Guide to London’s Christmas markets and fairs 2021
Discover festive markets and fairs in central, north, south, east, and west London in November and December 2021.
With Christmas getting closer all the time and depressing warnings about ‘supply issues’ at the big chain stores, the thought of in-person shopping from independent traders is more appealing than ever. What better way to pick up some gifts for your loved ones, while getting an injection of festive spirit at one of London’s many Christmas markets and fairs.
Whether you live in north, south, east or west London, or just visiting the capital, there’s plenty of festive shopping opportunities around town. This season we’ll see the return of some popular, long-term markets, while many local communities, museums and charities are hosting one-off or weekend fairs.
Many of the markets and fairs have free entry, while some charge a small entry fee to raise money for charity. Be aware that some events are asking visitors to register for a free ticket online so they can control crowd numbers as the pandemic continues.
Here’s a guide to London’s best Christmas markets and fairs this 2021.
Long-term Christmas markets in London
Some markets are opening throughout the run-up to Christmas, with some still going into the new year. Most of these markets will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve and be closed all day on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
- 4 November – 24 December 2021 : Southbank Centre Winter Market
Wooden chalets selling festive food, drink, gifts and treats alongside the river on the South Bank. Open daily 11am-11pm. Free. Queen’s Walk, South Bank, SE1. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.
- 12 November 2021 – 9 January 2022 : Christmas in Leicester Square
The West End’s famous square will feature a Christmas market in Bavarian-style huts. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto for kids and a Spiegeltent, which will host a production of La Clique. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. Free entry to the market, but tickets required for Santa’s Grotto and the Spiegeltent. Leicester Square, WC2H. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Christmas In Leicester Square website.
- 16 November 2021 – 2 January 2022 : Christmas By The River 2021
Annual festive market featuring food, drink, craft and gift stalls across The Scoop More London, Hay’s Galleria and London Bridge City Pier. Open daily 11am-10pm. Free entry. Queen’s Walk and Hay’s Galleria, SE1 2DB. Nearest station: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the London Bridge City website.
- 18 November – 24 December 2021 : Kingston Christmas Market
Over 40 wooden cabins will be selling festive food, drink and gifts. Times TBC. Free entry. Market is located across two sites: The first in between Clarence Street and High Street, and the 2nd in front of All Saints Church, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1. Nearest station: Kingston. For more information, visit the Kingston Christmas Market website.
- 19 November 2021 – 3 January 2022 : Winter Wonderland Market
Winter Wonderland returns to Hyde Park and offers a German market selling gifts, as well as food and drink. You can bring the whole family and get into the festive spirit with a fun fair, circus, live shows and an ice rink. Open daily 10am-10pm. General entry: (must be pre-booked) Peak £5-£7.50, Off-peak free. Entrance fee waived if you spend over £20 on attractions, rides or games in advance. Hyde Park, Westminster, W2 2UH. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch or Knightsbridge. For more information, visit the Winter Wonderland website.
One-off or short-term London Christmas fairs and markets
- 1 – 7 November 2021: Spirit Of Christmas Fair
For the super organised, get ready for Christmas early with this fair, where you can stock up on gifts, design and food all ready for the festive season from over 750 independent boutiques. There will also be a winter restaurant and a champagne bar. Open Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Thur: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults start from £21 (from £25 on the door), Children 13-16 yrs from £14 (£18 on the door), 12 and under free. Olympia Grand, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Spirit Of Christmas Fair website.
Visit one of London’s Christmas markets
- 7 November and 4 – 5 December 2021 : Crafty Fox Christmas Market @ Mercato Metropolitano
Buy gifts directly from crafters and makers, enjoy food and drink from street food stalls or take part in a make-your-own-botanical-necklace workshop. 11am-5pm. Free entry.
- 10 November 2021 : Merry Marylebone
A festive evening to coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on with charity partner Mind Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster. Featuring retailer discounts, food and gift stalls, charity tombola, wreath-making, live music, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, with a celebrity switching on the lights. 3pm-7pm. Free to attend. Marylebone Village (Marylebone High Street, Paddington Street and Devonshire Street), W1. Nearest stations: Bond Street, Baker Street or Marylebone. For more information, visit the Marylebone Village website.
- 10 – 14 November 2021 : Country Living Christmas
Prepare for the festive season with a host of Christmas stalls and events, including expert talks, workshops, food hall, shopping emporium, meet-the-makers and champagne bar. Open Wed-Thur 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-3pm. Tickets: Adults from £20, Children 5-16yrs £9. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information and booking, visit the County Living Fair website.
- 10 – 14 and 22 – 26 November 2021 : Finnish Church Christmas Fair
Christmas market featuring live music, Finnish treats and gifts, food and drink from the cafeteria. Opening hours vary. Free entry. Finnish Church, 33 Albion Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 7JG. Nearest station: Rotherhithe. For more information, visit the Finnish Church website.
