The season of Advent is with us, the goose is getting fat and here are the Christmas markets you can explore in the Eastlondonlines boroughs during the coming festive season
Deptford Winter Market: Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2 (11am – 7pm) – FREE
The Deptford Winter Market street food stalls are for all the family to enjoy. Children can meet Father Christmas at the free grotto. There will also be music performances and carols to sing. Guests will be treated to a special performance by Yaram Drummers from 12:30pm – 1pm. If you are more of a crafts person, there will be festive arts and crafts activities for you to take part in. You can find more information here.
Where: Deptford Market Yard, London, SE8 4BX
Lewisham Winter Market: Friday December 15 and Saturday December 16 (11am – 5.30pm) – FREE
The Lewisham Winter Market will be host family fun festive activities. There will be opportunities for children to meet the big man himself, as Father Christmas will be coming to town to make sure none of the children are being naughty. There will be crafts and arts activities for people to enjoy as well as carol singing and music performances. There will be a range of street food available and extended outdoor seating space, so you can enjoy that smooth warm mince pie in peace. You can find more information here.
Where: Lewisham High St, Lewisham, SE3
The Arc’s Christmas Market: Saturday December 2 (10:30am – 2.30pm) – £2 entry, kids go free
The perfect Christmas market for children, with fun-filled activities including the £2 Elf on a Shelf game where they must spot all the elves. You will also be able to get your hands on some crystals from one of the stalls or you can indulge yourself with a piece of cake or fudge. There will also be face paintings and balloons available. Read more on The Arc Facebook page.
Where: The Arc, 39 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY
Caterham Christmas Market: Saturday December 2 (11am to 5pm) – FREE
If you are a foodie, then this Christmas market may be your calling. The market is seeking vendors for Thai, Indian, German sausage and roasted nuts. A whole range of gifts will be available for Christmas shoppers. You can find out more information about this market here.
Where: Croydon Road, Caterham Valley, Caterham, Surrey, CR3
Spitalfields Christmas Market Friday November 24 – Sunday December 24 (8am – 11pm – Weekends 9am – 11pm) – FREE
Spitalfields Christmas Market is the place to be if you are a jam-lover. Whether you’re looking for a fruity marmalade or a sweet chili jam, jam-maker Alibi Pantry has got you covered. You will also be able to pick up some festive decorations, gifts and Christmas lights and enjoy the full Christmas shopping experience. You can find out more information here.
Where: Spitalfields Market, 65 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA
Urban Makers Christmas Market Saturday November 25 (11am – 5pm) – Sunday December 10 – FREE
Looking for a unique gift for a special someone? Urban Maker Christmas Market may be for you, with over fifty traders. Items will include jewellery, clothes and art designed by local makers. Find out more information about this market here.
Where: Ecology Pavilion, 125 Grove Rd., Bow, London E3 5RP
Winter Festival – A full day of events to celebrate Christmas Saturday December 2 (11:30am – 9pm) – DONATION
There will be a variety of activities for people of all ages to take part throughout the day. Kids aged between one to four will be able to take part in a Christmassy treasure trail and enjoy a tea party at the end.
Other events include wrapping paper workshops, card-making and storytelling. There will also be an open mic night from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.
All ticket holders are entered into a draw with an opportunity to win a festive hot chocolate. You can find out more information here.
Where: Poplar Union, 2 Cotall St, London E14 6TL
Hackney
Chats Palace Christmas Makers Market: Friday December 9 (10am – 5pm) – FREE
Hackney local traders will be selling unique gifts. There will also be artists. Food will also be on offer. The market has been set up to give local and small traders the chance to sell their products. You can find out more information here.
Where: Chats Palace Arts Centre, 42-44 Brooksby’s Walk, London E9 6DF
Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market: Saturday December 2 – Sunday December 3 – FREE
Looking for a Japanese Christmas experience? This market may be for you. You will be able to get your hands on Japanese art, jewellery and stationery. There will also be live performances and a tea ceremony. You can find out more information here.
Where: The Factory Dalston, 21-31 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2DA
