London Bridge Christmas Market

What Christmas Market is the best for a person who loves London and Christmas? The London Bridge Christmas Market! If you haven’t been there yet, you must put this on your Christmas bucket list for a London trip.

If you’ve visited Sunny in London before, you know that I was the most excited about Winter Wonderland every year in London. That’s because it combines theme parks and Christmas. As a person who has the festive spirit and grew up in Florida, it was the dreamiest place to be during the holidays in London.

That was until Mr Sunny took me to ‘Christmas by the River’. This area is also known as London Bridge City. It’s billed as the ‘most scenic Christmas market under the stars.’ And once you go, you know.

Keep reading to find out:

• Where to find it
• What to buy at the London Bridge Christmas market
• What to eat
• What to AVOID!
• London Christmas activities nearby (with discounts!)

General Information

This year it will be up and running once again! It officially opens on 12th November through until 5th January 2025.

The daily hours are 11.00am-22.00pm.

There will be different times on these specific days for 2024:

• Christmas Eve- 11.00am-17.00pm
• Christmas Day- closed
• New Year’s Eve- 11.00am-21.00pm

London Bridge Christmas Market- Where is the market?

It’s located on the south riverside of the Thames. However, if you’re from London, you would know this because you actually know which bridge is London Bridge. Most people who are not familiar with London mistakenly think that the iconic Tower Bridge is London Bridge.You also know where the overground and underground station is too. It’s a popular one for linking to overground trains, as well as trains to Gatwick airport.

Here’s a little video to help you:

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Tower Bridge vs London Bridge for Americans Visiting London | American in London | Places in London | London Travel Tips| London Attractions #americaninlondon #towerbridge #placestovisit

♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem

While they are not too far from each other, there is a big difference between the two. The London Bridge Christmas Market is basically located between these two famous bridges.

You can see where it is in relation to Tower Bridge in this video about London Christmas Markets.

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Christmas Markets in London | Things to Do in London for Christmas | London Life | Christmas in London 2024 #thingstodoinlondon #londonchristmas #christmasinlondon #londonlife #christmasmarket

♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production

If you’re arriving via one of the train stations, walk to Hay’s Galleria when you leave the station. The Christmas tree is always a beautiful place to grab a few pictures for your Instagram. Plus, the Hay’s on the River cocktail bar is not something you would want to miss due to its gorgeous holiday decor.

Once you have a little sip of some spirits, exit the galleria toward the Thames. Most of the London Bridge Christmas Market stalls are to the east, which is in the direction of the unmissable Tower Bridge. You will probably find a few heading west toward the London Eye.

What to Eat and Drink

As a foodies, this is where Mr Sunny and I put most of our attention. Of course Mr Sunny always susses out the beer opportunities as soon as we arrive.

Perhaps the most obvious beer stop is The Horniman at Hays. This Nicholson’s pub is popular for the after work crowd. The tables outside give you views of the most iconic features of London’s skyline. However, this clearly is available year round. So, what’s specifically there for holidays?

There are several pop up bars in the London Bridge Christmas Market. If you visit about two weeks before Christmas on a weekday afternoon, it isn’t usually too busy. But- you may find a DJ table there, which I imagine means it gets pretty lively at night.

You might notice a few people sitting inside who are not having cocktails, mulled wine or beer and are simply sipping coffee or eating food they purchased from other stalls. This is despite the numerous signs outside the bars that indicate they are for specific customers only. However, later I will attempt to provide reasoning for why people take cover in this area.

Mr Sunny and I always walk the length of the London Bridge Christmas Market observing all of the food options presented at the stalls. We find the selection is a range of international cuisines including: Thai, Mexican, German, Chinese and Indian. You can also find fried chicken and burgers.

While many look tempting, we always opt for our traditional Christmas market street food favourite- sausage. We feel they are better and cheaper than what we have had at Winter Wonderland. Except for one thing. Again, you’ll hear about the one big negative to a visit in a minute.

And of course, what London Christmas Market would be complete without the temptation of seasonal sweets!

You’ll find endless options. Some of them include winter themed macarons and crepes packed with Nutella.

In the past, I’ve had a Biscoff macaron and it literally melted in my mouth. AHHHHH-may-zing!

What to Buy

If you’re hitting the markets actually to shop, rather than eat and drink like us, then you will also find the London Bridge Christmas Market a better option in comparison to the others around London. However, if you are looking for the best Christmas place to shop and enjoy festive activities you’ll want to go to Christmas at Battersea Power Station.

However, one stall we love in 2024 at London Bridge is O’Donnell Moonshine. It’s a Manchester based liqueur and craft spirits company. We tried several of their spirits and LOVED them! Below is also an image of the example of London themed souvenirs you’ll find.

London Bridge Christmas Market- What to Beware of

You’re probably thinking that I will suggest to watch your wallet because there are pickpockets at the London Bridge Christmas Market. London has always had a reputation for petty thieves running around town. However, this is far more serious…

You seriously need to beware of the seagulls and this location.

It wasn’t until I had my first ever Cornish pasty ripped violently from my hands when I was visiting St. Ives that I learned the power, aggression and determination these creatures carry.

Be sure to have a plan for where you are going to eat your treats under cover as soon as you purchase them, or you could be a victim like me. They are lurking around all the food stalls and they are really, really, really BIG!

Mr Sunny and I immediately take our polish sausages to a little alcove area and devour them without being attacked. We actually haven’t seen anyone have their food grabbed from them while we have been there, but trust me- it’s very possible!

London Bridge Christmas Market: Final Thoughts

If you want all the benefits of a London atmosphere and fantastic photo opportunities with it as your backdrop, then the Christmas by the River market is a holiday activity you can’t miss. If you go, be sure to dress extra warm since it does get a bit chilly by the river. I would love to know what you think of it too.

For more London Christmas information, you can watch these videos:

What are your favourite London experiences that you recommend to people?

If you’re looking for Christmas things to do in London, these are other articles you must read:

• Christmas at Battersea Power Station
• Advice for Visiting London Christmas Markets
• Tips for Visiting London at Christmas.