- 16 November 2021 : The Charterhouse Christmas Fair
Peruse stalls selling crafts, gifts, housewares, stationery, fashion, accessories, seasonal food & drink products. There will also be an on-site café and Father Christmas. 11am-8pm. Entry: £5 (book in advance or pay on the door). Charterhouse Square, Clerkenwell, EC1M 6AN. Nearest station: Barbican. For more information, visit the Charterhouse website.
- 19 – 20 November 2021 : London Christmas Beer Market
A boozy twist on a Christmas market sees over 100 bars and stalls selling craft beers, food and artisan drinks. There will also be festive workshops and demonstrations, as well as live music and DJs. Overs 18s only. Open Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 11.30am-4.30pm and 6pm-11pm. Tickets from £20. Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QL. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Liverpool Street. For more information, visit the beer market website.
- 20 – 21 November 2021 : Swedish Church Christmas Fair
London’s Swedish church opens their doors, offering plenty of Scandi treats, crafts and gifts. There will also be a cafe serving Swedish food and glögg. Open Sat 20 10.30am-6pm, Sun 21 11.30am-5pm. Entry: £3. Swedish Church, 6 Harcourt Street, Marylebone, W1H 4AG. Nearest station: Edgware Road or Marylebone. For more information, visit the church website.
- 21 November 2021 : Blackheath Christmas Fair
Christmas charity fair selling festive gifts, gourmet food and drink, raffles and more. Open 10.30am- 4.45pm. Entry: £2.50. Blackheath Halls, 3 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ. Nearest station: Blackheath. For more information, visit the Blackheath Halls website.
- 25 – 27 November 2021 : Novikov Christmas Street Market
Russian-owned restaurant Novikov host their annual festive market, featuring stalls, house DJs, Louis Roederer Champagne Ice Bar, carol singers, food market, Ashai Bar, as well as Santa and his reindeer. Open 5pm-9pm. Free entry. Mayfair Place, Mayfair, W1J. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the Novikov website.
- 25 – 28 November 2021 : Christmas Fair @ Chelsea Physic Garden
Three day festival at London’s oldest Botanical garden, featuring over 100 stands in heated marquees, as well as a Santa’s Grotto and Christmas crafts. Open Fri 11am-4pm, Sat and Sun 10am-1.30pm and 1.30pm-5pm. Entry: Adults £7, Under 16s free. Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Chelsea Physic Garden website.
- 26 – 28 November 2021 : Cockpit Makers Market @ Holborn
Over 150 of London makers from Cockpit studios will be selling their crafts. Open Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-6pm. Tickets: £6 (advance), £8 (on the door). Cockpit Holborn, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, Holborn, WC1N 2NP. Nearest station: Holborn. For more information, visit the Cockpit Makers website.
- 27 – 28 November 2021 : Crafty Fox Christmas Market @ Brixton
Meet and shop from different traders daily. Open 11am-5pm. Free entry. The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, SW9 8FR. Nearest station: Brixton. For more information, visit the Crafty Fox website.
Find out what else is on in London this Christmas
- 27 – 28 November 2021 : Christmas Fair Weekend @ Fulham Palace
An indoor and alfresco festive market featuring over 40 stalls selling food and gifts, such as jewellery, fragrances, accessories, decorations and more. There will also be live music, face-painting, choir carols, winter crafts and more. Open 10am-4pm. Tickets: Adults £5, Children £3. Fulham Palace & Garden, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA. Nearest station: Putney Bridge. For more information, visit the Fulham Palace website.
Strawberry Hill House are hosting a festive market
- 27 – 28 November 2021 : Strawberry Hill House Christmas Fair
Shop for Christmas gifts created by over 40 exhibitors in the stunning locale of Strawberry Hill House. Open 11am-5pm (timed entry). Tickets: £7.50. Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST. Nearest station: Strawberry Hill. For more information and to book, visit the Strawberry Hill House website.
- 28 November 2021 : Dulwich College Christmas Fair
Christmas fair in the grounds and halls of historic Dulwich College featuring crafts, gifts, carol singing, food & drink and Santa’s Grotto. Open 11.30am-4pm. Entry: Adults £5, Family £10, Under 18s free. Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD. Nearest station: West Dulwich. For more information, check out the Friends of Dulwich College website.
- 2 December 2021 : Maggie’s Barts Designer and Maker Winter Fair
Buy gifts direct from makers and designers, while raising money for cancer sufferers and their families. There will also be festive entertainment. Open Thu 5pm-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm. Entry: Free. Maggie’s Barts, West Smithfield, Clerkenwell, EC1A 7BE. Nearest station: Farringdon or Barbican. For more information, visit Eventbrite.
