In recent years, London has seen an uptick in festive pop-ups inspired by the traditional Mittel-European Christmas market – many of which sell the same trinkets and gluhwein. But there are also smaller, niche markets emerging in neighbourhoods across London with seriously interesting stalls. Here are five of the best, whether you want to support a local charity, switch to sustainable gifting or find new makers.
The Sustainable Festive Concept Market at Fabrica X
Mills Fabrica is a creative hub for sustainable textiles and food start-ups in a King’s Cross warehouse. This month, its on-site shop, Fabrica X, has been turned into a chic market for shoppers looking for ethical fashion gifts. It’s stocking brands including vintage retailer Beyond Retro, Leiho – which matches every organic beanie, T-shirt or pair of socks that you buy with a like-for-like donation to a homeless charity – and upcycled fashion favourite ELV Denim. There’ll also be festive workshops and panel discussions for a Christmas with substance as well as style.
Until December 21.
@fabricax_london
Laurence’s Larder Christmas Bazaar at Christ Church at Brondesbury
This north-west London charity provides food parcels, community lunches and a clothes bank for anyone who needs help. It’s a good cause championed by local residents including author Zadie Smith, who’s the charity’s patron, and ex-Vogue editor Alexander Shulman. They enlist their friends to help raise funds at the Christmas Bazaar; this year high-end hairdresser Sam McKnight will run a stall and Shulman reprises her Bargains Galore stall, which sells second-hand clothes donated by the fashion set. Look out for the Candlestick Books stall to check out its exquisite vintage cookbooks and kitchenware, and Jam Jar Edit for the pressed flower art.
December 6.
laurenceslarder.org.uk
Cockpit Bloomsbury’s Winter Open Studios
This social enterprise has provided London’s craftspeople with affordable studios and business advice in its two spaces in Bloomsbury and Deptford since 1986. Cockpit only holds open days – when you can visit the workspaces and buy from makers – twice a year, and the winter event is great for Christmas gifts. Explore the labyrinthine Georgian building in Bloomsbury as you shop Ian Scott Kettle’s bespoke neckerchiefs and ties, and visionary jeweller Huimin Zhang’s brooches decorated with teeth.
From November 27–30.
cockpitstudios.org
Queermas at Deptford Lounge
Deptford Lounge is an award-winning community centre used by many different local groups. In December it hosts Queermas, a festive market by the London Queer Mart collective featuring LGBTQ+ makers and businesses. Shoppers can enjoy tarot readings, live entertainment and drinks while they shop for ceramics, art prints, sculpture and jewellery. The market sells everything from vegan leather collars, harnesses and handcuff sets (True Colour Collars), and pearl earrings (Ray Makes Things) to soy candles (Uhuru Candles). And don’t forget to enter the charity tombola in aid of the Queer Youth Art Collective charity while you’re there.
December 7.
deptfordlounge.org.uk
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Market
The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries established this botanical garden full of medicinal and edible plants in 1673 and it’s been a destination for Londoners looking for the sanctuary of green space ever since. It’s a beautiful setting for a traditional Christmas market with twinkling lights and bespoke wreaths made by volunteer group Physic Garden’s Growing Friends. The winter plants on sale make perfect presents, and there are also British brands including the London Vermouth Company, The Spitalfields Candle Co and Rye Chocolates.
From November 27–30.
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
