Shop till you drop with a thoroughly festive atmosphere

When it comes to looking for Christmas presents, many of us are tired of the same old stuff flogged at the high street chains and want to find something a bit more original or unique. Well, fortunately Christmas markets are more popular than ever with long-term and one-off and weekend ones popping up all over the capital. As well as giving you the opportunity to browse dozens of stalls, many also have plenty of festive fun and entertainment to really get you in the mood.

For a guide to open-air ice rinks in London, click here.

To read about London’s best festive cocktails, click here.

Long-term markets

• 19 November – 3 January 2016 : Winter Wonderland Market

Winter Wonderland features a fun fair, food, drink, circus and an ice rink in Hyde Park over the festive period and includes a German market selling gifts too. Free entry. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch or Knightsbridge. For more information, visit the Winter Wonderland website. For a blog post on Metro Girl’s visit to Winter Wonderland, click here.

• 20 November – 24 December : South Bank Winter Market

Wooden chalets selling festive food, drink, gifts and treats alongside the riverbank on the South Bank. There’s also the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge pop-up bar in the car park. Free. Open Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. Queen’s Walk and Hungerford Car Park, South Bank. SE1. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. For more information, visit the South Bank London website.

• 20 November – 3 January 2016 : Weekend Christmas Market @ Wembley

Every weekend in the run-up to the Christmas and New Year period, there will be a festive market with food and drink. Free entry. Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, HA9 0QL. Nearest station: Wembley Stadium or Wembley Park. For more information, visit the Wembley website.

• 26 November – 23 December : Christmas Markets @ Winterville

Christmas markets and bazaar will be on at the alternative festive wonderland in East London. There will also be an ice rink, pantomime, cinema, circus, crazy golf, fairground and Spiegeltent. Free entry. Opening hours vary. Winterville, Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow, E9 7DD. Nearest station: Hackney Wick, Mile End or Cambridge Heath. For more information, visit the Winterville website.

• 30 November – 3 January 2016 : London Bridge Festive Market

A market featuring food, drink, craft stalls and live entertainment across The Scoop, Hay’s Galleria and London Bridge City Pier. Free entry. Open 10am-8pm. Queen’s Walk and Hay’s Galleria, SE1 2DB. Nearest tube: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the More London website.

• 4 – 20 December : Barbican Christmas Market

The Barbican’s foyers will be transformed into a (indoor!) Christmas shopping extravaganza with independent stalls selling quality vintage and designer clothes, arts and crafts, jewellery, books and toys. Free entry. 12-8pm. Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. Nearest tube: Barbican or Moorgate. For more information, visit the Barbican website.

• 4 – 20 December : Islington Christmas Market

Over 60 exhibitors selling gifts and crafts, food stalls and a Santa’s Grotto. Free entry. Islington Green, Islington, N1. Nearest station: Angel or Highbury & Islington. For more information, visit the Islington Christmas Market website.

One-off or short-term Christmas fairs

• 11 – 15 November : Country Living Christmas

Handmade gifts from hundreds of artisan designers and makers. There will also be a lifestyle theatre with experts giving talks and demonstrations. Tickets: Adults £10-£14, Children £8. Opening times vary. Business Design Centre, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information and tickets, visit the Country Living Fair website.

Get ready for Christmas and head to a festive market

• 18 – 19 November : Operation Smile Christmas Fair

Over 40 stalls selling gifts, clothing, decorations, gourmet food and drinks at the historic Fulham Palace. Admission: £20 on 18 Nov preview (including wine and canapés), £5 on 19 Nov. Open for 18 Nov preview 6.30pm-9.30pm, Open 19 Nov 10.30am-8pm. Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA. Nearest station: Putney Bridge. For more information, visit the Operation Smile website.

• 20 and 22 November : Made In Blackheath Christmas Fair

Local craftmakers and artists sell their wares at an indoor Christmas market. Open Fri 20 9am-4.30pm, Sun 22 9.30am-2pm. Bianco 43 Restaurant, 1-3 Lee Road, Blackheath Village, SE3 9RQ. Nearest station: Blackheath. For more information, visit the Made In Blackheath Facebook page.

