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A guide to the best indie design and homewares markets taking place across London in the run up to Christmas
It’s Christmaaaas! Well, not quite, but it is time to start thinking about gift shopping — and where better to head than a market in the capital?
Not only will you be supporting independent makers and small brands, but you can get fully into the seasonal spirit by wandering around artisan stalls strewn with twinkling fairy lights.
So if you’re after something different for someone special (and btw if that ‘someone’ is you, we’re not here to judge), here are the dates to get in your diary.
Warning: you may start feeling incredibly festive.
Christmas Markets at The Hawk’s Nest
When: Sunday December 5 2021 - Sunday December 19 2021
Where: Railway Arch 190 & Market Yard, Shepherd’s Bush Market, London W12 8DF
Entry: free
Looking like a veritable winter woodland, complete with twinkling lights aplenty, The Hawk’s Nest in Shepherds Bush Market is hosting a trio of festive markets in December.
Stallholders will be selling everything from candles to clothing, homeware, baked goods, games, plants and jewellery.
Afterwards, gather under the arch at 6pm for a spot of carol singing, followed by film screenings at 7pm in the covered and heated garden.
The Social Christmas Market
thesocial.com; @thesociallondon
When: Saturday December 11 2021 + Saturday December 18 2021, 12pm-5pm
Where: 5 Little Portland St, London W1W 7JD
Entry: free
Possibly the most boujee Christmas market in town, if not the coolest.
Hosted on two Saturdays, across two floors, The Social’s legendary market is back, with books, art and other Christmas gifts for good people.
This year’s stall holders include Rough Trade Books, Lara Galustian, Cold War Steve and Babak Ganjei.
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
columbiaroad.info; @columbia_road_flower_market
When: 8th, 15th & 22nd December 2021, 5-9pm
Where: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Entry: free
Need to deck your halls with boughs of holly? London’s most famous flower market is usually a Sunday affair, but during December you can get your floral fix on a Wednesday evening. Read: all the eucalyptus you can carry.
Not only that but there’ll be carol singing courtesy of St Peter’s, accompanied by a brass quintet from the Guildhall.
The post-COVID queuing system’s no longer in place, so no long wait to enter. The stalls now run on one side of the street only, making it feel much less congested and making for an all round bloomin’ delightful shopping experience.
Festive Flea
When: 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th December 2021
Where: Vinegar Yard, St Thomas St, SE1
Entry: free
Flea London takes place all year round but in December, things get decidedly festive. As well as one-off vintage finds and handmade gifts from over 40 stallholders, you can even pick up your Christmas tree here.
And when you’re done? Sip on a Mistletoe Martini in The Yard, transformed into an après-ski haven, complete with six twinkling, toasty warm Skylight Domes.
Turning Earth Winter Markets
turningearth.org ; @turning_earth
When: 4th-5th December 2021 12-6pm @ Leyton; 18th-19th December 2021 @ Haringey
Where: Leyton Market, 11 Argall Ave, E10 / Haringey Market, First Floor, Unit C, 38 Crawley Road, N22
Entry: free
After a long wait, Turning Earth’s popular East London ceramics studios are once again opening their doors over two major winter market events they’ve suitably dubbed “Out of the Ashes” – celebrating the creativity that comes from crisis.
With their makers selling work made during and since the lockdowns, this is the place to purchase something really special for that tricky-to-buy-for person on your list. Think: beautiful speckled glazed plant pots, colour-pop plates and more besides.
Plus, the Haringey dates mark the grand opening of their third and newest ceramics studio, set on the top floor of a beautiful old factory building within the Crawley Road industrial estate. Go for a snoop, stay for the amazing wares. With live music and street food on offer, you can make a real day of it.
Partnership Editions Exhibition
When: Thursday November 25 2021 - December 19 2021
Where: 105 Pimlico Road
Entry: free
Love art? And interiors? You’ll love this pop-up, showcasing a new collection of artworks from the Partnership Editions roster as well as exclusive artist-designed homewares.
There’ll also be creative workshops, plus private consultations with brand founder Georgia Spray.
