London Christmas Markets & Fairs

Wrap up warm and head out to one of London's Christmas markets and festive fairs where shopping can be a fun day out – rather than a dreaded list-ticking chore. This year, London's favourite German markets return once again to the Southbank and Hyde Park, plus niche offerings abound throughout November and December - whether you're after food, jewellery, craft, eco design or just a great festive ambiance with all the seasonal smells, sights and sounds.

Cologne Christmas Market

Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
18th November 2011 - 24th December 2011

The Cologne Christmas Market returns to the South Bank for a fourth consecutive year with around 70 wooden chalet-style stalls set up beside the Thames beside the Southbank Centre between Royal Festival Hall and the London Eye. Strolling along the South Bank at any time of year is one of the best free things you can do in London but with the pretty market lining the pedestrian promenade for six weeks each Christmas, it becomes a real treat. The traditional wooden chalets sell all kinds of gifts, such as hand-crafted trinkets, wooden toys, jewellery, candles, ceramics, clothes and glass ornamental Christmas tree decorations. Of course, it's also all about the food and drink - and the German theme extends to the sustenance on offer: warming Gluhwein (German mulled wine), bratwursts and schnitzels, gingerbread hearts, delicious crepes and roasted nuts. Throw in British specials such as sausages, hog roasts, candy floss, chocolates and sweets, and you shouldn't go hungry - provided you're prepared to dig deep into your pockets (the prime riverside location in the centre of town means things do not come cheap - much like at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland). At the centre of it all, the showpiece carousel offers younger visitors an enjoyable attraction whilst their parents are busy shopping for Christmas treats.

More info: Cologne Christmas Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
18th November 2011 - 3rd January 2012

Throughout late November and December the section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with fairground rides, giant wheel, circus, Christmas market, food and drink stalls, Santa's grotto and, of course, an ice rink. It's the fifth consecutive year that the Winter Wonderland has come to Hyde Park and it's already a favourite in many Londoners' calendar, notching two million visitors in 2010. Doing your best Torvill and Dean impersonation is a great way to embrace the cold and this new Ice Rink - which now surrounds the Victorian bandstand and is illuminated by 108,000 pea-lights - is the biggest of its kind in the UK. You'll certainly benefit from the extra space for all those slick ice manoeuvres (such as the classic floor-pick-up). Doing a turn on the 53-metre-high Observational Wheel takes in great views over London's most popular Christmas attraction, fittingly set in the capital's most prominent park. After a successful debut two years ago, Zippos Circus returns - and the 35-minute show is bound to pull crowds into its heated big top when temperatures plummet. Finally, new this year are the acrobatic Zippos Cirque Extreme, the Alpine Hotel - the biggest funhouse in Europe - and the Alpine Adventure roller-coaster. The traditional Angels Christmas Market, with its wooden chalets and various Bavarian-style bars and cafes, is a hoot - but don't go with an empty wallet because while the whole thing is not cheap, it's such fun you'll want to get into the spirit and spend. (Remember: advanced booking on the main attractions is advised while you'll need to buy tokens from kiosks dotted around the fair for the many rides.) Free entry means you can just walk around and absorb the festive ambiance - but it will take a strong will not to succumb to the smells and fun on offer.

More info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Winter Wonderland's Angels Christmas Market

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
18th November 2011 - 3rd January 2012

The best time to go to Winter Wonderland is after dark, when the Christmas lights bring out the festive spirit in everyone. Winter Wonderland has become an annual fixture in Hyde Park, with its fairground rides, huge ice rink, giant Observational Wheel offering great views of London's skyline, Santa's grotto (free, first-come-first-served), Zippos Circus, Alpine Hotel funhouse, roller-coaster and fantastic Angels Christmas Market. Entry is free - just walk through the main entrance by Hyde Park Corner - but visitors will need to take a full wallet to make the most of the activities and stalls. The market itself expands every year, and in 2011 there will be over 100 stalls, each in a pretty wooden chalet, laden with hand-crafted decorations, unusual clothes and gifts, sweets and artisan foods, jewellery, wooden toys and more. There are also bands and choirs providing seasonal entertainment, hot food stalls, and various bars. It's hardly top-end goods, but it's hard to imagine a more fun way to do some of your Christmas shopping - although do wrap up warm and be prepared for crowds.

