There is something wonderfully Christmassy about wrapping up warm, gathering a few friends and heading out in search of presents, delicious treats and sparkling lights. If a London outing is on your Christmas list, here is our Radio Christmas guide to help you decide where to go.
Whether you fancy an evening beside the Thames, a shopping trip or a full day of festive entertainment, there are plenty of possibilities.
Take Christmas to the riverside
The Southbank Centre Winter Market runs from 2 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 on Queen’s Walk, beneath Hungerford Bridge. Browse craft traders, choose something tasty from the food stalls and enjoy a warming drink beside the river. Published opening hours are 11am–10pm for stalls and 11am–11pm for bars. Waterloo and Embankment stations are nearby. Check holiday arrangements before travelling. Plan your visit.
Make a bigger occasion of it
For an outing to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, reserve your arrival date and time in advance. The event runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and closes on Christmas Day. Opening times vary, so consult the booking calendar and check the full cost of your chosen activities before paying. Tickets and visitor information.
Around King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard, seven markets offer different reasons to visit. All have free admission, but their dates vary:
| Market | Dates in 2026, unless stated |
|---|---|
| Christmas Under the Canopy | 20 November–23 December; closed most Mondays |
| King’s Cross Winter Market | 26 November–3 January 2027; closed 25–26 December and 1 January |
| Lower Stable Street Christmas Market | 26–29 November and 10–13 December |
| Mexican Christmas Market | 27–29 November |
| Shōtengai Festive Market | 3–6 and 17–20 December |
| Illustrators’ Festive Fair | 5 December |
| Crafty Fox Christmas Market | 6, 12 and 13 December |
Check the individual market schedules before setting off.
Try a festive outing in north-west London
Wembley Park Festive Market, in Market Square, lists 21–22 and 28–29 November; 5–6 and 12–13 December; and 19–23 December 2026. Admission is free, with published hours of 10am–8pm. Expect independent gift sellers and food stalls. Check your chosen date on the organiser’s page, as parts of its description currently give a shorter schedule.
More places for your Christmas list
Visit London also lists these festive destinations. The dates below describe the advertised seasonal programme; individual trading days and holiday hours may differ.
| Destination | Listed dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester Square | 31 October–3 January | Free |
| Trafalgar Square | 6 November–3 January | Free |
| Covent Garden | 12 November–2 January | Free |
| Old Spitalfields | From 11 November | Free |
| London Bridge: Winter by the River | 10 November–3 January | Free |
| Kingston | 12 November–3 January | Free |
| Greenwich | From 18 November | Free |
| Borough Market | Extended festive hours from 30 November | Free |
| Broadway Market | November–December; check trading days | Free |
| Camden Market | 30 November–23 December | Free; some experiences ticketed |
November and December dates refer to 2026, and January dates to 2027. See Visit London’s guide for locations and further details.
For an evening shopping trip, Columbia Road’s Christmas Wednesdays are reported for 25 November and 2, 9 and 16 December, from 5pm–9pm, with independent shops opening late. Read the 2026 listing.
Before you head out
Choose one or two destinations and leave yourself time to enjoy them. Check the organiser’s latest opening hours, accessibility information and booking requirements, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Free admission does not include shopping, refreshments or paid attractions, so agree a budget before you go.
And while you are preparing for your festive adventure, let Radio Christmas provide the soundtrack!
Information checked on 9 November 2026. Dates and programmes may change.