Festive Christmas Markets

And just like that it’s Christmas market season once again. London’s markets are one of the most joyful ways to shop all year round, but they truly come alive at Christmas time with twinkly lights, crafty goodies and a liberal sprinkling of good cheer. Gift gathering with a cup of mulled wine is a seasonal rite of passage and this year there’s a bumper crop of markets and fairs across the city to browse. Whether you want a riverside stroll or to be transported to cosy Scandinavia, these are the best markets in London for 2022.

Christmas in Covent Garden

It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than the annual 60ft Christmas tree sparkling with more than 115,000 colourful lights in Covent Garden. Head down to see it towering in its glory and while there, enter the magical Christmas Village spread across the East Piazza of the market building. Mooch around the craft stalls for some Christmas gift shopping, warm up with one of the 25 varieties of mulled wine on offer and ensure it’ll be a white Christmas with the daily snow showers. There are even whispers of a Christmas Sandwich festival…

When: Open seven days a week from November 8 2022

Address: Covent Garden, The Market Building, London WC2E 8RF

Website: coventgarden.london

Price: Free entry

Southbank Market

The Thames never looks so enchanting than the stretch along the Southbank during the festive season, as it reflects the twinkling Christmas lights of the market that spills over its banks between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye. The Southbank Centre’s seasonal food stands and winter pop-up bars have become a staple for capital-dwellers in search of a large dose of festive favourites, warming drinks and an atmosphere of general merriment. Foodies should keep their eyes peeled for gourmet cheese toasties, truffle burgers, fondue, bratwurst, eggnog, dutch pancakes, mince pies, mulled wine and other festive delights to be eaten in hand, or, book a heated snowglobe for a cosier experience.

You'll be able to browse stocking fillers, gifts, decorations and crafts from independent sellers up until Boxing Day, so no need to panic buy now. Plus, what's better than doing your shopping with a Bailey's hot chocolate and a duck wrap in hand?

When: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri and Sat 11am-11pm, 3 November to 26 December 2022

Address: Southbank Market, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 8XX

Website: southbankcentre.co.uk

Price: Free entry

Crafty Fox Markets

Looking to buy something a bit different this year? Throughout November and December, Crafty Fox Market will be popping up with its wonderfully quirky selection of lovingly-made goods including ceramics, geometric cushion covers, natural soaps, knitted hats, candles, chopping boards, jewellery, art prints and so much more. There’s smaller markets at Mercato Metropolitano and the big one is at the Granary Building in King’s Cross with over 100 different artisan stands. Good gifts guaranteed.

When: 5-6 November and 3-4 December at Mercato Metropolitano and 11 December in Granary Square

Address: Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR; Central Saint Martins, Granary Square, London, N1C 4AA

Website: craftyfoxmarket.co.uk

Price: Free entry

Borough Market

The year-round food market has a festive makeover for December. Extending its opening hours into the evening, the space will be decorated with wreaths, tinsel and fairy lights as its stalls sell their usual delicious offering as well as festive additions – mulled wine, Christmas cakes and gifts. Make sure to check out the Borough Cheese Company for the perfect Christmas Day cheese board, or Olivier’s Bakery for artisan bread.

When: Every day, see website for specific times each day

Address: Borough Market, 9 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AA

Website: boroughmarket.org.uk

Price: Free entry