Leicester Square is London’s first Christmas spot of the season: the market and rink run from 31 October to 3 January, with festive films at the Prince Charles Cinema.
Leicester Square at Christmas 2026: market, ice rink, lights and festive films
The short version: Leicester Square is the first place in London to go Christmassy each year. Its Christmas market and Skate Leicester Square ice rink both run from 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027. The market is free to walk around, and the rink is set around the Shakespeare statue in the middle of the square.
Because it’s right in the West End, it’s easy to add to a show, a meal or a walk around the Christmas lights. Here’s what’s on and how to make the most of it.
Leicester Square at Christmas at a glance
| What | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas market | 31 Oct 2026 to 3 Jan 2027 | Free to enter |
| Skate Leicester Square | 31 Oct 2026 to 3 Jan 2027 | Ticketed |
| Christmas lights | From 1 Nov (Time Out reports until 6 Jan) | Free |
| Muppet Christmas Carol screenings | 27 Nov to 24 Dec, Prince Charles Cinema | Ticketed |
The Christmas market
The market opens on Saturday 31 October, the earliest in central London, and stays until 3 January. Expect festive food and drink stalls and gifts. Shows in the square are paid separately, but walking around is free. Leicester Square station is on the square’s doorstep.
For every other market in London, see Christmas markets in London 2026.
Skate Leicester Square
London’s first outdoor rink of the season opens on the same day as the market, set up around the Shakespeare statue in the middle of the square. It’s smaller than the big rinks, so it’s good for a short skate before the theatre or for younger children. Book online for weekends and evenings. To compare rinks, see ice skating in London 2026.
The lights
Time Out reports that Leicester Square’s star-shaped lights go on from 1 November and stay up until 6 January. They join the other West End displays, including Carnaby (4 November), Regent Street (5 November) and Covent Garden (12 November). Our free Christmas lights walk passes through the square.
Festive films at the Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles Cinema, just off the square on Leicester Place, screens The Muppet Christmas Carol every day in December up to Christmas Eve, starting at the end of November. Some screenings are sing-alongs. It’s one of London’s most loved Christmas traditions, so book early for weekend dates.
A West End Christmas evening
- Start in Leicester Square for the market and rink
- Walk five minutes east to Covent Garden for its tree and lights
- Head west to Piccadilly Circus and up Regent Street for the angels
- Finish with a show. See Christmas shows in London
Tips
- Weekday afternoons are calmest
- The square is busiest just before evening shows, from about 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- Keep an eye on bags in crowded areas
- Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross stations are all within a few minutes’ walk
Frequently asked questions
When does the Leicester Square Christmas market open in 2026?
Saturday 31 October 2026. It runs until 3 January 2027.
Is there an ice rink in Leicester Square?
Yes. Skate Leicester Square runs from 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027, around the Shakespeare statue.
Is the Leicester Square Christmas market free?
Yes, it’s free to walk around. Skating and some shows cost extra.
Sources
- Londonist: Christmas 2026 dates
- Time Out: Christmas light switch-on dates 2026
- Londonist: Muppet Christmas Carol at the Prince Charles Cinema
- London Lately: Christmas markets 2026 (with official sources)
Last checked: 1 November 2026. Image: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
