The best Christmas markets in London with kids
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s the sound of Christmas approaching – and however Scrooge-like you’re feeling in the run-up to Christmas Day, there’s nothing to put me into a festive mood faster than a Christmas market. UPDATED FOR 2026
Gluhwein and hot chocolate to keep out the chill, decorations and snuggly scarves among the potential presents, plus anything from ice skating and carousels to bigger rides and child-friendly events. Because it’s not all about browsing the stalls when you’ve got kids.
After taking my daughter to several Christmas markets in London – as well as some others nearby, including Winchester, one of my favourite Christmas markets in the UK – I’ve made a list of the best Christmas markets in London with kids. I’ve even checked it twice…
For more of the best things to do for Christmas in London with kids, check out my top picks
Contents - click to jump to a section
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
I first went along to London’s best-known Christmas market before my daughter was born, squealing with glee on the rides whisking me high above Hyde Park and sipping a drink or two in Bar Ice. But even with a daughter who’s definitely not a thrill seeker, there’s plenty to do at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
It’s not a traditional Christmas market, as you’ll find a whole string of attractions and experiences as well as the rides, although several areas do have stalls too so you can combine souvenir shopping with more festive fun.
This year’s attractions include The Magical Ice Kingdom (wrap up warm, it’ll be -10C brr), Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus, the 70m high Giant Observation Wheel and an ice skating rink, not to mention Santa’s Grotto.
There are gentler rides, plus the chance to take on the ice slide, as well as more adrenaline-fuelled festive thrills for teens
For more places to see Santa in London with kids, check out my top picks
Winter Wonderland ticket prices
You need a ticket to enter Winter Wonderland, with options for off-peak, standard and peak entry as well as special packages including Santaland.
Standard entry costs £5.50, although there are some off-peak sessions at £1, while peak dates are £8.25, with timed slots. Everyone needs a ticket, including babies and toddlers (although it’s free for children aged two and under).
If you prebook rides, attractions and games worth £25 in advance, entry becomes free – with prices for ice skating, the Magical Ice Kingdom and shows costing around £10-14 each for adults, it doesn’t take long to hit that amount.
Winter Wonderland dates
For six weeks from November 19 to January 3, 2027
Southbank Centre winter market
The South Bank Winter market is one of my favourites and one I’ve visited several times with my daughter. I can never get enough of the lights along the riverside, and could happily just wander between the stalls drinking it all in.
This being London, there’s far more to drink in than the views – and far more to eat than bratwurst. I still have fond memories of the confit duck burger we bought one year. It was so good, we went back for a second – you can see my video here.
There’s plenty for less adventurous small eaters at the stalls among the Christmas trees, including crepes and some amazing hot chocolate, as well as street food.
You can pick up gifts and crafts here too, although again, there aren’t huge numbers of stalls. Plus there are usually family activities often taking place in December, as well as winter season shows. Look out for the Winter Light display on Queen’s Walk too, plus the traditional carousel.
For more of the best Christmas lights, check out my top picks
Southbank Winter Market ticket prices
Free to get in, cost for shows varies.
Southbank Winter Market dates
November 2 to January 4, 2027
Covent Garden Christmas Market
The traditional market at Covent Garden gets a proper festive makeover for Christmas each year, and 2026 is no exception.
As well as the giant baubles decorating the market itself, plus some lovely Christmas lights, you can expect a forest of Christmas trees and some great festive food and drink – over the last couple of years, there has also been fake snow swirling over the piazza every hour (still TBC for 2026).
It’s another location where the focus is on the experience rather than browsing the stalls but Covent Garden is always a great option for a Christmas market in London with kids. Look out for the red and gold sleigh for a few festive selfies as well as the towering 60ft Christmas tree too.
Covent Garden Christmas market ticket prices
Free
Covent Garden Christmas market dates
Festive celebrations will run during November and December. Lights switch on November 12.
Check out these tips for the best hot chocolate in London with kids, if you’re looking to warm up after browsing
Leicester Square Christmas market
Right in the heart of London, Leicester Square is home to one of the newer Christmas markets in central London, with the stalls wrapped around the ice rink, Skate Leicester Square.
