Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Discover the Southbank Centre Winter Market, a festive destination along the Thames. Sample a delightful array of street food, from savory wraps and burgers to sweet Dutch pancakes and churros. Warm up with hot chocolate while browsing unique gifts, jewelry, and fashion from independent artisans. It's the perfect spot for holiday indulgence and unique finds.
What to Expect
Alpine-style chalets with festive food and independent crafts.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$
- Parking: They have four free Blue Badge parking spaces available for visitors, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The spaces are located on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road (between the Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery). Blue badge holders visiting can also park for free in the National Theatre car park and APCOA Cornwall Road car park. Alternative car-parking can be pre-booked within walking distance of the Southbank Centre through YourParkingSpace.co.uk.
- Accessibility: All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. They also have excellent public transport links with step-free access. Information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides, and other help available whilst you’re there, including details about their Access Scheme, can be found on their Access page.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near London
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Festive shopping and dining
Vibe
Festive, bustling, cozy
Energy Level
Medium
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Medium
Location
Event Details
Duration
Varies by trader (Crafts: 11am-9pm, Food: 11am-10pm, Bars: 11am-11pm)
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
South Bank
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Southbank Centre
Food & Drink
Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site, including street food, sweet treats, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays, early evenings) to enjoy a more relaxed browsing experience among the craft traders and food stalls.
- Dress warmly and in layers, as much of the market is outdoors along the Thames, and consider bringing a reusable cup for hot drinks.
- Explore the variety of food options beyond the typical market fare, such as Yorkshire Pudding wraps and New Orleans-inspired Po' Boy sandwiches.
- Take advantage of the excellent public transport links to avoid city driving and parking challenges, especially during the busy holiday season.
- Check the specific opening times for craft traders, food vendors, and bars, as they differ, to plan your visit effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours for the Winter Market?
Craft traders are open from 11am to 9pm, food traders from 11am to 10pm, and bars from 11am to 11pm. The Bar Under the Bridge has slightly different hours, operating from 5pm to 10:30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 11am to 11pm from Fridays to Sundays.
Is the Winter Market accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Southbank Centre is committed to accessibility. All help points, toilets, performance spaces, cafes, bars, and restaurants are accessible. They also offer excellent public transport links with step-free access. More details can be found on their Access page.
Can I pay with cash at the market?
No, the Southbank Centre is a cash-free venue. They are unable to accept cash payments across all their venues, so please be prepared to use card or contactless payment methods.
What kind of food can I expect at the market?
The market offers a diverse range of street food, including duck wraps, cheeseburgers, baked chicken wings, hot dogs, Himalayan dumplings, Po' Boy sandwiches, and Yorkshire Pudding wraps. Sweet treats like Dutch pancakes, churros, and cookies are also available.
Where is the best place to park if I'm driving?
Parking in the local area is very restricted. While there are a few free Blue Badge parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis, they encourage visitors to use public transport. If driving, you can pre-book parking through YourParkingSpace.co.uk.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.