• 21 November : Christmas Market @ St John at Hampstead

Christmas market in Hampstead, featuring gift, treats and presents and children’s activities. 11am-2pm. St John-at-Hampstead Church, Church Row, Hampstead, NW3 6UU. Nearest station: Hampstead. For more information, visit the church website.

• 21 November : Christmas Bazaar @ Dulwich Picture Gallery

Over 40 local artisans will be selling crafts, pottery, jewellery, toiletries and more. Free entry. 10am-5pm. St Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT. Nearest station: North Dulwich or West Dulwich. For more information, visit the Dulwich Picture Gallery website.

• 22 – 29 November : Hyper Japan Christmas Market

A Christmas edition of the popular summer celebration of Japanese culture and products. Includes cuisine, shopping, mix of pop and traditional culture. Tickets: £13-21. Opening hours vary. Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest station: Wapping. For more information and advance tickets, visit the Hyper Japan website.

• 25 November : Red Cross London Christmas Fair at Kensington Town Hall

Over 80 stalls and the chance to enter competitions to win great prizes. Ticket: £10, includes a glass of wine and entry. 11.30am-8.30pm. Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, Kensington, W8 7NX. Nearest station: High Street Kensington. For more information, visit the Red Cross website.

• 27 – 28 November : Foodies Festival Christmas

The popular food festival returns to London. Featuring Chefs Theatre, Artisan Christmas Market with Vegan and Gluten Free options, Champagne Ski Bar and a London Gin Theatre. Chefs and experts including Adam Simmonds, Adam Handling , David Degiovanni, Kim Woodward, Michael Weiss and Matt Robinson. Tickets £12-£18. Open Fri: 12-7pm, Sat: 11am-7pm & Sun 11am-6pm. Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6QL. Nearest station: Aldgate or Shoreditch High Street. For more information and tickets, visit the Foodies Festival website.

• 27 – 28 November : All The Fun Of The Christmas Fair

Christmas fair in the Church of the Annunciation, featuring stalls, food, live music and demonstrations. Open 3-8pm on Fri 27, 10am-4pm on Sat 28. The Church of the Annunciation, Marylebone, W1H 7AH. Nearest station: Marble Arch. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

• 28 November : Love West Dulwich Christmas Fair

Local stalls pop-up outside 93-115 Rosendale Road and along Park Hall Road and Croxted Road selling crafts, food and gifts. Free. 10am-5pm. Rosendale Road, Croxted Road and Park Hall Road, West Dulwich, SE21. Nearest station: West Dulwich. For more information, visit the Love West Dulwich Facebook page.

• 28 November : Forty Hall’s Magical Christmas

Christmas market and other festive events inside a Grade I-listed Jacobean manor house. Also included horse and cart rides, Santa’s grotto, elf trail, make your own decorations and teddy zip wire. Free entry. 11am-5pm. Forty Hall Museum and Gardens, Enfield, EN2 9HA. Nearest station: Turkey Street. For more information, visit the Forty Hall Estate website.

• 28 November : White Christmas Fair

Over 100 stalls in Battersea, with nearby bars, cafes and restaurants serving mulled wine and hot toddies and small bites. Free entry. 11am-8pm. Northcote Road and Webbs Road, Battersea, SW11. Nearest station: Clapham Junction or Wandsworth Common. For more information, visit the White Christmas Fair website.

• 28 November : Mayfair Christmas Market
  

  What dessert is your Taste of Christmas?

Mayfair Place is being closed to traffic for a one day market hosted by local restaurant Novikov, featuring stalls, live music and entertainment, Christmas decorations, crafts and Santa’s Grotto. Free entry. 10am-9pm. Mayfair Place, Mayfair, W1J 8AJ. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the Novikov restaurant website.

