This year Covent Garden Christmas Market sees the return of the iconic decorations, legendary Christmas tree, festive markets, many mulled wine varieties and of course, everything you need to create the most magical experience yet. All this can be found within the open air, pedestrianised Piazza and surrounding streets which are filled to the brim with great brands, heated terraces and the best dining in the West End.
Key Dates & Opening Times
| What | 2025 Status | Typical Timing* |
|---|---|---|
| Market & lights switch‑on | TBA (announced late Aug/early Sep) | Mid‑Nov (lights were switched on 12 Nov 2024) |
| 60‑ft Christmas tree lighting | TBA | Same week as the lights (tree ceremony TBA) |
| Daily trading hours | Expected 11:00–22:00 (shorter on 24 Dec, closed 25 Dec) | Mirrors 2024 schedule |
*Exact 2025 dates were unconfirmed at publication (20 July 2025). Covent Garden’s official site advises visitors to “stay tuned for Christmas 2025”.
Pro‑tip: Subscribe to the estate’s newsletter so you’ll be the first to know when the switch‑on date drops.
Hotels Near Covent Garden Christmas Market 2025
Where Exactly Is the Market?
-
Main hub: Covent Garden Piazza & Covered Market Building, WC2E 8RF
-
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line, step‑free via new lifts), Leicester Square (Northern & Piccadilly)
-
On foot: 5 min from Leicester Sq, 10 min from Embankment, 12 min from Tottenham Court Rd
-
Buses: 9, 13, 15, 19, 24, 38, 139 stop on the Strand
Parking? Don’t. The narrow streets clog early; use Park & Ride (Westfield Stratford or Shepherd’s Bush) or NCP Bloomsbury if you must drive.
Things To do Around Covent Garden
Why Go? Festive Highlights at a Glance
Record‑Breaking Decorations
-
140,000 twinkling lights wrap the estate, plus giant mistletoe chandeliers and 40 oversized bells introduced in 2023 and returning in 2025.
-
Instagram shot of the season: under the spinning mirror‑ball baubles in the South Hall.
Shopping You Won’t Find Elsewhere
More than 60 wooden chalets line the Piazza selling British‑made crafts, personalised baubles, artisan soaps, tweed accessories and London‑themed prints. Many traders rotate weekly—perfect excuse for repeat visits.
Eat & Drink Your Way Round the World
Expect Alpine raclette, Yorkshire pudding wraps, vegan churros, mince‑pie gelato, small‑batch gin hot toddies and the market‑exclusive “Covent Garden Crumble” mulled cider.
Entertainment & Events
-
Street performers: Covent Garden’s licensed buskers add seasonal carols, magic and acrobatics.
-
Choirs & live music every Thursday–Sunday evenings.
-
Family workshops: wreath‑making, gingerbread icing and “Santa’s Post Office” pop‑ups (free but pre‑book online).
-
Horse‑and‑carriage rides around Seven Dials on Fridays/Saturdays.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Visit
-
Beat the crowds: arrive by 10:30 am on Saturdays or after 19:30 on weeknights.
-
What to wear: layers + waterproof boots; covent‑garden’s cobbles get slick.
-
Cash vs card: 95 % of stalls accept contactless, but keep £20 in small notes for buskers.
-
Free loos: Lower Ground Floor, Apple Market building—new gender‑neutral toilets added 2024.
-
Accessibility: the Market Building entrances are step‑free; look for the lift opposite Whittard’s.
Make It a Full Day – Nearby Attractions
-
Royal Opera House backstage tours (morning slots sell out fast).
-
Somerset House ice‑skating (15 min walk).
-
Christmas lights trails along the Strand, Seven Dials and Carnaby Street.
-
West End matinee: most theatres launch festive discounts from Black Friday.
Where to Stay — Hand‑Picked Hotels on Booking.com
💎 Luxury (≈ £500+ pn)
| Hotel | Why Book | Walk to Piazza |
|---|---|---|
| The Savoy | Victorian grandeur, Thames views, private access to Savoy Theatre | 8 min |
| One Aldwych | Contemporary art, indoor pool & in‑demand “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” afternoon tea | 6 min |
| Covent Garden Hotel, Firmdale | Quintessential English design, wood‑panelled library, on‑site screening room | 4 min |
👍 Mid‑Range (≈ £220–£400 pn)
| Hotel | Stand‑out Feature | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Strand Palace | Art‑Deco gem, 24‑hr gym, family rooms | 3 min |
| NYX Hotel London Holborn | Rooftop bar & DJ sets, spa pool | 10 min |
| Hotel AMANO Covent Garden | Berlin‑style rooftop cocktails, pet‑friendly rooms | 2 min |
💷 Budget (≈ £120–£200 pn)
| Hotel | What You Get | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| The Z Hotel Covent Garden | Compact rooms, free cheese & wine hour nightly | 1 min |
| Fielding Hotel | 19th‑century townhouse, unbeatable Royal Opera House view | 3 min |
| Assembly Leicester Square | No‑frills “sleep‑only” concept, rooftop bar with skyline views | 7 min |
Prices based on July 2025 Booking.com rates; London fluctuates—book early or target Sun‑Tue stays for deals.
Final Word
Covent Garden at Christmas is London’s festive heart—equal parts tradition and innovation. Keep an eye on the official announcement in early autumn, secure your hotel early, and prepare to be dazzled by 140,000 lights come mid‑November. See you under the giant mistletoe!
Covent Garden Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the Covent Garden Christmas Market 2025 start and finish?
A: The exact 2025 dates are still TBA, but the market traditionally launches in the second week of November and trades through the first week of January. (The 2024 lights switched on 12 November 2024.)
Q: What time does Covent Garden Christmas Market open and close?
A: Expect most outdoor chalets to trade 10 am – 7 pm; the Apple Market runs 10 am – 6 pm, and East Colonnade stalls 10:30 am – 7 pm. Shops around the Piazza usually stay open until 8 pm (shorter hours Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day).
Q: Is Covent Garden Christmas Market free to enter?
A: Yes. The Piazza and Market Building are public spaces with free entry 24/7; you only pay for food, drinks or workshops you join.
Q: Do I need tickets for Covent Garden Christmas Market 2025?
A: No tickets are required for general access. Paid tickets are only needed for add‑on events such as wreath‑making classes or guided tours if you choose to book them.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Covent Garden Christmas Market?
A: Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the Piazza and inside the Market Building—just be considerate, clean up after them and avoid peak crowd times if your pup is nervous.
Q: How do I get to Covent Garden Christmas Market by public transport?
A: Take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden (lift access; 193 stairs if you use the steps) or alight at Leicester Square (Piccadilly & Northern lines) for a 5‑minute walk. Buses 9, 13, 15, 19, 24, 38 & 139 all stop on the Strand.
Q: Where are the toilets at Covent Garden Christmas Market?
A: The easiest facilities are the 2theloo bathrooms inside the Market Building ( £1 ), plus 50p public toilets on either side of the St Paul’s church portico and an accessible loo in Tavistock Court.
Q: What food and drink can I expect at the market?
A: Look for mulled wine, raclette, Yorkshire‑pudding wraps, vegan churros, mince‑pie gelato and the market‑exclusive “Covent Garden Crumble” hot cider, alongside rotating craft‑gin and hot‑chocolate stalls.
Q: When are the Covent Garden Christmas lights switched on in 2025?
A: The switch‑on ceremony is usually announced in late August; anticipate it around Tuesday 11–13 November 2025, mirroring the 12 November 2024 event.
Q: What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
A: For elbow‑room photos, arrive before 11 am on weekends or after 7:30 pm on weekday evenings once the post‑work rush tapers off.
