The best hotels near London Christmas markets (2026)

Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Ioana

London is one of the best cities in Europe to visit during Christmas. Between festive markets, sparkling lights, and seasonal events like Winter Wonderland, the city feels completely transformed during the holiday season.

But choosing where to stay can be overwhelming, especially since Christmas markets are spread across different areas of the city.

In this guide, I’ll share the best hotels near London Christmas markets, organized by location, so you can pick the perfect base depending on what you want to see and experience. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Best hotels near London Christmas markets (quick picks)

Since there are many Christmas markets in London, I narrowed down the selection to 4 major markets, as well as the displays on Oxford and Regent Street, and Winter Wonderland. These are, in my opinion, the best Christmas Markets in London, and my personal favorites.

The best areas to stay in London during Christmas are Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, South Bank, and Mayfair. These locations put you within walking distance of the main Christmas markets, festive lights, and seasonal events. If you’re visiting for the first time, check out my guide on where to stay in London for the first time to understand which area suits your trip best.

If you don’t want to overthink it, here are the best hotel options:

• Best overall location → Trafalgar St. James
• Best luxury stay → Corinthia London
• Best budget option → Premier Inn Leicester Square
• Best for riverside vibes → Hilton London Bankside
• Best boutique stay → One Aldwych
• Best for shopping → Claridge’s
• Best for Winter Wonderland → The Dorchester

Best hotels near Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Trafalgar Square hosts a traditional Christmas market and London’s famous Christmas tree, a gift from Norway each year. It’s a festive hub for carol concerts and it’s also one of the most photographed holiday spots in the city.

Trafalgar St. James, Curio Collection by Hilton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.6/10 (845 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

Trafalgar St. James is a 5-star hotel right in Trafalgar Square. Due to its location, it has incredible panoramic views of the Square and the Christmas Market. So in a few minute’ walk you can be at the Christmas Market and the tree.

At the same time, both Covent Garden and Leicester Square are also within walking distance, so you can explore more of London’s Christmas markets and festive events.

The rooms are modern and quiet despite the location, and some look directly out onto the square. I also like their rooftop bar, which has some of the best views over the city at night. If you want a hotel that puts you at the center of the Christmas lights and sights, this is probably the best place to stay at.

Corinthia London

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.4/10 (455 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

Corinthia London is a five-star hotel with a great central location, ideal for exploring the festive cheer of the city. It’s between Trafalgar Square and the River Thames, so you are also close to Southbank market. 

Inside, the hotel feels calm and polished, with large rooms and one of the top spas in London. The price is high, but that’s the case with most hotels in London.

If you are looking for a luxurious Christmas stay where you can balance sightseeing with downtime, this hotel is hard to beat.

This is also one of the best hotels with Big Ben views and best hotels with Tower Bridge views.

Best hotels near Leicester Square Christmas Market

Leicester Square turns into a cozy festive village with alpine-style huts, Santa’s grotto, and plenty of food and drink during the festive season. It’s especially atmospheric if you’re also catching a West End show nearby.

Premier Inn London Leicester Square

⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 4.3/5 (1,547 reviews)
💲 Budget • 👉 Check current prices here

Premier Inn London Leicester Square is more budget friendly hotel that still has a great location. The rooms are smaller and more basic compared to luxury hotels. But that being said, they are clean, comfortable, and put you right in the middle of the action. 

You will be close to Leicester Square’s Christmas market. And Covent Garden, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square are also a few minutes’ walk away. If location matters most, this hotel makes it easy to enjoy a festive stay without breaking the bank.

W London Leicester Square

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.8/10 (525 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

If you’ve stayed at other W hotels, you know that they have a unique, colorful, bold style. The W London Leicester Square hotel has the same vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who like both energy and style. 

It is directly located in Leicester Square, so you are surrounded by Christmas stalls, lights, and West End theatres. The interior is bold and the atmosphere feels more like a lifestyle hub than a quiet hotel. 

If you enjoy nightlife and want your hotel to feel like part of the holiday buzz, then W London delivers.

Best hotels near Southbank Centre Winter Market

Stretching along the Thames, this market combines riverside walks with wooden chalets selling food, mulled wine, and handmade gifts.

The backdrop of the London Eye and city skyline makes it one of the most scenic festive markets. I loved walking through this market when I visited London!

Bankside Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.1/10 (451 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

Bankside Hotel is a 5-star hotel that’s part of Mariott’s Autograph Collection. They have about 160 rooms and they are all decorated with modern art and also have hi-tech touches.

The hotel hand-picked all art they showcase. They also have the Art Yard Maker’s Studio where you can watch the artists in residence create. It’s the perfect place to stay if you love art.

The Southbank Centre Winter Market is only a short walk away. And the riverside location is ideal for evening walks with the London Eye and the entire city skyline lit up.

Hilton London Bankside

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.6/10 (2,025 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

I stayed at Hilton London Bankside when I visited London. I loved my experience here! The hotel is in a more quiet area in Southbank London, so it’s not noisy at night and you can sleep well.

The hotel staff was super nice and they checked me in before check in time since they already has a room available.

My room was very spacious and decorated in a modern style. I loved the vibe! The hotel had all the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel under the Hilton umbrella.

