Eat like you mean it
London's Christmas markets are as much about food as gifts. The trick is knowing what's worth queuing for. Here's what we look for at each of the big markets, from people who spend the rest of the year writing about the city's street food.
The classics to look for
Mulled wine and hot drinks: most markets also do a good non-alcoholic version, and hot chocolate is a safe bet with children.
Roasted chestnuts: look for sellers roasting them on the spot, not from a warmer.
Raclette and melted cheese: the queue is part of the fun; it's worth it.
Bratwurst and German sausages: a Christmas market staple, best with mustard and onions.
Churros, crêpes and waffles: for the walk home.
Book a guided Christmas tour
Small groups with a local host and tastings included. No booking fees, free cancellation.
Market by market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre Winter Market lines the river by the Royal Festival Hall, with the widest mix of street food of the central markets and views of the lights across the water. It's the best place to start a food evening.
Winter by the River, London Bridge
Winter by the River runs along the Thames at London Bridge City with Tower Bridge as the backdrop. Come hungry: it's one of the best spots for savoury street food and something sweet.
Christmas in Leicester Square
Christmas in Leicester Square is compact and right in the West End, ideal for a hot drink and a sweet treat between the lights.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is more about the tree and the decorations than food stalls, but there are plenty of cafés and restaurants around the Piazza.
A note on Borough Market
Borough Market is a must for food lovers, but most of its stalls close in the early evening. Visit in the daytime if you want to shop there.
Tips for eating your way round
Share. Portions are big; split dishes and try more.
Bring a card. Nearly every stall takes contactless.
Go early in the week. Queues on Friday and Saturday nights can be long.
Let us do the choosing: the Foodie Christmas Tour
Our Foodie Christmas Tour links the best of these into one evening: mulled wine and street food at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, a riverside walk past Tate Modern and the Globe, a food history stop at Borough Market, then two more tastings at Winter by the River by Tower Bridge.
2.5 hours, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 18:00, from 13 November to 23 December 2026.
5 tastings, £69 per person, a group of 10 at most, no booking fees, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Tastings are sample sizes rather than a full meal, so plan to keep eating at London Bridge afterwards. More ideas in our guide to London Christmas tours.
