Christmas Markets began in Germany in the late Middle Ages but they’ve become a staple of the British Christmas period since the 1980s. Many of the original foodie traditions remain including the bratwurst (sausage) and glühwein (mulled wine), lebkuchen (gingerbread), some stollen (fruit cake) and now, I can’t quite imagine Christmas markets in London without them.
Fun for all the family, with the promise of fairy lights, festive treats and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of you know who were sadly drawn to a halt in 2020 so we at Eating in London are especially excited to get in gear for festive cheer. We’ve got some catching up to do to showcase the 15 best christmas markets London 2021.
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1. Winter Wonderland’s Angel Market
Winter Wonderland is huge and you’ll be navigating crowds of families, couples and friendship groups gathered under the bright lights of the rides, pouring out from the lively bars before reaching the glorious string of stalls at the Angel Market leading up to the exit. There are rows of wooden huts decorated with fairy lights selling crafts and a plethora of food stalls serving oodles of German bratwurst and mulled wine. You must book tickets beforehand (off-peak tickets will be free) weekends will be busy and may even sell out!
19th Nov – 3rd Jan, closed on Christmas Day
Family Fun Day on 3rd Jan from 10am – 10pm
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
At Winter Wonderland there are rows of wooden huts decorated with fairy lights selling crafts and a plethora of food stalls serving oodles of German bratwurst and mulled wine.
2. Southbank Winter – Christmas Markets London
Take a scenic walk along the River Thames, in the crisp winter sunshine or all lit up at night and visit the stalls selling gifts and lots of delicious winter warming foods (including grilled cheese sarnies from Meltsmiths, cute mini pancakes from Stacked) and hot toddies to boot. You might even catch a concert if you’re lucky.
Free entry
4th November – 24th December
Sun – Thurs 11am – 10pm, Fri & Sat – 11am – 11pm
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Take a scenic walk along the River Thames, in the crisp winter sunshine or all lit up at night and visit the stalls selling gifts and lots of delicious winter warming foods (including grilled cheese sarnies from Meltsmiths, cute mini pancakes from Stacked) and hot toddies to boot.
3. Selfridges Winter Market
Back for a second year taking place on Edward Mews at the rear of Selfridges London, curated by Dominic Cools-Lartigue (Street Feast). You’ll find everything from environmentally-friendly Christmas trees (delivered home or struggle on the Central line at your own risk), personalised Christmas wreaths and of course a large array of vendors offering street food, festive treats and the usual wintry warming drinks, oh and did we mention they’ll be a Helter Skelter?! We recommend the donuts at Treats Club and hot chocolate from Chin Chin Labs. There are no guarantees for walk-ins so to be on the safe side, book your free ticket online in advance of entry to see one of the best Christmas markets in London.
5th November – 23rd December 4-9pm on weekdays, Christmas Eve hours 12-4pm
www.selfridges.com
4. Covent Garden – Christmas Village
Covent Garden’s Christmas Village features 8 beautiful luxury dining domes seating which have been sponsored by Ramsbury Single Estate Gin. There is also a forest archway and Santa sleigh providing the perfect photo opportunity. Food offerings coming from Pelaton Pizza, Son of a Sailor, United Fried Chicken, The Churro Shop, and a LEGO immersive installation with a pop-up shop.
There’s also a Frozen themed magical moment for the little ones with daily snowfall upon the hour (from 12-7pm Nov 9 – Jan 3) no booking required just show up and sing about your indifference to cold weather or whatever. You could also stop off at the Christmas pop-up Miracle at Henrietta (over 18s only) for Christmas cocktails in a kitsch and cosy setting. Spoiler alert: The snow was less of a flurry and more of a light sprinkle.
Nov 15 – Jan 8 12-10pm
www.coventgarden.london
Covent Garden’s Christmas Village features 8 beautiful luxury dining domes seating which have been sponsored by Ramsbury Single Estate Gin.
5. Christmas at Kew
The botanical gardens have had a festive makeover, illuminated with lights like an enchanted garden. Expect marshmallow toasting over an open fire, hot dogs (Deluxe Dogs), chips in cones (Hank’s Chips), halloumi fries (Oli Baba’s), churros (La Churreria), waffles (Utter Waffle), KERB Food Village: Kolkati (street kebabs), Mother Flipper (burgers), Only Jerkin (Caribbean fried chicken), Deeney’s (Scottish cheese toasties) with lots of winter warmer hot drinks on offer or a glass of fizz by Freixenet.
Nov 17 – Jan 9, 4-10pm
www.kew.org
The botanical gardens have had a festive makeover, illuminated with lights like an enchanted garden.
6. Pergola Paddington – Christmas Markets London
‘Deck the Halls’ Pergola gets a Christmas makeover with a whopping 350 Christmas trees, 4 pop-up restaurants and 2 heated floors (Winter Forest and Alpine Halls) with blankets at the ready, Pergola is perfect for large groups (you’ll need to contact them if 20+). Book online if you’re ready to break out the cheese fondue, s’mores and hot toddy galore! There’s even a Sunday Gospel Choir and private chalets seat up to 8 persons and they’re heated too! Book a ticket for your timed entry slot to see this christmas markets in London.