More info: Winter Wonderland's Angels Christmas Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Made in Clerkenwell Christmas Open Studio

Craft Central, EC1M 4DS
24th November 2011 - 27th November 2011

Clerkenwell is still one of the most creative quarters in the capital, but much of its arty and crafty industry goes on behind closed doors. Made in Clerkenwell Christmas Open Studio events give people a chance to explore. Craft Central is home to one hundred designers, who throw their doors open in the lead up to Christmas to show off their wares. On the high street, it's rare to meet the person (or machine) who made the goods you're about to buy; here it's one of the pleasures. Choose between jewellery, fashion, homewares, ceramics, accessories and other crafts. You can chat to individual designers about their unique processes, and even commission a one-off. Some of our favourite items are Susan Bradley's London Landmark Bookends, Esther Coombs's up-cycled crockery cake stands and milliner Katherine Elizabeth's vintage-style hats (they've graced the heads of Alexa Chung and Dita Von Teese, to name but two). Sought-after jewellers Sonia Cheadle, Andrew English, Amy Keeper and Mark Nuell will all open their workshops, as will the up-and-coming Ikuko Iwamoto (ceramics) and Helen Beard (porcelain). If you're in the hunt for a London-themed festive gift, then look out for the studios of interior product star Michelle Mason, renowned for her colourful statement cushions, and artist Vic Lee, who makes wonderful prints of iconic spots all over the city. There's a fun opening night launch party (with drinks and nibbles) on Thursday and late night shopping on Friday, ahead of the weekend. What's more, one ticket allows unlimited access over the whole four days - and given the late November date, you could find yourself having the annual present rush done and dusted before December. For more information, please visit www.craftcentral.org.uk.

More info: Made in Clerkenwell Christmas Open Studio Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Taste Of Christmas

ExCel London Exhibition Centre, London, E16 1XL
2nd December 2011 - 4th December 2011

Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will be joining culinary forces for this year's Taste Of Christmas, the fabulous foodie event for the festive season ath the ExCel. The two star chefs will team up to share their top tips for a gourmet Christmas as well as taking part in live cooking demonstrations. The pair will take to the stage together in a unique session taking place in front of the first 2,000 special ticket holders. For those not fortunate enough to get their hands on one of those tickets, you can expect a star-studded guestlist throughout the rest of the show as you get the chance to shop for top seasonal ingredients and to inject some inspirational spark into your family's tried and tested Christmas classics. There's a multitude of food stalls from top London restaurant such as Benares, Roast and Rhodes W1, as well as advice and inspiration from renowned foodies such as Gary Rhodes, Atul Kochhar, Antony Worrall Thompson, Rachel Allen, Michel Roux Jr, Theo Randall and many more. It's perfectly possible to complete all your Christmas food shopping under one roof at the ExCel, as long as you ignore the distractions of tastings and the food demonstration theatre. For tickets for Taste of Christmas and further information, visit www.tasteofchristmas.com.

More info: Taste Of Christmas Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

East London Design Show

Shoreditch Town Hall, EC1V 9LT
2nd December 2011 - 4th December 2011

For a refreshing and alternative shopping experience in the lead up to Christmas then try the annual East London Design Show at Shoreditch Town Hall. Forget the humdrum conformity of the high street and seek up some stylish surprises from over one hundred of the best independent product, interior and jewellery designers in London - all under one roof. The wares range from ceramics to clothes, to jewellery and furniture, and there's also stationary, children's toys, lighting, art and homewares, plus the requisite array of zany gimcracks and cheerios. Expect something a little sleeker, funkier and less folksy and dated than the craft goods you'll find in the German Markets around town. Who knows, you might even be buying a future design classic. Shopping is the main event, but there's also a bar/cafe and workshops on sustainable gift-wrapping, hat making and toy making. Children get their own play space and supervised making sessions hosted by Creative Charlie. A private VIP opening night takes place on 1 December before the event gets under way on Friday 2 December with a special late shopping evening till 8pm ahead of two full days of trade on the weekend.

