Event Dates
From: Friday, November 15, 2024
To: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
London is brimming with Christmas markets of all shapes and sizes, from the traditional and intimate to fairground style of Winter Wonderland.
London is brimming with Christmas markets of all shapes and sizes, from the traditional and intimate to fairground style of Winter Wonderland.
- Visiting London for Christmas or New Year? Book your hotel as early as possible. Stay in Soho, close to all of the city’s bars and restaurants. If you like to party and enjoy the NYE Circuit events, then stay in Vauxhall, just steps from some of the biggest clubs and parties.
Winter Wonderland Christmas market in Hyde Park
- Awaiting dates – Follow the lights to Hyde Park and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Winter Wonderland, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London.
- Discover more than 100 wooden cabins overflowing with fantastic gifts, including handmade crafts and beautiful pieces of jewelry. You can also get your skates on at the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, see London sparkle from the Giant Observation Wheel, or sit back and enjoy one of Winter Wonderland’s top Christmas shows.
- Try festive German fare, such as German sausage and glühwein in the Bavarian Village.
- Wrap up and relax with a cocktail at Bar Ice, where the bar, tables and even glasses are made of ice.
- Enjoy craft ales, hot chocolate and warming food in giant tipis at Thor’s Tipi. Snuggle up by the log fires, grab a blanket and escape the cold outside.
- Ride a traditional carousel or brave the giant loops of nine different roller coasters at the fairground.
- Book your hotel in advance, Close to the Winter Wonderland. Try the Montagu Place Hotel, a unique, non-chain hotel experience with a real boutique feel, excellent service and comfy beds.
Christmas Lights Walking Tour in London
- Add some sparkle to your month with a festive walk which takes you to see the very best Christmas lights in London. Along the way, you will hear about why Turkeys wore boots on their way to market, who invented the Christmas card, how the Victorian’s re-invented Christmas, and much more.
- Alternatively, organise a customised private tour and have a local host show you the best of the city’s Christmas attractions.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
- Awaiting Dates – See the South Bank’s riverside transformed into a wintry wonderland, where global cuisine and an artisan Christmas market come together in one sparkling location for Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival.
- Amble past the traditional wooden chalets lining the banks of the Thames and pick up gorgeous stocking fillers from the Winter Market. Or, tuck into cheese-based food, cocktails and mulled wine surrounded by the glow of neon artworks, as part of the Winter Lights display
- For a true London Style Christmas, book your room at Durrants Hotel, just a few minutes from the best stores in London. The hotel mixes old world charm with modern amenities and exceptional service.
Covent Garden Christmas Village
- Awaiting Dates – Be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of glittering lights that decorate Covent Garden, home to the spellbinding Covent Garden Christmas Village
- Grab a hot chocolate, mulled cider or warm churros from the festive food market, while on your way to take a selfie in Santa’s sleigh. Afterwards, walk through a forest of Christmas trees to arrive at the bauble-themed dining domes, which offer seasonal food and cocktails.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
- Awaiting Dates – Experience festive fun with Christmas in Leicester Square, which gives the home of blockbuster film premieres a yuletide makeover.
- Browse the traditional market filled with a wonderful array of crafts and tempting treats. Afterwards, head to the Belgian spiegel tent to enjoy a brilliant lineup of comedy, cabaret and magic shows.
Christmas by the River at London Bridge
- Awaiting Dates – If you are looking for a more tranquil experience, head to the Christmas Market at London Bridge. Set against stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the market has charming wooden huts packed with original presents, handmade crafts and plenty of delicious snacks.
- Indulge in mouthwatering food from an array of pop-up stalls and admire one of London’s most iconic skyline views with a steaming cup of mulled wine.
Hogwarts in the Snow – Warner Bros Tour
- Awaiting Dates – Winter has arrived at the wizarding world, with a true festive makeover. Glittering Christmas trees line the Great Hall and a replica festive feast including flaming Christmas puddings is laid out on the long tables.
