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The Best Christmas Markets in Town

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Festive Fun Across London This Season

It’s the most magical time of year, and London is bursting with festive cheer. Whether you’re a food lover, gift giver or just here for the mulled wine, there’s a Christmas market for everyone in the capital. From glittering lights to traditional chalets, it’s time to explore the very best Christmas markets in London for 2025.

Here’s where you’ll find the sparkle.

Central London Christmas Markets

London’s heart is alive with festive energy, and there are four must-visit markets for your winter list.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is back and bigger than ever. Running until 2nd January, it features rides, street food, festive bars and brand-new attractions for 2025. Expect ice skating, circus shows, live music, and the return of The Nutcracker on Ice. Book ahead for Bar Ice, where cocktails are served in frozen glasses.

Other central gems include:

  • Leicester Square Christmas Market – Meet Santa at the grotto and browse artisan gifts.
  • Southbank Winter Market – Wooden chalets line the riverside with handmade crafts, gourmet food and carol singers.
  • Tate Modern Christmas Market – Set beside the gallery, this market features traditional German-style stalls, roasted chestnuts, and warming gluhwein.

North London’s Cosy Markets

For a more relaxed festive vibe, Camden Market hosts special Christmas nights every Thursday through December, complete with street food, bars and live music.

In Islington, expect over 60 independent stalls during two key weeks in December — ideal for gifts, crafts and festive nibbles. Keep an eye out for Santa appearances for little ones.

Looking for something unique? The Sunday Artisan Market in North London offers original prints, ceramics and handmade fashion — with Peruvian street food and tempting cakes to keep you warm as you browse.

Christmas Cheer in South London

At London Bridge Christmas Market, find over 100 independent traders in a classic German chalet setup. With food stalls, hot cider, Christmas cocktails and handmade goods, it’s the perfect place to visit after work or for a weekend wander.

Also in South London, Cockpit Arts opens its studio doors to showcase over 170 independent artists and makers. From jewellery and silverware to lighting and textiles, this is your chance to find unique gifts while supporting local talent.

Plan Your Perfect Festive Escape

There’s no shortage of festive spirit in London this winter. Whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts, sipping gluhwein under fairy lights or bringing the kids to see Santa, the Christmas markets offer the perfect way to celebrate.

Staying at Georgian House Hotel? Make the most of the season with our exclusive winter offer — including a £20 Harrods voucher, mulled wine, and a mince pie on arrival. A little gift from us, to you.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour: Experience the Magic This Winter

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It’s been over 15 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first enchanted audiences on the big screen. Can you believe it? To mark this magical milestone, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden is rolling out festive activities, original props, and even a snowy Hogwarts to celebrate both the anniversary and the winter season. And yes, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is making a star appearance too. Here’s what you can expect if you’re heading there this winter.

Celebrate 15 Years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Until 4 November, you’ll have the rare chance to revisit the film that started it all. The Studio Tour is showcasing original props chosen by fans, including the famous Sorting Hat, Hagrid’s costume, and the eerily decorated Dursleys’ home on Privet Drive. The Great Hall will be set up exactly as it was during the first film’s Halloween feast scene — complete with pumpkins, treats and a few familiar (and suspicious) faces like Professor Quirrell.

Want to relive that iconic Quidditch moment? Try the interactive digital broomstick experience where you can shout “Up!” and watch your broom respond like magic.

Hogwarts in the Snow

From 19 November, Hogwarts transforms into a winter wonderland. Christmas trees line the Great Hall, hand-made cast Christmas cards decorate the Gryffindor Common Room, and festive wreaths, baubles and candles sparkle throughout the sets. A favourite highlight is the model of Hogwarts Castle, delicately dusted with cinematic snow.

You’ll also learn how different snow textures were created for the films — some fluffy, some crunchy — using unique on-set techniques. For Harry Potter fans, it’s an immersive and nostalgic treat that captures the heart of the season.

Dine in the Great Hall This Christmas

Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. This exclusive experience lets guests step into the Great Hall for a one-of-a-kind Christmas dinner. You’ll begin with drinks and canapés before sitting down to a festive two-course meal surrounded by original set decorations. Afterwards, you’ll explore the full Studio Tour before dessert is served on Platform 9¾, next to the original Hogwarts Express.

It’s a dream evening for fans and a truly unforgettable setting for a festive celebration or unique work party.