More info: East London Design Show Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Ham House Christmas Fair

Ham House, London, TW10 7RS
3rd December 2011 - 18th December 2011

The annual Ham House Christmas Fair takes place over three consecutive December weekends in a heated marquee in the gorgeous landscaped grounds of this fine Stuart mansion on the banks of the River Thames near Richmond. Local traders man the stalls, selling arts, crafts and artisan foods, while the Orangery is open all day for refreshments. There's plenty to keep younger members of the family entertained while parents shop with face painting, balloon modelling and storytelling all laid on in the grand basement of the house as well as a Christmas trail and a mini carousel in the garden. Stay on after the fair on Saturdays from 4.30pm-6pm, and (for an additional fee) you can also enjoy the lighthearted one-hour sing-along Family Carol Concerts featuring young vocal group Apollo 5, (Children's tickets include a trip to see Father Christmas in the Great Hall). On Sundays from 5pm-6.30pm and 7pm-8.30pm there are a series of concerts of festive music from 17th-century London performed on authentic instruments by specialist ensemble The City Musick in the Great Hall. Booking is essential - tickets to the musical events include entry to the Christmas Fair.

More info: Ham House Christmas Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Duckie Christmas Market

Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
10th December 2011 - 30th December 2011

Continuing in the same vein as last year's Alternative Christmas Extravaganza, the Barbican will play host to another left-of-centre festive fair this December. Located in the Barbican Foyer and named after a theatrical collective, the Duckie Christmas Market will boast an array of independent gifts showcasing cult craftspeople, underground artisans, DIY designers, thrifty retro hawkers and community arts curios. The idea is to think outside the box and eschew the consumerist High Street identikit chain store Christmas and plump for something much more worthy and traditional. The Barbican bazaar will feature a range of stalls offering a range of housewares, clothes, jewellery, artwork, specialty foods and cards - and even if you're not buying, you'll be sure to get some inspiration. Throw in some Crafty Christmas Workshops (10, 11, 17, 18 December - tickets £6), the odd pop-up performance and barrels of seasonal bonhomie, and this promises to be a breath of fresh festive air in today's day and age of senseless shopaholic-style soulless spending.

More info: The Duckie Christmas Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair

Chelsea Physic Garden, London, SW3 4HS
26th November 2011 - 27th November 2011

London's oldest Botanic Garden opens its doors once again for the annual Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair on the last weekend of November. Held in large heated marquees in the grounds, the stalls promise to boast an extensive range of new and innovative gifts, including garden paraphernalia, unusual jewellery, cashmere clothing, pottery, ceramics, woollen goods, handmade chocolates, children's clothes and exclusive leather goods. The Garden's Tangerine Dream Cafe will serve hot breakfasts and lunches (including a trademark game stew) as well as festive treats such as mince pies and mulled wine. You can also put in orders for special Christmas cakes and pies, to be delivered to your homes in time for Christmas. As well as the marvellous market, the Christmas Fair offers the public the chance to enjoy what is arguably London's most interesting private garden. Hidden behind towering brick walls and protected from the city's sounds and harsh breezes, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a truly breathtaking spot where the most idyllic collection of plants flourish in a unique, carefully created microclimate. A visit here before Christmas is a present in itself.

More info: Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Of Cabbages and Kings Christmas Market

Abney Hall, London, N16 0AS
3rd December 2011 - 18th December 2011

Hosted by Stoke Newington gallery and gift shop Of Cabbages and Kings, this little Christmas Market takes place over two weekends in December (3rd & 4th, 17th & 18th) at Abney Hall and showcases works by various local artists, designers and craftspeople. Every day there's a fresh selection of creations on offer - including cards, prints, decorations, stocking fillers and festive fashion - so if you live in the area, you can pop in every day and be sure of spotting something different. Take a break from browsing the myriad handmade gifts, original artwork and designer homewares with a mince pie and a cup of mulled apple juice - not to mention a good old chin-wag - at the cafe, where The Little Chilli Catering Company will be putting on a spread of suitable goodwill. Rustic Christmas hampers will be available to order as well.

