London
London Christmas markets 2026: Winter Wonderland, Southbank and the tree from Oslo
A funfair of lights in Hyde Park, stalls along the Thames and a Christmas tree on Trafalgar Square that comes from Oslo. These are London’s Christmas markets in 2026, with dates, the food to try, a cosy place to eat afterwards and the hotels within walking distance.
In the middle of Trafalgar Square stands a tall spruce hung with plain white lights. It looks modest among the fountains and lions, but it carries a story. The tree is a gift from the people of Oslo, sent every year since 1947 as thanks for Britain’s support during the Second World War. Around it, London lights up: a vast funfair in Hyde Park, stalls along the Thames and decorated markets in Covent Garden.
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Short answer: London’s Christmas markets in 2026
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: opens 19 November 2026. Timed tickets must be booked in advance.
Southbank Centre Winter Market: opens 2 November 2026, along the Thames.
Leicester Square: the ice rink opens 31 October 2026, with a Christmas market around it.
Trafalgar Square: the tree from Oslo is usually lit in early December.
Dates are taken from the organisers’ announcements. Always check their own sites before you go.
Stay within walking distance of the markets
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: next to Winter Wonderland
The luxury hotel sits on Hyde Park, a few minutes’ walk from Winter Wonderland.
Book your stay: See rooms at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Corinthia London: by Trafalgar Square
A luxury hotel on Whitehall, a short walk to the tree on Trafalgar Square and across the bridge to Southbank.
Book your stay: See rooms at Corinthia London
Corinthia London on Whitehall.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: a Christmas funfair
Winter Wonderland is more funfair than traditional market, with rides, an ice rink, shows and hundreds of food and drink stalls. It is big, lively and often packed, so arrive early in the day or on a weekday.
Southbank: stalls along the Thames
On the riverbank by the Southbank Centre, small wooden huts sell street food, mulled wine and gifts, with views across the Thames. It is one of the most atmospheric markets in town, and pairs well with an evening walk over Westminster Bridge.
Leicester Square and Covent Garden
In the heart of the West End, a small Christmas market with an ice rink circles the statue of Shakespeare on Leicester Square. A few minutes away, Covent Garden dresses up with a giant tree and lights over the market halls.
Trafalgar Square: the tree from Oslo
Every year Oslo sends a spruce to London. The tree is felled in the forests around the Norwegian capital and raised on Trafalgar Square, where it is lit at a small ceremony in early December, followed by carol singing beneath it.
What to try
Mulled wine: warm, spiced and best with orange and cinnamon.
Mince pies: small pies filled with spiced dried fruit, the British Christmas snack.
Roasted chestnuts: from little stalls along the Thames and in the West End.
Borough Market: the city’s best food market, with cheese, baking and street food from around the world, at its best in December.
Tower Bridge over the Thames. Photo: Picolo
A cosy place to eat afterwards
After an evening outdoors, an old pub with a fire and low ceilings is the place to be, and many serve Christmas menus all December. We have gathered our favourites in warm and cosy restaurants in London.
More Christmas hotels in London
Planning Christmas or New Year in the city? See our 15 magical Christmas hotels in London.
Tips for a Christmas trip to London
Book Winter Wonderland early: Weekends often sell out.
Travel by Tube: The markets are spread across the city, and the Underground links them all.
Book restaurants early: December is high season for Christmas parties.
Frequently asked questions about London Christmas markets
When does Winter Wonderland open in 2026?
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November 2026. Timed tickets must be booked in advance.
Where does the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree come from?
The tree is a gift from Oslo, which has sent a Christmas tree to London every year since 1947.
Which is the best Christmas market in London?
Winter Wonderland is the biggest, Southbank the most atmospheric and Covent Garden the most beautifully decorated.
Where should you stay for the markets?
Mandarin Oriental is on Hyde Park, and Corinthia London is by Trafalgar Square, a short walk to Southbank.