There’s nothing quite as festive and cute as the Christmas markets in London with kids, and I think they’re getting better every year! I remember a time when there were hardly any in London, but now we’re spoilt for choice.
My two boys love the chance to toast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate and check out the Christmas decorations, while I love grabbing a mulled wine and browsing the more artisan stalls. Plus, Mr S can never say no to a sausage!
Some of the best Christmas markets in London with kids can be combined with a full festive day out, including ice skating and funfair rides. Others are more aimed at adults, with boutique shopping, delicious food and festive drinks, but still offer plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy Christmas magic.
I’ve rounded up the best Christmas markets in London for families in 2026, from traditional festive markets to more luxurious Christmas shopping experiences.
| Best for | My pick |
|---|---|
| Luxury Christmas market | Novikov Mayfair |
| Artisan Christmas shopping | Chelsea Physic Garden |
| Family festive experience | Chelsea Winter Village |
| Traditional Christmas atmosphere | Greenwich |
| Rides and entertainment | Winter Wonderland |
| Independent makers | Battersea Power Station |
| Historic setting | Hampton Court Palace |
If you’re planning a longer festive visit, I’ve also put together a three-day Christmas itinerary in London with kids, as well as one for babies, toddlers and preschoolers combining some of my favourite seasonal experiences.
If you prefer to put the itinerary together yourself, here’s my ultimate guide to things to do in London for Christmas with kids.
Best Family-Friendly Christmas Markets in London 2026
Battersea Power Station Curated Makers Christmas Market
What to expect: Curated Makers Christmas Market at Battersea Power Station brings together a carefully selected collection of independent artists, designers and makers for 18 days of festive shopping. Each market features 24 makers, with the line-up changing every few days. Visitors can browse handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, artwork and homewares, as well as candles, textiles, stationery and Christmas decorations.
SilverSpoon Tip: Battersea Power Station is a firm favourite with our family. We always visit Glide, the ice rink, on Christmas Eve, and then the shops which also gives Mr S the chance to do all his Christmas shopping. Which, inevitably, happens at the very last minute!
Date: 5–22 December 2026. Monday–Saturday 11am–8pm, Sunday 11am–6pm
Price: Free entry
Best for: Independent Christmas gifts and combining shopping with a family day out
Getting there: Battersea Power Station, Riverside Walk entrance, across the Ground and Upper Ground Floors. The nearest Underground station is Battersea Power Station.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
What to expect: Southbank Centre Winter Market transforms the banks of the Thames into a festive Christmas market, with traditional alpine-style wooden chalets, twinkling lights and a wonderful riverside atmosphere. Browse independent stalls selling handmade gifts and crafts while enjoying an impressive selection of street food and festive treats. This year’s offerings include Christmas Yorkshire pudding burritos, Lebanese flatbreads, burgers and loaded fries, alongside hot chocolate, Dutch pancakes, churros and sticky toffee pudding. With pop-up bars and plenty of festive food, it’s a great place to soak up London’s Christmas atmosphere.
SilverSpoon Tip: I recommend combining the market with a walk along the Thames or a visit to the London Eye. There’s loads of choice when it comes to food, and I’d say this is actually primarily a food market rather than somewhere to do your Christmas shopping.
Date: 2 November 2026 – 3 January 2027. Stalls 11am–10pm, bars 11am–11pm
Best for: Festive street food, riverside views and a family Christmas outing
Getting there: Queen’s Walk, beneath Hungerford Bridge. The nearest Underground and rail station is Waterloo.
Combine a visit to a Christmas market with a festive show. From traditional pantomimes to beautiful ballets and family-friendly theatre, I’ve rounded up the best Christmas shows in London for kids in 2026.
Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations
What to expect: Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations brings a festive Christmas market to the beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The free-to-enter Winter Village features independent stalls selling Christmas gifts, festive street food, mulled wine and seasonal cocktails. There are also marshmallow fire pits, live music, choirs and traditional fairground rides. Families can explore the Feast Quarter, enjoy drinks at the Après Bar and soak up the atmosphere beneath twinkling lights. For an extra special experience, the ticketed Chelsea Winter Illuminations offers a 1.5km light trail. Expect spectacular installations, interactive artworks and imaginative soundscapes.
