It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year and here is a list of markets that will make you feel that little bit more Christmassy, as if any of us need it. Here is our round-up of the best Christmas markets in London this Yuletide.

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival returns again. Head to the Royal Festival Hall for Slava’s Snowshow, a blizzard of snow and family fun and hit cabaret show La Soirée provides burlesque and circus entertainment. Book tickets for the Philharmonia Orchestra for an evening of Christmas classics and slide along to the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge for some Swedish-style drinking and warming fire pits. There is also a roller disco club night at weekends for those looking for festive fun with a twist.

Christmas at Kew

What could be more beautiful than the botanical Kew Gardens at Christmas time? For sheer unadulterated lit up pleasure, head to West London and enjoy the series of seasonal illuminations. With a mile long path which winds its way through the different light sections around the gardens as well as food, vintage fairground rides and a chance to see Father Christmas, this is the ultimate Christmas experience.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park has been attracting huge crowds to its Bavarian-themed Christmas market for the past few Christmases. Possessing a circus show, a Magical Ice Kingdom, as well as plenty of indoor cafes, restaurants and bars in the Bavarian Village to entertain the masses, it’s no wonder this festive playground is such a huge winter attraction.

Winterville

Winterville is Winter Wonderland’s East London trendy counterpart and has returned for a repeat outing to Victoria Park. Winterville is an intimate, engaging and above all creative festive space. With an ice rink, pantomime, crazy golf and a backyard cinema to name but a few of the attractions, they also have a Bizarre Bazaar, a market, an all-ages circus and alternative club nights. Finally, there are street food traders galore, selling draft ales in the bars and the food market serves great food and fresh produce.

Covent Garden Market Place

Head to Covent Garden Market this festive season and see three-metre mistletoe chandeliers, a 22 foot tall reindeer and the tallest Christmas tree in London. If this isn’t enough to get you feeling festive what is? Pet some of Santa’s very own reindeer friends at the petting zoo which is there every Saturday until Christmas.

Looking for gift inspiration? Check out our Christmas gift guide!

Images: RLD,Winterville London via Instagram, Vale Pirri via Instagram, Official Covent Garden via Instagram and Hannah Morgan via Instagram.