• 28 – 29 November : Christmas Fair at Chelsea Physic Garden

Two day festival at London’s oldest Botanical garden, featuring over 90 stalls in heated marquees. Entertainment includes children’s choir and string quartet. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Entry £6, Under 16s free. Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Chelsea Psychic Garden website.

• 29 November : Friends Of Dulwich College Christmas Fair

Christmas fair in the grounds and halls of historic Dulwich College in South London featuring food, gifts, raffle, games, cafe and Santa Claus. 10.30am-4pm. £.250 entry. Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD. Nearest station: West Dulwich. For more information, check out the Friends of Dulwich College website.

• 29 November : Hampstead Christmas Festival

As well as stalls serving gifts, food and drink, there will also be a fairground, Santa’s Grotto, reindeer, face-painting, circus acts and performances from Babs Savage, Charlie Manning, Mad Dog Bites, The Runner Brothers and Rock Choir. A mystery celebrity will be turning on the Christmas lights. 12-5pm. Free. High Street, Hampstead, NW3. Nearest station: Hampstead. For more information, visit the Hampstead Christmas Festival’s website.

• 1 December : City of London Christmas Market

Live music, fashion show, basket making workshop, chocolate and coffee tastings, raffle, silent auction. Ticket: £5 (includes glass of wine). 10.30am-8pm. Guildhall, Gresham Street, City of London, EC2V 7HH. Nearest station: St Paul’s. For more information, visit the Red Cross website.

• 3 December : Seven Dials & St Martin’s Courtyard Christmas Shopping Party

Over 100 shops in the Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard area will be taking place in a special shopping event, featuring makeovers, treatments, live music, in-store activities and performances, festive food and drinks and 20% off in store. 5-9pm. Register on the website for your free discount ticket. Nearest tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Seven Dials website.

• 3 – 5 December : Royal College Of Art Christmas Fete

Artists and designers from the Royal College showcase their wares, priced between £1 and £200. 12-8pm. Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU. Nearest station: High Street Kensington, Gloucester Road or South Kensington. For more information, visit the RCA website.

• 3 December : Exmouth Market Christmas Celebration

An evening of shopping and festive entertainment at Exmouth Market, including Santa’s Grotto, alternative choir, shopping discounts, wreath-making workshops, giveaways, seasonal treats and more. Free entry. Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4QE. Nearest station: Angel.

• 5 December : Carshalton Frost Fair

Winter event in the grounds of the historic buildings at Carshalton Ponds. Featuring farmers’ market, craft stalls, Choirs, Carol Singing, Jazz & Brass Bands, Morris & Clog Dancers, Fancy Dress Competition, Father Christmas’ Grotto, a Christmas Magic Show and Storytelling. Free entry. 1-6pm. Carshalton Ponds, SM5. Nearest station: Carshalton. For more information, visit the EcoLocal website.

• 5 December : Herne Hill Christmas Fair

Annual Christmas fair, featuring 80 stalls and local shops, festive food, Santa’s Grotto, family activities, live music and carol singing. 11am-4pm. Half Moon Lane and Railton Road, Herne Hill, SE24. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more information, visit the Herne Hill website.

• 5 – 6 December : Crafty Fox Brixton

Over 100 designers selling unique gifts, homeware, prints, jewellery and more. There will also be live DJs, the Tea’s Knees Tea Room and screen-printing workshops. Free entry. 11am-5pm. Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LQ. Nearest station: Brixton. For more information, visit the Crafty Fox website.

• 5 – 6 December : Horniman Christmas Market

Christmas fair in the conservatory and pavilion of the Horniman Museum with seasonal trail, art workshops and choirs on Sun 6. Free entry. 10.30am-4.30pm. Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ. Nearest station: Forest Hill. For more information, visit the Horniman website.

• 5 – 6 December : Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair

Indoor Christmas fair featuring food, fashion, homewares and lots of gifts. Entry: £3. Opening times: Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-5pm. Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EE. Nearest tube: South Kensington or Sloane Square. For more information, visit the fair’s website.