From Nov 11 and throughout December
www.pergolapaddington.com
‘Deck the Halls’ Pergola gets a Christmas makeover with a whopping 350 Christmas trees, 4 pop-up restaurants and 2 heated floors (Winter Forest and Alpine Halls) with blankets at the ready, Pergola is perfect for large groups (you’ll need to contact them if 20+).
7. Somerset House Christmas Arcade
Skate Lounge with Moët & Chandon for après skate champagne cocktails or a hot chocolate with all the toppings, the lounge allows reservations for groups of 10-20 only, next to the ice rink is an astounding 40 ft Christmas tree, a live DJ and the Chalet Barragiste serving delights by Jimmy Garcia with two private dining rooms also available. When you’re done with all that hard work guzzling champagne and fondue, treat yourself to a spot of Christmas shopping for thoughtful and magical gifts at Fortnum and Mason. Hotel Chocolat have a chocmobile and chocolate making masterclasses with a workshop for kids and a separate one for big kids!
Nov 17 – Jan 16
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Skate Lounge with Moët & Chandon for après skate champagne cocktails or a hot chocolate with all the toppings, the lounge allows reservations for groups of 10-20 only, next to the ice rink is an astounding 40 ft Christmas tree, a live DJ and the Chalet Barragiste serving delights by Jimmy Garcia with two private dining rooms also available.
And many more Christmas markets up and down the city including:
8. Leicester Square Winter Market
Expect a traditional Christmas market alongside entertainment in the form of circus and cabaret show La Clique. Free entry however it’s an additional cost to attend one of the shows.
Nov 12 – Jan 3
www.christmasinleicestersquare.com
9. Borough Market
Borough Market as you know it, except the traders and their stalls have come over all festive with Christmas themed demos, tastings and masterclasses with foodie experts TOO.
Borough Market as you know it, except the traders and their stalls have come over all festive. with Christmas themed demos, tastings and masterclasses with foodie experts TOO.
Nov 22 – Jan 9
www.boroughmarket.org.uk
10. Paternoster Square Christmas Market
Near St. Paul’s, festive food & drink, in previous years there have been chalets and a special appearance by reindeer!
Dec 11- Dec 15
www.tudormarkets.com
11. Kingston Christmas Markets London
Kingston-upon-Thames is technically still London, expect wooden cabins and roasted chestnuts, ride a carousel and fill up on hog roast, bratwurst, Belgian waffles and beers from local breweries.
Nov 18 – Dec 24
www.kingstonchristmasmarket.co.uk
12. Bohemia Place Christmas Market
Wooden cabins and twinkly lights, with yuletide cheer served up by Hackney Social, tonnes of mouth-watering foods (several vegan options available), festive cocktails.
Wooden cabins and twinkly lights, with yuletide cheer served up by Hackney Social, tonnes of mouth-watering foods (several vegan options available), festive cocktails. Every weekend from (Nov 26 – Dec 19), the Black-Owned Christmas Market is on 27-28th, Fridays 4 – 10pm, Saturdays 11 – 6pm. Free Entry. Pets are welcome.
www.bohemiaplacemarket.com
13. Spitalfields Christmas Markets in London
The best in festive food and drinks and star of the show, Santa will be there, there will also be choirs and a nativity, what more could you ask for?
Dec 21-24 from 10am
www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com
14. Christmas at Flat Iron Square
Winter Garden’ fir trees, Hip-Hop Karaoke, Christmas Booths and a Ciroc chalet, yes please!
Nov 16 – Dec 23
www.flatironsquare.co.uk
15. Camden Christmas Markets in London
Ice rink, Santa’s Gingerbread Grotto, food stalls stay open 10-6pm throughout December.
Open every day except for Christmas Day.
www.camdenmarket.com
16. Barge East – Winter Gardens
Now this isn’t strictly a Christmas market however, it might as well as be. Drink and dine at Barge East’s floating bar and restaurant inside their newly launched Winter Gardens. It’s certainly one of London’s cosiest outdoor space to socialise this winter.
You’ll need to wrap up warm unless you can secure one of their amazing heated winter cabins, giving you an immediate Christmassy spirit. Enjoy festive food, pints of beer and mulled wine as you slip into holiday mode.
They offer bottomless brunch, and plenty of faux fur to keep you warm this winter. Not forgetting, mini hot water bottles to keep you warm – there is no better place to book for dinner and drinks in the capital this winter.
Open every day except for Christmas Day and (subject to Covid restriction changes).
Do remember to check out individual COVID requirements for each event and whatever you do, have yourself a wonderful Christmas. You deserve it!
👨🍳 Our Expert – @syeshiasweeney
Food Writer
