The festive season starts here: the ELL Guide to your local Christmas markets

The festivities are in full swing at the Old Spitalfields Market Pic: Charmaine Wong

Its December 1 and Christmas markets in London are in full swing! From classic Christmas music to elaborate decorations, Londoners are flocking to the nearest markets to get into the festive spirit.

Since late October this year, we have seen a gradual increase in searches for Christmas markets on Google. Whether you are looking for festive baked goods and hot drinks this weekend, or on the hunt for unique gifts for friends and family, we have got you covered.

We have compiled a list of Christmas markets in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Croydon and Lewisham for you and your family to head to this December.

Grow’s eco-conscious Christmas Market Pic: Grow

Grow’s Festive Future Fair

Drop by Grow’s eco-conscious Christmas market at the converted Hackney Wick sausage factory warehouse. Located within an ecosystem of studios which is home to 50 local social entrepreneurs, this is a great place to shop for your gifts from a range of homemade prints, bespoke organic clothing and sustainable eco-products.

Where: Grow, 98c Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN

When: December 3, 1pm – 5pm

Free entry

The Hackney Christmas Market

Bohemia Place is hosting yet another edition of The Hackney Christmas Market this winter season. Featuring a vast array of festive food stalls and unique artisan goods, you are invited to feast your eyes (and bellies!). It is set to be the best Christmas market Bohemia Place has ever seen.  

Where: Bohemia Place Market, Hackney Central E8 1DU

When: Every weekend from November 26 – December 18

Fridays 6pm – 10pm

Saturdays & Sundays 12pm – 6pm

Free entry

Many, young and old, flock to the Christmas events at Old Spitalfields Market Pic: Charmaine Wong

Christmas 2022 at Old Spitalfields Market

A Londoner’s favourite, the annual Christmas market at the Old Spitalfields Market has lined up a list of fun-filled Christmas events every week counting down to Christmas day. From a wreath-making workshop to a guided walk around the ornately-decorated historic buildings along Fournier Street, this is the perfect market for all you food-loving people who are up for a fun-filled weekend of festivities in East London.

Where: Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

When: Weekdays, 8am – 11pm

Weekends, 9am – 11pm

Free entry

Urban Makers Christmas Market 2022

The festive edition of the popular Urban Makers market features the very best in homegrown creative businesses. Browse through unique and affordable items from 50 local craft makers each day from homeware and ceramics to sustainable clothing and artwork. It is a great market to pop by to finish your Christmas shopping.

Where: Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, 125 Grove Rd., Bow, London E3 5RP

When: December 10 – 11, 11am – 5pm

Free entry

Many gather for weekly events at Lewisham Winter Festival Market Pic: Charmaine Wong

Lewisham Winter Festival Market

Lewisham Market, which was recently named Best Market at the Mayor of Lewisham’s Business Awards, will see a different programme of events taking place each Saturday. From live music and pop-up food stalls to Santa’s Grotto and a bauble-decorating workshop, the Lewisham Market Winter Festival is one market for everyone. Check out the full itinerary here.

Where: Lewisham Town Centre (in front of the entrance of Lewisham Shopping Centre)

When: Every Saturday until December 17, 10am-3pm

Free entry

Catford Food Market

Minced pies, mulled wine, and local delicacies – the award-winning riverside Catford Food Market will be on many Londoners’ to-visit list for a Christmas feast this December. Featuring local businesses and homemade traders, indulge yourself in some hearty hot meals while shopping for your Christmas gift list. An ELL favourite would be the refugee-run Refugee Café, kati rolls from Raastawala and the House for Catford – Catford’s community store.

Where: Catford Bridge Train Station, Adenmore Road, SE6 4FD

When: December 11, 10am-4pm

Free entry

Festive street food at Crystal Palace Park Market Pic: Crystal Park Market

Crystal Palace Park Market

Stroll along Crystal Palace Park and get some festive street food, baked goods, and hot drinks. Featuring homegrown fresh produce and local food businesses all lined up in a cosy tent in the park, we would recommend dropping by this coming Sunday with an empty stomach and an appetite for all things sweet, savoury and everything in between.

Where: Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, SE20 8DT

When: Sundays, 10am – 4pm

Free entry

South London Makers Market’s Christmas Market

The South London Makers Christmas Market in Croydon brings on the festive cheer with 23 incredible local brands with products ranging from festive cards, homeware, jewellery, baked goods and more. Located in the newly-renovated Westow House, it’s the perfect Christmas market for special gifts from independent London makers.

Where: Westow House, 79 Westow Hill, Norwood, London SE19 1TY

When: December 15, 4pm – 9pm

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