12 MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND IN 2023.
Now that the weather has turned and Halloween has passed, I don’t know about you, but we are starting to hear the faint mumbling of the festive spirit. I can almost smell mulled wine mulling. Christmas may be a few months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about visiting some winter markets.
Here are some of the boldest, most sparkly Christmas markets in Southern England in 2023.
Best Christmas Markets in Southern England in 2023
12 Best Christmas Markets in Southern England 2023
Best Christmas markets in London 2023
Christmas Markets in London Bridge – Winter by the River
Winter by the River is returning to London Bridge this year and is set to be an extravaganza. With cute winter cabins selling all sorts of crafts, two bars, an array of street food and even a karaoke cabin – Winter by the River is set to go off in style. The market stretches all the way from London Bridge to Tower Bridge.
DATES: 14 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
WHERE: London Bridge City, SE1 2DB
FIND OUT MORE: Secret London is on top of all the latest announcements
Spitafields Christmas Market
Spitafields market is one of our favourites in London all year round. Stop here to nose around all the best vintage stores. At Christmas, Spitafields really comes alive. You can even join Christmas craft workshops as well as enjoying the special festive stalls. Follow your visit to the market with delicious Italian food at Pizza East restaurant.
DATES: Festivities commence on the 15th November
WHERE: 65 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA
FIND OUT MORE: You can find out more on the Spitafields website here or on their Instagram (below).
Southbank Christmas Market
The Christmas market on Southbank is somewhat of an institution in London. If I’m in the UK, I like to try to go to this market at least once. A festive fantasy all along the south bank of the river awaits – grab a glass of gluwein and make your way along the promenade.
The festival has such a wonderful atmosphere as throngs of people travel to enjoy the crafts and streetfood on offer.
DATES: 28 October to 7 January 2024
WHERE: Thames Path, Southbank, SE1 8XX
FIND OUT MORE: On the official website here or keep an eye on their instagram here.
Kings Cross Christmas Market
Kings Cross Christmas market has a spectacular array of Christmas gift ideas. With craft jewellery and designer pieces, you’re sure to find something for even the fussiest of family members.
Look out for events such as the wreath making class on 26 November and late night shopping every Thursday. And for something a little different, check out the special Mexican market on the 1st to 3rd December.
DATES: 9 Nov 2023 – 23 Dec 2023
WHERE: 1 Stable Street, N1C 4AB
FIND OUT MORE: On the official website here.
Best Christmas Markets in Surrey 2023
Hampton Court Festival Fayre
When you visit Hampton Court on certain dates in December, you can get access to the fabulous festive fayre. This event has stalls selling gifts and there are cookery masterclasses too. Be sure to head outside to see the garden in all of it’s winter glory and the ice rink.
DATES: 1 to 3 December & 8 to 10 December 2023 for the festive fayre, but other activities such as the ice rink are open for longer
WHERE: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
FIND OUT MORE: On their official website here.
Kingston Christmas Market
Kingston Christmas Market promises to provide a European Style Christmas Market in England. Stalls include La Luna Gifts, offering pretty ceramics, and the cheese stall selling (you guessed it) cheese! If all else fails, enjoy the music and a German beer.
DATES: 16 November 2023 to 31 December 2023
WHERE: Clarence Street & High Street Kingston, KT1 1JT
FIND OUT MORE: On the official website here.
Best Christmas Markets in Kent 2023
Canterbury Christmas Market
Canterbury is a chocolate box city, a favorite of mine to visit especially in the winter. At Christmas, the streets come alive with the market. You can take a visit to Santa’s Grotto (you can even take your beloved pooch to visit Santa) and browse the many stalls.
Look out for food and drinks stalls like Canterbury Brewers, selling local beer and that Bratwurst Haus. There’s live music sometimes too.
DATES: 10th November to 24 December 2023.
WHERE: Whitefriars Shopping Centre, CT1 2TF
FIND OUT MORE: On the official website here.
Rochester Christmas Market
The Rochester Christmas Market is particularly magical as it is set in the castle grounds. Amidst the mystical atmosphere you can find the usual gift stalls and food and drink stands too.
Kids will particularly like the Christmas Village (but do note an extra charge to enter.)
DATES: 25 November to 10 December 2023
WHERE: Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW
FIND OUT MORE: On the official website here
Faversham Christmas Market
You have to get in quick to attend the Faversham Christmas Market, it is only on for one weekend of the year. We’ve included this on the list of best Christmas markets in Southern England, because Faversham is a beautiful medieval town which looks even more delightful under the twinkle of Christmas lights.
Make a day of it and stop by Posillipo, an Italian foodie hideaway, for lunch and head to Vino Faversham to buy some wine for the festive period.
DATES: 9 and 10 December 2023
WHERE: Faversham Market Place, Faversham, Kent ME13 7AG
FIND OUT MORE: On the official Faversham Christmas Market.
Best Christmas Markets in Sussex 2023
Chichester Christmas Market
Chichester is a gorgeous Cathedral city in Sussex and it is always beautifully decorated for Christmas. For one day only in November, you can find 100 stalls at the Chichester indoor market. The perfect festive activity if the weather is bad.
DATES: 19 November 2023
WHERE: Westgate Leisure Centre, Chichester
FIND OUT MORE: Official website here
Eastbourne Christmas Market
For three days, the coastal town of Eastbourne will come alive with the sound of Christmas. Streets will be closed off to house 30 stalls as well as children’s rides and some fun music.
DATES: 7 to 10 December 2023
WHERE: Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3NF
FIND OUT MORE: On the official website here
Best Christmas markets in Hampshire 2023
Winchester Christmas Market
What could be more magical at Christmas than a market in a cathedral? Not only is Winchester Christmas market one of the best in the UK, but it is also considered as one of the best to visit in Europe.
The market has a traditional feel, with carols, wooden huts and mulled wine. During the festive season, the cathedral also hosts special events.
DATES: 17 November to 21 December 2023.
WHERE: Winchester Cathedral Inner Close
FIND OUT MORE: The official website here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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[…] of year. It’s so nice to take some time and do something special over the festive period. A Christmas market is nice, but there’s more that you can do to entertain yourself and your family over the season. Here […]