While there's a lot to be said for London's classic Christmas markets, if you dig a little deeper there are plenty of less well-known gems to be found around the city. These markets offer artisan makers, delicious food and festive entertainment with the added unique flavour and atmosphere provided by the local traders and community groups taking part. Find your nearest festivities!
Pear Tree Cafe Christmas Market
Since opening in 2006, the delightful Pear Tree Cafe has built a reputation for outstanding food and charming events. The popular venue overlooking the Boating Lake in Battersea Park is hosting a cosy Christmas Market from 10am-4pm on the 8th-9th December. Over 50 vendors will be selling unusual luxury gifts, from Zanula cashmere blankets and Rococo chocolates to South London Letter Press stationary and English wine from the Wiston Estate.
8th-9th December | Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ
Pexmas
Now in its seventh year, Pexmas has become a festive fixture in the local Peckham calendar. The market in Warwick Gardens will play host to over 140 local traders, food stalls and makers, with many vendors holding workshops to allow visitors to try their hand at some festive arts and crafts. A bar selling local beers and mulled wine plus a Santa's Grotto for the kids completes this perfect Peckham picture – 11am-6pm each day.
8th-9th December | Warwick Gardens, Peckham, SE15 4PT
Christmas Wednesdays on Columbia Road
The celebrated Columbia Road Flower Market takes a festive turn with these Christmas Wednesday evenings up until Christmas. From 5pm-9pm, the street will be filled with gifts and trinkets from more than 60 independent traders offering Jewellery, perfume, homewares and more. Carol singers from the local St Peters church will also serenade shoppers from 6-8pm each evening, providing the perfect soundtrack to some serious gift-grabbing!
5th, 12th and 19th December | Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, E2 7RG
Crafty Fox Market
An indoors option here for those who tend to feel the cold, the Crafty Fox Market will take place 'Downstairs at The Department Store' in Brixton. 80 traders will be selling their wares, with some running workshops, including homemade Christmas decorations and hand-carved spoons. Publishers, printmakers, jewellers, soap makers, florists and more will ensure the space is filled with beautiful ideas for gifts (or for you!)
14th-15th December | 248 Ferndale Rd, Brixton, SW9 8FR
Deptford Bites at Christmas
The hugely popular Deptford Bites market at the Deptford Market Yard is running a Christmas-themed event on the 8th December only, from 11am-6pm. Guests are invited to to "eat, drink, shop and be merry", with street food vendors and local traders supplying the unbeatable combination of handcrafted gifts and tasty seasonal treats with a Santa's Grotto thrown in for good measure. Not to be missed!
8th December | Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4NS
Not On The High Street pop-up
Notonthehighstreet.com is hosting one if its first pop-up shops this year, landing in Westfield White City from the 3rd-24th December. View the makers who will be attending here to get a sneak peak, then head out west to meet them in person for live demonstrations and workshops. Tree decorations, cushions, personalised gifts and jewellery aplenty!
3rd-24th December | Westfield White City
Flea Market Christmas Special at Flat Iron Square
A weekly treat for anyone in the Southwark area, the Flea Market in the buzzing Flat Iron Square has been busy selling vintage and antique clothes, furniture, vinyl, books and more to discerning Londoners for some time. This Christmas Special from the 15-16th December will add a festive twist, with a brass band, carollers and a swing band providing seasonal tunes to add to the fun.
15th-16th December | Flat Iron Square, 53A Southwark Street, SE1 1RU
