We list the best holiday markets in London to attend this year.
The Christmas market season has returned in a flash. Even while London's markets are one of the happiest places to shop all year long, the holiday season is when they truly come to life with festive decorations, handcrafted goods, and an abundance of pleasure. This year, there is a bumper crop of markets and fairs spread out around the city for you to tour while you gather gifts and enjoy a cup of mulled wine. These are the top markets in London for 2022, and we'll update this list when more are announced.
We've compiled a list of the most Christmassy things to do in London this year if you're seeking additional ways to get in the holiday mood. This is how to enjoy Christmas in 2022, from going ice skating at Somerset House to admiring the Christmas lights on Regent Street.
1. Covent Garden during Christmas
Nothing in Covent Garden is more festive than the 60-foot Christmas tree that is lit up with more than 115,000 different colors each year. Go down to view it in all of its splendor, and while you're there, explore the enchanted Christmas Village occupying the East Piazza of the market building. Browse the Christmas gift-giving artisan booths, warm up with one of the 25 mulled wine selections, and guarantee that it will be a white Christmas with the daily snow showers. Even rumors of a Christmas Sandwich festival have surfaced.
When: November 8, 2022, daily
Location: The Market Building in Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF
Website: coventgarden.london
Cost: Free admission
2. Southbank Market
The Southbank section of the Thames never has a more charming appearance during the holiday season as it reflects the sparkling Christmas lights of the market that overflows its banks in the area between the Southbank Center and the London Eye. The Southbank Centre's seasonal food stalls and winter pop-up bars have established themselves as a go-to destination for residents of the capital seeking a substantial serving of holiday favorites, piping-hot beverages, and a festive environment. Gourmet cheese toasties, truffle burgers, fondue, bratwurst, eggnog, dutch pancakes, mince pies, mulled wine, and other holiday treats should be on the lookout for foodies. Alternatively, for a cozier experience, rent a heated snow globe.
No need to panic purchase now since you may explore stocking stuffers, presents, decorations, and crafts from independent vendors up to Boxing Day. What could be better than shopping while holding a duck wrap and a hot chocolate made with Bailey's?
When: 3 November through 26 December 2022, Sunday through Thursday 11 am–10 pm, and Saturday 11 am–11 pm
Address: The Queen's Walk, Southbank Market, London SE1 8XX
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
Cost: Free admission
3. DI Holiday Art Market
The DIY Christmas Art Market, which will be hosted at Rich Mix in 2022, will display the artistic abilities of more than 100 stallholders. With art prints, ceramics, fanzines, apparel, sculptures, and jewelry from small businesses, you'll be helping a good cause this Christmas.
When: Dec. 10, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place of business: Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA
Website: richmix.org.uk
Cost: £1 for admission
4. The Hackney Christmas Market
The same designers behind Hackney Christmas Market offer Bohemia Place a sparkling makeover every weekend until Sunday, December 18. All of the typical appetizers and drinks are available, including craft beers from visiting brewers on Friday nights, mulled wine, and holiday-themed cocktails. There are also artisan courses and ethical items for last-minute presents.
When: Weekends from 12 pm to 6 pm through 18 December 2022
Contact information: Bohemia Place, Hackney, E8 1DU
Website: bohemiaplacemarket.com
5. Independent Ceramics Market for Christmas
At this celebratory clay day in Shoreditch, discover original pieces from the top potters in the city. Over 100 ceramic artists, ranging in experience from students to seasoned professionals, will have booths offering a wide range of items including jewelry, pots, vases, sculptures, kitchenware, mugs, and more. There will be a wide range of possibilities, whether you're searching for sentimental presents, adorable stocking stuffers, or just something pleasant for your mantlepiece.
When: December 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Rich Mix Arts Centre, 35–47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA
Website: www.christmas-independent-ceramics-market.eventbrite.co.uk
Price: £1
6. Crafty Fox Marketplaces
Looking to make a unique purchase this year? Crafty Fox Market will be appearing throughout November and December with its delightfully unusual assortment of lovingly-made products, including ceramics, geometric cushion covers, natural soaps, knitted caps, candles, chopping boards, jewelry, art prints, and much more. There are smaller markets at Mercato Metropolitano, and the main one, with over 100 distinct artisan stalls, is at the Granary Building in King's Cross. Good presents are assured.
When: November 5-6, December 3-4, and December 11 at Granary Square at Mercato Metropolitano
Addresses: Central Saint Martins, Granary Square, London, N1C 4AA; Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR.
Internet address: craftyfoxmarket.co.uk
Cost: Free admission
7. Christmas Market from the 20th century
A two-day Christmas market with 35 vintage vendors is held in Beckenham Place Park every December. You may purchase décor, lighting, furniture, ceramics and glass, home goods, books, records, prints, and more from a number of the Mansion's resident artists who will open their studios.
When: December 10–11, 10–4
Location: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, United Kingdom, BR3 1SY
Internet address: solastcenturyfair.co.uk
8. Borough Market
For December, the year-round food market gets a Christmas facelift. The venue will be decked out in wreaths, tinsel, and fairy lights as its vendors serve their normal mouthwatering fare as well as holiday extras like mulled wine, Christmas cakes, and presents. For the ideal cheese board for Christmas Day, visit the Borough Cheese Company, and for artisan bread, visit Olivier's Bakery.
When: Specific times may be found on the website every day.
Address: 9 Stoney Street, Borough Market, London SE1 9AA
Internet address: boroughmarket.org.uk
Cost: Free admission
Read about Flower Market in London here.
9. Christmas Wednesdays on Columbia Road
Christmas Wednesdays are back, bringing revelers to the unique stores and eateries of Columbia Road in East London on Wednesday nights throughout December. On Sunday mornings, Columbia Road Flower Market is held there. There are 60 small cafés, art galleries, shops, and bars along the street. Businesses are open until 9 p.m., making it the ideal place for a post-work pit break. There will also be mulled wine, Christmas trees, and carol singing.
When: Each Wednesday in December.
Location: Columbia Road, London, ENGLAND, E2 7RG
Website: columbiaroad.info
Cost: Free admission
10. Holiday Flea
Flea The vintage and makers' market in London's Vinegar Yard is modeled after European flea markets and has a focus on independent vendors and ecological living. There are more than 40 stalls of homemade goods, and all sales will benefit small and local companies. As you look for fantastic, original gifts, sip mulled wine and enjoy warming goodies (the chocolate-dipped churros are exquisite).
When: Flea London is held every year on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. The weekend of November 26–27 is the date of the Festive Flea.
Address: 72–82 St. Thomas Street, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QX, Vinegar Yard
Website: flealondon.com
Cost: Free admission