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Visiting Christmas markets is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit, and London and the South West are home to some spectacular ones! Alongside the festive stalls, you’ll also find plenty of activities and events to keep the holiday magic going.
Make a mistle-toast to the holiday season with a cup of mulled wine, treat yo'elf to sweet treats and mince pies, make it rein with stocking fillers and much more at markets across our network.
Read on to learn more about them, how to get to your top picks, and things to do while you’re there. No Scrooges allowed!
Best Christmas Markets in London
London truly shines during the festive season, and Christmas markets only add to its sparkle. With markets popping up all around the city, you’ll want to start checking them off your list (twice!) right away.
London Southbank Christmas Market
There’s no better place to start your quest than the Southbank Winter Market, which runs up to 4 January.
Located just steps from the London Eye along the Thames, this market features charming Alpine-style wooden chalets offering handmade gifts, Christmas crafts, and a wide range of gourmet street food and warming drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate. Evening visits offer festive performances and live music by the river, creating a relaxed and scenic holiday atmosphere.
Date: 3 November -4 January
Location: South Bank
Price: Free entry
How to get there: Get a train to London Waterloo - the market’s less than a 10-minute walk from the station.
Winter Wonderland London
Winter Wonderland is the most famous Christmas market in London, and with heaps of attractions, the title is rightly deserved. Running until 1 January 2026, it's a traditional festive trip for couples and families alike, and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in London over the festive period.
At its traditional German style market, - which is one of the largest in the capital, - you can stock up on gifts and treats from all areas of the UK and beyond, including arts and crafts, trinkets, jewellery and decorations.
Date: 14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2 UH
Price: Off-peak times (like mornings and weekdays) usually have free entry – though you’ll still need to book your tickets beforehand. Once in the park, the rides and activities are an additional fee.
How to get there: From London Waterloo take the Jubilee line to nearby Green Park. Find out more about Trains to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Christmas in Leicester Square Market
The infamous Leicester Square gets a festive makeover each year when its Christmas market opens for business. Step into a winter wonderland filled with festive lights, mouthwatering treats and unique handcrafted gifts perfect for the season.
Be sure to stuff your face with waffles, churros and cakes galore. Warm yourself up with mulled wine, and find hand-crafted goods, beautifully decorated bars and more at this one.
Date: 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Location: Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU
Price: Entry is free but you will have to book La Clique in advance which is priced at £26.50.
How to get there: Leicester Square Christmas market is conveniently placed less than a 10-minute tube away from Waterloo station.
While you’re in the capital, why not make a day of it? Find great places to do some Christmas shopping, and see if you can save on presents. If you work up an appetite, you can make extra savings on your food bill when you travel with us. And if you’re staying in London for the weekend, don’t forget to browse our hotel, theatre and attraction offers on SWR Rewards.
London Borough Christmas Market
Known for its world-famous food stalls and vibrant atmosphere, the London Borough Christmas Market is perfect for food lovers and festive shoppers alike. Sample seasonal delights, enjoy a glass of rich spiced cider, and hunt for unique gifts and artisan crafts in this iconic location.
Date: 1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026
Location: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
Price: Free entry
How to get there: Hop on a South Western Railway train to London Waterloo. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Borough Market.
Greenwich Christmas Market
Step into a festive wonderland at Greenwich Christmas Market, where quirky gifts, artisanal crafts, and seasonal treats abound. Perfect for unique stocking fillers, handmade decorations, and delicious street food, this market offers a charming, community-focused holiday experience. Enjoy live entertainment, seasonal workshops, and a lively atmosphere as you explore the historic setting of Greenwich Market for a truly memorable Christmassy day out.
Date: 21 November – 4 January 2026
Location: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Price: Free entry
How to get there: Take a South Western Railway train to London Waterloo, then transfer via the Jubilee line to North Greenwich station. The market is a short walk from the station.
Best Christmas Markets in the South West
If you want to expand your festive adventures, there are an abundance of Christmas markets across the South West to enjoy.
Winchester Christmas Market
Head to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and engross yourself in its bustling atmosphere! The market, which attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year, is recognised as one of the best in Europe.
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, this one’s in a super unique location within Winchester Cathedral Inner Close. The Cathedral is a historical landmark worth seeing regardless, perhaps best known as the burial place of Jane Austen.
Enjoy the festive lighting, Christmas carols, mulled wine and cinnamon buns and while you’re there do some Christmas shopping.
Date: 21 November to 22 December 2025
Location: The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
Price: Admission is free, no pre-booking required.
How to get there: The market’s just a 10-minute walk away from Winchester station. Find out more about Trains to Winchester.
While you in Winchester don't miss out on some great savings. Check out SWR Rewards to get money off activities, including 10% off a historic guided tour of the city. The tour will take you to the likes of Wolvesey Castle and Winchester College.
Kingston Christmas Market
Just outside of London, you’ll find Kingston Christmas Market - a popular choice for those looking for a big, fun-filled market, without having to face the busyness of the city.
See fairy lights brighten up the stalls selling gorgeous gifts, get in the Christmas spirit with a cup of mulled wine, and eat bratwurst, hog roasts and other delicious street food here.
Date: 13 November – 28 December 2025 (closed all day 25 December)
Location: Kingston Ancient Market Place, KT1 1JS
Price: Entry is free. Tickets are only required for attractions and rides such as the carousel.
How to get there: To get there, catch a South Western Railway train to Kingston Station and take a 7-minute stroll to Kingston Ancient Market Place.
Exeter Christmas Market
Exeter Cathedral alone is simply staggering, with its Norman towers and the world’s longest Gothic arching. Its Christmas market only adds to its beauty, as it boasts over 100 twinkling chalets championing local Devon-based businesses selling unique gifts and produce. You’ll also find a range of pop-up bars, street food stalls, and cafes to enjoy.
Date: 20 November – 19 December 2025
Location: Cathedral Green, Exeter EX1 1HS
Price: Entry is free
How to get there: Hop on a train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central and the Cathedral is only a 6-minute walk away.
While you’re in the area, you can visit the likes of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, and do some extra Christmas shopping at Princesshay, an open-air complex of 70 high street stores! We’ve got plenty more recommendations in this guide.
If you’re planning on spending the night in Exeter, you can get 10% off at Bendene Townhouse with SWR Rewards. See what other savings you can make while you’re in town.
Bournemouth Christmas Market
Step into a festive Alpine-style Christmas market that feels like a winter wonderland come to life! From stocking fillers and edible gifts to toys, jewellery, and handmade goodies, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Enjoy plenty of family activities including Santa’s Grotto and a real ice rink. While your children are entertained, warm up with mulled wine and mince pies at the festive two-storey Alpine lodge bar.
Don’t miss the magical Christmas Tree Wonderland, featuring illuminated trees stretching from the Christmas Market all the way down to Bournemouth’s iconic beachfront.
Date: 13 November to 31 December 2025
Location: Bournemouth Square, BH2 5LY
Price: Entry is free
How to get there: Take a train to Bournemouth station, and from there it’s a 10-minute journey on the 5A bus.
There’s plenty more to do in Bournemouth, including the Boscombe Pier and Pierzip zip-wire ride. Don’t forget to browse SWR Rewards to make savings on food and drink, things to do, and more. Our Bournemouth offers range from discounts on hotel stays, to rock-climbing. There's something for everyone!
Plan your Christmas market trip with South Western Railway
Sleigh, what?! Ready to get in on the festive cheer? Start planning your trip and book your train tickets with South Western Railway. We recommend booking in advance to find cheap train tickets. We offer various ticket types, including Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the best option for your journey. Those travelling in a group can make the most of our GroupSave tickets.
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