London · Dates
Christmas in London, markets and pop-ups
London's Christmas markets are busy from mid-November, and most people know the big ones. The better part of December is smaller. A makers' market in a railway arch, a festive supper club for twelve, a brand's end-of-year sample sale, a party that isn't the office one. Those go on the map as organisers drop them.
Christmas drops in London
Updated 6 Oct, 17:20
Nothing's on the public list for Christmas yet. Most festive drops go on from early November, and makers' markets and supper clubs often only a week or two ahead. This page fills as they do, and the map has everything else that's on now.
When it starts
The big markets and the West End lights usually open in the middle of November and run to Christmas or just after. Pop-ups follow a shorter rhythm. Makers' markets cluster on the first three weekends of December, and festive supper clubs run from late November until the week before Christmas.
This page lists drops from mid-November to Boxing Day. It stays up all year, so it's here when you start looking.
The big markets, briefly
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre's winter market, Leicester Square and the markets around London Bridge and Covent Garden are the ones most people mean. They're big, they're busy on Friday and Saturday nights, and some charge entry or need a timed slot. Dates and prices change every year, so check each one's own site.
Go on a weekday afternoon if you can. You'll get round in half the time.
The smaller things
- Makers' markets. Independent sellers in arches, breweries and church halls, often for one weekend only. Good for presents nobody else will turn up with.
- Festive supper clubs. A set Christmas menu for a table of strangers. They sell out early, so get on them in November.
- Sample sales. Brands clear stock before the year ends. See sample sales in London.
- Parties. Club nights and day parties between the work dos. See club nights and day parties.
For organisers
Running a market, a dinner or a night this December? Put it on the map. Free events cost nothing to list, and ticketed ones pay no ticket fees for your first three months.
Questions
When do the London Christmas markets open?
Most of the big ones open in mid to late November and run until Christmas or early January. Each sets its own dates every year, so check the market's own site before you go.
What's the best Christmas market in London?
It depends what you want. The big ones have the rides and the mulled wine. For presents and food from people who made them, the one-weekend makers' markets are usually better. Those are the ones that go on this map.
Are there free Christmas events in London?
Yes. Many markets are free to walk round, and most festive drops on SendMeTheDrop are walk-in or RSVP, which means free. Ticketed ones show their price up front.
When are the Christmas lights switched on?
The West End lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street usually go on in early to mid November. The dates are announced each autumn.
Hear about the December ones first
Festive drops go on the map as organisers make them. The app tells you when one goes on near you.
