London’s Christmas markets are one of the best free things to do in the city in November and December. Entry to almost all of them is free – you only pay for the food, drink and gifts you buy. Below is our guide to this season’s markets, from big riverside villages to small church and charity fairs where locals shop for handmade gifts. Every listing links to the full event page with dates, opening times and how to get there.
Big Christmas markets and winter villages
The larger markets have food stalls, mulled drinks, lights and plenty of gift huts. Most run for several weeks, so a weekday evening visit helps you avoid the busiest weekend crowds.
- Kingston Christmas Market – On now until 13 Dec · Ancient Market Place, Kingston · Free
- Leicester Square Christmas Market – On now until 3 Jan · Leicester Square, West End · Free
- Southbank Centre Winter Market – On now until 3 Jan · Southbank Centre, Queen’s Walk · Free
- Winter by the River at London Bridge City – On now until 3 Jan · London Bridge City · Free
- SoLo South Bank Christmas Market – 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, from 12:00 · Between the Bridges, Southbank · Free
- Wembley Park Festive Market – 21 Nov – 23 Dec · Market Square, Wembley Park · Free
- Chelsea Winter Village – 25 Nov – 28 Dec · Royal Hospital Chelsea · Free
Church, community and charity Christmas fairs
Smaller one- or two-day fairs run by churches and local communities. Expect home baking, Nordic Christmas treats, crafts and second-hand gifts – and the money often supports a good cause. Go early: popular stalls sell out.
- Friends of Pax Lodge Christmas Bazaar – Sat 14 Nov, 11:00 · Pax Lodge World Centre, Hampstead · Free
- Norwegian Church Christmas Fair – 20 Nov – 22 Nov · Norwegian Church (St Olav’s), Rotherhithe · Free
- Christmas Weekend at Valentines Mansion – 21 Nov – 22 Nov · Valentines Mansion, Ilford · Free
- Finnish Church Christmas Fair – 27 Nov – 29 Nov · The Finnish Church, Rotherhithe · Free
- Finnish Church Christmas Fair (December) – 4 Dec – 6 Dec · The Finnish Church, Rotherhithe · Free
Makers’ markets and independent gift fairs
Looking for something different from the high street? These markets focus on independent designers, ceramicists, artists and small food producers.
- Honey & Co. Studio Makers’ Market – 27 Nov – 29 Nov · Honey & Co. Studio, Clerkenwell · Free
- Black Culture Market Christmas Edition – 5 Dec – 6 Dec · Brixton · Free
- Christmas Ceramics Market at Rochester Square – Sat 5 Dec, 12:00 · Rochester Square, Camden · Free
- RSA House Christmas Market – Sat 5 Dec, 11:00 · RSA House, West End · Free
- OmVed Festive Market – Sun 6 Dec, 10:00 · OmVed Gardens, Highgate · Free
- Peckham Vintage Poster Market – 11 Dec – 13 Dec · Peckham · Free
- Isokon Christmas Shopping Weekend – 12 Dec – 13 Dec · Isokon Gallery, Hampstead · Free
Tips for visiting London’s Christmas markets
- Check the dates before you go. Some markets only open on certain days or at weekends – each event page shows the latest dates we have, with a link to the organiser.
- Go early or on a weekday. Central London markets are busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Bring a card. Most stalls take contactless payment, but a little cash is useful at small church and charity fairs.
- Dress for the weather. Most markets are outdoors, so wrap up warm.
- Combine with the lights. Many markets are close to free Christmas light displays – see our guide to free things to do in London this winter.
For more ideas, browse free events in London or see what’s on this weekend.