Even More Magic Beyond the Studios

London is filled with magical experiences this winter. Catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in cinemas or book tickets to the critically acclaimed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre. There are also several walking and bus tours that explore real filming locations throughout London — from Diagon Alley to the Ministry of Magic.

And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay during your magical adventure, don’t forget about our Wizard Chambers here at Georgian House Hotel. Designed to look like a real-life wizard dormitory, these enchanting rooms are perfect for couples, families and super fans alike. Each stay includes our themed Wizard Breakfast, featuring spellbinding options like the Forbidden Feast or Toffeedukes Pancakes.

Discover more and book your magical escape

Top London activities for October half-term and Halloween

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For an awesome day out with the family, London is simply full of fun activities to entertain all ages and now is the time to make the most of the city’s outdoor spaces while the sun still shines! And of course, even if it’s a little gloomy out, there’s plenty of places to go and things to do with kids for half-term holidays… from wildlife, to theatre and believe it or not, museums. Get quacking feeding some ducks in St. James’ Park, take a treetop walk at the golden Kew Gardens or go back to the dinosaur years at the Natural History Museum. Whatever you choose, you and your family will not only have a great time, but you’ll learn something new too. Here’s what we recommend:

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Curious London: Play the Game, Explore the City

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Discover the City Like Never Before

The leaves are turning, the kids are back in school, and there’s finally a moment to breathe. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do during half term or want to reclaim your weekend with something spontaneous, London has more to offer than guided tours and museum visits. Ready to swap sightseeing for sleuthing? It’s time to level up your city adventures. From treasure hunts to immersive spy missions, here are some of London’s most thrilling interactive experiences. These are ideal for couples, families or curious locals looking to see the city in a new light.

City Dash: A Race Against the Clock

This isn’t your average walking tour. City Dash is part urban adventure, part spy thriller. It is a fast-paced team game where you solve cryptic clues, create distractions, and dodge patrolling agents while racing through London’s streets. You’ve got 60 minutes to crack codes, find hidden locations and outwit your opponents. Strategy is just as important as speed, and players are encouraged to divide roles like scout, lookout or decoy. It’s a brilliant way to rediscover hidden parts of the capital and test your logic under pressure. Bonus points if you manage to escape without being caught.

Best for: Active adults, team-building, puzzle fans
 Location: Various central London zones

City Hunt: A Cultural Quest for All Ages

Want something less adrenaline-fuelled but just as engaging? City Hunt is a more relaxed but equally rewarding experience. It combines a traditional treasure hunt with local history. Choose from locations like Bermondsey, Elephant and Castle or Blackfriars, and solve 20 to 30 cultural clues as fast as you can. It’s a great way to learn more about London’s hidden stories and is ideal for families, tourists, or anyone who wants to connect with the city’s roots.

Best for: Families, visitors, cultural explorers
 Location: South and Central London

Agent November: Solve the Mystery, Save the Day

Fancy yourself as a secret agent? Agent November invites you into a world of espionage, mystery and time-critical missions. These take place in and around Euston. Choose from interactive scenarios like solving a murder, dismantling a criminal gang or escaping a bioweapons facility. Most games last around an hour, with between five to fifteen participants per team.

Seasonal themes are also available. For Halloween, try “Patient Zero,” a terrifying zombie-chase experience through London’s backstreets. And when Christmas rolls around, the “Christmas Crisis” mission will see your team racing to save Santa himself. With dinner packages available, this makes a standout option for festive outings or office parties.

Best for: Group fun, special occasions, themed adventures
 Location: Euston

Pokémon Go: Still Catching Them All?

Pokémon Go is still going strong, and London is one of the best cities to play. While the app might not make headlines like it did in 2016, dedicated fans know there are still rare catches hiding around the capital. Hotspots include the Tower of London, Hyde Park, Camden Market and even the penguin exhibit at London Zoo. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting to turn a regular walk into a digital treasure hunt.

Best for: Families, solo explorers, casual gaming fans
 Location: All over London

Honourable Mentions: Even More to Explore

London is full of creative puzzle experiences for every type of adventurer. We also recommend:

Explore, Play, Repeat

Next time you’re in London, or even if you live here, ditch the map and dive into something different. Whether you’re dodging agents in Euston, solving riddles in Bermondsey or chasing virtual creatures across Hyde Park, you’ll see the capital from a whole new perspective. After your mission, treat yourself to a hearty meal or perhaps a magical overnight stay at Georgian House. You’ve earned it.