Christmas markets are back this year and we’re so excited to share some of our favourites with you. Whether you want to wrap up warm and visit some traditional outdoor markets full of festive scents and grottos of sparkling lights. Or peruse the covered markets in search of that unique gift idea for friends, family or even a treat for yourself, then you will find a Christmas market for you!
Take a look below at some of our top picks for the holiday season.
Travel from Southend to London return for £14.35 with our Online Advance tickets
Christmas markets in London
Winter Wonderland Christmas Market, Hyde Park
When? 14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Discover the biggest of London’s Christmas markets with 100 traditional wooden chalets to tempt you with unique gifts, traditional Christmas decorations and culinary delights. Enter via the Blue Gate and head towards the ice rink. Once you’ve shopped till you drop, you can always get your skates on and visit the UK’s biggest ice rink for a spot of festive fun!
Book tickets here to be a part of the festivities!
Nearest c2c station: West Ham, then change for Jubilee Line to Green Park, then Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge.
Winter by the River, London Bridge
When? 13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
With stunning views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the iconic skyline, this year’s market will see a stunning array of boutique vendors bring Christmas glow to the area. With delicious pop-up food and drink stalls, it threads its magic through London Bridge to make for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
Nearest c2c station: Fenchurch Street then walk across Tower Bridge (about an 18 minute walk to the market).
Southbank Centre Winter Festival & Christmas Market
When? 3 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights and sample indulgent drinks, scrumptious street food and seasonal goodies from traditional alpine-style chalets. There are plenty of pop up bars and street food stalls to keep you fueled whilst you browse for stocking fillers, gifts, decorations and crafts. There is something for everyone at the Southbank Centre with a buzzing Winter Market, exciting pop-ups, musicals and festive concerts for indoor and outdoor fun. Be sure not to miss out on the fun-filled festivities!
Nearest c2c station: West Ham, then Jubilee Line to Waterloo.
Greenwich Market, Greenwich
When? Open all year, Christmas lights switch on 19 November 2025
With dozens of sellers offering original, quirky and often unique products you can shop in style at this historic covered market and this year, the Christmas lights are set to be particularly stunning! It’s traditional to get yourself a mulled wine while you’re there and if you’re peckish, there’s plenty of variety available at the famous Food Court. The market’s open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 5.30pm. You can also enjoy the dazzling Lantern Parade on the 19th of November.
Nearest c2c station: Limehouse, then change for DLR to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich.
Borough Winter Market
When? Open year round, Christmas opening times 1 December – 3 January 2026
With its superb location near London Bridge and the River Thames, Borough Market offers special opening times for Christmas. Its historic arches filled with enchanting Christmas trees, garlands and lights, is a sure enough way to get you into the season’s spirit. Whether it’s a foodie gift you’re looking for, or shopping for that special festive meal, there are plenty of artisan sellers to choose from.
Nearest c2c station: Fenchurch St, then walk over London Bridge.
Covent Garden at Christmas
When? 12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Covent Garden will be serving up traditional Christmas Market magic on the Piazza. From November 12th, capture enchanting photos with their latest installation the Covent Garden Christmas Sleigh, a revamped 1884 carriage hand painted by British artist James Gemmill. During your visit to the magical snowy town, you can expect a range of amazing activities including a festive food market, a vibrant Christmas Lights display, the picturesque Wonder Wood and the highly-anticipated Festive Thursdays featuring late night shopping throughout the Christmas season.
Nearest c2c station: Fenchurch St, then District line to Embankment.
Christmas markets in South Essex & Southend
Southend High Street Christmas Market
When? 14 – 24 December 2025
Southend High Street is welcoming a general market every day from 14 November until 24th December so there are even more reasons to choose Southend for your festive gifts and supplies.
Nearest c2c station: Southend Central
Old Leigh Christmas Market
When? 6-7 December 2026
The beloved Old Leigh Christmas Market is back at the Crooked Billet this year on December 6th and 7th. Local businesses will line the streets, showcasing a variety of unique, handcrafted goods. With stalls changing each day, there’s always something new to discover, making it the perfect opportunity to shop for festive treasures, support local artisans, and soak up the holiday spirit. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the charm of Old Leigh while finding special gifts and goodies for the season.
Nearest c2c station: Leigh-On-Sea.
Great savings when you buy online
Make sure to nab the best savings with a GroupSave offer valid on all off-peak tickets (weekends and weekdays), or book ahead with our 1/3rd off saver and save on weekend off-peak tickets too. Bargain!