- 2 – 5 December 2021 : Christmas Fayre @ Forty Hall Estate
Shop for gifts and crafts from traders in the Jacobean manor house at Forty Hall. There will also be a BBQ and mulled wine stall. Open Thur 11am-4.30pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Entry: £2, Under 16s free (tickets must be booked in advance). Forty Hall Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA. Nearest station: Turkey Street. For more information, visit the Forty Hall Estate website.
- 3 – 5 December 2021 : The Drops Christmas Market
Over 40 stalls selling merchandise from UK’s rising designers. Open Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Free entry. Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Coal Drops Yard website.
- 3 – 5 December 2021 : Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
A celebration of festive food in the grounds of historic Hampton Court Palace. Featuring street food, pop-up bars, artisanal producers, live music, and more. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets (inc entry to courtyard and gardens): Adults £25.30, Children 5-15yr £12.60, Under 5s free. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court (36 minutes from Waterloo). For more information and tickets, visit the HRP Food Festivals website.
- 3 – 5 December 2021 : Cockpit Makers Market (Deptford)
Makers and designers from Cockpit Studios set up stalls selling their unique gifts and crafts. Open Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-6pm. Tickets: £8 (on the door), £6 (advance). Cockpit Arts, 18-22 Creekside, Deptford, SE8 3DZ. Nearest stations: Deptford or Deptford Bridge. For more information, visit the Cockpit Makers website.
- 4 – 5 December 2021 : Black Culture Market (Christmas Market)
Support black businesses with a special Christmas edition of the market selling gifts and products from producers from the African and Caribbean communities. Open 11am-5pm. Free entry. Downstairs at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, SW9 8FR. Nearest station: Brixton. For more information, visit Eventbrite.
- 4 – 5 December 2021 : Christmas Graphic Art Fair
Around 50 graphic artists will be selling their designs, while there will also be a chance to attend a screen-printing workshop. Open 10am-7pm. Free entry. Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, EC2A 3EY. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Old Street. For more information, visit Eventbrite.
- 5 December 2021 : DIY Christmas Art Market
Buy artwork direct from artists and publishers. Open 11am-6pm. Entry: £1. Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL. Nearest station: Blackhorse Road. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
- 5 December 2021 : The Beautiful & Useful Craft Fair @ the Garden Museum
Meet and shop from artists, designers and makers at the many stalls at the Garden Museum. The cafe will also be open serving food and drink. Visitors will be required to submit a negative Covid test result or proof of vaccination. Open 10am-5pm. Entry: £5. The Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth, SE1 7LB. Nearest station: Lambeth North. For more information, visit the Garden Museum website. 
- 5 December 2021 : Bow Arts’ Winter Market
Buy locally-made gifts and artworks from 25 stalls hosted by east London talent. There will also be a free art workshop for families. Open 11am-4pm. Free entry. Bow Arts Courtyard, 183 Bow Road, E3 2SJ. Nearest station: Bow Church or Bromley-by-Bow. For more information, visit the Bow Arts website.
- 6 December 2021 : City Christmas Fair
Popular Christmas fair returns to the City, with over 50 stalls and fundraising for the Wellbeing of Women charity. There is also a raffle, silent auction and champagne bar. Open 11am-8pm. Entry: £10. Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Street, City of London, EC2N 2DQ. Nearest station: Bank or Liverpool Street. For more information, visit the City Christmas Fair website.
- 12 December 2021 : Christmas Independent Ceramics Market
Over 100 ceramicists will be selling their creations at this indoor festive market. Open 11am-6pm. Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL. Nearest station: Blackhorse Road. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
- 12 December 2021 : The Rookery Christmas Fair & Market
Buy gifts, crafts, jewellery and much more from local traders, while enjoying food and drink. Open 11am-4pm. The Rookery, Streatham Common, Streatham, SW16 3BZ. Nearest station: Streatham. For more information, visit the Streatham Common Co-operative website.
- 19 December 2021 : Crafty Fox Christmas Market @ King’s Cross
Over 100 traders will be selling gifts and grafts at this indoor market. Open 11am-6pm. Free entry. The Crossing, Central St Martins, 1 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Crafty Fox website.
- 19 December 2021 : South Woodford Christmas Market
The South Woodford Society hosts a festive edition of their market, featuring gifts, food, craft and decorations, as well as an appearance from Santa and a live choir. Open 11am-4pm. George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1AY. Nearest station: South Woodford. For more information, visit the South Woodford Society website.
Find out what else is on in London in the run-up to Christmas
Posted on 9 Nov 2021, in Christmas, London, Shopping and tagged Christmas, Christmas fair, Christmas market, London, Shopping, Travel, What's On Guide. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 
Thank you for compiling this. Some years the South Bank market is spread out in dribs and drabs all the way from The London Eye (or whatever it’s called this week!) to Tower Bridge, so if there don’t seem to be many stalls up the western end this year try walking further east.
The Tower Bridge end is actually a separate market, ‘Christmas by the River’ which doesn’t start for another week, hence the gap between the two 🙂
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