I also picked this hotel because London’s Blackfriars train station was just a short walk away. I flew in and out of Gatwick (I highly recommend it over Heathrow since there are way less people at this airport!) and there is a train that connects Gatwick Aiport to Blackfriars. You’ll be in the city in under 40 minutes and you don’t have to deal with traffic.

The hotel is close to other attractions in Southbank besides the Christmas Market, such as Tate Modern and Borough Market. You can also use my London 2-day itinerary to plan your days around these festive areas.

I booked the hotel using Hilton points, so that’s another advantage. If you have Hilton status and enough points, it’s a great way to redeem them since London hotels are super expensive.

Overall, I think this is a great place to stay and I recommend it.

Best hotels near Covent Garden Christmas Market

Covent Garden is one of the prettiest spots at Christmas, with its sparkling giant baubles, light displays, and festive market stalls set around the historic piazza. Street performers and boutique shops add to the charm. 

One Aldwych

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.4/10 (464 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

One Aldwych is a boutique five-star hotel at the edge of Covent Garden. The hotel is known for its contemporary design and welcoming service, and it feels a little more relaxed compared to some other London hotels. 

From here, you can walk straight to Covent Garden’s lights and markets. And you can also reach Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square in just a few minutes to experience the Christmas cheer in more places in London. It’s a great choice if you want luxury in a smaller, more personal package.

Strand Palace Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.5/10 (15,888 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

Strand Palace is one of London’s classic hotels, dating back over a century. It still has a strong reputation as a dependable place to stay in Central London. The rooms are straightforward and recently refurbished.

But the highlight is the location since you are minutes from Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and the West End.

If you want to stay somewhere with both history and easy access to all the main Christmas spots, Strand Palace can be an ideal location.

Best hotels near Regent Street and Oxford Street

Regent Street and Oxford Street are the prime location for shopping in London. During the holiday season all shops in this area decorate their windows and outdoor area with festive lights and custom-made Christmas ornaments.

There are lots of luxury brand stores in this area and I feel like they all compete to come up with the best festive display.

In addition, Regent Street has these angels made of lights that twinkle and make you feel like they are flying. They were my favorite decorations in London! 

Claridge’s

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.5/10 (491 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

Claridge’s in Mayfair is one of the most famous hotels in London, known for its timeless style and high level of service. At Christmas the decorations are a highlight in themselves, often designed by well-known creatives. 

Rooms are spacious, beautifully finished, and the atmosphere is calm even when the city outside is busy. Staying here is a splurge, but if you want a hotel that makes your festive trip feel truly special, Claridge’s is a clear choice.

The BoTree Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.1/10 (1,426 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The BoTree is a newer luxury hotel in Marylebone, not far from Oxford Street and Regent Street. The interiors are stylish, with a focus on comfort and sustainability. 

It is smaller than some of the traditional five-star hotels, which gives it a more personal feel. If you want to be close to the Christmas shopping streets and the famous light displays but stay somewhere more modern, The BoTree is worth considering.

Best hotels near Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland is a fabulous Christmas theme park. It has rides, ice skating, a Bavarian Village, circus shows, and endless stalls where you can buy food and seasonal treats such as mince pie. I loved my experience here! 

It’s perfect for adults too. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy everything Winter Wonderland has to offer. 

The entry fee is under 10 pounds, so given how expensive London is, it’s a very affordable attraction.

The Dorchester

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.5/10 (342 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The Dorchester is one of London’s great hotels, set on Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park. The rooms and suites are luxurious and the service is top tier. Even the public spaces have a grand yet welcoming feel. 

From here you can walk to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or head to Oxford Street for the Christmas lights. If you want a hotel that combines tradition, luxury, and location, The Dorchester fits perfectly.

London Hilton on Park Lane

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.0/10 (1,405 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The London Hilton on Park Lane is another great option along Park Lane, also close to Hyde Park. Many rooms have views across the park or the city skyline. And the view is even better at night during the festive season. 

The hotel has several restaurants and bars, including a top-floor venue with panoramic views. For more food recommendations, check out my guide on where to eat in London.

It is a good choice if you want an upscale stay with all the facilities and quick access to the Christmas lights and Winter Wonderland.

Traveling solo? I share helpful tips in my London solo travel guide.

Tips for visiting London at Christmas

• Book hotels early for the best rates and locations
• Visit markets in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds
• Combine nearby markets in one day to save time
• Dress warmly as temperatures can drop in December

FAQs about hotels near London Christmas markets

What is the best area to stay in London for Christmas markets?

The best areas are Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, South Bank, and Mayfair. These locations are central and close to the most popular Christmas markets and festive attractions.

Are London Christmas markets worth visiting?

Yes, London Christmas markets are known for their festive atmosphere, seasonal food, and beautiful decorations. Southbank and Covent Garden are especially popular.

When should I book hotels for Christmas in London?

You should book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Hotels in central London fill up quickly during the festive season.

Is it expensive to stay in London during Christmas?

Yes, prices tend to be higher during the holiday season. Booking early and choosing areas slightly outside the main tourist zones can help reduce costs.

Which Christmas market is the best in London?

Southbank Centre Winter Market and Covent Garden are among the most popular, while Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers a more immersive experience.