We’ve trawled through many a Yuletide Shopping event in previous years and these are our definite favourites for this season.
A creative home for over 170 crafts makers, you’ll not only find great Christmas presents but also poetry readings by William Sieghart, calligraphy and weaving workshops, dance, food, music and much, much more. Find the full programme of events here. Kindred Studios, 18 Saltram Cresent, W9 3HW. Open 17 – 18 November.
Taking place at the Swedish Church in Marylebone, the Swedish Market sells Christmas decorations, food, candles, gifts and all things Scandi. You can also eat and drink here at the cafe. Do note though that Saturday can get very busy with queues to get in so try to visit on either the Thursday or Sunday instead. Swedish Church, 6 Harcourt Street, W1H 4AG. Opening times: 22 November: 11am – 8pm, 24 November: 11am – 7pm & 25 November: midday – 5pm.
One of the best ways to buy directly from independent crafts people is at these two open studio events where you can meet 170 makers including weavers, ceramists and jewellers. The first event is 23 – 25 November at Holborn, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, WC1N 2NP whilst the second is 30 November – 2 December in Deptford, 18 – 22 Creekside, SE8 3DZ. Advance tickets are £5 and you can buy them here.
Find the most beautiful scarves, lampshades, stationery and many more items at this Christmas Open Studio, including some seconds at reduced prices. 29 November: midday – 8pm; 1 December: 10am – 6pm & 2 December: midday – 6pm at 24 – 26 Clarence Mews, E5 8HL
Antonia Graham’s Christmas Home Sale
The founder of Graham & Green’s annual Home sale is always full of the most wonderful things sourced in India and beyond. Find Nehru jackets, pretty kimonos from Jaipur, and hand-knitted socks from the Himalayas. 16-20 November: 10am-6pm at 12 Findon Road, W12 9PP.
Top independent brands come together for this bi-annual sale – think velvet cushions from Kristen Hecktermann, sculpted lights from Viola Lenari, clothing from Bolam Style and jewellery from Drift. 28 November: 6 – 9pm, 29 November: 10am – 8pm and 30 November: 10am – 5pm at St Mary Abbot’s Centre, Vicarage Gate, Kensington, W8 4HN.
If you’re looking for a Yuletide experience with a twist, then head to the Monocle Christmas Market. Yes, there will be grazing reindeer, mulled wine and Father Christmas but you’ll also find an array of stalls from both local Marylebone business and international labels, all hand picked by Monocle. 1- 2 December, 11am – 5pm both days, free entry at Monocle HQ, Midori House, 1 Dorset Street, W1U 4EG.
Find over 60 boutique market stalls (including some of our favourite labels such as Smalls) plus Christmas carols, festive food and mulled wine at this market on Elizabeth Street and Eccleston Yards. 2 December, 11- 5pm.
If you’re shopping for children this Christmas, then we can’t recommend the Babyccino Kids Shop-Up more highly. Held at the Chelsea Town Hall, King’s Road, SW3 5EE on 2 December: 11am – 6pm & 3 December: 10am – 5pm, the independent shop stalls are extremely well curated including the gorgeous Niddle Noddle and Greenberry Kids. Entry is free and you’ll also find a resident Santa, craft classes and mini photo shoots available too.
Further afield, don’t miss the Charleston Frost Fair on 24 November: 11am – 5pm at the Hay Barn, Charleston, where there will be over 30 craftmakers including Molly Mahon’s textiles and Rathfinny wine plus there will be free kids arts and crafts sessions and a resident Snow Queen. Entry is £5.
And finally, the Great Dixter Christmas Market has some of our very favourite stalls including Badgers Velvet, Cambridge Imprint and Persephone Books all selling their wares in the old Medieval Outbuildings and barns. The shop and nursery will both be open too. Great Dixter, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6PH. 24 – 25 November: 10am – 4pm. Entrance is £5.
