If you’re someone who adores both London and Christmas, then the London Bridge Christmas Market is the place for you! If you haven’t experienced it yet, make sure to add it to your Christmas bucket list for your next London visit.
For those who regularly check out my blog, you already know my excitement for Winter Wonderland every year in London, as it beautifully combines theme parks with the festive spirit. As a girl raised in Florida with a love for all things festive, this is my dreamy holiday destination.
That was until Mr. Sunny introduced me to ‘Christmas by the River.’ This area, also known as London Bridge City, claims to be the ‘most picturesque Christmas market under the stars,’ and once you visit, you’ll see exactly why.
General Information
This year, the Christmas Market will return! It opens from November 12th through January 5th, 2025.
The market operates on a daily schedule: Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Specific hours for certain days in 2024 have not yet been announced, but in past years, the hours were as follows:
- Christmas Eve: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Christmas Day: Closed
- New Year’s Eve: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- January 2nd: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where is the London Bridge Christmas Market?
The market is set along the south bank of the Thames. If you’re a London local, you would certainly recognize London Bridge. However, many visitors mistakenly assume that the impressive Tower Bridge is London Bridge. You’d also know the locations of the overground and underground stations, as this is a key link to Gatwick Airport and other overground trains.
To help you navigate, here’s a little video:
Although London Bridge and Tower Bridge are close, they’re distinct. The Christmas market is actually situated between these two iconic bridges.
If you’re arriving by train, make your way to Hay’s Galleria after exiting the station. The Christmas tree there is an excellent spot for photos to share on Instagram. Additionally, be sure to check out the Hay’s on the River cocktail bar, which boasts stunning holiday decor.
Once you’ve enjoyed a drink or two, head out of the Galleria towards the Thames. Most of the stalls at the London Bridge Christmas Market can be found to the east, toward the magnificent Tower Bridge, but you might also find some heading west towards the London Eye.
What to Eat and Drink
As food enthusiasts, this is where Mr. Sunny and I focus most of our attention. Naturally, Mr. Sunny always checks out the beer options as soon as we arrive.
The most obvious spot for beer is The Horniman at Hays, a Nicholson’s pub popular among the after-work crowd. The outdoor seating offers stunning views of London’s iconic skyline, but this pub is open all year round. So what festive options can you find here?
Numerous pop-up bars are available at the London Bridge Christmas Market. We typically stop by the Riverside Lodge. If you visit about two weeks before Christmas on a weekday afternoon, it tends to be less crowded. However, you might encounter a DJ table, indicating it could get quite lively in the evenings.
You may spot some people sitting inside, enjoying coffee or food they purchased from other stalls, despite the signs indicating it’s only for Riverside Lodge customers. I’ll explain their reasoning shortly.
Mr. Sunny and I always walk through the entirety of the London Bridge Christmas Market, taking in the various food options at the stalls. The selection includes international cuisines like Thai, Mexican, German, Chinese, and Indian, along with fried chicken and burgers.
While many choices look tempting, we usually opt for our traditional Christmas market street food favorite—sausages. Our Polish sausages are sliced in half and topped with grated cheese (or ‘shredded’ for my American readers). We find they are slightly better and less expensive than what we’ve had at Winter Wonderland. However, there’s one downside I’ll mention later.
Of course, what would a London Christmas Market be without seasonal sweet treats?
You’ll discover endless options, including winter-themed macarons, Nutella-filled crepes, and the hottest item at the market—colorful pancakes.
Unfortunately, I didn’t capture a photo of the pancakes, but you can find plenty on Instagram since they are immensely popular each year.
In prior visits, I’ve enjoyed a Biscoff macaron that melted in my mouth—absolutely divine!
What to Buy
If you’re visiting the markets with the intent to shop, rather than just to eat and drink like us, the London Bridge Christmas Market offers better shopping options compared to others in London.
Along with the usual snow globes and Christmas ornaments, there’s a stall for To Home From London, a local souvenir maker. They offer a quirky mix of items, including kitchenware, accessories, home décor, apparel, and stationery—none of which looks like typical tourist trap merchandise.
What to Watch Out For
You might expect me to warn you about pickpockets at the London Bridge Christmas Market—after all, London has long been notorious for petty thefts. However, there’s a more pressing concern…
You need to be cautious of the seagulls in this area.
My first encounter with these aggressive birds was when a Cornish pasty was violently snatched from my hands while I was in St. Ives, and it was then that I learned just how determined and powerful these creatures can be.
Have a plan for where you’ll enjoy your treats after you’ve purchased them, as you could easily become a victim like I did. They often lurk around the food stalls, and trust me, they are BIG!
Mr. Sunny and I quickly find a little alcove area to enjoy our Polish sausages without being harassed. We haven’t witnessed anyone else getting their food stolen during our visits, but it’s certainly a possibility!
Final Thoughts on the London Bridge Christmas Market
If you want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of London while capturing fantastic photos with the market as your backdrop, then the Christmas by the River market is a must-visit holiday activity. Just remember to dress warmly, as it can get quite chilly by the river. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you go!
For more information about Christmas in London, check out these videos:
What are some of your favorite London experiences that you recommend to others?
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