• 5 – 6 and 12 – 13 December : Christmas Market @ Morden Hall Park

Over two consecutive weekends, the Natural Trust run Morden Hall Park will host a Christmas market, featuring local food and craft tables, Christmas carols and the chance to visit Father Christmas. Free entry. 11am-5pm. Morden Hall Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5JD. Nearest tube: Morden or Phipps Bridge tramlink. For more information, visit the Morden Hall Park website.

• 6 December : Morley Winter Fair

Morley College hosts a festive fair, featuring arts and craft stalls, street food, live music and dance, family activities, and demonstrations. Free entry. 11am-3pm. Morley College, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, SE1 7HT. Nearest station: Lambeth North. For more information, visit the Morley College website.

The countdown to Christmas is on!

• 7 December : The City Christmas Fair at Drapers Hall

Annual fair in aid of Wellbeing of Women, including stalls, champagne bar and a silent auction. 10am-7pm. Tickets £7. Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2DQ. Nearest station: Bank or Liverpool Street. For more information, visit the Wellbeing of Women website.

• 8 December : Crafty Fox Night Market @ Museum of London Docklands

Evening market from the team behind Crafty Fox at the Museum of London Docklands featuring over 60 traders. There will also be a scavenger hunt, choirs and DJs, mulled wine, BBQ and Santa’s Grotto for adults. Free entry. 4-9pm. Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL. Nearest station: West India Quay (DLR). For more information and booking, visit the Museum Of London Docklands website.

• 12 December : Fair Christmas Fayre

London’s only ethical market with stalls selling fair-trade and organic gifts. Free entry. 11am-6pm. Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, W1C 2DJ. Nearest station: Oxford Circus. For more information, visit the Fair Christmas Fayre website.

• 12 December : Crafty Fox Peckham

Over 50 stalls, there will also be DJs, live art, a café and lots of workshops. Free entry. 11am-5pm. Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST. Nearest station: Peckham Rye. For more information, visit the Crafty Fox Website.

• 12 – 13 December : Bavarian Christmas @ The Crystal

Bavarian-themed market in The Crystal, one of the world’s most sustainable buildings. Featuring indoor market, authentic Bavarian food and drink, family-friendly stand-up comedy (1pm), Christmas film screenings (2.30pm)  and an interactive winter sports arcade including virtual snowboarding, skiing and snow globing. Entry: £10, £7 concs. 1 Siemens Brothers Way, Docklands, E16 1GB. Nearest station: Royal Victoria Docks (DLR). For more information, visit The Crystal website.

• 13 December : Winter Warmers Christmas Fair @ Union Chapel

Festive event at Union Chapel, featuring stalls, food and drink, singing, guided tours, workshops, Santa’s Grotto and a screening of The Snowman. Free entry. 2-5pm. Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, N1 2UN. Nearest tube: Highbury & Islington. For more information, visit the Union Chapel website.

• 17 December : Crafty Fox Night Market @ Geffyre Museum

Over 70 designers and artists will be showcasing their wares. There will also be creative workshops, DJs, café and bar. Free entry. 4-9pm. Geffyre Museum, 36 Kingsland Road, Hoxton, E2 8EA. Nearest station: Hoxton. For more information, visit the Geffyre museum website.

• 17 – 18 December : St Katharine Docks Christmas Celebration

Christmas celebration at St Katharine Docks featuring market stalls, festive goods, mulled wine, Santa (who will arrive by speedboat!), reindeer and carols. Free entry. Thur 17 5-7pm and Fri 18 11am-7pm. St Katharine Docks, St Katharine’s Way, Riverfront & Marble Quay, E1W 1LA. Nearest station: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway. For more information, visit the St Katharine Docks website.

• 20 December : Christmas Fair @ Streatham Common

Fundraising fair for Streatham Common Co-Operative, featuring craft and food stalls, Christmas carols and Santa’s Grotto. 11am-3pm. £2 entry fee for adults, free for children. The Rookery, Streatham Common, SW16 3BX. Nearest station: Streatham Common. For more information, visit the Streatham Common Co-Operative website.

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