Few Christmas scenes are as cinematic as wandering past Nelson’s Column while mulled-wine steam mingles with the glow of London’s most famous spruce. The Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 2025 (sometimes searched as “Trafalgar Square Christmas Market London guide” or “Is Trafalgar Square Christmas Market worth visiting?”) delivers all of that—and more. Below you’ll find every detail you need before you go, from confirmed dates and opening hours to pro tips on beating the crowds and squeezing in nearby attractions.
When Is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 2025?
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Provisional season: Sunday 9 November 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026 (final closing date may extend to 5 January; check back in October for confirmation).
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Christmas-tree lighting ceremony: Thursday 4 December 2025, 5:30-6:30 pm—always the first Thursday in December.
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Carol-singing programme: daily slots 4-8 pm weekdays, 2-6 pm weekends from 9-23 December 2025.
Tip: Tree-lighting night is magical but packed; arrive by 4 pm to secure a spot.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
| Day | Typical Hours* | Crowd Level | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 11:00–21:00 | Moderate | Arrive by noon for shorter food queues |
| Fri–Sun | 10:00–22:00 | Very busy | Come for 10 am opening, then hop to nearby galleries by lunchtime |
*Exact 2025 hours will be confirmed closer to November but have followed this pattern since 2023.
Quietest moments: weekday mornings and any evening after 20:30 once coach tours depart.
Busiest moments: Saturdays 14:00-18:00 and the final weekend before Christmas.
What to Expect: Stalls, Food & Festive Experiences
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40–50 alpine-style wooden chalets selling handcrafted ornaments, sustainable candles, London-themed stocking-fillers and Norwegian knitwear.
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Food highlights: raclette baguettes, bratwurst from Black Forest-bred pork, vegan churros, and the cult “Christmas pudding crêpe.”
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Drinks: mulled wine, hot apple cider, craft hot chocolate (spiked or virgin).
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Live music: brass bands at weekends; choir slots raise money for London charities.
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Family fun: free mini-workshops on gingerbread-decorating (weekends 12:00 & 15:00), plus an “Elfie Selfie” photo booth opposite the fountains.
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Accessibility: flat square, step-free access from Charing Cross station; accessible toilets next to the National Gallery.
The Iconic Norwegian Christmas Tree & Carol Singing
Every year since 1947 the city of Oslo ships a 20-metre Norway spruce to London as thanks for WWII support. Decorated in vertical strings of white lights, the tree stands until Twelfth Night (6 January).
Carol groups—from community choirs to West End casts—perform beneath the branches, collecting for charity. Free song sheets are usually handed out, so warm up those vocal cords!
How to Get to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
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Tube: Charing Cross (Northern/Bakerloo) – 2 min walk.
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Rail: Charing Cross Station main-line concourse exits directly onto the Strand.
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Bus: Routes 3, 6, 11, 12, 15, 23, 87, 88, 159 stop on Strand or Whitehall.
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Cycling: Santander Cycles dock on Northumberland Avenue.
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Parking: Avoid driving—the Congestion Charge and limited bays mean hefty fees. Opt for Q-Park Trafalgar at Spring Gardens if you must.
Things to Do Near Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
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National Gallery & National Portrait Gallery – free masterpieces and festive late openings.
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St Martin-in-the-Fields Candlelit Concerts – atmospheric baroque performances.
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Covent Garden Christmas Lights – 10-min walk; combine both markets for a DIY walking tour. Tours by Foot
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Southbank Winter Market – stroll the Embankment for riverside chalets and the London Eye’s light show.
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Christmas lights bus tour – hop-on at Whitehall evening departures.
Practical Tips for Visiting with Kids
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Arrive early: pushchairs glide easily before crowds swell.
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Set a meeting point: the base of Nelson’s Column is visible from anywhere.
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Snacks & layers: London weather swings from drizzle to clear in minutes; pack mittens.
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Nearby loos: free facilities inside the National Gallery (level -2).
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Santa sightings: look for roving stilt-walking elves after 16:00 on Fridays.
Final Thoughts
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 2025 delivers everything a London Christmas should: a story-rich Norwegian tree, soaring carols, international street food and postcard-perfect photos. Plan ahead with the dates, transport hacks and insider tips above, and you’ll unwrap a truly stress-free festive day in the capital.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 2025 open and close?
The 2025 season is expected to run from Sunday 9 November 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026 (final dates will be confirmed by the Mayor of London in early autumn).
2. What are the daily opening hours?
Current listings show the chalets trading 10 am – 10 pm every day, with last orders for mulled wine about 30 minutes before closing.
3. Do I need to buy tickets, or is entry free?
Entry is 100 % free and unticketed—you only pay for any food, drinks or gifts you purchase.
4. How do I get there by public transport?
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Tube: Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo) is 2 minutes on foot.
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Rail: Charing Cross main-line station exits onto the Strand.
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Bus: Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 24, 29, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159 and others stop on the Strand or Whitehall.
5. How many stalls are there and what can I buy?
You’ll find 30-plus wooden chalets selling everything from artisan ornaments and Norwegian knitwear to raclette baguettes, bratwurst and vegan churros.
6. What time is the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting?
The famous Norway spruce is switched on at 5 : 30 pm on Thursday 4 December 2025 (the first Thursday in December every year).
7. Is the market wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. Trafalgar Square is step-free with ramps, and stalls are on level paving; accessible toilets are available nearby.
8. Can I bring my dog?
Leashed dogs are welcome in the open square; just keep them clear of food preparation areas inside the chalet aisles.
