ELL has been rounding up this week’s Christmas markets and fairs so you can plan a great family day out, stock up on those stocking stuffers or just to get you into the Christmas spirit. The Horniman Museum has all things strange and extraordinary. Winterville’s comedy clubs, nightclubs and free gigs will guarantee to keep you entertained. There is no shortage of food stalls for your every craving. Shopping fans will find plenty of handmade fashion and jewellery, arts, crafts and much more.
HACKNEY
St John at Hackney, Hackney Central, E5 0PD
December 5-7
Free admission
Winter Village is a collaboration between Hackney Council and City Showcase. From 5:00pm-9:00pm Friday and 11:00am-7:00pm Saturday and Sunday, the public will be able to browse stalls for gifts by specially selected artisans, ceramicists, artists, as well as fashion and jewellery designers.
There will also be street food available featuring Fever Tree’s Ultimate Cocktail Bar and Bayleaf the donkey from Spitalfields City Farm.
Sutton House Christmas Craft Fair
2-4 Homerton High Street, E9 6JQ
December 6-7
£1 Adult, Free admission for children and National Trust members
Indulge in a cultural family day out in East London’s oldest family home with the Sutton House Christmas Craft Fair.
With craft stalls, mulled wine, mince pies and Santa’s Grotto for the little ones, there’s something for everyone.
TOWER HAMLETS
Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow, E3 5TB
December 2, 2014 – January 1, 2015
Free Admission
If you’re tired of Christmas fairs that seem to only have rides for kids, you’re in for a treat at Winterville.
There’s a host of activities for everyone. Expect a kid’s quarter, a roller disco, free gigs and club nights, comedy and cabaret, and a stunning variety of street food stalls and bars, including a Hot Cider Bar, to keep you warm this winter.
Break away from high street Christmas shopping at The Bizarre Bazaar and the Wicker Tent.
Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf
November 17–December 24
Free Admission
If you love the twinkle of fairy lights and weaving through bustling crowds to get to that hot mulled wine, then the Canary Wharf Christmas Market is the place for you.
Eat, drink and be merry with plenty of festive food and drink stalls to choose from and browse a range of unique, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. For an extra special time, skate up a storm at the Ice Rink!
LEWISHAM
100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
December 6-7
Free Admission
The Horniman Museum is known for its collections of all things strange and extraordinary – you can expect nothing less in its Christmas Fair.
Plan a fun family weekend and take part in activities such as the Christmas trail, parades, Festive Discovery and face painting! Hunt the Arts and Crafts market stalls for unique, handmade gifts made by independent artists and join community choirs for a seasonal sing-a-long.
All Saints Community Centre, Monson Road, New Cross Gate SE14 5DJ
December 6
£5 Adult, £7 Child, Free admission for under 1’s
If the cold is making you feel slow and sluggish, it’s time to get everyone out the door and onto the dance floor. Get the whole family into the Christmas spirit with a live DJ free, face painting or glitter tattoos, a visit from Santa, surprise performances and lots of party props, games and food!
The best part? There’s a snow machine.
CROYDON
Christmas Cheers Market at Platform Ruskin Square
Next to East Croydon station, at the bridge entrance on Lansdowne Road
December 4-20
Free Admission
events@platformruskinsquare.co.uk
Regular commuters to East Croydon are in for a treat this festive season. Platform, the events space next to the station’s new entrance, is now fully decked out with a pop-up living room bar, an entertainment space for live music as well as indoor and outdoor seating with heaters.
The last day of the market will have some special guests – real live reindeers! Mark your calendars.
Croydon Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair
Friends Meeting House, 60 Park Lane, CR0 1JE
December 7
Free Admission
Add a bit of history to your Christmas shopping at the Croydon Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair, held in a Grade II listed building. Stalls are themed from sweet foods to arts and crafts, so don’t worry about getting muddled or lost when looking for the mulled wine.
Have a chat with the creators, artists and designers taking part in the fair and hear the stories behind the gifts.