Today I want to share my guide to the London Bridge Christmas market with you. Christmas gets bigger and brighter every year in London, and the city ushers in the season with ever-increasing festive cheer. One of my favorite places to experience it is at the Christmas market by Tower Bridge. Right on the Thames, it’s one of the most atmospheric places to get into the seasonal spirit in the UK capital. I’ve included an interactive map, too.
London Bridge Christmas Market
There are a lot of great Christmas markets in London, and more pop up every year. From Greenwich to Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and the South Bank, there’s a market in every corner of the city. They’re a must on any Christmas itinerary.
Some are huge, some local, some on the river, others in front of iconic landmarks. But what they all have in common is that visiting them is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas.
One of my favorites is the London Bridge Christmas market. Officially called Winter By the River (formerly Christmas by the River), it’s not only packed with chalets and stalls selling all kinds of gifts and food, but it also has stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Where is the London Bridge Christmas Market?
The market itself lies along the river in the area around City Hall. Decorations and Christmas trees line the Thames, and the cabins stretch from Tower Bridge all the way to the HMS Belfast and Hay’s Galleria. You can see a map below.
Speaking of which, Hay’s Galleria is worth a visit while you’re at the market. You might even walk through it on your way from London Bridge station or Borough Market.
This eye-catching Grade II-listed structure was originally a warehouse and wharf for the port of London. Redeveloped in the 1980s, it’s now home to shops, restaurants, bars, an impressive fountain, and amazing Christmas decorations.
How to Get Here
It’s easy to get to the London Bridge Christmas market by public transport. London Bridge station is served by multiple tube and rail lines, and there are plenty of local buses that stop around the area.
You can even arrive by boat. London Bridge City Pier (also called London Bridge Pier) is right by the HMS Belfast, and it’s a great place to start your visit.
If you’re walking, you can get here on foot from the South Bank, Borough Market, the Tower of London, and other popular areas and attractions.
It’s also on the route of my free self-guided Thames walk, my London Bridge walk, and my Christmas lights walk. You can take a guided tour to see it, too. You can book one here.
Opening Hours and Times
This year the London Bridge Christmas market dates are November 12, 2024 to January 5, 2025. That gives you plenty of time to shop, eat, and soak up the scene throughout the festive season.
There’s a soft launch on the 12th and 13th of November, and a launch party on the 14th to officially kick things off.
The daily hours are Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 9pm, and Thursday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm. Hours vary on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and January 2nd. The market is closed on Christmas Day.
Tips for Visiting the Market
If you want to make the most of your visit, I recommend going in the late afternoon or evening. The market is magical when the sun goes down and the lights turn on.
If you’re planning to buy gifts for friends and loved ones, I also recommend bringing a reusable bag you can put your purchases in. Not only will it help reduce waste, but it will also aid you in carrying all your fun finds.
Additionally, come hungry. And thirsty. This is a great place to pick up a snack, meal, sweet treat, or mulled wine from the stalls.
Lastly, dress warmly. It can be very cold outside in London, especially at night on the river. The London weather is unpredictable, and temperatures can plummet in November, December, and January.
I suggest wearing warm clothing and carrying a good umbrella with you when you go. You can get the umbrella I recommend on Amazon here.
My winter packing list for London can help you figure out what to wear, too. It has lots of ideas for how to dress in London during the colder months.
What to Buy
There’s a lot to buy at the London Bridge Christmas market. The chalets sell everything from candles to Christmas tree ornaments, handicrafts, decorative wood carvings, nutcrackers, decorations for the table, and souvenirs.
Given many of the goods are handmade, they’re great one-of-a-kind finds. A lot of the traders return year after year, and it’s fun to see the new things they have each festive season.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends, presents for family and loved ones, or something for yourself, there’s plenty to get excited about here.
What to Eat and Drink
As far as what to eat and drink goes, there’s no shortage of deliciousness to be tried. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a full meal, or a sweet something, you’ll find it at the London Bridge Christmas market.
There are lots of chalets selling classic Christmas market foods and unique offerings. From sausages to salt beef and roast pork you can get it here. There’s also a range of international cuisine on offer.
When it comes to sweets, you’re spoiled for choice. From waffles to macarons, crepes, and candy, the London Bridge Christmas market has it all.
Additionally, there are pop-up bars at the market. They sell everything from mulled wine to mulled cider, hot chocolate, Christmas cocktails, beer, and sloe gin.
One of the bars has indoor space with a seating area, which can be convenient on cold days. DJs play music in the evenings, too. It’s a great place to have a fun Christmas night out on the Thames.
And while it’s not specifically part of the Christmas market, The Horniman at Hays is a popular riverside pub in Hay’s Galleria. With over 150 years of history, it’s known for its pints and pies. It has great Christmas decorations, and it’s a good place to take cover if it rains.
London Bridge Christmas Market Map
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of the area where the market is. You can see it here. I hope it helps you have a fun time visiting!
Christmas Market at London Bridge
I hope this post has inspired you to make a festive trip to London Bridge for the Christmas market this year. It’s the ideal spot to get into the seasonal spirit, and a fun one to pick up food and gifts.
There are plenty more Christmas markets to explore in London, too. From Winter Wonderland to Leicester Square, King’s Cross, and Paternoster Square, you’ll find lots to get excited about in the city this season.
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