Christmas arrives in London this weekend, with several of the capital’s festive markets opening their doors and others already welcoming visitors.
Although Christmas Day is still several weeks away, Londoners can get into the festive spirit with wooden chalets, handmade gifts, seasonal food and twinkling lights. Several of the markets are free to visit, making them an affordable day out for families, couples and friends.
Opening this weekend
One of the most central markets in the city opens just in time for the weekend. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market returns on Friday, November 6, with wooden stalls selling seasonal gifts, decorations, crafts and sweet treats outside the National Gallery. It will run until January 3, 2027. Visitors should note that London’s famous Norwegian Christmas tree is not scheduled to be lit until December, so it will not be part of this weekend’s celebrations.
A brand-new weekend shopping event is also coming to London Bridge. Salad Days Christmas Market will take over three rooms at The Ministry, with 35 independent brands trading each day. Visitors can browse jewellery, ceramics, artwork, clothing, handbags, beauty products and homeware, alongside personalised gifts, live portraits and a photo booth, with food and drinks on offer too. Different brands will trade on Saturday and Sunday, so each day brings something new. The market is free to enter and no advance ticket is required, but organisers have confirmed the venue is strictly for adults aged 18 and over, meaning children, babies and buggies cannot be admitted. It is around a five-minute walk from Borough Underground station.
Already open
The Southbank Centre Winter Market has already opened for the festive season and will welcome visitors throughout the weekend. Set beside the River Thames, it features wooden chalets, street food traders, festive drinks and independent gift stalls. It is free to enter, although food, drinks and gifts are charged separately, and it is particularly popular in the evenings, when the lights illuminate the riverside.
Christmas celebrations are already under way in Leicester Square, where the seasonal ice rink and festive stalls returned at the end of October. The outdoor rink is surrounded by festive food and drink stalls, and the attraction is scheduled to run until January 3, 2027, excluding Christmas Day. Ice skating requires a paid ticket, and visitors should check the attraction’s entry arrangements before travelling.
Last chance at Olympia
Londoners have just one weekend left to visit the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia. The seven-day event features more than 600 independent brands selling gifts, decorations, fashion, jewellery, homeware and artisan food and drink, alongside creative workshops, gift-wrapping demonstrations and food and drink tastings. Tickets are required for most visitors, although children under 12 can attend free. The fair finishes on Sunday, November 8, with opening hours of 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
Still to come
For those unable to visit a market this weekend, more festive openings follow in quick succession. Winter by the River at London Bridge opens on Tuesday, November 10, Old Spitalfields’ festive celebrations begin on Wednesday, November 11, and Covent Garden’s Christmas celebrations and Kingston Christmas Market both start on Thursday, November 12. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on Thursday, November 19, and the King’s Cross Winter Market begins on Thursday, November 26.
The free options this weekend are Trafalgar Square, the Southbank Centre and Salad Days Christmas Market, each offering a different festive experience. Visitors are advised to check individual organisers’ websites before travelling, as opening hours and arrangements may change.
For anyone planning a full festive weekend, there is plenty more on around the city, from Hackney Empire’s 125th anniversary season to last night’s Big Brother final, with the reunion show following tonight.
