Make merry while you gift shop and choose something from an independent designer maker.
1 Christmas Makers Market and Fashion Parade
Saturday 23rd November 2024 10 am – 3pm
University of East London, University Way, London, E16 2RD
Join the UEL community event for unique holiday gifts, cozy hot chocolate, and creative inspiration! Explore the festive makers market, where talented student entrepreneurs from CASE offer handmade treasures, from artisanal accessories and original artwork to delicious baked treats and crafted fashion. Kids can unleash their creativity at Art in the Docks’ interactive fashion workshop, making tote bags and headwear. At 12:30 pm, cheer on young designers as they showcase their creations in a lively fashion parade at Docklands Square. This day promises festive fun, creativity, and something special for everyone!
2 Greenwich Peninsula
Saturday 17th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0SQ
Fly over the Thames to experience Christmas at Greenwich Peninsula. The 10-meter tree at Peninsula Square sets a festive tone, complemented by a charming Victorian-style Winter Carousel and market with mulled wine, bratwurst, and churros. Families and friends can join workshops for wreath-making, candle crafting, and gingerbread decorating to creat ultra personal gifts. Movie & Munch pairs film with festive treats, while artist-led events include a textile exhibition by Celia Pym on sustainable sock mending at NOW Gallery and repair workshops with TOAST. Get stuck into the season with nostalgia, creativity, and holiday magic at the Peninsula.
3 Christmas at Old Spitalfield’s Market
From Wednesday 13th November 2024
Old Spitalfields
Flicking the switch to festive on Wednesday 13th, Old Spitalfield’s Market which has been voted one of London’s best, will feature Gospel Choir, face painting and more. Christmas Shopping lates will continue with a pop up bar offering spiced chais and cosy mulled wine and cider. Choose a unique gift from plenty of handmade, vintage, and independent makers and curators. Capture the moment among the neon wreaths and urban folk seasonal decor.
4 Stepney City Farm Christmas Market
Saturday 7th December 2024, 10 am – 4 pm
Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, London, E1 3DG
Away in a manger, Stepney City Farm’s Christmas Market returns with the cafe open until 6pm. Enjoy over 30 stalls with seasonal produce and unique gifts, along with weekly regulars. Get your jingle on as you enjoy festive tunes from London City Brass and sip mulled wine while the kids enjoy arts and crafts in the classroom. Don’t miss the pop-up cafe store with 403RCHVE, fresh farm goods in the Farm Shop, and support this community farm by purchasing beautifully designed Christmas cards. A lovely way to celebrate the season with community spirit and holiday cheer!
5 Christmas Wednesdays on Columbia Road- Carolling sadly cancelled due to overcrowding
Every Wednesday 27th November to 18th December 2024 5-9 pm
Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Once a rowdy and joyous way to spend a Wednesday evening, this market has had to tone it down a notch due to being absolutely mobbed last year. But, you can still enjoy an evening of shopping in a charming Dickensian market street with classic old-world charm, Victorian street lamps and traditional shop fronts will be dressed in the season’s finest. Cruise the streets with mulled wine as you dip in and out of independent shops and peruse the market stalls.
6 Winter by the River
Tuesday 12th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 11 am – 10 pm
London Bridge City, 2A More London Pl, London SE1 2DB
London Bridge City returns with another Winter by the River festival. Stroll along the Thames through vibrant market stalls offering artisanal crafts, unique gifts, and treats, with special “gifts for good” from social enterprises. Pop-up bars, The Glasshouse and Little Glasshouse invite you to “mull things over” while taking in the panoramic views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and enjoy festive experiences like paint and sip, wreath making, and cocktail masterclasses. New this year, try Swift Stone, a pop-up curling venue at London Bridge City Pier. A great market to visit while taking a trip to enjoy the Unicorn Theatre Christmas productions.
7 Urban Makers East
30th November – 1st December and 14th -15th December 2024
The Ecology Pavillion, 125 Grove Rd., Bow, London E3 5RP
Discover sustainable and ethically crafted gifts from 50 designers each day, offering unique Christmas decorations, homewares, jewellery, art, candles, and more. Savour treats at the Urban Makers Feast, featuring festive food, artisan coffee, and cocktails. The Pavilion’s natural light and serene views create a warm, inviting atmosphere for holiday shopping.
8 Wick Wonderland
7-8 December, 14-15 December, and 21-22 December
Barge East, River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN
Wick Wonderland returns to showcase local businesses, artists, and traders along the river between Stratford and Hackney Wick as the Barge East Gardens fill up with festive stalls this Christmas. Wick Wonderland will offer a brilliant selection of Festive trinkets, see
asonal sweet treats, and Christmas goodies—perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
9 Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market
Friday 6th – Sunday 9th December 2024
The Factory, Dalston E8 2DA
More than a Christmas Market, this is a Japanese cultural extravaganza! YOKIMONO (よきもの) means ‘good things’ in Japanese and this promises to be just what it says on the tin with delicious Japanese food and sweets, vintage kimonos, ceramics, illustrations, stationary, clothing, jewellery and much more – all made in Japan or produced by Japanese artists in London. Along with market stalls, there will be live performances from Japanese musicians , demonstrations of Furoshiki and Kimono, Ukiyoe art, Tea Ceremony and Kokedama Bonsai making.
10 Museum of the Home Yard Sale
Sunday 1st December 2024
Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
More than just a Christmas Market in East London, this festive season the museum will become a vibrant hub for unique finds featuring vendors like Jam Jar Edit, Tatty Devine, and Allday Goods. Explore distinctive homeware, stylish jewellery, and practical goods while supporting the Museum’s community outreach efforts, addressing hidden homelessness, food equality, period poverty, and climate action. Don’t miss the chance to discover one-of-a-kind treasures and do good while you shop!
Is your favourite Christmas market in East London listed? If not, please let us know about it in the comments below or add it to our community calendar. This list is likely to grow!