Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park (Christine Matthews, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons).
October isn’t even over, but London’s Christmas planners are already in motion — and the first of the capital’s big festive markets opens its stalls within days. Here’s where to find mulled wine, wooden chalets and twinkling lights this year.
Leicester Square — from 31 October
One of the first out of the gate, Leicester Square transforms into a festive destination from 31 October 2026, running through to 3 January 2027. The market stalls return alongside the seasonal ice rink in the heart of the West End, a short walk from Leicester Square station — making it the obvious pick for a combined evening out in central London.
Southbank Centre Winter Market — from 2 November
The riverside favourite returns on 2 November and runs until 4 January 2027. Traditional wooden chalets, dressed in lights, line the Thames offering festive food, hot chocolate, mulled wine and gifts. Entry is free — you only pay for what you eat, drink or take home — and the views across the river make it one of the most atmospheric spots in the city.
Kingston Christmas Market — from 12 November
Kingston upon Thames brings an Alpine-inspired market to the Ancient Market Place from 12 November to 3 January 2027, with stalls selling gifts, decorations and seasonal food. Combine it with the town’s shops and restaurants for a full day out. It’s a welcome bit of festive cheer for the town, where last year’s market battled to open after a fire.
Greenwich — lantern parade 18 November
Greenwich Market gets into the spirit with its annual lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on on Wednesday, 18 November. The historic market runs all year with independent traders selling handmade jewellery, artwork, clothing and gifts — the November celebrations are the perfect excuse to start Christmas shopping early among the seasonal decorations.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park — from 19 November
The biggest of them all returns to Hyde Park on Thursday, 19 November, running until Sunday, 3 January (closed on Christmas Day itself). Six weeks of market stalls, fairground rides, entertainment, seasonal food and an ice rink — expect crowds, so book tickets in advance where required.
Plan ahead
The festive calendar keeps filling out. The West End’s light displays are already going up — 96,000 lights are being installed on the Strand, while Carnaby Street goes back to the 90s this year. And if you’re travelling with children, the London Eye’s Father Christmas experiences are already unwrapped for 2026.
Dates can shift as organisers finalise arrangements, so it’s worth checking each market’s own website before travelling — particularly for ticketed events like Winter Wonderland.