Although previous years have had family-friendly shows and a Santa’s grotto, neither of those are due to return this year, but there’s more food and some traditional market stalls to browse.
Leicester Square Christmas market ticket prices
Free to enter, although there’s a charge for skating (TBC for 2026 but was £9.50 for children aged 3-12, £14.50 for adults in 2025).
Leicester Square Christmas market dates
Runs from October 31 to January 3, 2027.
As you’re in the heart of Theatreland, it’s a perfect Christmas market to combine with some of the best Christmas theatre in London with kids
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
A stone’s throw from Leicester Square, there’s another small Christmas market in Trafalgar Square as well, run by the same company.
While there aren’t huge numbers of stalls to browse, it’s a lovely location to enjoy Christmas in the city with London’s huge Christmas tree lit up, plus regular carol performances in the square.
Trafalgar Square Christmas market ticket prices
Free
Trafalgar Square Christmas market dates
Runs from November 6-January 3, 2027.
Check out my tips on the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids for more details
Winter By The River at London Bridge City
TBC for 2026 Another fantastic London location, this time with Tower Bridge in the background and the skyscrapers of the city along the Thames. Winter by the River is often a quieter event than some of the others.
Las year saw six new curling lanes along with the stalls, while the Glasshouse expanded to two storeys for seasonal food and drink, including an apres-ski themed bar.
Previous years have also included workshops and activities, although nothing is confirmed for this year.
Christmas by The River ticket prices
Free
Christmas by The River dates
TBC. Usually runs from mid November to early January.
Greenwich Christmas market
Venture further down the river to Greenwich to discover how the regular Greenwich market transforms in time for Christmas – its 150 stalls get illuminated by the lights, with the Greenwich Children’s Lantern Procession kicking everything off on November 18.
It’s a great place for a festive day out too, with various Christmas attractions such as the ice rink and Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House and events at the museums and the Cutty Sark during December too.
Perfect if you’re looking for a day out with added Christmas markets in south-east London.
Greenwich Christmas market ticket prices
Free
Greenwich Christmas market dates
From November 18 – the general market takes place every day from 10am to 5.30pm, although it’s worth checking for extra festive events yet to be announced, as previously there have been Christmas late markets during December.
For more ideas of festive light trails in London with kids, check out this post
Battersea Power Station Winter Village
TBC December sees Battersea Power Station being transformed for Christmas with food and drink pop-ups, Christmas trees and family-friendly arts and crafts sessions.
Glide at Battersea Power Station, the city’s only riverside ice rink, is back for 2026, with its three interconnecting rinks, surrounded by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree.
Previous years have seen vintage funfair rides along with food stalls, a Christmas bauble trail and even riverside curling lanes but details are yet to be announced for 2026.
Battersea Power Station Winter Village ticket prices
Free to visit, ice rink and activity costs vary.
Battersea Power Station Winter Village dates
Christmas activities TBC. Glide is open from November 6-January 3, 2027
Kingston Christmas Market
Head out of the centre for one of the best Christmas markets in west London (well, southwest London) as Kingston’s Ancient Market Place gets its own traditional Christmas Market with a string of special activities for kids, as well as around 40 decorated wood cabins selling gifts, stocking fillers and mulled wine.
Along with the stalls in the Alpine Village, there are also fairground rides, including a carousel, for kids, as well as street food and some live entertainment.
Kingston Christmas Market ticket prices
Free
Kingston Christmas Market dates
November 12 to January 3, 2027
For more things to do in Kingston with kids, check out this post
Wembley Park Festive market
TBC FOR 2026 There are always some great family-friendly events taking place around Wembley Park and the festive season is usually no different. Previous years have seen the area’s own little Christmas market running in December plus light installations on the permanent art trail to brighten up December.
With traders selling mince pies, mulled wine and handmade gifts, there’s always a great excuse to head over to Market Square and explore – in previous years, you could find anything from clothing made from alpaca wool, traditionally sourced from South America to African textiles, plus wine and truffle products from Tuscany.
