Has the Christmas frenzy taken hold of you yet?
 

Just this week I’ve blogged about Christmas decor ideas so you bet I’ve embraced December and its holiday spirit in earnest already. Yesterday we had our Christmas party at the studio which was tons of fun and involved a delicious seasonal special from Honest Burger, Christmas cocktails (sloe gin, apricot branding, lemon and prosecco), an office Christmas quizz (I won some champagne!), outdoor mini golf, and late open bar at the Duke of Edinburgh in Brixton. Some of our friends are also throwing a Christmas do in a pub in Walthamstow this evening, and Rob’s parents are in town for a bit of festive shopping – you could say things are in full swing.
 

This year I’ve been really good, I made a detailed list of everybody I had to buy something for with lots of ideas jotted down and I popped by great independent markets starting in November so that I wouldn’t be stressed out about Christmas gifts (not like last year, if you see what I mean). Highlights included the Renegade Fair in Shoreditch, the East Dulwich Christmas Cracker and the Etsy Made Local Christmas Fair in Soho. As a result, we’re December 10th and I only have a couple of gifts yet to find which honestly, is an absolute first for me!
 

If you’re still on the hunt for Christmas presents or God forbid, haven’t started at all to think about what you’re getting for your loved ones, don’t worry, I’ve got you sorted. I thought it would be nice to do a little round-up of the interesting Christmas markets that are coming up in London over the next few weeks, and to share my favourite areas to shop independent for unique, original and handmade gifts in the capital. I hope you’ll enjoy!

Urban Makers East, Mile End

This market sees over 100 designer makers taking over the Mile End Ecology Pavilion over the two days, selling jewellery, art, ceramics, textiles, homewares and more. There will be tasty sweet and savoury food, coffee and Christmas cocktails, workshops and a craft room for the kids. Entry is free, you can browse the list of traders here, and join the Facebook event here.

Crafty Fox Market, Peckham

This market sees over 100 independent makers taking over the Bussey Building over the two days, with an inspiring mix of workshops including how to make paper chandeliers, screen-printing, card-making and live portraits. The bar will be well stocked with mulled-wine and DJs will be spinning Christmas songs with a twist. Entry is free and you can browse the list of traders here.

Christmas Wednesdays, Columbia Road

Columbia Road retains a Dickensian atmosphere with cobbled streets, traditional shop fronts and Victorian street lamps that comes to life with true Christmas spirit. With a treasure trove of independent designer makers, the late shopping nights on Wednesdays, Christmas carols and mulled wine should be a nice way to avoid the crowds of the city centre while finding unique presents. You can view a list of the shops here.

Flea-mas Market, Hackney

For eco-friendly and affordable Christmas presents, you might be interested to pop by the Hackney Flea-mas market, which gathers over 50 traders selling original gifts, vintage decorations, mid century furniture, retro clothes, and all manner of yesteryear winter wonderment. Mulled wine, Christmas songs, and free entry. You can join the event here.

The Best London Streets to Shop Independent

That’s it for me! I hope you enjoyed reading and that you found some helpful recommendations in there. Where are you shopping for Christmas presents this year? Online, offline, do you have some favourite addresses to recommend me? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Thank you for reading