{"id":8235,"date":"2025-12-04T22:43:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T22:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/?p=8235"},"modified":"2025-12-04T22:54:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T22:54:23","slug":"london-christmas-markets-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-christmas-markets-families","title":{"rendered":"London&#8217;s Best Christmas Markets for Families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>London was recently crowned Europe\u2019s most popular destination for Christmas markets. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/research-says-london-is-the-best-european-city-for-christmas-markets\/?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And no wonder! For families as well as tourists, the city\u2019s festive stalls offer much more than shopping. The best ones can become your base camp for a full day of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So which market should you plan your next family outing in London around? Below you\u2019ll find over ten unique options. Each features tasty food, wonderful independent makers and special activities for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In a hurry? Here\u2019s our quick guide to London\u2019s best Christmas markets for families:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best Christmas market for food? <\/strong>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southbankcentre.co.uk\/activity\/winter-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southbank Centre\u2019s Winter Market<\/a> you\u2019ll find delicious treats from gooey cookies to Yorkshire Pudding wraps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Christmas market for kids\u2019 activities? <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hydeparkwinterwonderland.com\/feasting-drinking\/the-christmas-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter Wonderland<\/a>\u2019s Scandinavian-style market is surrounded by rides, shows and a light trail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Christmas market for free family fun? <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/oldspitalfieldsmarket.com\/journal\/whats-on-this-christmas-in-the-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Old Spitalfields Market<\/a> is running a free festive treasure trail and Santa Saturdays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Most immersive Christmas market? <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/leadenhallmarket.co.uk\/christmas-at-leadenhall-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leadenhall Market<\/a>\u2019s cobbled streets and Victorian architecture are even more magical thanks to daily snow flurries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>London\u2019s most family friendy Christmas markets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Covent Garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>November 12 &#8211; January 5 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Covent Garden Underground Station<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Photo ops with Lego sculptures, giant baubles and Christmas bells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Weekly choir performances each Thursday till 18 December. Nearby, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ltmuseum.co.uk\/whats-on\/families\/christmas-museum-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">London Transport Museum<\/a> hosts festive family activities up till January 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventgarden.london\/experience\/christmas-in-covent-garden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Winter by the River<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>13 November &#8211; 04 January 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>London Bridge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Boutique market stalls and a stunning view of the Tower of London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Curling at the Glasshouse Terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.londonbridgecity.co.uk\/events\/2025\/november\/winter-by-the-river-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Christmas at Fulham Pier\u2019s Riverside Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Market open Saturday 13 &#8211; Sunday 14, but family friendly activities run till 21 December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Putney Bridge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Handcrafted gifts and tasty winter treats from local makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>A family rave, Santa\u2019s roller disco, crafting and Christmas puppet shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fulhampier.com\/page\/christmas-at-fulham-pier\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Southbank Centre\u2019s Winter Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till 4 January 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tubes: <\/strong>Waterloo and Embankment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Famed for its tasty street food, which you can buy from Alpine-style chalets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>A winter light trail and (often free) kids\u2019 events at the Southbank Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.southbankcentre.co.uk\/activity\/winter-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Old Spitalfields Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till Friday 2 January<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Liverpool Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Weekly vintage, antique and Urban Makers markets brimming with independent designers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Carol singing, Santa Saturdays and a Children\u2019s Festive Treasure Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/oldspitalfieldsmarket.com\/journal\/whats-on-this-christmas-in-the-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Christmas at King\u2019s Cross<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till 22 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>King\u2019s Cross<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Artisan food, independent designers and a Japanese street market \u2013 plus one of London\u2019s biggest outdoor Christmas performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Curling and gingerbread house-making workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kingscross.co.uk\/whats-on\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Camden Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>6-31 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Camden Town<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Five Christmas trees, a \u2018ceiling of light\u2019 installation and<strong> <\/strong>the iconic Stables Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>The Ice Palace Grotto and an underground theme park nearby at Camden Wharf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/camdenmarket.com\/journal\/camden-market-christmas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leadenhall Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till 28 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Bank<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Browse Victorian-style shops along the cobbled streets before relaxing at a cosy Alpine lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Festive craft workshops and daily snow flurries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/leadenhallmarket.co.uk\/christmas-at-leadenhall-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Winter Wonderland Christmas market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till January 1 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube:&nbsp; <\/strong>High Street Kensington<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>A quaint Scandinavian-themed market square with a fire pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Live performances and workshops. Elsewhere, you\u2019ll find light trails, shows, rides, ice skating and Santa\u2019s grotto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hydeparkwinterwonderland.com\/feasting-drinking\/the-christmas-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leicester Square Christmas market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till 7 January 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Leicester Square<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Twinkling Christmas market cabins at the centre of London\u2019s entertainment hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Ice skating and selfies with the Paddington Bear statue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skateleicestersquare.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trafalgar Square Christmas market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>Open now till Friday 2 January 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Charing Cross<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>Carols, wooden chalets selling gifts and treats, plus the famous Norwegian Christmas tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Free drop-in sessions and play resources at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgallery.org.uk\/events\/ccl-welcome-space-weekends-and-holidays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the National Gallery<\/a> nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.london.gov.uk\/who-we-are\/city-halls-buildings-and-squares\/trafalgar-square\/christmas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates: <\/strong>5-7 &amp; 12-14 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nearest tube: <\/strong>Hampton Court Station (National Rail)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Attractions: <\/strong>100+ artisan producers to browse in the scenic Great Fountain Garden of King Henry VIII\u2019s palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child-friendly activities: <\/strong>Ice skating, plus a taste of Tudor cooking and music within the palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hrp.org.uk\/hampton-court-palace\/whats-on\/hampton-court-palace-festive-fayre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Want to make Christmas even more magical this year?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Loopla\u2019s newsletter helps families make happy memories and big savings.<br><br>Sign up below and each week we\u2019ll send dozens of festive events \u2013 both paid and totally free \u2013 straight to your inbox.\u2728 <a href=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-loop\">Sign up to join the fun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>London was recently crowned Europe\u2019s most popular destination for Christmas markets. (1) And no wonder! For families as well as tourists, the city\u2019s 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 &#8230; <a title=\"London&#8217;s Best Christmas Markets for Families\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-christmas-markets-families\" aria-label=\"Read more about London&#8217;s Best Christmas Markets for Families\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[57,39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-christmas-in-london","category-whats-on"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8235"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8256,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8235\/revisions\/8256"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}