-ups) | Mid-Nov (TBC) | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Historic covered market with gifts, food, and local crafts. |
| Kingston Christmas Market | 14 Nov – 24 Dec | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thurs–Sun) | Traditional alpine-style market beside the Thames with food huts and live music. |
| Union Wharf Christmas Market | 6 Dec 2025 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Creekside, Union Wharf, Greenwich SE8 3GS — hosted by Essential Living with crafts, live music, and festive treats. |
How to Visit All the Christmas Markets in One Day
This route is designed to help you see the most magical markets in one festive day, moving smoothly across central London from west to east.
10:00 AM — Covent Garden
Begin your festive day at Covent Garden, where giant baubles, mistletoe chandeliers, and boutique market stalls glow against the morning light.
Stay: ~1 hr
11:00 AM — Trafalgar Square
Walk south to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market beneath the iconic Norwegian tree.
Stay: ~30 mins
11:45 AM — Leicester Square Christmas Market
Stroll a few minutes to Leicester Square for festive food, mulled wine, and artisan stalls.
Stay: ~30 mins
12:30 PM — Southbank Centre Winter Market
Cross Waterloo Bridge to reach Southbank, which opens at 11am. Enjoy gourmet street food, riverside views, and alpine-style stalls.
Stay: ~45 mins
1:30 PM — Winter by the River (London Bridge City)
Photo Credit: ShutterStock Taljat David Follow the Thames Path east toward Tower Bridge for one of London’s most scenic festive markets.
Stay: ~45 mins
2:30 PM — Old Spitalfields Market / Shoreditch
Take the Tube/Overground for a relaxed indoor market packed with designers, makers, and vintage treasures.
Stay: ~1 hr
3:45 PM — Break / Early Dinner
5:00 PM — Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Best After Dark)
Photo Credit: Jacinta Clancy Arrive after sunset to see Winter Wonderland at its most magical.
Opens at 10am, but truly best at night.
Ride the wheel, browse the chalets, and enjoy live shows.
Stay: ~2 hrs
7:30 PM — Optional Evening Add-On: Kingston Christmas Market
Photo Credit: Jacinta Clancy
Travel from Waterloo to Kingston-upon-Thames for a traditional European-style Christmas village beside the river. Opens from 10am daily.
Stay: 1–1.5 hrs
Don’t Miss: Union Wharf Christmas Market, Greenwich
f you’re in southeast London on 6 December 2025, visit the Union Wharf Christmas Market (12pm–8pm) at Creekside, SE8 3GS.
Hosted by Essential Living, expect:
- Artisan crafts
- Festive street food
- Live music
- face painting
- A special vist from Santa
- A family-friendly and pet friendly atmosphere
A perfect neighbourhood market away from the crowds.
Tips for Visiting London’s Christmas Markets
- Start at 10am when markets open.
- Save Hyde Park for after dark.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a tote bag for gifts.
- Use Oyster or contactless to travel quickly.
- Stay until dusk to see the markets lit up.
The Best Christmas Markets in London for Families
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Rides, ice rink, Santa Land.
- Kingston Christmas Market – Riverside alpine village.
- Union Wharf Christmas Market – Pet-friendly and community focused.
Conclusion
In one magical day, you can explore the full breadth of London’s festive spirit — from the elegance of Covent Garden, through the riverside glow of Southbank, across the iconic views at London Bridge City, and into the excitement of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Finish with a traditional flourish at Kingston Market, or plan your visit to Union Wharf on 6 December for a community-led celebration.
If you’re planning a festive stay, explore Essential Living’s London apartments for the perfect base to enjoy the city at Christmas. For home décor ideas and festive inspiration, visit HomeQuarters.co.uk to bring a touch of London’s holiday warmth into your home.
FAQs About London Christmas Markets
1. What is the biggest Christmas market in London?
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the largest, featuring 100+ stalls, rides, and an ice rink.
2. When do London’s Christmas markets open in 2025?
Most open from early to mid-November, with Hyde Park on 14 November and Covent Garden from 12 November.
3. What’s the best market for riverside views?
Southbank Centre Winter Market and Winter by the River offer the best views along the Thames.
4. Which market feels most traditional?
Kingston Christmas Market recreates a classic European alpine village atmosphere.
5. Can you see all the markets in one day?
Yes, by following this guide! Start at Hyde Park, move through Covent Garden and Southbank, and end in Kingston.
6. Are the Christmas markets suitable for families?
Yes, especially Winter Wonderland and Union Wharf, both offering kid-friendly and pet-friendly experiences.
7. How do I get around the markets easily?
Use the Tube between key stops and walk short distances between Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square.
8. Where Are the Best Christmas Markets in London for Families?
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Big attractions, Santa Land, and shows.
- Kingston Christmas Market – Traditional vibe with food stalls and rides.
- Union Wharf Christmas Market – Community event with crafts, music, and festive fun.
9. Are London Christmas Markets Free to Visit?
Yes, most are free — including Covent Garden, Southbank, and Union Wharf. Some attractions inside Hyde Park Winter Wonderland require a ticket (such as the ice rink or rides).
10. What time do London Christmas markets open?
Most open at 10am, including Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Old Spitalfields, and Kingston.
Hyde Park opens at 10am; Southbank opens at 11am.
11. Which markets are best at night?
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Southbank look spectacular after dark, with lights and riverside views.
12. Which London market is best for families?
Winter Wonderland, Kingston, and Union Wharf are the top family-friendly choices.
