The best Christmas markets in London for 2024

Every winter the Southbank Centre turns the banks of the Thames into a frosty wonderland, full of little wooden Alpine-style cabins selling gifts, warming drinks, and snacks. This year, you can cosy up at Fire And Fromage with its heated riverside igloos where you can snaffle down cheese fondue. Further down, you’ll find huts serving up truffle burgers, duck wraps, and many more tasty morsels to keep you full and warm. Or grab a glass of mulled wine while you look through gifts, jewellery and decorations made by independent craft traders and take in those sparking riverside views. 

Opening Dates: November 1-December 26

Best For: Snazzy decorations and jewellery

The rides, rink and performances might make Winter Wonderland, but that’s not all there is to Hyde Park’s big festive takeover. In the Scandinavian-themed market square, you’ll find a more peaceful escape, with quaint huts housing stalls selling gifts and trinkets to give your loved ones (or yourself). Live music from the bandstand will soundtrack your shopping, and after, you can take a rest at the fire pit to much on some meatballs and waffles and other market staples.

Opening Dates: November 21-January 5

Best For: Heightening your hygge

Spitalfields always gets in the festive spirit come Christmas time and 2024 is no exception. As well as all the usual stalls, stocking stuffers, and toasty food and drinks, there’ll be special discounts, advent calendars and late-night shopping so you can squeeze in some present-buying after work. If scouring the stands gets too much, head to 30 Spital Square to catch Wildefolk Theatre’s family-friendly adaptation of classic winter tale The Overcoat. 

Opening Dates: November 26

Best For: Stylish stocking stuffers

Croydon is getting in the Christmas spirit with a lovely festive market popping up by the Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centre. For 10 days in the run-up to Christmas Day, local makers and bakers will be manning stalls in Whitgift Square, providing gift inspo and tasty morsels to make your Yuletide extra yummy. Expect to find handmade cards, vegan cakes, mulled wine, scented candle, art pieces and much more for sale, while you can make your own goodies at one of the free workshops that takes place every day. Learn how to make your own Christmas ornament, DIY stocking, or decorate a gingerbread house plus more.

There’s a Bavarian flavour to Kingston Christmas Market, so much so you might be fooled into thinking you’ve stumbled through a portal into Germany. As you shop its many stalls, you can keep you energy up with bratwurst and mulled wine or take a pit stop at the Bavarian curling lanes. Live music and Christmas carol singers will also soundtrack the activities to really get you in the mood for Yuletide.

Opening Dates: December 7

Best For: Raising your festive spirit