- Around the rest of the studio, special-effect fires roar in the fireplaces, the Gryffindor Common Room and the Boys’ Dormitory are filled with Christmas decorations and the detailed Hogwarts castle model is covered in a special blanket of snow. Plus, Diagon Alley is looking even more wintry with a dusting of snow on its cobbles and shopfronts. Get your tickets in advance
Gay Events
- Most of the gay bars and clubs host festive theme nights and parties throughout the holiday season. Some special events are also planned including:
- Awaiting Dates – The London Gay Men’s Chorus host a series of festive performances of Christmas classics: A party full of sing-a-long fun and festive frolics.
London Hotels for Christmas
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the major markets and the gay bars in Soho:
Hazlitt’s, Piccadilly Hotel, The Z Hotel Soho, W London Leicester Square
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
W Hotel London is our editors choice
when in London in the heart of the city!
For further information and advice on
London Christmas Markets The Website
Stay in the heart of London’s gay SoHo District and you will be close to all the pride festivities and events. Book early with our hotel partner booking.com as this zone is one of the most requested during Pride!
4 Richmond Mews Soho, London W1D 3DH, UK
Situated 5 minutes’ walk from Oxford Street, The Soho Hotel features a fully equipped gym with an on-site personal trainer. Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, as well as many tube stations.
Each air-conditioned room at The Soho includes a flat-screen TV, fully stocked minibar and an iPod docking station. An en suite bathroom is also provided. Guests can also make use of a beauty treatment room, which offers full body massage, facials and manicures.
68 Regent Street Soho, London W1B 4DY, UK
Hotel Café Royal is an iconic luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of central London. With the hotel situated to the South-West of Mayfair and Soho to the South, the property is positioned on
, The shopping areas of Bond Street, Oxford Street & Savile Row are a short 6-minute walk away.A London landmark, the hotel features 160 contemporary guestrooms, including 54 suites and 7 signature suites. Each is designed with careful detail and features complimentary WiFi, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, media hubs and luxury bathroom amenities.
Leicester Square, 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF, UK
In
’s vibrant West End, W London – offers luxury bedrooms and a stylish cocktail bar. The hotel boasts a sumptuous spa and beauty centre.Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the 5-star rooms at W London have iPod docks, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and an impressive media library. All have bathrobes and luxury linens, and some have views over Leicester Square.
6 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 3JA, UK
In
's Theatreland, in the of the West End, this 4-star boutique hotel offers with and free Wi-Fi. There is a 24-hour front desk and a library lounge.The unique bedrooms at Hazlitt’s have sumptuous decor and elegant panelled walls. All
have a flat-screen TV, minibar and work desk, and the luxury bathrooms feature REN toiletries.14 Gerrard St, West End, London W1D, UK
Each unit offers a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, a fridge and oven are also offered, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. A living room with a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a bathroom with shower
Bourchier St, West End, London W1F, UK
Soho One features free WiFi & a washing machine the apartment comes with 1 bedroom with a double bed, a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area & 1 bathroom equipped with a shower.
9 Wardour St, West End, London W1D, UK
Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, & a private bathroom with shower & a hairdryer. A microwave & a fridge are also offered, as well as a coffee machine.
20 Poland St, West End, London W1F 8QF, UK
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning and features a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. There is also a fridge, oven and a coffee machine.
54 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UD
● Traditional London gay pub with a lively atmosphere.
● Features drag shows and karaoke.
Monday-Thursday 13:00 – 23:30; Friday, Saturday 12:00 – 24:00; Sunday 12:00 – 22:30
Voltaire Road (Arch 642), London SW4 6DH
● Trendy new LGBT bar offering food, cocktails, and drinks.
Monday-Thursday 16:00 – 24:00; Friday 16:00 – 01:00; Saturday 14:00 – 01:00; Sunday 14:00 – 22:00
37 Wharfdale Road, London N1 9SD
● Long-established pub known for its comedy, cabaret, karaoke, and burlesque performances.
Daily 12:00/17:00 – 24:00; Friday, Saturday till 01:00
62 Frith Street, London W1D 3JN
● Popular gay music bar in the heart of Soho.
Daily 13:00 – 01:00
12 Old Quebec Street, London W1H 7AF
● One of the oldest gay bars in London with a mix of karaoke, quizzes, and cabaret drag shows.