More info: Of Cabbages and Kings Christmas Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Real Food Christmas Market

Southbank Centre Square, London, SE1 8XX
16th December 2011 - 23rd December 2011

The Southbank Centre's weekly Real Food Market goes daily in the lead up to Christmas - an ideal chance to pick up some last-minute festive culinary delights. Located in the square on the Waterloo Station side of the Southbank Centre, the Real Food Christmas Market will boast a whole range of seasonal produce such as wild game, ham, charcuterie, pies, cheeses, chutneys, pickles, cakes and chocolates, as well as Christmas staples in mince pies and mulled wine. This is high quality but affordable stuff - and with kind staff from carefully selected producers, plus a taste-before-you-buy policy, it's a relaxed place to make your unique Yule time food purchases. And if it gets a little sedate for you, you can always pop around to the nearby bustling Cologne Christmas Market on the South Bank by the Thames.

More info: Real Food Christmas Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Petersham Nurseries Candlelit Christmas Market and Carols

Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Teahouse, London, TW10 7AG
7th December 2011 - 14th December 2011

Rekindle some old fashioned Christmas spirit with a special evening of candlelit shopping and carol singing at the wonderful Petersham Nurseries. Far cry from the hustle and bustle and high street tat on Oxford Street, the Petersham Nurseries Candlelit Christmas Market and Carols is what this time of year should really be about: twinkling lights, roasting chestnuts, delightful smells, fresh produce and festive cheer - all in one of south-west London's best settings. Held on two consecutive Wednesday evenings in mid-December, the market is a free event and features a choir performing carols from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Christmas trees and wreaths, traditional decorations and inspirational gifts will all be on sale, while head chef Tito Bergamaschi will be showcasing a selection of unique, delicate and versatile cheeses from the north Italian province of Lodi. This being Petersham Nurseries, the evening market would not be the same without some delectable homemade mince pies with brandy butter and hot mulled wine, as well as other festive goodies for sale. Other Christmas events going on at Petersham Nurseries in December are wreath making workshops (Mon 5 & Mon 12 - £100, including tea, coffee and cake on arrival, and hot, seasonal lunch with wine) and the annual Christmas Feast (Thurs 22, Fri 23 & Sat 24 from 12pm-3.30pm - five-course set menu for £90 - reservations essential). The nurseries will be closed from Christmas Day until Thursday 29 December.

More info: Petersham Nurseries Candlelit Christmas Market and Carols Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Columbia Road Christmas Shopping Evenings

Columbia Road Flower Market, London, E2 7RG
30th November 2011 - 21st December 2011

The independent shops along the charming cobbled streets of Columbia Road open late on Wednesday evenings in the lead up before Christmas - offering an endearing East End alternative from the bright lights and hefty crowds of the West End. The shops, which were originally created as a Victorian shopping arcade 150-odd years ago, are usually only open on Sundays alongside the popular Columbia Road Flower Market. If vintage fashion, off-beat artwork, original homewares, quirky trinkets and delicious deli goods are your cup of tea (mulled wine, even) then this is the place to be on Wednesday evenings in December. Throw in all the requisite festive refreshments and snacks, plus live music, entertainment and a few surprises, and Christmas will really be coming early for those who venture to this timeless East End enclave.

More info: Columbia Road Christmas Shopping Evenings Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

St Katharine Docks Christmas Market

St Katherine Docks, E1W 1TW
16th December 2011

A short and pretty walk downstream from Tower Hill, St Katharine Docks hosts its annual Christmas Market Day on Friday 16 December. Usually home to the excellent weekly Good Food Market on Fridays, the St Katharine Docks Christmas Market will also boast a range of gift and craft stalls as well as its usual array of food stalls set out right by the water in Marble Quay Courtyard, outside the pretty Dickens Inn. There'll be all the festive favourites, such as mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, as well as a range of Christmas meats and cheeses plus all the traditional English and International Christmas foods to cater for your every needs. Throw in the delicious aroma of a hog roast, and a charity raffle to win a luxury Partridges Hamper, and this should be quite an event. If you haven't been to St Katharine Docks before, it's a must: combining Victorian heritage and sleek modern office blocks, apartments, shops and restaurants, it's a great spot for a walk, all set out around a fully functioning waterway that continues to attract maritime visitors in the shape of yachts and barges.

More info: St Katharine Docks Christmas Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube