London was recently crowned Europe’s most popular destination for Christmas markets. (1)
And no wonder! For families as well as tourists, the city’s festive stalls offer much more than shopping. The best ones can become your base camp for a full day of fun.
So which market should you plan your next family outing in London around? Below you’ll find over ten unique options. Each features tasty food, wonderful independent makers and special activities for kids.
In a hurry? Here’s our quick guide to London’s best Christmas markets for families:
- Best Christmas market for food? At Southbank Centre’s Winter Market you’ll find delicious treats from gooey cookies to Yorkshire Pudding wraps.
- Best Christmas market for kids’ activities? Winter Wonderland’s Scandinavian-style market is surrounded by rides, shows and a light trail.
- Best Christmas market for free family fun? Old Spitalfields Market is running a free festive treasure trail and Santa Saturdays.
- Most immersive Christmas market? Leadenhall Market’s cobbled streets and Victorian architecture are even more magical thanks to daily snow flurries.
London’s most family friendy Christmas markets
Covent Garden
Dates: November 12 – January 5 2026
Nearest tube: Covent Garden Underground Station
Attractions: Photo ops with Lego sculptures, giant baubles and Christmas bells.
Child-friendly activities: Weekly choir performances each Thursday till 18 December. Nearby, the London Transport Museum hosts festive family activities up till January 4.
Winter by the River
Dates: 13 November – 04 January 2026
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Attractions: Boutique market stalls and a stunning view of the Tower of London.
Child-friendly activities: Curling at the Glasshouse Terrace.
Christmas at Fulham Pier’s Riverside Market
Dates: Market open Saturday 13 – Sunday 14, but family friendly activities run till 21 December.
Nearest tube: Putney Bridge
Attractions: Handcrafted gifts and tasty winter treats from local makers.
Child-friendly activities: A family rave, Santa’s roller disco, crafting and Christmas puppet shows.
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market
Dates: Open now till 4 January 2026
Nearest tubes: Waterloo and Embankment
Attractions: Famed for its tasty street food, which you can buy from Alpine-style chalets.
Child-friendly activities: A winter light trail and (often free) kids’ events at the Southbank Centre.
Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
Dates: Open now till Friday 2 January
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
Attractions: Weekly vintage, antique and Urban Makers markets brimming with independent designers.
Child-friendly activities: Carol singing, Santa Saturdays and a Children’s Festive Treasure Trail.
Christmas at King’s Cross
Dates: Open now till 22 December
Nearest tube: King’s Cross
Attractions: Artisan food, independent designers and a Japanese street market – plus one of London’s biggest outdoor Christmas performances.
Child-friendly activities: Curling and gingerbread house-making workshops.
Camden Market
Dates: 6-31 December
Nearest tube: Camden Town
Attractions: Five Christmas trees, a ‘ceiling of light’ installation and the iconic Stables Market.
Child-friendly activities: The Ice Palace Grotto and an underground theme park nearby at Camden Wharf.
Leadenhall Market
Dates: Open now till 28 December
Nearest tube: Bank
Attractions: Browse Victorian-style shops along the cobbled streets before relaxing at a cosy Alpine lodge.
Child-friendly activities: Festive craft workshops and daily snow flurries.
Winter Wonderland Christmas market
Dates: Open now till January 1 2026
Nearest tube: High Street Kensington
Attractions: A quaint Scandinavian-themed market square with a fire pit.
Child-friendly activities: Live performances and workshops. Elsewhere, you’ll find light trails, shows, rides, ice skating and Santa’s grotto.
Leicester Square Christmas market
Dates: Open now till 7 January 2026
Nearest tube: Leicester Square
Attractions: Twinkling Christmas market cabins at the centre of London’s entertainment hub.
Child-friendly activities: Ice skating and selfies with the Paddington Bear statue.
Trafalgar Square Christmas market
Dates: Open now till Friday 2 January 2026
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Attractions: Carols, wooden chalets selling gifts and treats, plus the famous Norwegian Christmas tree.
Child-friendly activities: Free drop-in sessions and play resources at the National Gallery nearby.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Dates: 5-7 & 12-14 December
Nearest tube: Hampton Court Station (National Rail)
Attractions: 100+ artisan producers to browse in the scenic Great Fountain Garden of King Henry VIII’s palace.
Child-friendly activities: Ice skating, plus a taste of Tudor cooking and music within the palace.
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