What will the Advent markets be like in London this year? Program and important information in one place

Forget visions of sugarplums – London’s Christmas markets will have you dreaming of mulled wine, twinkling lights, and festive cheer!

When the holiday season rolls around, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with charming wooden chalets, ice rinks under the stars, and enough Christmas carols to make even Scrooge crack a smile.

From the iconic Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the charming Southbank Centre Winter Market, there’s a festive experience to suit every taste. Sip on hot cider, munch on mince pies, and shop for unique handcrafted gifts.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your warmest scarf, put on your Santa hat, and let’s dive into the merry mayhem of London’s Christmas markets!

Advent markets London

This vibrant, multi-ethnic city comes alive in the run-up to Christmas, dotted with a delightful array of Christmas markets, each boasting its own unique charm.

• Winter Wonderland: This sprawling extravaganza in Hyde Park is a Christmas lover’s dream come true. With ice skating, thrilling rides, festive shows, and countless food and drink stalls, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Just be prepared for the crowds – it’s wildly popular!
• Leicester Square Christmas Market: Located in the heart of London’s entertainment district, this market is perfect for those seeking a lively atmosphere. Enjoy live music, festive shows, and a variety of food and drink options.
• Covent Garden stands out for its range of high-quality artisan products and a wide range of artisan foods.
• Southbank Centre Winter Market: Nestled along the River Thames, this market offers stunning views of the London skyline. Browse the charming wooden chalets for unique gifts, savor delicious street food, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
• Greenwich Market: This historic market gets a festive makeover for Christmas, offering a unique blend of traditional crafts, vintage finds, and delicious food.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Village

Winter Wonderland is the biggest pre-Christmas event in all of London. Both children and adults will have a great time here.

You experience a great Christmas show that you will not forget. If you decide to visit Hyde Park, don’t forget to book your ticket in advance. Otherwise, you might not get into the park, as its capacity is limited.

The area features a large open-air ice rink, a Ferris wheel, overlooking the entire city, and other exciting attractions such as an ice slide, an ice mountain, and the Wave Swinger. Children will certainly want to visit Santaland as well.

You can warm yourself with a hot drink and strengthen with traditional delicacies in one of the hundred wooden cottages.

See what London’s famous Christmas village looked like last year.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland London 2023 Walk-through; best destination for festive fun in London 🎡

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Love it or hate it, Leicester Square is the bustling center of London’s arts and theater scene.

Located in the middle of all the cinemas, casinos, and cultural venues in the West End, it attracts thousands of tourists every day. In the run-up to Christmas, the square turns into a lively winter wonderland with many attractions.

The unique feature of this market is the Spiegeltent, a unique tent that serves as a venue for various performances. You will find shows that include both family-friendly performances during the day and cabaret-style shows in the evening.

Covent Garden Christmas markets

Covent Garden is famous for its year-round market, but at Christmas, everything gets a completely unique atmosphere and the entire area, the market, and its surroundings, are beautifully decorated.

Be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of glittering lights during Christmas in Covent Garden, which is home to three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and unique gifts for Christmas.

The Christmas tree in Covent Garden is considered the most iconic in all of London, right after the one in Trafalgar Square.

Visitors can enjoy the Covent Garden Christmas Village Market with many stalls, selling typical Christmas treats, and historic Christmas sleighs (they are a refurbished 1884 carriage hand-painted by British artist James Gemmill).

This year sees the return of The Winter Warmer Festival, featuring mulled wine and plenty of festive-themed photo opportunities.

South Bank Centre Winter Festival

London’s Southbank Winter Festival returns to the UK capital on 1 November, running through to the New Year. The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is a highlight of the winter season in London and includes plenty of free events.

A walk around the River Thames on the South Bank is one of London’s best free attractions, and not just at Christmas, when the area is dotted with Christmas lights and traditional Alpine-style wooden cabins.

Stalls at the Southbank Winter Market sell popular festive treats such as mulled wine, as well as Christmas decorations and other small goods. Music and theater performances are regularly held here, which complete the atmosphere.

Embrace the holiday spirit with a leisurely stroll along London’s Southbank. Delight in the festive atmosphere as you wander past pop-up bars, twinkling markets, and captivating outdoor art. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from free shows to family-friendly activities.

Indulge and Enjoy

• Warm up with a cup of mulled wine at the Winter Market.
• Try your hand at curling at The Curling Club pop-up.
• Roast marshmallows at Jimmy’s for a cozy treat.

Festive Shows & Art

Be enthralled by captivating performances like Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana and Handel’s Messiah. Laugh along with Fascinating Aïda and immerse yourself in the Koestler Arts: No Comment exhibition.

Free Festive Fun

Enjoy a plethora of free events, including DJ sets, art sessions, and traditional carol singing.

Essential Information

• Location: South Bank of the Thames, between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges.
• Dates: November 1st, 2024 – January 5th, 2025.
• Getting There: Easily accessible by bus or Tube (Waterloo, Charing Cross, Westminster, or Embankment stations).

Come to experience the magic of the Southbank Centre Winter Festival this holiday season!

Greenwich Christmas market

Discover Unique Treasures at Greenwich Market this Christmas

Complete your holiday shopping list at Greenwich Market, where a delightful array of stocking fillers, fashion items, crafts, and original artwork await. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic maritime neighborhood of Greenwich, adorned with festive lights and a charming nautical-themed Christmas tree.

Greenwich Market, with its roots stretching back to the 17th century, has transformed into a bustling hub where you’ll find everything (from handmade crafts and antiques to trendy fashion, unique jewelry, captivating art, vintage treasures, and mouthwatering street food from across the globe).

The market’s cobblestone streets are alive with energy, inviting you to wander, explore, and chat with friendly vendors.

And don’t forget to treat your taste buds to the diverse culinary offerings! Throughout the year, Greenwich Market hosts special events, performances, and workshops, making every visit a unique experience.

While here, you can also explore the historic maritime neighborhood of Greenwich, illuminated by a festive light display. Nearby is also the ice rink at the historic Queen’s House, ideal for a bit of winter ice skating.

What to see in London?

London is a city full of monuments and interesting places. Here are some of them.

Buckingham Palace

Visit the residence of King Charles III. Most of the tours take place in the spring and summer, but even in the winter season, you can choose from two tourist circuits, one of them intended for adults, the other for children. Book the tour in advance online.

Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the British Parliament. The most famous of the entire palace is the tower, which people mistakenly refer to as Big Ben. The tower is actually called the Elisabeth Tower (formerly the Clock Tower) and Big Ben is the nickname for its largest bell (Great Bell).

Tower of London

Do you know what makes the Tower of London significant? It has housed the crown jewels since the 14th century. Tourists can come and see them at any time. Off-season opening hours apply during Advent. It opens at 9 a.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and at 10 a.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

Tower Bridge

Walk across the most famous bridge over the River Thames. A more adventurous route leads along the elevated pedestrian walkway, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole of London. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

London Eye

Who doesn’t know the largest Ferris wheel in Europe? One ride takes about 30 minutes.

Insider Tips

• Wrap up warm: London winters can be chilly, so bundle up in layers!
• Go on a weekday: If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting the markets on a weekday.
• Take advantage of the free activities: Many markets offer free entertainment, like carol singing and live music.
• Don’t forget your camera: London’s Christmas markets are incredibly photogenic, so be sure to capture the memories.

So, whether you’re a seasoned Christmas market enthusiast or a first-timer, London’s festive offerings are sure to delight. Come and experience the magic for yourself!