ExCel Christmas Market

About

The ExCeL Christmas Market transforms one of London's largest exhibition venues into a festive wonderland filled with holiday cheer, artisan gifts, and seasonal treats. Families can browse hundreds of stalls featuring handcrafted toys, decorations, and unique gifts while children delight in the magical Christmas atmosphere complete with entertainment and festive activities. This indoor market offers a perfect escape from London's winter weather while experiencing authentic European Christmas market traditions.

What to Expect

Families will find a sprawling indoor Christmas market with rows of wooden chalets selling everything from handmade ornaments and toys to international foods and warming drinks. The atmosphere is festive and bustling, with Christmas music, twinkling lights, and the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filling the air. Expect live entertainment, carol singers, and often special appearances by Father Christmas, along with children's craft activities and seasonal workshops scattered throughout the venue. The indoor setting means comfortable browsing regardless of weather, with wide aisles generally accommodating for families with pushchairs.

Highlights for Kids

• Meeting Father Christmas in his festive grotto and sharing Christmas wish lists
• Watching live entertainment including carol singers, brass bands, and seasonal performances
• Decorating Christmas cookies or ornaments at interactive craft stalls
• Riding on traditional carousel or other fairground attractions often featured at the market
• Sampling international Christmas treats like German lebkuchen, Belgian waffles, and hot chocolate with marshmallows

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the heaviest crowds and give children more space to explore comfortably
2. Bring a backpack or wheeled shopping bag as you'll likely accumulate purchases and want to keep hands free for little ones
3. Download the ExCeL London app before visiting to check the daily entertainment schedule and plan around specific performances or Father Christmas appearance times
4. International visitors should bring an adapter for UK plugs if planning to charge phones, and note that many stalls accept contactless payments but some smaller vendors may be cash-only

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10am-12pm) offer the best experience for families with young children, providing a less crowded environment and fresher food options. If visiting on weekends, arrive right at opening time to beat the afternoon rush. Mid-week visits in late November provide the full festive experience with fewer crowds than the busy weeks leading up to Christmas. Avoid late afternoons and evenings on weekends when the market is busiest with after-work shoppers.

Food & Drinks

The market features diverse food options ranging from traditional British mince pies and roast chestnuts to international cuisine including German bratwurst, Dutch stroopwafels, crepes, and churros. Multiple stalls offer hot chocolate, warm apple juice, and other child-friendly beverages alongside the adult mulled wine options. Most food is served from stalls with limited seating, so be prepared to eat while standing or walking. Prices are typical for London events (£5-8 per food item), and portions are generally generous enough for young children to share with parents.

Parking & Access

ExCeL London is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to either Custom House or Prince Regent stations, both a short walk from the venue—ideal for international visitors using London's public transport. The venue offers on-site parking (pre-booking recommended) with over 3,700 spaces, though parking fees apply (typically £10-15 for the day). The entire venue is fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and wide corridors perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. International visitors can take the Elizabeth Line to Custom House station for direct connections from Heathrow Airport and central London.