London Christmas Markets
Lights & Attractions 2023

London Christmas Markets Lights & Attractions 2023

London is brimming with Christmas markets of all shapes and sizes, from the traditional and intimate to fairground style of Winter Wonderland.

• Visiting London for Christmas or New Year? Book your hotel as early as possible. Stay in Soho, close to all of the city’s bars and restaurants. If you like to party and enjoy the NYE Circuit events, then stay in Vauxhall, just steps from some of the biggest clubs and parties.

Winter Wonderland Christmas market in Hyde Park

17th November, 2023  – 2nd January, 2024 Follow the lights to Hyde Park and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Winter Wonderland, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London.

• Discover more than 100 wooden cabins overflowing with fantastic gifts, including handmade crafts and beautiful pieces of jewelry. You can also get your skates on at the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, see London sparkle from the Giant Observation Wheel, or sit back and enjoy one of Winter Wonderland’s top Christmas shows.
• Try festive German fare, such as German sausage and glühwein in the Bavarian Village.
• Wrap up and relax with a cocktail at Bar Ice, where the bar, tables and even glasses are made of ice.
• Enjoy craft ales, hot chocolate and warming food in giant tipis at Thor’s Tipi. Snuggle up by the log fires, grab a blanket and escape the cold outside.
• Ride a traditional carousel or brave the giant loops of nine different roller coasters at the fairground.
• Book your hotel in advance, Close to the Winter Wonderland. Try the Montagu Place Hotel, a unique, non-chain hotel experience with a real boutique feel, excellent service and comfy beds.

Christmas Lights Walking Tour in London

• Add some sparkle to your month with a festive walk which takes you to see the very best Christmas lights in London. Along the way, you will hear about why Turkeys wore boots on their way to market, who invented the Christmas card, how the Victorian’s re-invented Christmas, and much more.
• Alternatively, organise a customised private tour and have a local host show you the best of the city’s Christmas attractions.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

• Awaiting dates – See the South Bank’s riverside transformed into a wintry wonderland, where global cuisine and an artisan Christmas market come together in one sparkling location for Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival.
• Amble past the traditional wooden chalets lining the banks of the Thames and pick up gorgeous stocking fillers from the Winter Market. Or, tuck into cheese-based food, cocktails and mulled wine surrounded by the glow of neon artworks, as part of the Winter Lights display
• For a true London Style Christmas, book your room at Durrants Hotel, just a few minutes from the best stores in London. The hotel mixes old world charm with modern amenities and exceptional service.

Covent Garden Christmas Village

• Awaiting Dates –  Be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of glittering lights that decorate Covent Garden, home to the spellbinding Covent Garden Christmas Village
• Grab a hot chocolate, mulled cider or warm churros from the festive food market, while on your way to take a selfie in Santa’s sleigh. Afterwards, walk through a forest of Christmas trees to arrive at the bauble-themed dining domes, which offer seasonal food and cocktails.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

• Awaiting Dates – Experience festive fun with Christmas in Leicester Square, which gives the home of blockbuster film premieres a yuletide makeover.
• Browse the traditional market filled with a wonderful array of crafts and tempting treats. Afterwards, head to the Belgian spiegel tent to enjoy a brilliant lineup of comedy, cabaret and magic shows.

Christmas by the River at London Bridge

• Awaiting Dates – If you are looking for a more tranquil experience, head to the Christmas Market at London Bridge. Set against stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the market has charming wooden huts packed with original presents, handmade crafts and plenty of delicious snacks.
• Indulge in mouthwatering food from an array of pop-up stalls and admire one of London’s most iconic skyline views with a steaming cup of mulled wine.

Hogwarts in the Snow – Warner Bros Tour

• Awaiting Dates – Winter has arrived at the wizarding world, with a true festive makeover. Glittering Christmas trees line the Great Hall and a replica festive feast including flaming Christmas puddings is laid out on the long tables.  Around the rest of the studio, special-effect fires roar in the fireplaces, the Gryffindor Common Room and the Boys’ Dormitory are filled with Christmas decorations and the detailed Hogwarts castle model is covered in a special blanket of snow. Plus, Diagon Alley is looking even more wintry with a dusting of snow on its cobbles and shopfronts. Get your tickets in advance

Gay Events

• Most of the gay bars and clubs host festive theme nights and parties throughout the holiday season. Some special events are also planned including:
• Awaiting date and venue – The London Gay Men’s Chorus host a series of festive performances of Christmas classics old and new!

London Hotels for Christmas

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the major markets and the gay bars in Soho:

Hazlitt’s,   Piccadilly Hotel,    The Z Hotel Soho,    W London Leicester Square