Add in plenty of food in Market Square, including Caribbean street food, traditional Hungarian pastries, German and Polish sausages, Turkish flatbreads, Italian delicacies and Chinese flavours under the Christmas tree. You can usually expect live music and other events on weekends too.
Wembley Park Festive market ticket prices
Free
Wembley Park Festive market dates
TBC but previously on weekends in December
For more things to do in Wembley Park with kids, check out this post
London Christmas markets with kids: best of the rest
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Hampton Court Palace gets dressed up for Christmas with its Festive Fayre from December 4-6 and 11-13, where the palace courtyards are transformed with food and drink stalls, live cooking demos and carol singing.
There are also more carol events in December, while the palace ice rink opens between November 20 and January 3, 2027.
Check out my video for a taste of the ice skating
Chelsea Barracks Winter Fair
Head to Chelsea Barracks on November 28-29 and the Winter Fair is returning once more, with some fun seasonal activities, Santa’s Grotto and some lovely stalls to browse for Christmas gifts and homewares.
There’s also plenty of festive food, as well as a chance to pick up some vintage holiday decorations. Free to visit, although you’ll need to book to see Santa (previously £20).
Chelsea Winter Village, Royal Hospital Chelsea
A bauble’s throw away, there’s another Christmas market to discover in London with kids at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the Chelsea Pensioners.
With last year’s light trail returning for a second time, you finish the route in the Winter Village with a range of stalls, plenty of food and drinks, live music, traditional fairground rides and even some workshops – if you can’t get tickets for the illuminations, you can still head to the market. From November 25-December 28, free to visit (fee for the illuminated trail).
Christmas Fair at Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace also has its own new festive experience with Santa’s Winter Garden, but don’t miss the Christmas fair which is also taking place from December 5-6.
Along with independent market stalls, food and drink, carols and Christmas crafts, kids can also follow th Christmas tree trail. There is a fee to visit this market, £5 for adults, £3 for kids or £15 for a family – book tickets here.
Pop up Christmas Experience in Bishops Square
TBC FOR 2026 Bishops Square at Spitalfields Market transforms into a pop-up Christmas village, with cozy chalets serving delicious seasonal food and drinks – last year also saw a Gingerbread House hosting a range of festive activations.Â
Look out for some delicious food too from a whole string of global food traders serving dishes including; churros, cheesy Khachapuris and parmesan truffle fries. Previously ran from November 12.
Borough Market
TBC FOR 2026 The market usually gets a festive facelift as well as longer opening hours, so it’s easier than ever to wander around picking up some of the wonderful food, while bells ring and Christmas carols sound, plus some special events during December.
Crafty Fox Christmas markets
Perfect if you’re looking for an unusual creative gift, the Crafty Fox markets are full of pieces from independent designers, with a different mix each time, including artwork, jewellery, and children’s items.
Usually taking place in November and December, locations this year include the British Library and Granary Square in Kings Cross (previously also at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle and The Department Store, Brixton).
PIN FOR LATER: CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN LONDON WITH KIDS
Images: South Bank and Hampton court, copyright MummyTravels. All others courtesy Depositphotos
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Isn’t it wonderful how many Christmas markets there now are in London? I often wander through Borough Market but I’d love to see it in all its Christmas finery. And I really fancy the Greenwich Market as that’s a really special market any time of the year. We always take the kids up to London to see the lights in December so we might make a detour to see one of these now.
It is amazing, I’m sure a decade ago there were barely any – and I agree, I love Greenwich at any time of year. Leicester Square might be an easy one to stroll through as well between seeing the lights.
My favourite is always the Southbank market. Mulled cider.
Definitely one of mine too.
London is the place to be! I’ve only ever been to Hyde Park and Southbank – loved them both. We’re hoping to plan a festive weekend in London next year x
Never short of things to do, for sure! The South Bank is easily one of my favourites, but I never say no to a visit to Greenwich either and Leicester Square’s new(ish) one has some great events as well. Spoiled for choice…
we would love to take the kids and see some of the Christmas lights. And as the choice is so great, it is always a bit WHERE TO GO question. This is a great blog and we would consider it high on our list.
