Festive Markets

Festive markets always make things feel properly Christmassy, and Greenwich has seven of London’s best in 2023! From the winter farmers’ market on Greenwich Peninsula to shopping under a dazzling canopy of lights at Greenwich Market, there’s so much to get you in the holiday mood. Plus, you can enjoy the warm glow that comes from supporting small local businesses and buying unique gifts from independent stallholders.

We’ve prepared a list of all the superb Christmas markets happening across the Royal Borough of Greenwich that are all lit up and ready to celebrate our favourite winter festival.

Greenwich Market

Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Visiting Greenwich Market is essential during the festive season: to shop for your Christmas gifts in style, and because it’s just so pretty at Christmas! Sitting just inside a stunning Regency-fronted quadrant of discreet shop fronts and residences, this historic covered market reveals itself as you enter. When the Christmas lights are up there’s a genuinely magical feeling that you may have wandered into a giant Christmas shopping grotto!
Inside are dozens of independent arts & craft sellers offering spectacular, creative, original, quirky and often unique, handmade products. The market is also circled by a truly diverse selection of boutique shops, dotted among the quaint picturesque alleys and charming side streets. It’s traditional to get yourself a mulled wine while you’re here and if you’re peckish, there’s a world of street food available at the famous food court.
Be sure to bring the kids along to visit Santa’s Grotto, and help raise money for a great local charity, at a time when they truly need it.

Charlton House Indoor Christmas Market

10am to 4pm, Saturday 2 December, Charlton House and Gardens
Charlton House, one of the finest Jacobean mansions in England, helps you get into the Christmas spirit with this fabulous Christmas market. Besides crafts stalls and seasonal treats, there’ll be visits from Santa & Mrs Claus in their grotto. No need to buy a ticket: just turn up!

Royal Arsenal Riverside Winter Festival

12 noon to 6pm, Saturday 2 December, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich
Berkeley, Woolwich Works, and GCDA present their free Winter Festival event on Saturday, in the Artillery Square and the Woolwich Works courtyard.
The Royal Woolwich Arsenal will make superb use of its riverside location for this lively Christmas market. Artillery Square will be packed with craft stalls, and heavy with good smells from street food and drink traders, who’ll keep you warm as you enjoy a jam-packed schedule of live music and dance performances on the Woolwich Works Courtyard Bandstand. Santa will take a break from his workshop to stop by and meet the children, who’ll also love the free face painting and craft activities. The day peaks with the illumination of the Christmas tree lights on No.1 Street, at 5pm!

Greenwich Peninsula Christmas Market

11am to 6pm, every Saturday and Sunday
You know the festive season has arrived in Greenwich Peninsula when the annual Christmas Market swings into action. This beloved market, ablaze with seasonal sparkle, is renowned for delectable treats and handcrafted treasures.
From bread to biltong, Italian delicacies to French patisserie, the Greenwich Peninsula Christmas Market’s diverse range of independent food producers offers acres of artisanal delights. There are legendary treats from Bread Ahead; authentic South African biltong from Biltong Boss; and street food delights from vendors like Cheese Toaster, Lucky Unicorn and Canteen. Sweets and drinks are abundant, too: choose from fresh juices, chocolate, churros, and the sensational coffee of micro-roastery For the Good of the People.
And, if it’s special gifts for design-minded people you’re after, check out the weekly rotations of designer-makers producing handmade ceramics, jewellery, fashion, photography, fine art and bespoke self-care products. It also pays to explore the Design District's extensive gift guide, curated by independent, local businesses.

Around the Borough

Each town centre in the Royal Borough of Greenwich will see its Christmas tree lights set ablaze, alongside plenty of other festive activities. Locals and visitors will love shopping at one of seven Christmas Markets, supporting high street traders and getting into the Christmas spirit beneath magical lights.

Eltham Christmas Market

12 noon - 6pm, Saturday 18 November, Passey Place, Eltham
Enjoy the festive market full of delights from handmade clothes and knitted items, Belgian chocolates and cakes, home fragrances, jewellery, books and more, plus a selection of tasty treats from crepes to hot dogs and hot festive drinks. There's a whole host of free entertainment too, with a mystery Christmas trail, make your own Christmas card, face painting, glitter tattoos and even hair braiding. Don't miss a special character visit at 3pm and the grand finale - the Christmas tree lights switch-on at 5pm.

Woolwich Christmas Market

12 noon - 8pm, Saturday 25 November, General Gordon Square
A beautiful, Christmassy market with food, sweets and jewellery aplenty. There will be tonnes of free entertainment to enjoy including rides, a bouncy castle, sing-a-longs, arts and crafts, singers and a character visit at 3pm. Don't miss the Christmas tree lights being switched on at 5pm!

Thamesmead Christmas Market

11am - 5pm, Sunday 26 November, Clocktower Market
Wander through a festive market of sweet treats and fashion jewellery accompanied by the sweet sounds of local singers and enjoy the free entertainment on offer. There will be arts and craft stalls, the chance to make your own Christmas card, a mystery Christmas trail and a character visit at 3pm.