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 2023
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 biggest and 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 an 11-year-old who’s definitely not a thrill seeker, there’s plenty to do at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
This year’s attractions include The Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Beserk, the 70m high Giant Observation Wheel and an ice skating rink.
And Santaland returns as well, with Christmas-themed rides and games, and parades on various dates. Also check out Santa’s Grotto (open daily from 10am to 6pm except Christmas Day, first come first served) where you can meet Father Christmas for free.
There are gentler rides for all ages, including a helter skelter and the Santaland Express Train, plus the chance to take on the ice slide, as well as more adrenaline-fuelled festive thrills.
Wrap up warm for the ice and snow sculptures of the Magical Ice Kingdom (it’ll be -10C, brr) then look down on the lights of London from the Observation Wheel before toasting marshmallows around the fire pit.
For more places to see Santa in London with kids, check out my top picks
Winter Wonderland ticket prices
Once again for 2023, you will need a ticket to enter Winter Wonderland, with options for off-peak, standard and peak entry depending when you visit. Prices start from £5 for standard entry, although there are some off-peak morning sessions where it’s still free.
Everyone needs a ticket, including babies and toddlers (although it’s free for children aged two and under). Family tickets are also available (for two adults + two children, or one adult + three children).
If you prebook rides, attractions and games worth £25 in advance, your entry ticket is free, as long as you book everything together.
With prices for ice skating, the Magical Ice Kingdom and shows costing around £12-13 for adults, it doesn’t take long to hit that amount so you may only need to add one or two extras to get free entry. Otherwise, you can just pay for any activities and shows as you go.
There’s also a new package available in Santaland where you can get unlimited rides for £25: this only applies to the rides with the Santaland Unlimited Logo and there may be other age and height restrictions – a quick way to hit the £25 cost for free admission!
There are timed slots to enter and for the various rides and attractions (some are several hours long so you don’t have to be too precise). Skating should also be booked in advance.
Click here for more details and to book tickets.
Winter Wonderland dates
For six weeks from November 17 2023, to January 1 2024.
Southbank Centre winter market
The Christmas market and winter festival on the South Bank is one of my favourites and for the past few years, my husband and I have been joined on our traditional night out by Minnie. 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.
But there’s a huge variety at the stalls among the Christmas trees, with plenty for less adventurous small eaters including crepes and some amazing hot chocolate, as well as foodie pop-ups which have included cheese-themed food, cocktails and the Circus bar housed in a circus tent.
There’s always something different happening beyond the food too, with family activities often taking place in December, including storytelling, music and crafts, as well as Christmas shows (although popular turn-of-the-century Circus 1903 moved to a new home in Hammersmith)
For more of the best Christmas theatre in London with kids, check out my top picks
Look out for the Winter Light display illuminating the trees on Queen’s Walk, plus a string of wooden huts selling the perfect tempting odds and ends for presents and the traditional carousel to ride on.
And if you really want an observation wheel, there’s always the London Eye…
Southbank Winter Market ticket prices
Free to get in, cost for shows varies.
Southbank Winter Market dates
October 28 to January 7, 2023.
Leicester Square Christmas market
Right in the heart of London, Leicester Square is home to one of the newer Christmas markets in central London.
It’s back for 2023 again with a range of outdoor bars, delicious food and traditional market stalls planned as usual for Leicester Square Christmas market.
For now, there are no shows announced for families (although adult cabaret La Clique is lined up) – in previous years, the family-friendly headliners have included a new take on Sleeping Beauty, magic, top notch puppetry, children’s theatre company Les Petits and performances from theatreland’s best young performers, as well as interactive entertainment and improvised shows. There are also no plans for Santa’s Grotto this year.
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
Leicester Square Christmas market ticket prices
Free to enter, although there’s a charge for any performances (prices vary).
Leicester Square Christmas market dates
Runs from November 8 to January 7 2024.
For more things to do around Leicester Square with kids, check out my top picks
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
A stone’s throw from Leicester Square, there’s a 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.
Check out my tips on the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids for more details
Trafalgar Square Christmas market ticket prices
Free
Trafalgar Square Christmas market dates
November 11 to January 2, 2023
Christmas By The River at London Bridge City
Another fantastic London location, this time with Tower Bridge in the background and the skyscrapers of the city along the Thames. Christmas by the River is a quieter event than some of the others, but you’ll find free workshops as well as stalls.
You’re promised a unique experience here, with yearly twists on the usual theme. Previous years included a vintage ski theme aiming to transport everyone to the snowy slopes of the Alps, complete with hot toddy at the apres-ski themed bar.
There’s also usually a series of workshops to watch out for, as well as tastings, and storytelling events, with previous festive crafts including Christmas wreath and Christmas jumper decorating, many in support of charity.
Along with the arts and crafts, you can try food and drink tastings with more than 70 pop-up stalls – plus traditional gifts galore to buy. And you could always hop on a riverboat from London Bridge City Pier nearby to make more of a day out (wrap up warm for the river in winter though!)
