Amazing architecture, inspiring free art and design-led gifts all under one roof
Christmas Markets in London are as ubiquitous as embarrassed faces the day after the office party so it’s a treat to find one that is small but perfectly formed in the warm indoors, free to enter and which has a lot more charm than certain park-based behemoths.
The Barbican Centre hosts a Christmas market on the first three weekends in December with a revolving selection of 35 sellers, most of whom are small independent traders -but not a Trotter in sight- with a real focus on London-based designers and makers.
From last year’s Barbican Christmas Market
Christmas Shopping
In addition to being a great chance to Christmas shop away from the madness of the West End it’s also a fabulous opportunity to be able to chat to the creatives who make the stuff. There is a good mixture of products- jewellery, prints, toys, confectionery, furniture and more all at varied price points. Also, on Friday 4 December Garudio Studiage bring along their Lucky Skip – pay a £1 to have a rummage in a the hand-made skip and pick out a pre- wrapped mystery gift. The Peckham collective always offer wonderfully eccentric gifts with a unique sense of humour and it makes a great conversation point on Christmas morning to tell loved ones that you picked their gift out of a skip.
Garudio Studiage
From last year’s Barbican Christmas Market
When visiting it’s also worth checking out Eddie Peake’s free exhibition in the Barbican’s Curve gallery and on Sunday’s there is also the opportunity to pop-in to the Conservatory, the second largest greenhouse in London, and free to boot.
Photo by Justin Piperger
What: The Barbican Christmas Market
When: 4 – 20 December 2015
Open: Fri–Sun 4–6, 11–13, 18–20 December (12 noon–8.30pm)
Where: Foyer, Level G, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
Cost: Free
