Top five festive markets in London to visit this Winter
With the festive season upon us there’s nothing more we like to do than have a look around a traditional festive market in London. The mulled wine, various food stalls, shopping for gifts for loved ones and live music are just a few staples that occur in these markets that bring us such joy.
There is potentially one main question when discussing festive markets and that is: but which one do we go to? With the continuous growth of the festive market there are now almost too many to choose from, which is why in the blog below we’ve listed which markets in and around the city of London that we consider to be the top five picks of Christmas markets in London for 2022.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market
See the Thames in a whole new way this festive season, lined up the Southbank will be alpine-style chalets where you’ll be able to indulge in desirable drinks and tantalising treats; all whilst under the twinkling lights that lead you to the Winter Market itself. Once you’ve made your way down to the market you’ll bare witness to festive pop-up bars where you’ll be able to enjoy a warm hot toddy, a mulled wine or a hot chocolate depending on your preference.
Truffle burgers, duck wraps, lobster rolls and gourmet cheese toasties are just some of the delicious options you’ll be able to choose from when walking around the street food stalls, scenes like this truly make the Southbank Centre Winter Market one of the best to attend this year. The Market is free to attend and suitable for all ages.
Opening dates: 3rd November – 26th December
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 11pm
- Kingston Christmas Market
Enjoy a European-style Christmas market in a traditional British setting. Kingston’s Ancient Market Square has hosted markets since the 1200’s so it’s no surprise that it’s festive market is second to none. Every year independent retailers from all over the country set up in one of the many cosy wooden cabins to sell their wares and are met with awe and interest. There’s food and drink aplenty with Bratwurst grills, hog roast wraps and a German style bar to give you a truly European experience. There is plenty of live entertainment to be enjoyed with a stage set up in the centre of the market and even a carousel for the little ones to enjoy.
Market Stalls opening dates: 10th November – 24th December 2022
Bar, Food & Entertainment: Open until 2nd January 2023
- Winter Wonderland Christmas market
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland boasts 100 stalls and counting, the wooden cabins are packed with everything you could imagine and more although considering that it’s one of the biggest festive markets in London that’s hardly a shock. You’ll be able to find amazing gifts ranging from beautiful craftwork to handmade pieces of jewellery and so much more. The market is located directly next to the ice rink for anyone wishing to make a b-line for the stalls and enjoy the rest of the Wonderland after.
Opening dates: 18th November – 2nd January 2023
Opening Times: 10am – 10pm daily
- Selfridges Christmas Market
Back for its second year the Selfridges Christmas Market is bigger and better than before, this year you can expect everything from sustainably grown Christmas trees, the perfect festive gifts, an impressive Helter-Skelter, performances from Santa and his friends and the capital’s greatest street food, to name just a few. The market is presented in collaboration with founder of Street Feast, Dominic Cools-Lartigue, meaning you can expect some mouth watering experiences whilst you enjoy the market which is set to take up the entirety of Edward Mews this year.
When: 5th November – 23rd December, 4–9pm on weekdays & 12–9pm at weekends
Where:Edwards Mews, at the rear of Selfridges London
- Covent Garden Christmas Village
Covent Garden never fails to impress when it comes to Christmas Markets and this year is set to be no different, with the return of the 60ft Christmas tree to the iconic decorations that adorn every corner of the Piazza you can expect it to be a truly magical experience for the whole family. Festive markets, pop-up mulled wine bars of every kind and some of the best family photo opportunities are all things you can expect from this year’s celebrations.
Dates and times are still to be confirmed.
Planning on coming to London over the festive period and need somewhere to stay? Look no further than Hotel Indigo London Paddington, where we have fully customisable amenities and extras enable you to have the perfect festive family holiday and shopping in Christmas markets in London.
Book Now