Yes, it’s nice to be spoiled for choice but can be a bit tricky then to choose. Thanks!
These are beautiful choices – so lit up and ready for the holidays!
Thanks! And absolutely, the best way to get into the spirit.
love Christmas markets:) maybe I visit London with my boy one day at Christmas time:)
London’s Christmas markets are definitely a little different but it would be a fantastic trip when he’s a bit older, perhaps?
Wow, just the thought of the holidays in London in magical Would love to head over one year.
It is wonderful with all the lights and Christmas events 🙂
So I had no plans whatsoever of popping to London before Christmas. You’ve have just totally changed that and now I’m flicking through my diary trying to work out dates….
Excellent! I love to tempt 🙂
You had me at Christmas markets! This looks amazing — and didn’t think of Christmas markets in London.
Who doesn’t love a Christmas market 🙂 I was quite surprised when I came to count up all the options (and a few more which are geared more to adults or eg older teens too) but loads to explore with kids.
The Southbank’s one of my favourites, too. But boy, that breeze off the Thames is chilly! It’s funny to see how Winter Wonderland has evolved over the years. I went the first year, when it was in what’s now the O2!
Definitely one to wrap up warm for. And a good excuse to buy lots of hot chocolate. I hadn’t realised Winter Wonderland was in the O2 to start! That must have been very different – I think it’s almost 10 years since I first went, but it was in Hyde Park by then.
Great list. I particularly like south bank — so fun and accessible.
Thanks! And definitely, love the way you can just amble along here and stop for half an hour if you fancy.
I adore London at this time of year! I love Winter Wonderland although the food and rides are very expensive. Completely agree with you re: instantly being in the Christmas mood when mooching around the stalls at a Christmas market!
Yes, that’s definitely the balance – love being able to mooch around but you have to be careful how many extras you do add on (or budget for them in advance. Very easy to get carried away!)
London comes alive at Christmas and I do love going to see all the festivities. Kingston and the Southbank are our favourites as is Winter Wonderland! Hope to see some more this year!
It is so lovely all sparkling with lights – South Bank is one of my favourites but I’m thinking maybe a trip to Kingston this year as well. And I never say no to Greenwich
Great list! I will have to seek a new out for us this year. I live by Kingston and they have really upped their game over the past 3 years. I love the huge tree that anchors the pedestrian area outside of Bentalls, and the atmosphere is great. Thanks for the list!
Pleasure! How fab to have Kingston’s one on your doorstep, it is definitely impressive.
Gosh, I have only ever been to three of these. Clearly a Christmastime visit is needed to the big smoke sometime in the next few years.
Always a good excuse to book! 🙂
How do you choose from all these amazing locations?! London certainly gives a great backdrop to the festive season. We’ve never made it up to London (even though we’ve been up the road in Oxford) as the pre Christmas period is so busy. Must make an effort.
I think you have to visit them all to compare 😉 Although Leicester Square and Hyde Park are both just a quick tube journey from Paddington if you’re coming from Oxford, for a nice easy start!
I did not know there was a Christmas market in Leicester Square now. I will definitely be paying that one a visit, as well as Southbank of course
It’s quite a new one but they’ve got some really fun events so definitely worth a look.
Great write-up! I was in London recently and went to the Leicester Square one – surprisingly good, and also surprised how much they could fit into the space. I didn’t even know it was there until I was walking past it! I went to the Hyde Park one a few years ago, I might try and visit the others too 🙂
Thanks! The Leicester square one is so new, I think a lot of people haven’t realised about it – lovely to have another central option though.
I have been to London twice before but haven’t gone there during Christmas yet. I can’t wait until I am able to go.
I hope you get chance to see it all lit up in winter!
Winchester is looking nice place to visit in Christmas. I have checked the images….As Christmas is on the way…..i am planning to visit there. There are so many place in London to visit in Christmas time, will try to cover more.
Winchester is lovely and the Christmas market by the cathedral is one of my favourites – makes a great day out from London so you can check out some of the London Christmas markets at the same time.