The Christmas market season has returned in a flash. But, even while London’s markets are one of the happiest places to shop all year long, the holiday season is when they come to life with festive decorations, handcrafted goods, and an abundance of joy. This year, a bumper crop of markets and fairs spread around the city to tour as you gather gifts and enjoy a cup of mulled wine.
These are the most fabulous markets in London for 2022, whether you’re looking for a stroll along the river or to be transported to cozy Scandinavia. We’ll keep this list updated as new markets are revealed regularly. In addition, 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 spirit. So that is how to enjoy Christmas in 2022, from going ice skating at Somerset House to admiring the Christmas lights on Regent Street.
Christmas in Covent Garden
Nothing in Covent Garden is more festive than the 60-foot Christmas tree lit up with more than 115,000 colors each year. Go down to view it in all 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.
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, fondue, truffle burgers, bratwurst, dutch pancakes, egg nog, 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 buy now because you may browse stocking stuffers, presents, decorations, and crafts from independent sellers up to Boxing Day.
DIY Christmas 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. There will be many items to purchase, including art prints, ceramics, fanzines, clothing, sculptures, and jewelry. Since independent businesses made all the items, you will know your purchase will help a worthy cause this holiday season.
Hackney Christmas Market
The same designers behind Hackney Christmas Market give Bohemia Place a sparkling makeover every weekend until Sunday, December 18. All 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 workshops and ethically sourced goods for any last-minute gift panics.
Christmas Independent Ceramics Market
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, cups, and more. There will be many possibilities, whether you’re searching for sentimental presents, adorable stocking stuffers, or just something pleasant for your mantlepiece.
Crafty Fox Markets
Are you looking to make a unique purchase this year? Crafty Fox Market will appear 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 stands, is at the Granary Building in King’s Cross. Good presents are assured.
Last Century Christmas Market
Every December, a two-day Christmas market with 35 vintage vendors is held in Beckenham Place Park. You can purchase decor, 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.
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 regular mouthwatering fare and holiday extras like mulled wine, Christmas cakes, and gifts. For the ideal cheese board for Christmas Day, visit the Borough Cheese Company, and for artisan bread, visit Olivier’s Bakery.
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
Christmas Wednesdays are back, bringing revelers to the unique stores and eateries of Columbia Road in East London on Wednesday evenings throughout December. On Sunday mornings, Columbia Road Flower Market is held there. In addition, there are 60 small cafés, art galleries, boutiques, 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.
Festive Flea
Flea The vintage and makers’ market in London’s Vinegar Yard is modeled after European flea markets and focuses on independent vendors and ecological living. There are over 40 stalls of handcrafted goods, and all sales will benefit small and local businesses. As you look for fantastic, original gifts, sip mulled wine and eat warming goodies (the chocolate-dipped churros are exquisite).
Conclusion
Anyone interested in experiencing the spirit of the holiday season may do it in style by visiting one of London’s many renowned Christmas markets. These Christmas markets in London, including Southbank Market, Borough Market, and DIY Christmas Art Market, each have something spectacular to offer the city’s many different sorts of consumers that visit them.
There is a market that caters to your specific needs, whether you are looking for excellent cuisine, unusual presents, or merry decorations. That is our selection of the top Christmas Markets in London, which are fantastic for tourists, whether they are interested in historical sites, mouthwatering delicacies, or lively retail scenes.
