Christmas Market in Southbank

The Christmas Market in Southbank is one of the most famous Christmas markets. She does not give up her place Edinburgh Christmas Market. Every year, it is visited by millions of people from the UK, Europe and many other countries around the world. This year, the London Christmas Market will run from 3 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.

History of the Christmas Market in Southbank

The Christmas Market in Southbank is held every year, starting in November and ending in early January. Usually, the Christmas fair is held on the banks of the River Thames. This is because, historically, entertainment on the banks of the River Thames was an important part of London's social life.

It was in such places in the 17th and 18th centuries that many public gatherings were held, at which important issues were decided. Such events also actively promoted trade and cultural exchange between different peoples, cultures and states.

Nowadays, the banks of the River Thames from Jubilee Gardens to Waterloo Bridge are transformed into a festive place in the run-up to Christmas. Hundreds of wooden market stalls, designed in the style of Alpine huts, are set up here for trading.

Entertainment

In addition to selling all kinds of Christmas goods (Christmas trees, metal toys, decorations, garlands and much more), the Southbank Christmas Market offers visitors a wide range of other entertainment, including Christmas shows, ice skating, amusement rides, concerts by famous artists, Christmas exhibitions, and art installations.

Christmas Market in Southbank locations

In 2025, the Christmas market will be held on the Queen's Walk pedestrian promenade. The Southbank Christmas Market covers an area of approximately 3 kilometres. It starts at Jubilee Gardens and runs to Waterloo Bridge.

The exact address of the Christmas market is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. The nearest underground stations are Waterloo and Embankment.

Map

Map of the Christmas Market in Southbank

How to get to the Christmas Market in Southbank

If you want to visit the Christmas Market in Southbank, there are various ways to get there.

By bus

The closest bus stops to the Christmas Market in Southbank are Waterloo Bridge and York Road. More than 20 bus routes in London pass through these stops. Therefore, to get to the Christmas market, simply take any bus route that passes through these stops.

By tube

The closest tube stations are Waterloo and Embankment. From Waterloo station, you can walk to the Christmas Market in Southbank in just a few minutes. Waterloo underground station is served by the Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo and Waterloo and City lines of the London Underground.

If you get off at Embankment underground station, you can walk to the Christmas market in about 8-10 minutes via the Golden Jubilee bridges.

By car

The Christmas Market in Southbank is located almost in the centre of London, so there are many roads leading to this place. However, it is important to understand that some streets in central London are often partially closed to motor traffic. For example, it is not possible to drive westbound on Belvedere Road.

It is also worth considering that parking facilities at the Christmas market are very limited. In addition, parking spaces are usually full on public holidays and may not be available. Therefore, in many cases, it is more convenient to travel to the Christmas Market in Southbank by public transport.

Information for visitors

The following information will be useful for many people wishing to visit the Christmas Market in Southbank.

Hotels nearby

The following hotels are located near the Christmas market venue:

• Premier Inn London County Hall. Located approximately 700 metres from the Christmas Market in Southbank.
• Premier Inn London Southwark (Southwark Station). The hotel is located 800-900 metres from the Christmas market venue.
• The Suites — St Pancras Hotel Group. A comfortable hotel 2 kilometres from the Christmas Market in Southbank.
• Magnificent Marble Arch Hotel. This hotel is approximately 3 kilometres from the Christmas Market in Southbank.

There is a wide choice of hotels, but it is worth remembering that during the festive season, they may be fully booked. Therefore, we recommend that you consider booking your accommodation in advance.

Food at the Christmas Market in Southbank

The Christmas market offers food for almost every taste. Visitors can enjoy the following treats:

• Dutch pancakes.
• Burgers.
• Cheese toasties.
• Lobster rolls.
• Fresh fruit.
• Toasted marshmallows.
• Duck sandwiches.
• Truffle burgers and much more.

With such a wide variety of food on offer, everyone who visits the Christmas Market in Southbank is sure to find something to their liking.

Dates and opening hours

The Christmas market will run from 3 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. The market is open from 11:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday. The Christmas Market in Southbank will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. On 24 December, the market will close at 16:00, and on 26 December, it will be open from 11:00 to 15:00.

Parking

You can park your car in the car parks located near Waterloo Bridge or at the Southbank Centre itself. You can also park your car in one of the nearby underground car parks. Parking in these locations usually costs £10-20 per hour.

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Frequently asked questions