open daily, 10am - 5:30pm
Twinkling lights to brighten darker days, cheery tunes wafting through the crisp air and the delicious smells of seasonal spices floating from food stalls – it must be the advent of the festive period! Greenwich Market is delighted to be the centre of the community for another joy-filled holiday season, so come and get ready with us for Christmas 2026.
Here’s what’s happening at London’s best historic market…
Light up the streets on 18 November
The Christmas season officially kicks off on Wednesday 18 November, when the beloved Lantern Parade and Light Switch-On returns to Greenwich’s streets. Join family-friendly crowds from 4pm for this cherished local tradition, when a procession of primary school children winds its way through town carrying handmade lanterns.
Gather together from 5pm at Greenwich Market when the magical festive fun continues with some live musical performances leading up to the countdown to the light-switch-on. Later, shop and eat under the sparkling lights and enjoy the official Greenwich start to the festive season.
Tuck into seasonal flavors
Try award-winning sandwiches from Peyton and Byrne, a mouthwateringly good pizza from Napolicraft or Mediterranean pastries from Arapina Bakery. Visiting on a chilly December day? There’s no better way to warm up than with a proper pie and mash from Goddard’s, a traditional family-run pie shop. Many of Greenwich Market’s diverse range of stalls and traders will be introducing new seasonal twists to their menus, so keep popping back through the Christmas period – there’s plenty to try.
Don’t be a shoddy Secret Santa
Presents under £10 aren’t easy to come by in London, but at Greenwich Market, we have a few festive tricks to help you stay within budget when gift-buying. Find affordable secondhand books and music at Oxfam GB, beaded bangles and keyrings at Beadoir and fun stickers and stationery at Postmark. And we have everything a health-conscious shopper could need! Visit K-Miso Beauty for vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare sourced from South Korea, and Greenlands Health Foods stocked with organic, vegan and vegetarian goodies galore.
Pause for a pint
When all that shopping has made you thirsty, there’s no better place to be than in the warm cosiness of one of Greenwich Market’s traditional boozers. The Coach and Horses has held this spot on the corner of the market since 1780. Pair your pint with the perfect scotch egg, including creative gooey fillings, order from the new Winter Cocktails menu, or lock in your Christmas meal plan with a range of mouthwatering festive menus to choose from. Another much-loved historic pub, the Admiral Hardy, is known for its classic flavours. Christmas bookings for celebrations big and small are open now! Reserve your space for canapes, a festive platter or a full traditional dinner while you still can.
Whatever festive spirit you’re looking for, Greenwich Market is the only place you need to be!
