Christmas Markets to visit in London

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets and they are getting increasingly more popular across the world. Since I moved to London 2 years ago, I realised that the city is full of Christmas markets to visit. From the famous Winter Wonderland to local markets – you will definitely pop into a Christmas market at one point. And what couldn’t better get you in the festive mood than the smell of mulled wine, eating a bratwurst and seeing the Christmas lights lightened up?

Here is a list of my favourite London’s Christmas markets (and those I like to visit):

1. Southbank Centre Christmas Market

The Southbank Centre Christmas market is one of my favourites in London because it’s nicely located at the Thames next to London Eye and  brings a real German Christmas feeling. The cute,little wooden chalets sell a wide range of unique hand-crafted gifts, handmade soap and the usual Christmassy products. My highlight is the food stalls: You can pick between a delicious German Bratwurst or indulge yourself with roasted nuts, gingerbread hearts, and many other delicious treats or sip on a German mulled wine.

Opening Times: 11 November – 4 January 2015, Mo-Thu & Sun 10am-9pm, Fri & Sat 10am-1opm

2. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland is Hyde Parks’ popular Christmas park with a giant observation wheel, rides, ice rink, Christmas circus and a Santa grotto for the kids. The stalls sell clothing, accessories, decoration, handicrafts and much more. It also hosts a Bavarian village with bratwurst, bars and live bands. I found that it has a very nice and christmassy atmosphere but the food is very overpriced and average. Tip:If you fancy a ride on any of the attractions, book your tickets in advance.

Opening Times: 23 November – 4 January 2015, Daily 10am-10pm

3. Belgravia Christmas Sunday

This Christmas Market is for 1 day only and is set in the district of Belgravia at Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road. The streets are lined with stalls selling art and craft gifts including fashion accessories, home and interior gifts as well as jewellery. Kids will also get a chance to meet Santa with his real-life reindeer and in the afternoon local choirs will be part of the musical programme. When you take a stroll down to Pimlico Road you will embrace a more quirky Christmas with trumpeters and food stalls selling toffee apples and roast chestnuts.

Opening Times: 7 December 2014, 11am-5pm

4.  More London Christmas Market

The More London market is located right at the Tower Bridge and features local businesses from the area. There will be a range of food stalls including chocolate, chutneys and cheese as well as Christmas gift stalls like handmade crafts and fashion accessories. It’s definitely worth a visit considering the stunning location.

Opening Times: 8 – 21 December 2014, 11am-6pm

5. Christmas Spectacular at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a beautiful park to visit during the summer, so imagine that location sparkling with festive decorations. Again you will find traditional wooden chalets with an assortment of unique gifts and delicious food treats. But the Boutique Christmas market also consists of an illuminated light show trail, a Christmas village with a Santa’s woodland grotto, and a Victorian carousel and family rides.

Costs: £12.50 (adults) for the illuminated trail

Opening Times: 26 November – 3 January 2015, 5pm-10pm

6. Christmas Market at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

I have been to the Olympic Park a couple of times during the games in 2012 and it’s great to see that events are happening again. From the 6th to the 8th of December a vintage Christmas market will be held in the park. You’ll find seasonal goods, a Victorian funfair, a real Ale festival with a wide selection of beers, ales, spiced cider and mulled wine, as well as a roller disco housed inside a Victorian dodgem track. On top there will be a festive stage programme with DJs and bands. Definitely sounds worth a visit!

Opening Times:

Fri 06 December 4pm – 9pm
Sat 07 December 12noon – 10pm
Sun 08 December 12noon – 7pm

Update: This Christmas market won’t return in 2014.

Now it’s your turn: What is your favourite Christmas market in London? Did I miss any? What is your experience?