Fact Check: Is Buckingham Palace’s ‘First-Ever’ Christmas Market Real Or An AI Image?

Ever since the announcement of the Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-Up, both Londoners and tourists have been excited. Images of a Christmas market outside the palace have been circulating online, but recent visitors say the reality doesn’t match the grandeur promised. So, is this a real festive spectacle or just another AI-generated illusion? Scroll down to know more!

Buckingham Palace’s First-Ever Christmas Market

The internet is buzzing with images of a massive Christmas market outside Buckingham Palace. Think twinkling lights on a grand Christmas tree, charming stalls, and an unparalleled festive atmosphere! As dreamy as it all sounded, it all turned out to be fake!

According to The Guardian, the entire winterland wonder vibe has been an AI-generated image and nothing else. The viral image has been all over TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and they are all fake because the outsides of the palace have locked gates and empty grounds.

Buckingham Palace’s first-ever Christmas market was supposedly taking place from November 14 to January 5, 2026. And besides the very AI-looking image, many locals and tourists have taken to social media to share that indeed, the place resembles nothing the pictures promised. Not just pictures but AI videos of the palace’s market have also been circulating online, which only added to people’s expectations.

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What To Actually Expect There?

So, is there really no Christmas market at Buckingham Palace? Well, there is a Christmas pop-up at the palace. The pop-up is actually set up at the Royal Mews gift shop, just around the corner from the palace gates. Visitors will find royal-themed Christmas gifts and a single small hut at the back serving hot drinks.

So, yeah, the reality is far from the grand market the online images suggested. In fact, the Royal Collection Trust has also issued a clarification: “There will not be a Christmas market at Buckingham Palace.” Many travel influencers and London residents have also taken it upon themselves to share the reality of Buckingham Palace’s Christmas market to make people aware.

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So, if you have added this first-of-its-kind market to your London itinerary or holiday plans–strike it out! Clearly, it’s not worth the hype.

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/londoncity.best & Canva Pro/Wirestock