Wrap up your Christmas shopping amidst the twinkling lights and Glühwein-scented air of these seven seasonal hotspots
Words Helen Brown
Chelsea Gourmet Gift Market
This gorgeous Gourmet Gift Market, here for one day of Christmas shopping this season, is chock full of irresistible artisan treats. Visitors can stock up on delicious personalised gingerbread biscuits, fresh salmon, fruit liqueurs and many more seasonal tipples to ensure a jolly season. Complimentary horse and carriage rides will be available for when you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, along with entertainment, carol singers and the season’s obligatory twinkling lights to add a touch of sparkle to your shop.
When: 4th December Where: King’s Road, SW3; dukeofyorksquare.com
Christmas Market at the Tate Modern
The little wooden chalets that make up this Christmas Market at the Tate are almost as pretty as the gifts themselves, but don’t get too distracted because there is plenty of browsing to be done. Grab a glühwein and a cup of roasted nuts and meander around the glittering array of unique handmade wooden toys and intricate jewellery. Additionally on offer; beautifully unique displays of decorations making this the perfect place to stock up on fairs to give your tinseled tree a truss up.
When: 19th November – 23rd DecemberWhere: Bankside, SE1
Real Food Christmas Market
Food glorious food; one of Christmas’ key players. Set the stage with only the best, top-quality artisan food and drink this feasting season from the special extended Real Food Christmas Market at King’s Cross. Wrap up your Christmas food shopping and laden your table with the irresistible likes of The Borough Cheese Company, Breah Ahead, Oak and Smoke, and if you’ve still got room, the incredibly indulgent Bad Brownie.
When: 14th – 23rd DecemberWhere: King’s Cross Square, N1; realfoodfestival.co.uk
Museum of London X Craft Central’s Pop-Up
With 10 specially selected independent designers this unique pop-up store for Christmas is a must for lovers of craft and design. In the first ever collaboration between the Museum and Craft Central, this is a really lovely festive destination to buy original, stylish and handcrafted gifts. Choose from beautifully created jewellery, ceramics, stationery, homewares, prints and paper craft all made in the UK, with most made in London.When: 14th November – 23rd DecemberWhere: 150 London Wall, EC2Y; museumoflondon.org.uk
Christmas in Leicester Square
New for this year and smack bang in the middle of London’s Leicester Square, this is the Capitol’s latest offering of yuletide merriment. Home to a grotto, a vintage Speigeltent and a traditional Christmas market to stock up on all your trinkets and twinkles, it’s another great excuse for glühwein and goodies.
When: 11th November 2016 – 8th January 2017Where: Leicester Square, WC28
Hyper Japan Christmas Market
Kick off your christmas shopping with the kooky stylings of Hyper Japan, the UK’s biggest celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine. This showcase of performers, special guests, exhibitors, food stalls, cocktail shows and creative workshops is the ultimate destination to discover truly unique presents for Christmas, from traditional Japanese artwork to Alpaca Plushies and Sweet Potato Kit-Kats.
When: 25th – 27th NovemberWhere: The Tobacco Dock, E1W; hyperjapan.co.uk
A Peninsula Christmas
A Peninsula Christmas offers London a new and original twist on Christmas for anyone who hasn’t grown up yet. From the Enchanted Forest to a Scandinavian-inspired Tepee Snug Bar and Santa’s Grotto of Wonderment, the Peninsula will be the first ever Winter Festival for the Peninsula’s pioneers, families, local communities and all Londoners. Pop along to the Design Maker Christmas Market for a fabulous selection of stocking fillers from individual makers, bakers, craftsmen and cooks.
When: 3rd – 22nd DecemberWhere: Peninsula Square, SE10; greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
Brown Hart Gardens Christmas Market
This stunning elevated public garden situated in London’s luxurious Mayfair, offers a beautiful Christmas market with seasonal treats and gifts. Spoil your friends, family, and yourself with scented candles, crepes, galettes, Bavarian sausages and hampers brimming with the finest French and Italian produce. When: 23rd – 30th NovemberWhere: Mayfair, W1K; grosvenorlondon.com
