Mistletoe moments: The London Christmas markets where you're most likely to fall in love
A new study from dating app happn reveals the London Christmas markets where singles are most likely to meet someone special this festive season and the exact times Cupid tends to strike.
The season of mulled wine, twinkling lights, and questionable knitwear is officially here. While Christmas is all about joy and generosity, Londoners might have an even greater gift waiting for them this winter: love.
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Dating app Happn has delved into its data to discover the capital’s most serendipitous festive hotspots, revealing the Christmas markets where singles are most likely to cross paths, lock eyes, and maybe even share a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe.
Trafalgar Square’s Christmas Market has been crowned London’s number-one destination for festive flirting. With carols, fairy lights and the city’s iconic Christmas tree as a backdrop, it’s apparently the perfect setting for romance to spark.
Close behind is Christmas in Leicester Square, where theatre lovers and mulled-wine drinkers mingle in search of someone special. In third place is the ever-glamorous Covent Garden Christmas Market, where even the giant baubles seem to be rooting for your love life.
Rounding out the top ten are: Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park), Old Spitalfields Market, King’s Cross Christmas Market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, London Bridge City Market, Camden Market Christmas and Christmas at Borough Market. Put simply: if there’s a stall selling churros, chances are Cupid is hanging around too.
Happn says your best shot at a match in both Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square is 5 pm on Saturdays, when the markets are bustling and spirits are high. Covent Garden’s golden hour is 4pm on Fridays, while Winter Wonderland and King’s Cross hit peak romantic potential an hour later.
Claire Rénier, dating expert at Happn, said: “London’s Christmas markets provide the perfect opportunity for sparks to fly — whether you’re after someone to snuggle up with for the season or something more long-term.”
So grab a hot chocolate, wrap up warm and let London do the matchmaking.