The best Christmas markets in London, 2023

Canopy Market, run by Real Food Festivals, is serving up festive treats aplenty in the run-up to Christmas. Its December market offers great Christmas gift ideas as well as the chance to shop locally for seasonal foods to bulk out your festive celebrations.

Expect gorgeous clothes, hand-crafted toys, homeware and accessories from quirky artists and designers at Crafty Fox's annual Christmas Markets, plus plenty of stalls serving gourmet street food and seasonal drinks.

While not exclusively a Christmas market, Venn Street Saturday market in Clapham is especially lovely to browse during the festive season. Stock up on choice cuts of meat and quality cheeses for your spread; search for stocking fillers and decorations from the market's broad range of independent and artisan producers; and enjoy a hearty pastry and steaming cup of mulled wine while you're there.

Eccleston Yard is hosting Studio Pottery's Christmas Market: a chance to shop for beautiful, hand-made ceramics and soak up some twinkling, festive magic while you're there. Grab something yummy from Wild By Tart or Jones Family Kitchen while you're there.

With over 100 small businesses trading plus delicious bites and entertainment, Pexmas is the go-to place for gifts from independent artisans, makers and food producers. You can also shop the products online – you'll want it all.

Wander along the South Bank at this time of year and you'll find stalls standing shoulder to shoulder, providing a warming glow to passing visitors. Take refuge from the harsher elements by hunkering down between the cosy Alpine lodges. Here, you can take your pick of handmade gifts and warming street food from around the world, which is served until 10pm. Beneath the twinkling lights and with a venison hot dog in hand, the winter chill will soon melt away.

Amid the flashing lights and blaring music of the West End is Leicester Square’s Christmas market, where a more pared-back experience lies in store. Wander between Bavarian-style wooden huts and admire the traditional toys, festive ornaments and hand-knitted clothes on offer, while enjoying a glass of mulled wine or plate of something warming. No visit is complete without catching a show at the Spiegeltent. La Clique's dazzling circus skills is a returning favourite among this year's highlights.

This makers' market in Wandsworth Town is run by Design Led, an events platform with several other markets across the city. Head on down to plump up your stockings with sustainable brands, homeware, fashion, artisan condiments and more.