Truly’s tastemakers have done the rounds, and we can confirm that this year’s numerous Christmas markets and fairs around the capital are as good as any other.
It’s worth noting that, while there are upwards of 40 markets taking place around London, only a handful of those are ongoing. The most charming and esoteric ones take place in an evening or over a weekend in your local neighbourhood, so we suggest looking out for those. For the time being, we’ve chosen to pick out our favourites. Whether it’s mulled wine, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, winter woollies or scented candles you’re after, these markets have them in abundance.
The recent pandemic has caused some delays in the release of official dates for the Christmas markets, with many organisations still deciding whether or not they will open this year. In the interim, we have compiled a list of the markets that have been said to be taking place in 2020.
We’re working hard to be accurate but these are unusual times. Please double check which events are still happening.
Christmas Markets To Look Out For In 2020
Southbank Winter Market
Nov – Jan (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: Waterloo/Embankment
Traditional timber shacks (that’s the technical term) are currently lining the Thames outside the Southbank Centre under some spectacular festive lights. The warm cider and mulled wine on tap might not be the most reasonably priced drink you’ve ever had, but one can find certain chocolate treats for as little as £1. Questionable stocking fillers (such as wooden neckties) are present, but so are a few more attractive gift ideas.
Christmas by the River
Nov – Jan (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: London Bridge
Further downriver, and under the shadow of Tower Bridge, lies the Christmas by the River market, where you’ll find a bit of everything food or gift related. The businesses setting up in the Alpine-style chalets will have more of an emphasis on foodies – think traditional bratwurst, Nutella crepes, and a spit roast. Choirs and brass bands will also add something to the atmosphere if you’re into that sort of thing.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Nov – Jan (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: Leicester Square
With over 30 stalls featuring everything from tasty foods to awesome gift ideas, the Leicester Square Christmas Market has it all. You can even enjoy live entertainment that includes comedy shows, burlesque performances and cabaret at Spiegeltent.
Hackney
December (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: Bethnal Green
Hosted at one of the coolest venues and featuring over 50 vendors, the Hackney Christmas Market is an amazing market and worth visiting this festive season. Live performances, bespoke gift options, out of this world food and drink are just a few of the things that you can look forward to enjoying. In the spirit of giving, there will be facilities to make donations to local charities.
Christmas at Somerset House
Nov – Jan (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: Temple
Fortnum’s Lodge, Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade and Charlie Brown will have winter exhibitions, while an ice rink will be built to skate alongside the displays. You need to book in advance if you would like to skate.
The Boiler House Conscious Christmas Market
8th – 22nd Dec
Tube: Aldgate East
The Conscious Christmas Market at The Boiler House is the perfect market to celebrate love, family, generosity and community – the true spirit of the festive season. Guilt-free shopping is their priority and all of the products sold at the market are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Westfield London
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 22:00 and Sunday 12:00 – 18:00
Tube: Wood Lane
The market at Westfield London provides the perfect festive season shopping experience. It builds on the existing shopping platform while offering a space for traders to sell their one-of-a-kind gifts at the outdoor market. There’s also a huge Christmas tree on display to embrace the full extent of the Christmas spirit.
Kingston Christmas Market
12th Nov – 31st Dec
Tube: Aldgate East
Take an adventure down to the Ancient Market Place to discover a world of unique Christmas gifts. The cosy cabins along the river are packed with decorations, arts and crafts, stocking fillers and street foods to snack on.
Greenwich Christmas Market
Dates TBC
Tube: Greenwich
With over 150 stalls ranging from arts and crafts to bespoke gifts, the Greenwich Market is sure to help you tick gifts off of your Christmas shopping list. Every once and a while on a Wednesday, it will be advertised beforehand, the market stays open late and has live performances to bring on the Christmas cheer.
While you’re in the area, be sure to take a walk through the ancient neighbourhood while taking in the rich maritime history.
Apres Ski
December (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: London Bridge
The Flat Iron Square’s Apres Ski Lodge has returned just in time for the festive season. Take on the slopes, warm up with a drink and enjoy the tasty snacks on offer from the vendors. There’ll also be movie screenings and workshops to keep you busy.
Borough Market
Open Daily
Tube: London Bridge
Although this market is open all year round, it becomes something quite spectacular during the festive season. Spend an evening relaxing and enjoying delicious cranberry rolls, eggnog, mulled wine, turkey and, of course, sweet treats.
There’s also a ton of scheduled events leading up to Christmas if you’re looking for something to do with the family.
City Hall Christmas Market
December (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: London Bridge
Located between Tower Bridge and London Bridge is the annual Christmas Market. It’s one of the smaller markets but still provides a much-needed Christmas experience.
Christmas Under the Canopy
Every Fri – Sun
Tube: Farringdon
Create personalised, one-of-a-kind gifts at the craft workshops. You can also listen to Christmas carols, look at the beautiful lights and mulled wine. Every weekend has a different theme which includes exhibits by up and coming artists from the University of the Arts London, a ceramics market and a craft beer related celebration.
SAMPLE Christmas
December (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: Kings Cross
The two-day Christmas festival hosts more than 100 designers who have been carefully selected by Wayne Hemingway MBE to share the Christmas spirit. Locally, sustainably and ethically sourced designs will be on sale. Visitors will also be able to make their very own gifts at workshops, while the kids can enjoy carnival rides and outdoor games.
Ally Pally
December (Exact dates TBC)
Tube: Wood Green
The Christmas Carnival at Alexander Palace is the place to be with amazing food stalls, arts and crafts workshops, Christmas carols and stunning views of London. There’s really no reason not to go.
Crafty Fox
Various
Tube: Various
This travelling Christmas Market will be hosting various events throughout the UK. Spreading festive cheer along the way. Visit craftyfoxmarket.co.uk to see when they’ll be in your area.
Coloumbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
Every Wednesday in December
Tube: London Bridge
As the name implies, this market takes place every Wednesday. It’s one of the more famous markets in London as artisan makers, independent shops and flower markets come together on Columbia Road to create the ultimate festive atmosphere.
Ealing Christmas Market
27th Nov – 24th Dec
Tube: South Ealing
Head on over to Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre for a month of Christmas inspired festivities. Global traders will be sharing their craft with visitors which are sure to be one-of-a-kind gifts to give the family.
Wimbledon
23rd Nov – 22nd Dec
Tube: Wimbledon
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas at Wimbledon’s Market. Taking place on the weekends for five weeks, you can explore the 50 stalls on offer and buy a whole lot of Christmas inspired foods, gifts and decorations.
Buyagift’s Sustainable Christmas Market
December 2020
Tube: Leicester Square
As one of the first sustainable markets to hit London, Buyagift’s Sustainable Christmas Market shares innovative, sustainable creations from some of the continent’s most famous eco-friendly brands. Fashion, jewellery and skincare products are just some of the products on offer.
Alternative Activities For A Christmas Day Out
There’s no doubt that Christmas Markets form a fundamental part of Christmas traditions, but if you’re looking to take a break between markets, there are other options that you can try.
Sightseeing in the city to see the Christmas decorations and beautiful lights, experiencing those tourist attractions that you’ve always admired but haven’t had the time to visit or even take a look at our list of things to do with the family this holiday season.
The Options Are Endless
Whether you’re looking for a day out or a once in a lifetime experience that the family will remember for years to come, there’s a market out there waiting for you. The odds are that you’ll pass a couple of markets and attractions on the way to your main destination, don’t be afraid to stop and take in all of the festivities.
It’s been a long tough year; you deserve a break. So, take it easy and embrace the Christmas spirit!