London’s Christmas markets are easy to combine with an afternoon of sightseeing, Christmas shopping or a festive evening in the West End. This article looks back at three central London Christmas markets I visited: Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and the smaller market at Paternoster Square near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Christmas markets can change their dates, stalls and formats each year. Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square remain established festive destinations, but I have not found an official announcement confirming the return of the Paternoster Square market for 2026. Check the latest event information before travelling specifically for that market.
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Christmas Markets at a Glance
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Best for: The famous Christmas tree, seasonal atmosphere and a convenient central location.
Nearest station: Charing Cross.
2026 update: The Christmas celebrations are expected to return, but check the official website for confirmed market dates before visiting.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Best for: A lively West End atmosphere, festive food, drinks and entertainment.
Nearest station: Leicester Square.
2026 update: The market is expected to run from early November until early January. Check the official website for confirmed dates and ticketed shows.
Paternoster Square Christmas Market
Best for: A smaller and quieter festive stop close to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Nearest station: St Paul’s.
2026 update: The market has not yet been officially confirmed. Check the Paternoster Square website before adding it to your route.
You can also combine Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square with my updated London Christmas Lights Walking Route 2026.
1. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square is the most traditional of these three locations. Festive stalls usually appear in front of the National Gallery, close to the square’s famous Christmas tree.
The tree is an ann
ual gift from the people of Oslo, recognising Britain’s support for Norway during the Second World War. This tradition has continued since 1947, and the lighting ceremony takes place in December. Carol-singing sessions are also held around the tree during the festive season.
The market itself is normally free to enter, with seasonal food, hot drinks and gift stalls. Its central location makes it easy to combine with the National Gallery, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and the nearby Christmas lights.
2. Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square offers a busier West End Christmas experience surrounded by cinemas, theatres, restaurants and shops. The market is relatively compact, so it works best as part of a wider festive evening rather than a destination requiring several hours.
Expect seasonal food, hot drinks and gift stalls. Recent versions of the event have also included ticketed entertainment or ice skating, while access to the general market area has remained free.
This is usually the busiest of the three locations, particularly during Friday and Saturday evenings. Visit earlier in the afternoon or on a weekday if you prefer more space.
The 2026 programme is expected to run from early November until early January, but check the official schedule before travelling because market, skating and performance dates may differ.
3. Paternoster Square Christmas Market
Paternoster Square was the smallest and quietest market from my original visit. Its position beside St Paul’s Cathedral made it a convenient festive stop, with a limited selection of street food, gifts and craft stalls.
Unlike Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square, I have not found a current official announcement confirming that the same Paternoster Square Christmas market will return in 2026. The dates mentioned in the original article applied to the 2022 event and should not be used for planning this year.
If you want to visit this area, check the Paternoster Square event listings shortly before travelling. St Paul’s Cathedral and the surrounding City of London remain worth visiting even when a dedicated Christmas market is not operating.
Prefer a Guided Festive Tour?
If you would rather see central London’s Christmas lights without planning the complete route yourself, this guided bus tour passes several major festive locations and offers the option to finish near Trafalgar Square.
[Check Christmas Lights Bus Tour Availability]
Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square are the safest choices for a central London Christmas-market visit in 2026. Paternoster Square was a pleasant, quieter discovery during my original visit, but its current market status should be checked before making a special journey.
For a longer festive evening, combine the markets with my London Christmas lights walking route through Mayfair, Soho and the West End.