Crafty Fox Christmas Markets
@craftyfoxmarket; craftyfoxmarket.co.uk
When: Saturday November 27 2021 –Sunday December 19 2021, 12-6pm
Where: various, see website
Entry: free
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, Crafty Fox’s Christmas markets are back IRL once more, with a series of events at different locations across the capital.
Shop a whole host of handmade gifts and homeware at Mercato Metropolitano on December 4 and 5 and The Crossing at King’s Cross on December 19.
Pexmas
When: 10th-12th December 2021; Friday 1-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-6pm
Where: Unit 8, Copeland Park, SE15 3SN
Entry: free
Peckham’s festive market is back for its ninth year – and bigger than ever. Showcasing the best of South East London’s huge variety of makers, traders, creators and uber small businesses of all kinds. It’s a one-stop Christmas shopping experience full of local love.
And this year, as well as the classic weekend market, there’s an additional date for Friday fun times (complete with epic DJs), different stallholders each day and delicious street food to sustain you while you shop, why not go on all three days? Lovely jubbly.
London Makers Market at House of Vans
@londonmakersmarket; londonmakersmarket.com
When: Saturday November 27 2021 + Saturday December 4 2021, 11am-5pm
Where: House of Vans, 228-232 Station Approach Road, Waterloo, London SE1 8SW
Entry: free (book tickets here)
One way of making sure inclement weather doesn’t spoil your shopping sesh? Go to a market held underground – like the London Makers Christmas Markets, at House of Vans near Waterloo.
Inside the tunnels you’ll find 35 indie makers showcasing their (eco-conscious, hand made) stuff.
Make a big dent in your gift shopping while supporting small.
When you’re done? Grab a hot drink from the cafe – or something stronger from the bar.
Christmas Canopy Market at King’s Cross
When: Monday November 29 2021 - Wednesday December 22 2021
Where: Just off Granary Square, King’s Cross N1C 4BH
Entry: free
Every Friday to Sunday browse a line-up of London’s best artisan traders at this charming covered market just off Granary Square.
Whether you’re after the finishing touch for your Christmas cheese board (oh my!) or gorge gifts for your nearest and dearest, Canopy Market is perfect for a spot of weekend alfresco shopping (bonus: it’s under cover if the weather’s on the wet side).
Benk&Bo Christmas Makers Market
When: Monday November 29 2021 - Wednesday December 22 2021
Where: Benk&Bo, 4 Gravel LaneLondon, England, E1 7AW
Entry: free
Benk&Bo are back with their annual Christmas market. They’ve got the ‘cool yule’ niche licked, with independent stallholders including A Sustainable Department Store, The Shag Rooms, Poppy Crew and Form Studio.
Think (incredibly hip) ceramics, jewellery, homeware, wine, art and gifts. Sculptor Wilfrid Wood’s even hosting a special workshop (but you’ll need to buy tickets for that).
Local Makers Market
When: Saturday December 4 2021, 11am-4pm
Where: Christchurch Hall, Wanstead, E11 2SW
Entry: free
Not that we’re obsessed with mulled wine, but PSA: it will be flowing generously at this Christmas market, thanks to @frasersmulledwine set up right outside. They’ll also be selling their gift bottles, too.
Inside you’ll find the best of London’s handmade scene, with ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints and clothing from over 60 different designer-makers.
DIY Christmas Art Market
When: Sunday December 5 2021
Where: Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL London
Entry: £1
Got someone creative on your to-buy-for list? You’re in luck: DIY Art Market returns to Truman’s Social Club Sunday 5th December, full to the brim with a huge selection of artwork at affordable prices.
As well as art prints, risograph and screen prints, other merch on offer includes ceramics, tote bags and jewellery.
With over one hundred artists exhibiting, it’s a great chance to meet your maker (not like that).
Beautiful & Useful Craft Fair
@gardenmuseum; gardenmuseum.org.uk
When: Sunday December 5 2021, 10am - 5pm
Where: The Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB
Entry: £6, booked here (free for Garden Museum Friends)
Book a ticket for the craft fair, and you’ll be able to snoop around the museum’s collections (usually £12) and the Dan Pearson-designed courtyard garden.
But don’t forget your prezzie shopping!
Discover a carefully curated selection including hand-thrown clay homewares by Robyn Hardyman and Naked Clay Ceramics, hand-printed organic linen by Loop, Theo Wright’s woven textiles and hand-turned wooden bowls and vases by Bird & Branch Turnery Co.
