Guide to Christmas markets in London

Winter Wonderland is the most popular Christmas Market in London, meaning it's also the busiest. This shouldn't put you off, though. There's so much to see and do here, from rummaging through the German-themed markets and enjoying street food like traditional bratwurst to sinking pints in the giant German beer tent. Fancy a Christmas singalong? Hire one of their karaoke huts to belt out your best take on Mariah Carey's classic Christmas tune.

Every winter, Southbank Centre transforms into a festive fiesta, ready to welcome in the Christmas season in true sparkly style. You’ll find everything from wooden cabins selling Christmas-themed gifts and souvenirs and street food vendors serving tasty festive snacks to a pop-up bar where you can sip on steamy mulled wine.

Celebrate the Christmas season Notting Hill-style at Portobello Road Market. This is one of the largest antique markets In the world, and the annual Christmas Sunday market runs throughout December. You can expect handmade gifts and creations by artisans and makers, vintage clothing (great for finding a festive office party outfit), plenty of mulled wine and lots of festive cheer.

Let's face it: Covent Garden is already pretty magical, no matter the time of year. But that's taken up a notch or two when Christmas comes around. The iconic Christmas tree is adorned with sparkly decorations, and there are more mulled wine varieties than you probably even knew existed. Make sure you leave enough time to explore the boutique shops and restaurants on the heated pedestrianised Piazza, where there will also be a live band playing festive tunes.

Once a year, this legendary riverside market gets a festive makeover and turns into the ultimate winter haven. The usual Southbank food vendors give their menus a Christmas spruce up, and there are usually pop-up igloos by Jimmy’s Winter Lodge, where they serve alpine-inspired bites and hot festive drinks with the Thames as your backdrop.

You might have to travel a little further out for this one, just beyond Wimbledon, where the regular Kingston Market is transformed into a much sparklier version. You can expect rows of wooden cabins selling handmade pressies and arts and crafts, and streetfood stalls serving tasty Christmas snacks and hot mulled wine. It's well worth the trek.

Greenwich Christmas Market is the best market to stock up on gifts and stocking fillers, thanks to all of the artisan makers and stalls selling everything from fashion and crafts to original artwork and more. It’s an excellent market in or outside the festive period, but it’s just that little bit more special during the Christmassy months. There's are always plenty of food and drink stalls serving tasty dishes from around the world, many with a festive twist around this time of the year.

This is the ultimate place to stock up on artisan gifts and presents made by independent makers. The market is on year-round, but come November, it transforms into a Christmas edition, brimming with festive produce, treats, handmade arts and crafts, street food, and drinks. There will also be a roster of festive-themed events, so be sure to check their website to see what’s happening this year.

Head to Leicester Square to explore a glittering Christmas market with shows that bring the season to life. The market stalls here sell seasonal treats and refreshments in a lit-up area. Performances like spectacular cabaret shows and festive events just for kids take place in the run-up to Christmas.

There's something Christmassy about Leadenhall Market no matter the time of year—perhaps it has to do with its Harry Potter roots. However, the Lord of Mayor is set to turn on the Christmas lights this year on November 14, featuring a giant tree with colour lights and a light tunnel. There will also be markets taking place in the run-up to Christmas day, with all sorts of goodies up for grabs.

The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market brings plenty of festive cheer to the heart of the city. They are transforming their iconic market space into a Christmas wonderland, with twinkling decorations, Christmas trees and many fairy lights. Expect plenty of mulled wine, live music and seasonal specials from the legendary street food vendors. There will also be Christmas craft workshops and free face painting for the kids. Pop by and enjoy browsing the many stalls and shops while soaking up the festive cheer.

The Satanic Flea Market's (anti) Christmas market is perfect for the Scrooges amongst us. Here, you'll find many vendors selling things from the darker side of life, including taxidermy, occult trinkets, and even human skulls, along with other quirky treasures you won't encounter at a typical festive market.