Date: 25 November – 28 December 2026 (closed Christmas Day)
Price: Free entry to the Winter Village. Illuminations tickets are sold separately.
Best for: Families looking for a festive Christmas market with food, entertainment and activities for children
Getting there: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR. The nearest Underground station is Sloane Square.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
What to expect: The Christmas Market at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of London’s biggest festive shopping experiences, with more than 60 traders selling handmade crafts, locally sourced gifts, Christmas decorations and festive food and drink. Explore the Scandinavian-themed Market Square, where you’ll find independent makers, traditional Christmas stalls and live performances. There are also demonstrations from selected traders, including creative workshops and illustrations. The market is just one part of Winter Wonderland, with ice skating, fairground rides and plenty of other Christmas attractions to enjoy.
SilverSpoon Tip: Anytime I mention Winter Wonderland, I do so with caution. It’s absolutely huge, loud and overwhelming but it can also be great fun. My rule of thumb is to visit early in the day especially with small children. The gifts may not have the artisan elegance of some of the other markets, but children will love them.
The Christmas Market is located next to the ice rink, and Blue Gate is the most convenient entrance, if you’re heading straight there. I would definitely enter by the correct entrance as it really saves on walking!
Date: 14 November 2026 – 1 January 2027
Best for: Festive rides and entertainment
Getting there: Hyde Park, London. The nearest Underground stations include Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner.
Greenwich Market at Christmas
What to expect: Greenwich Market is one of London’s most historic markets, and at Christmas there are twinkling lights, seasonal food and independent stalls selling unique gifts. Browse handmade jewellery, books, stationery, beauty products and artisan treats while enjoying the traditional market atmosphere. The festive season officially begins on 18 November 2026 with the Greenwich Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On, featuring a procession of local schoolchildren carrying handmade lanterns, followed by live music and the Christmas lights being switched on.
SilverSpoon Tip: Greenwich is great for a family day out, and you can also visit the National Maritime Museum or the Cutty Sark.
Date: Christmas festivities begin 18 November 2026. Market open daily, 10am–5.30pm
Best for: Traditional Christmas atmosphere, independent gifts and a festive family day out
Getting there: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ. The nearest DLR station is Cutty Sark, or Greenwich rail station is a short walk away.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
What to expect: Christmas in Trafalgar Square brings a traditional festive market to one of London’s most iconic locations. Set against the backdrop of the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, the market features wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations and seasonal treats. Visitors can browse the stalls, enjoy festive food and warm drinks, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere in the heart of central London.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a small market, and I wouldn’t especially go out of your way for it but if you’re passing Trafalgar Square, you can see the famous Christmas tree and check out the market given the iconic location.
Date: 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Best for: Traditional Christmas atmosphere and combining with central London sightseeing
Getting there: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. The nearest Underground station is Charing Cross.
If you love London’s festive decorations, don’t miss my guide to the best Christmas lights in London with kids, including some of the most beautiful displays and festive streets to explore as a family.
Best Luxury Christmas Markets and Festive Fairs in London 2026
Novikov Mayfair Christmas Market
What to expect:Novikov Mayfair Christmas Market brings a touch of luxury to the traditional Christmas market in the heart of Mayfair. Expect beautifully decorated stalls and festive food and drink with a Novikov twist. Highlights include oysters, caviar, mulled wine and a Louis Roederer Champagne Ice Bar. There will also be boutique gift shopping, roaming minstrels and Christmas carol singers. In the evenings, expect live DJs, while Father Christmas will make special appearances. Families can also enjoy a free festive photobooth.
SilverSpoon Tip: I visited this Christmas market a few years ago and it’s one of my favourites! It’s more luxurious than your typical Christmas market, with champagne, delicious food and a wonderful festive atmosphere. It’s a small market and less overwhelming – last time they even had reindeer.
Date: 26–28 November 2026, 11am–9pm
Best for: Families looking for a more luxurious Christmas market experience
Getting there: Mayfair Place, London W1. The nearest Underground station is Green Park.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre 2026
What to expect: Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre returns for two weekends this December, transforming the palace’s historic grounds into a Christmas market. Over 100 independent producers will be selling artisan gifts, festive food and seasonal treats. Families can explore the palace’s gardens and famous maze or enjoy ice skating (additional charge). There’s also the new Winter Palace, featuring magical storytelling, live performances and mythical creatures. For something extra special, adults can upgrade to an exclusive Festive Lounge with complimentary drinks and pastries.
