Shake things up at these Christmas markets with a twist
By Steph Dye (follow Steph on Twitter: @HelloIAmSteph)
Christmas: it comes around at the same time every year and all of that festive fun, well… it can get a little samey. If you’ve already checked out the most popular Christmas markets and exhausted most of the standard, Christmas-themed activities, then how about something a little out of the ordinary instead? From craft items, to tasty food, to gifts and other knick-knacks, these smaller Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to stock up on unique Christmas presents for family and friends whilst also getting into the festive spirit. What’s more, all of these markets cost a fiver or less to enter so you can soak up all of that atmosphere without spending too much money.
#1 | Museum of London x Craft Central pop-up | Clerkenwell | Free
Helen Beard Ceramics ©helenbeard.com
What is it?: The Museum of London and Craft Central have teamed up to put together this curated fair of handmade gifts, from designers championed by Craft Central. Designers will include ceramics from Helen Beard, prints from Scout Edition and jewellery from Lizzie Chambers.
When is it?: 14th November-23rd December 2016 (10am-6pm).
Where is it?: 33-35 St John’s Square, EC1M 4DS & 21 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DX.
#2 | Finnish Church Christmas Fair | Rotherhithe | £1 entry
Finnish Church Christmas Fair ©finnishchurch.org.uk
What is it?: Scandinavia and Christmas go hand in hand, so head to the Finnish Church to browse a variety of hand-crafted goods, arts and crafts and tasty treats. You can also grab a variety of Finnish delicacies, such as reindeer stew, hot dogs and pea soup. As you can probably guess from the picture, there will also be a ton of Moomin memorabilia. Entry is free, however the church does ask for a £1 donation.
When is it?: 16th-18th November, (12pm-8pm); 19th November (10am-8pm); 20th November (10am-5pm).
Where is it?: Finnish Church, 33 Albion Street, SE16 7HZ .
#3 | Tate Modern Christmas Market | Southbank | Free
Tate Modern Christmas Market ©visitlondon.com
What is it?: A series of cute, chocolate box chalets, that line the edge of the River Thames, selling everything from craft to mulled wine. Filling the space between the Tate Modern and the river, there will also be fairground rides and Christmas music to get everyone in the spirit of the festive season.
When is it?: 19th November-24th December, (Monday-Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday,11am-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm.)
Where is it?: Bankside, SE1 9TG.
#4 | Sutton House’s Christmas Craft Fair | Hackney | £5 entry
Christmas Fair at Sutton House ©cityshowcasemarkets.com
What is it?: This historic, Tudor manor house in Hackney will be opening it’s doors this Christmas to host an indoor market showcasing some of the best craft and produce that east London has to offer. Each room is to be given a pantomime theme and in the evenings, there will also be a whole host of theatre performances and carol recitals to enjoy!
When is it?: Every Saturday and Sunday between the 26th November and the 18th December, from 12pm onwards.
Where is it?: 2-4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, E9 6JQ.
#5 | Cockpit Arts Christmas Open Studios | Holborn and Deptford | £5 entry
Cockpit Open Studios ©cockpitarts.com
What is it?: If you are looking for ace Christmas presents that you won’t find anywhere else, this is definitely the place to come. Cockpit Arts is hosting over 170 independent designers, who make everything from furniture to tree decorations so you’ll be spoilt for choice, plus you get a sneak peek at the studios. Entry to the Holborn fair is £5, which also buys you entry to the Deptford fair. The Deptford fair is free on the Friday and £3 on Saturday and Sunday.
When is it?: Holborn: Thursday 24th November, 6pm-9pm; Friday 25th November-Sunday 27th November, 11am-6pm. Deptford: Friday 2nd December, 11am-9pm; Saturday 3rd December-Sunday 4th December, 11am-6pm.
Where is it?: Cockpit Yard, Northington St, WC1N 2NP and 18-22 Creekside London, SE8 3DZ.
#6 | Urban Makers East Christmas Market | Mile End | Free
Urban Makers East Christmas Market ©urbanmakerseast.file.wordpress.com
What is it?: Over two days, around 50 designers championed by Urban Makers East, will meet at the Mile End Ecology Centre to show off their wares to the people of east London. On top of that, there will also be seasonal food and drink on offer, as well as workshops that give you the opportunity to try your hand at some of the crafts on display.
When is it?: 10th-11th December, (11am-6pm).
Where is it?: Mile End Arts Pavilion, Mile End Park, Grove Road, E3 4QY.
#7 | Christmas By The River | London Bridge | Free
Christmas By The River ©morelondon.com
What is it?: Similar to the market that takes place alongside the Tate Modern, these German-style, wooden chalets offer everything from trinkets to food to mulled wine. With views looking over the whole of London’s riverside, including Tower Bridge and The Shard, what more could you ask for this Christmas!
When is it?: 30th November 2016-3rd January 2017, (11am-7pm).
Where is it?: The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA.
Still our of ideas of what to do with your time this Christmas? How about checking out Visit London’s suggestions…