Christmas by The River ticket prices
Free
Christmas by The River dates
From November 15 2023, to January 1 2024
Covent Garden Christmas Market
The last couple of years, you’ve been guaranteed a white Christmas at Covent Garden, with fake snow swirling over the piazza every hour – but whether the flurries return for 2023 or not, Covent Garden is always a great option for a Christmas market in London with kids.
The first stop in my London Christmas lights walking route, check out my tips on where else to see the best displays
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 in the Covent Garden Christmas village.
Within the main Christmas in Covent Garden celebrations, there are also extra pop-up events to watch out for – the Winter Warmer festival will get you in the festive mood during November, with a whole string of mulled wines and festive drinks.
Keep an eye out for the traditional sleigh (although no Santa or reindeer), as well as the enchanting Wonder Wood pop-up, perfect for a few festive selfies among the beautifully decorated trees.
Check out these tips for the best hot chocolate in London with kids, if you’re looking to warm up after browsing
Covent Garden Christmas market ticket prices
Free
Covent Garden Christmas market dates
Festive celebrations will run from the beginning of November until January (precise 2023 timings tbc).
Greenwich Christmas market
Venture further down the river to Greenwich to discover how the regular market transforms in time for Christmas – its 150 stalls, with some fabulous things to buy year-round, get illuminated by the lights as well as the Greenwich Children’s Lantern Procession to kick everything off on November 15.
It’s easy to combine with a skate on the ice rink at the Queen’s House, while Greenwich usually has various festive events at the museums and the Cutty Sark during December – whether there’s something taking place or not, it’s worth climbing on board the Cutty Sark between Christmas market browsing, with plenty for kids of all ages.
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
TBC. Previously, there have been Christmas late markets every Wednesday in December, from 10am to 8pm so it’s worth checking for extra festive events. Otherwise, the general market took every day from 10am to 5.30pm (exact 2023 dates TBC).
For more ideas of festive light trails in London with kids, check out this post
Battersea Power Station Winter Village
A relatively new festive addition in one of London’s iconic landmarks – December usually sees Battersea Power Station being transformed into a magical Winter Village with food and drink pop-ups, Christmas trees and cosy alpine wooden huts to snuggle up against the cold.
For 2023, Glide at Battersea Power Station, the city’s only riverside ice rink, is back, created by the people behind the Natural History Museum ice rink. In fact, there are three interconnecting rinks, surrounded by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree.
Last year also featured vintage funfair rides, food stalls and mulled wine to enjoy afterwards, along with a Christmas trail featuring giant baubles.
Previous years have seen riverside curling lanes on the old Coaling Jetty alongside the Thames, festive films at the cinema and family favourites at The Turbine Theatre.
Battersea Power Station Winter Village ticket prices
Free to visit, ice rink and activity costs vary.
Battersea Power Station Winter Village dates
Glide is open from November 10 until January 7 2024.
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 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 – details still to come for 2023’s event.
In previous years, there have also been trails to get children exploring further including a Fairy Tale Trail, as well as a Letter to Santa competition with a reply and small gift back, plus prizes including a ticket to Kingston’s Rose theatre.
For more things to do in Kingston with kids, check out this post
Kingston Christmas Market ticket prices
Free
Kingston Christmas Market dates
November 16, to December 31, 2023
Wembley Park Festive market
2023 TBC: There are often great family-friendly events taking place around Wembley Park and the festive season is no different, with its own little Christmas market running in December and an artwork doubling as a tree.
With traders selling mince piles, mulled wine and handmade gifts, it’s a great excuse to head over to Market Square and explore – don’t miss the special selfie spots, including a starry gift box.
There’s also live music on weekends, as well as seven immersive artworks as part of the free Wembley Park Art Trail, themed around ‘Winter’s Wander.’
Three permanent pieces of artwork are also heading to the area, including a new mural and light sculpture, plus Impossible Greenhouses, which transforms six electrical cabinets across Wembley Park into imagined greenhouses.
Wembley Park Festive market ticket prices
Free
Wembley Park Festive market dates
2023 dates TBC
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 1-3 and 8-10, 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 and January along with the winter light trail.
Check out my video for a taste of the ice skating
Borough Market
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 carols sound, plus 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.
Takes place in November and December, at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle and The Crossing at Kings Cross, while other previous locations have included The Department Store, Brixton.
Winterville Clapham Common
Promising an alternative Christmas, Winterville is a long way from gingerbread hearts and traditional wooden stalls – however, the events haven’t taken place for the last four years for various reasons, and seems unlikely to return for 2023 either.
With UV-powered Plonk Golf, a Roller Disco and street food galore in the past, entry was free if you had an event ticket and for some weekday sessions.
For more suggestions of the best Christmas markets in Europe for children, check out this selection from Suitcases & Sandcastles
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.