SilverSpoon Tip: Hampton Court always does events so well and this sounds great. It can be combined with the Winter Palace for a really festive day out.
Date: 4–6 and 11–13 December 2026, 10am–5pm (4.30pm closing on 11 December).
Best for: All ages; Festive Lounge for adults aged 18+.
Price: Included with Hampton Court Palace admission; free for Historic Royal Palaces members with advance booking. Ice skating and Festive Lounge access cost extra.
Getting there: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU. The nearest railway station is Hampton Court, approximately a five-minute walk from the palace, with direct trains from London Waterloo.
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair
What to expect: Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair is a gorgeous Christmas shopping experience set within the beautiful surroundings of London’s oldest botanic garden. Over four festive days, more than 100 carefully selected independent businesses will showcase their products. Expect beautifully crafted homewares, jewellery, clothing, accessories, artisan food and speciality drinks. It’s a great smaller alternative to London’s larger Christmas markets.
SilverSpoon Tip: I really love this market as it’s mostly indoors, small and easy to manage. There are also some beautiful high-end gifts.
Date: 26–29 November 2026. 10am–5pm Thursday to Saturday, 10am–4pm Sunday
Price: £8 in advance, £10 on the door. Free for Friends of the Garden.
Best for: Boutique Christmas shopping and independent gifts
Getting there: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS. The nearest Underground station is Sloane Square.
Christmas at Chiswick House 2026
Chiswick House and Gardens has a packed programme of festive activities this Christmas. These include Father Christmas’s Magical Grotto, festive theatre, creative workshops and Christmas markets. Families can enjoy A Christmas Carol by Quantum Theatre on 21–22 December. Seasonal workshops include bauble painting, wreath making and festive block printing.
Christmas shopping highlights include the Duck Pond Festive Market, Urban Food Fest Christmas Market and Lazy Flea Christmas Market. Expect independent makers, gifts and seasonal treats. There’s also the Chiswick House Shop and café to explore.
Date: 1 November – 24 December 2026 (selected dates for individual events)
Best for: All ages, depending on the activity.
Price: Varies by event; some markets are free to visit, while the grotto costs £20 per child and £5 per adult.
Getting there: Chiswick House and Gardens, Burlington Lane, London W4 2RP. The nearest railway station is Chiswick, approximately a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, Turnham Green Underground station is around a 20-minute walk, or you can take the E3 bus towards Chiswick House.
No Christmas would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas! Take a look at my guide to the best Santa’s grottos in London and beyond, from traditional grotto experiences to more unusual ones.
Christmas at Treehouse Hotel London 2026
Treehouse Hotel London is celebrating Christmas with a festive programme in the heart of Marylebone. Highlights include a winter market outside the hotel featuring independent makers, seasonal treats, gifts and hot drinks. There will also be festive dining and creative workshops. Families can enjoy the Sharky + George Family Fiesta at rooftop restaurant Madera on 6 December. This includes brunch for parents and 90 minutes of games, dancing, bubbles and team challenges for children aged 4–10.
Other events include festive charm-making, a Christmas glitter workshop and a pet-inspired portrait experience at The Nest. Madera will also be open for Christmas Day dining, with spectacular views across London.
SilverSpoon Tip: I really love this quirky hotel and restaurant and I think the decor would be really appealing to kids too. Sharky + George are THE name in children’s entertainment and the brunch looks like a great option that kids will enjoy too.
Date: Throughout November and December 2026, with family events on selected dates.
Best for: All ages for the market; Sharky + George Family Fiesta for children aged 4–10.
Price: Varies by activity; check individual events for prices and booking details.
Final thoughts on Best Christmas Markets in London with Kids 2026
Hopefully, this blog post has given you plenty of ideas for the best Christmas markets in London with kids. Many of them are easy to combine with other festive activities, while others offer enough to make a whole day out of your visit.
Which Christmas markets will you be visiting this year?
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