London’s Christmas markets offer a fine opportunity to get into the seasonal spirit, seek out inspired gifts and add some festive zing to your home – treating yourself in the process, of course. Here are the hotspots to shop this Christmas in London, 2020.
CHELSEA'S ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS
Set in the wonderfully opulent Chelsea Old Town Hall, this market is a great choice for families, thanks to festive face painting and other seasonal entertainment. All kinds of Christmas gifts and decorations will be on sale alongside traditional food and drink, and each ticket includes a free mince pie and hot chocolate to get you into the holiday spirit.
Dates and times: 17 November
Address: Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EE
Price: £4
CRAFTY FOX CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Showcasing all things creative and kooky, the much-loved Crafty Fox markets focus on the talents of emerging designer-makers, giving gifts bought from their events a fresh, one-off feel. This year, Crafty Fox Xmas events are popping up all over London, with four events scheduled around the city. Product-wise, there’s a huge variety, including luxury stationery, eco-friendly ayurvedic skincare, upcycled artwork, ceramics, imaginative children’s gifts, and portrait-painting. Some markets also feature festive workshops on bauble embroidery and pom-pom wreath-making..
Dates and times: 23 November to 24 November (The Department Store, Brixton, SW9 8FR), 7 December to 8 December (Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR), 13 December to 15 December (Canopy Market, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH), 15 December (The Crossing, 1 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA)
Address: Various sites across London, see above
Price: Free, with some ticketed workshops
GREENWICH LATE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Every Wednesday in December during the lead-up to the big day, Greenwich’s buzzy indoor market will be opening late, allowing you to browse and buy after work without rushing. Stalls will be selling arts and crafts-focused gifts including handmade jewelry, eco-friendly homewares, accessories and a healthy selection of prints and photographs. Street food and mulled wine will be on offer to fuel your shopping, and brass ensemble Tunnel Chops will be giving traditional festive tunes a lively twist underneath some of the best Christmas lights in London.
Dates and times: 4, 11 and 18 December, 11am-8pm
Address: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Price: Free
CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER AT LONDON BRIDGE CITY
Even if you don’t buy anything at this annual market, the prime views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London alone make it worth a visit. But you probably will end up spending some cash, as the arty bits and creative pieces being sold are perfect stocking-filler material. As ever, there’ll also be lots of food and drink pop-ups in cute cabins – guaranteed to warm you up if it’s a cold day – plus free workshops to mix things up.
Dates and times: 26 November to 5 January
Address: London Bridge, SE1 2AF
Price: Free
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR
Whoever you’re buying for and whatever you’re hoping to buy, there’s a very good chance you’ll find it at this galaxy of Christmas, which holds a whopping 900 vendors. The main focus is on gift items from independent designers, makers and boutique retailers – everything from jewelry to clothes to homeware – but eating and drinking are very much covered, too, with more than 100 producers offering various seasonal treats in the food hall.
Dates and times: 4-10 November
Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX
Price: From £20.50
RENEGADE CRAFT LONDON
This Chicago-born market showcases independent makers, designers, and creatives, and is just as cool and bohemian as you might expect from that description. This year’s 20-strong list of vendors is yet to be announced, but as it’s curated by the seriously in-the-know Renegade team, expect some beautiful and imaginative Christmas gifts, plus food and drink (seasonal cocktails are already being promised) and DJs soundtracking the fun.
Dates and times: 14 December to 15 December
Address: G4, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Price: Free
SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER MARKET
With its grand location stretching along the Thames, this annual market is always a big draw. Stalls in wooden chalets sell arty gifts and a range of world food and drink is available to give your shopping trip a serious lift. Post-spending (or maybe even pre/during), pitch up at one of the market’s cozy bars and restaurants, rewarding yourself with anything from fish and chips to Alpine fondue, accompanied by a wintry cocktail.
Dates and times: 8 November to 5 January
Address: Queen’s Walk, under Hungerford Bridge
Price: Free
TASTE OF LONDON, FESTIVE EDITION
See the huge Tobacco Dock warehouse transformed into a foodie paradise at the winter edition of this popular festival. Head to the Producer Market to find all kinds of artisan goodies that’ll make perfect presents for discerning giftees, from posh condiments to top-grade tea to craft beer to eco-friendly kitchenware. Once that’s done, go explore the wealth of workshops, chef demos, cocktail bars and global food from top London restaurants, including Sri Lankan wonder Hoppers and Middle Eastern vegetarian delights from Bubala.
Dates and times: 21November to 24 November
Address: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF
Price: From £17
WINTER WONDERLAND
The vast Christmas universe returns to Hyde Park for another year, promising fairground rides, the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, live shows and entertainment (from comedy to karaoke to ice-sculpting classes), and traditional festive food and drink galore. Just remember to factor in some time for the huge marketplace, where more than 100 Bavarian-style chalets, lit by twinkling lights, will be selling decorations, jewelry, accessories, clothes and more.
Dates and times: 21 November to 5 January
Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2
Price: Free
LONDON'S ZERO WASTE CHRISTMAS MARKET
After a highly successful launch last year, this eco-driven market is doubling in size for its return. More than 45 independent, plastic-free traders will be in attendance, covering fashion, wellness, food and drink, home and lifestyle, children’s items and much more. Sip a mulled wine or chomp on vegan churros, all served in compostable or reusable packaging, while you browse. Part of the event profits will go towards planting trees, helping you shop guilt-free.
Dates and times: December 7
Address: The Boiler House, Old Truman Brewery, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU
Price: £6-£10
The Spirit of Christmas Fair
The Spirit of Christmas Fair
The Spirit of Christmas Fair
Taste of London, Festive Edition
Taste of London, Festive Edition
London’s Zero Waste Christmas Market
London’s Zero Waste Christmas Market
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