Christmas Independent Ceramics Market
When: Sunday December 12 2021, 11am-5pm
Where: Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL
Entry: £1
The perfect place for (ahem) pottering around, the Christmas Independent Ceramics Market brings together over 100 ceramicists – from established artists to relative newbies – meaning there’s something (and more importantly, a price point) for everyone.
Not only that, but you get to meet the makers, while munching on mince pies. What a wonderful combo.
Satanic Flea Market’s Antichristmas Fayre
When: Sunday December 12 2021, 12-6pm
Where: Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, The Angel, London EC1V 1NQ
Entry: £3
Santa and satanism don’t usually go hand in hand, but if Nightmare Before Christmas is your fave festive film, this one’s for you. Satanic Flea Market, the quarterly dark arts and crafts event, is hosting an Antichristmas Fayre at alt music venue Electrowerkz.
Expect a demonic curation of collectibles and curiosities, including original art, trinkets, tarot cards and taxidermy – plus much more.
Christmas by the River
When: until Sunday 2 January 2022
Where: London Bridge City, London SE1 2DB
Entry: free
Want a winter market with a seriously Instagrammable view? London Bridge City’s annual event is the place to be. Gaze across the Thames at the iconic City skyline or swing by one of the many log cabins playing host to Christmassy curiosities.
And if you’re not too pleasantly distracted from your present shopping? Check out the wares of over 60 boutiques, selling handmade gifts and festive treats.
Christmas at Portobello
@portobellogreenmarket; portobellofashionmarket.co.uk
When: Saturday November 27 2021 - Sunday December 19 2021
Where: Portobello Road, London W11 1LJ
Entry: free
A winter market, with a fun Portobello twist.
As well as all the usual vintage and antique antics, things start to get decidedly festive in the run-up to Christmas, with bespoke decorations and handmade gifts on offer, plus plenty of live performances to keep you rockin’ around the proverbial Christmas tree (you can probably buy one of those too). All in the most Instagrammable of surroundings.
Christmas markets at Brixton Village
When: every Sunday from November 28 2021 - December 12 2021 (11am-4pm)
Where: Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PS
Entry: free
Special seasonal markets are poppin’ up at Brixton Village, every Sunday in the lead-up to Christmas. Showcasing work by South London producers and creatives, including florist Stems Wilder, home shop Artisan Stories and vintage seller Circus.
There’ll be mulled wine to keep you warm and live DJs to provide the bops while you shop.
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews
@theofficialselfridges; ââselfridges.com
When: until 24 December 2021, weekdays: 4pm-9pm; weekends: 12pm-9pm
Where: Selfridges Oxford Street, Edwards Mews, London
Entry: free (book tickets to reserve a time slot)
Have we got mews for you? For a second year running, Selfridges is bringing that magical festive spirit with their own market hosted just behind their London store.
In collaboration with food market pioneer and founder of Street Feast, Dominic Cools-Lartigue, expect everything from sustainably grown Christmas trees from Moyses Stevens and seasonal wreaths from Your London Florist, plus amazing gift ideas. And there’s a massive helter skelter.
Winterfest 2021
When: until Tuesday January 4 2022
Where: Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0RJ
Entry: free
After losing out to lockdown last year, Winterfest is back at Wembley Park for 2021.
Once you’ve finished shopping, head to the free winter lights trail, aptly titled Reunited in Light’.
The showstopper? The 25ft LED Christmas tree. Made up of 100,000 mesmerising lights, the walk-through tree will be dressed with brand-new digital artwork ‘City Lights’, commissioned by Brent artist Yoni Alter.
You’ve got until new year to swing by.
Cockpit Makers Market
When: November 26 2021 – December 5 2021
Where: Cockpit Arts Holborn & Deptford, London
Entry: in advance £6/ on the door £8
Cockpit Maker’s Market is the go-to shopping destination for high-end craft made by London’s top artists and designers – a true hotspot for discovering creative talent.
Choose from collectible artworks and fine jewellery to cheap-and-cheerful stocking fillers.
Taking place at Holborn and at Deptford over two weekends, you’ll be able to meet the makers and buy directly from their studios.