● Mixed clientele during the day, mainly mature gay clientele at night.
Monday-Wednesday 10:00 – 02:30; Thursday-Saturday 10:00 – 03:30;
Sunday 12:00 – 01:30
2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
● LGBT-friendly bar, club, and music venue.
● Offers drinks, cocktails, DJs, bands, and drag shows.
Wednesday, Thursday 16:00 – 23:00; Friday 16:00 – 01:00; Saturday 11:30 – 16:00, 16:30 – 01:00; Sunday 16:00 – 24:00
51-53 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HN
● A classic in the gay center of London Soho for over 30 years
Monday-Thursday 12:00 – 23:30; Friday, Saturday 12:00 – 24:00; Sunday 12:00 – 22:30
117 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB
● Popular resto-bar offering food (breakfast, lunch, burger), drinks, art, and DJs.
● Parties in the basement club on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tuesday 16:00 – 22:00; Wednesday 16:00 – 24:00; Thursday 16:00 – 21:00; Friday 16:00 – 02:00; Saturday 12:00 – 02:00; Sunday 12:00 – 24:00
77 Wardour Street Soho, London W1D 6QB, UK
349 Kennington Lane, London SE115QY
● Gay bar with a beer garden and pool table.
● Hosts the famous Horse Meat Disco on Sundays.
Thursday18:00–02:00; Friday18:00–03:00; Saturday21:00–03:00;
Sunday20:00–03:00
79 Wardour Street Soho, London W1D 6QB, UK
● A small cocktail lounge bar in Soho known for its camp decor.
● Mixed clientele.
Monday-Friday16:00–23:00; Saturday16:00–23:30; Sunday16–22:30
30 Old Compton Street Soho, London W1D 4UR, UK
● Pre-clubbing gay bar in Soho featuring music video walls and plasma screens.
Daily12–24
5 Goslett Yard London WC2H, UK
● One of the few late-night gay bars in Soho.
● Features pop music and some nights are members-only.
Daily22–04
7 Duncannon St, London WC2N 4JF, United Kingdom
● LGBT-oriented cabaret bar located near Trafalgar Square.
Monday-Thursday12–23; Friday-Saturday12–01; Sunday12–20
157–159 Rye Lane, London SE154TL
● Queer-friendly pub in Peckham offering craft beers, cocktails, and pizza.
Monday17–23; Tuesday-Thursday17–24; Friday17–01; Saturday14–01;
Sunday14–23
23 Poland Street Soho, London W1F 8QJ, UK
● Popular pub for bears in Soho.
● Features karaoke nights, quiz shows, and DJs.
Monday-Thursday16–23.30; Friday-Saturday12–24; Sunday13–22.30
30 Lisle Street, Westminster, London, WC2H 7RJ, United Kingdom
● A lively spot mainly attracting clientele in their twenties and thirties.
● Basement nightclub KuKlub hosts DJs every night from21/22.
Daily12–03
483 Hackney Rd., London E29ED
● Camp and queer bar with a mixed crowd.
● Former home of George & Dragon bar in Shoreditch.
