Our top 5 picks close to the uni ❄️

It's timeeee...to get into the festive spirit! And one of the easiest ways to do this is to visit the local Christmas markets. 

Whether you're looking for last minute gifts or just want a fun evening out, there's so many markets to choose from that can fit your budget and your vibe. Here's some of our favourites:

1. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

🗓️ 9 November 2025 – 2 January 2026

🚶‍♂️Walk from UOL: 15-20 minutes or a short bus or tube to Charing Cross

A small but wholesome market, here you can find the iconic Christmas tree given to London by Norway – don't miss it's light switch on (Thursday 4 December)! Think wooden chalets, carol singers, churros and hot chocs. 

2. Leicester Square Christmas Market and Ice Rink

🗓️ 8 November 2025 – 4/5 January 2026

🚶‍♂️Walk from UOL: 20 minutes and the closest tube is Leicester Square 

If you love Christmas lights, you'll love the streets of the square, St Martin's Lane and Piccadilly which are lit up to be the perfect backdrop for your festive celebrations. Leicester Square can get busy but is also very cosy right in Theatreland – plus there's even an ice skating rink! 

3. Covent Garden Christmas Markets

🗓️ 12 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

🚶‍♂️Walk from UOL: 15-20 minutes down Southampton Row/Kingsway

Not your typical market, Covent Garden boasts a cluster of stalls and shops in the piazza, Market Building, Neal's Yard and Seven Dials – all that make up the unforgettable festive scene, along with a huge tree, the famous bells and mouthwatering seasonal food. 

4. Southbank Centre Winter Market

🗓️ 1 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

🚶‍♂️Walk from UOL: 25-30 minutes or a quick tube via Waterloo

Take a Winter stroll along the Thames while warming your hands on a hot mulled wine. Feeling hungry? There'll be plenty of street food stalls and pop-up bars where you can get your fill of things like classic hot dogs, Yorkshire Pudding wraps, Dutch pancakes and more!

5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

🗓️ 14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026

🚶‍♂️Walk from UOL: 35-40 minutes or a 15-20 minute tube

One of the more expensive markets, you have to get a ticket before you can enter the park. Here you can find adrenaline-pumping rides, carnival games, stunning performances and plenty of great food and drink.

Keep warm and enjoy the outdoor festivities! ✨