Monday-Wednesday17–01; Thursday-Saturday17–03; Sunday17–01
2 George Ct, London WC2N 6HH, United Kingdom
● Small indie bar with a cozy retro vibe
● Enjoy quiz shows and comedy nights
Monday-Thursday 16:00 – 23:00; Friday, Saturday 14:00 – 23:00; Sunday 14:00 – 22:30
50 Rupert Street Soho, London W1D 6DR, UK
● Popular LGBT bar in Soho
● Live DJs from 21:00 on weekends
Monday-Thursday 15:00 – 23:00; Friday 15:00 – 24:00; Saturday 12:00 – 24:00; Sunday 12:00 – 22:00
372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY
● Big LGBTQ bar with vibrant queer comedy and cabaret shows
● Bingo nights and lively party events
Monday-Thursday 19:00 – 24:00; Friday 18:30 – 21:00/22:00 – 04:00;
Saturday 21:00 – 04:00; Sunday 16:00 – 23:00
8 Voltaire Road, London SW4 6DH
● Gay lounge bar in Clapham with a laid-back atmosphere
● Serves a variety of drinks, cocktails, and wines
Monday-Friday 15:00 – 24:00; Saturday, Sunday 12:00 – 24:00
340 Kennington Road, London SE11 4LD
● Friendly camp bar with a mixed clientele
● Located in Kennington
Thursday-Sunday 17:00 – 24:00/02:00
33 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 8BJ
● New queer bar, club, and performance space in Dalston
● Successor project to the now closed The Glory
Monday-Thursday 17:00 – 24:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 02:00; Sunday 14:00 -24:00
556 Commercial Road, London E14 7JD
● LGBT-friendly bar and basement club in East London
● Features lively events and performances
Wednesday, Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 03:30
57 Rupert Street Soho, London W1D 7PL, UK
● Popular gay bar in Soho with an inviting outdoor seating area
● Great spot for socializing and unwinding
Monday-Thursday 16:30 – 23:30; Friday, Saturday 14:00 – 24:00; Sunday 14:00 – 22:30
114 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UJ
● South London's camp cabaret bar with an exciting lineup
● Drag acts, quiz nights, and karaoke events
Monday-Thursday 17:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 04:00; Sunday 16:00 – 02:00
139-143 Whitfield St, London W1T 5EN, United Kingdom
● A bustling cruise club just north of Soho.
● Features underwear and stripped nights in a relaxed atmosphere.
● Admission approximately £11-£12, including the first drink.
Daily 1pm till 1am
512 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AE
● Bar and nightclub for LGBTQs and friends in Dalston
● Hosts drag shows, karaoke, and other entertaining events
Thursday 17:00 – 02:00; Friday-Sunday 17:00 – 06:00
81 Wardour Street Soho, London W1D 6QD, UK
● Iconic gay bar in Soho since 1991
● Three floors with a bar, cocktail lounge, dancefloor, DJs, and gogo dancers
Monday, Tuesday 16:00 -01:00; Wednesday, Thursday 16:00 –02:00;
Friday, Saturday 16 :00 –03 :00 ; Sunday 16 :00 –23 :30
119 Hampstead Road London NW1 3EE
● A new safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in Camden ● With drag shows, performances and DJs.
Tuesday Wednesday 17 :00–01 :00 Thursday-Saturday 17:00–01:30 Sunday 17 :00–01 :30
217 City Road, London EC1V 1JN
● A vibrant gay cruise club with dynamic weekly themes and dress codes.
● Admission approximately £10-£12.
Monday 2–10 PM, Tuesday 6–10 PM, Wednesday 2–10 PM, Thursday 6–10 PM, Friday 2 PM–5 AM, Saturday 2 PM–6 AM, Sunday 2PM– 4 AM
9 Wotton Road, London SE8 5TQ
● A friendly gay bar in South East London with diverse, themed fetish nights.
● Social area on the ground floor and a cruising area in the basement.
Wednesday-Sunday: 18:00/14:00 – 24:00/01:00
25 Frith Street Soho, London W1D 4TS, UK
● A lovely Bar, prices are reasonable great music and atmosphere with none of the attitude, oh and the toilets are clean!
Daily 2 PM–1 AM Sunday 2–10:30 PM
66 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
● A lively gay dance and play party with a strict naked dress code.
● From 17:00, underwear and shorts are also permitted.
● Admission approximately £20-£23.
Sunday: 14:00 – 22:00
305a North End Road, London W14 9NS
● A cozy club bar in West London.
● Special TV/TS nights on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Monday, Tuesday: 19:00 – 24:00 Thursday: 19:00 – 02:00 Friday: 19:00 – 24:00 Sunday: 19:00 – 02:00
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We have chosen hotels in London that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Highlights of the best of London’s Christmas attractions.
From elegant royal parks to edgy urban districts, London is a city that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Stay in a chic, centrally located hotel in the buzzing heart of the West End, and you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw from many of London’s top gay-friendly neighbourhoods.
Known for its shops, restaurants, theatres & close to major attractions, including the British Museum & Trafalgar Square.
Just a quick tube ride from Soho, known for its edgier, more alternative gay scene, including the royal vauxhall tavern