Make merry while you gift shop and choose something from an independent designer maker.
Christmas Launch – Poplar Union & Cotall Street Market
Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, London E14 6TL
Saturday 6 December 2025, 10:00 – 17:00
FREE entry (some indoor activities may be ticketed)
Kick off the festive season at Poplar Union with the Christmas Launch of Cotall Street Market. This community-focused event features indoor and outdoor activities from 10am to 5pm, including market stalls, festive treats, warm drinks and joyful tunes from a Christmas choir. Indoors there will be film screenings and a card-making zone, while outdoors the market runs every Saturday in December.
Museum of the Home Winter Market
Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Saturday 29 November 2025, 11:00 – 16:00 (Early access from 10:00)
Tickets from £7
Discover independent makers and artisan pieces as the Museum of the Home transforms into a festive market featuring over 40 creatives. Browse unique gifts, explore one-of-a-kind homewares and enjoy seasonal treats in the heart of Hoxton. The event offers early access for the keenest shoppers and free admission to the museum’s Winter Past exhibition during your visit.
Winter at Greenwich Peninsula
Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX
7 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
FREE entry (carousel rides and some workshops may be paid)
Fly over the Thames and discover festive magic at Greenwich Peninsula this winter. A majestic 10-metre Christmas tree anchors the experience in Peninsula Square, surrounded by a beautifully restored vintage Winter Carousel and a winter Market Quarter packed with cinnamon-dusted churros, bratwurst from Swing Grill, crêpes, hot donuts, mulled wine and hot chocolate. Nostalgic touches like a newspaper-style photo booth and a teddy-bear prize moment add charm and whimsy, while families, friends and neighbours gather for relaxed strolls, festive meet-ups and those joy-filled moments that define the season. No bookings are needed — simply drop in, grab a treat, take a ride and let a little winter magic brighten your day.
Christmas at Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Dates vary through December 2025
FREE entry
Old Spitalfields Market transforms into a festive East London favourite each December, with twinkling lights, seasonal pop-ups and plenty of cosy winter atmosphere. Expect joyful gospel choirs, live music sessions and special Christmas Shoppin’ Lates, where the market stays open into the evening for relaxed after-school or after-work browsing. Independent makers, artisan stalls and brilliant street-food traders bring a mix of unique gifts, treats and warming bites — perfect for a festive wander with kids, friends or visiting family.
Stepney City Farm Christmas Market 2025
Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, London E1 3DG
Date: To be confirmed
FREE entry
Stepney City Farm’s Christmas Market returns with a cosy, community-focused celebration in the heart of Tower Hamlets. Expect artisan makers, seasonal stalls, warming drinks and sweet treats, all set against the unique backdrop of this much-loved working urban farm. It’s a relaxed, local alternative to the big city markets — perfect for picking up thoughtful gifts, supporting independent traders and enjoying a festive wander with family or friends.
Young V&A Winter Market
Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
Saturday 29 November 2025 – Sunday 30 November 2025, 10:00 – 17:45
FREE entry
The Young V&A’s first Winter Market offers a two-day festive shopping experience featuring stalls from UK-based independent artists, designers, makers and producers specialising in design-led child-focused products. You’ll find children’s clothing and fashion accessories, original artwork and art prints, greeting cards, stationery and more — many ethically made, locally produced and using environmentally-friendly materials.
Winter by the River 2025
London Bridge City (along the Thames, near London Bridge)
13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026, daily 11:00 – 22:00 (Christmas Eve 11:00-17:00, New Year’s Eve 11:00-21:00, closed Christmas Day) LBC
Follow frosted paths along the Thames as London Bridge City transforms into a festive escape with boutique market stalls offering artisanal crafts, “gifts for good” from social enterprises, and seasonal treats. A new two-storey venue, The Glasshouse, provides riverside views, a heated rooftop canopy, and a balcony for relaxed winter dining with craft beers, waffles and pizza. Nearby, the returning Swift Stone Curling pop-up features six new lanes, a central bar and an après-ski themed Aperol bar — ideal for holiday gatherings with friends, family or colleagues.
Urban Makers Christmas Market 2025
Location: Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, 125 Grove Road, London E3 3RP
Dates: Saturday 29 November & Sunday 30 November 2025 / Saturday 13 December & Sunday 14 December 2025
Free entry
Join this East London-favourite makers’ market, now celebrating its tenth year, set in the serene surroundings of the Ecology Pavilion overlooking reed beds in Mile End Park. The market features around 50 independent designers each day offering sustainable and ethical gifts, homewares, jewellery, art, candles, fashion and accessories — ideal for thoughtful festive shopping. A selection of artisan food and drink will be available to keep you fuelled while you browse.
Wick Wonderland at Barge East
Barge East, 96 White Post Ln, Hackney Wick, London E9 5HD
Saturdays & Sundays: 6–7 December, 13–14 December, 20–21 December 2025, 12:00–18:00
Free entry
Step into festive riverside charm at Wick Wonderland, the seasonal market set in the gardens of Barge East beside the canal in Hackney Wick. Expect local makers, creatives and sustainable craft traders alongside mulled wine, street-food treats and a Christmas tree market for purchase or pre-order. The glow of fairy lights, waterside setting and independent spirit make it a perfect East London stop for friends, family or a laid-back festive browse.
Winter Market at Southbank Centre
Queen’s Walk (under Hungerford Bridge), London SE1 8XX
Open until Sunday 4 January 2026 (closed 25 Dec, 31 Dec & 1 Jan)
FREE entry
Set along the Thames, this festive pop-up at the Southbank Centre features alpine-style chalets filled with pop-up bars, street-food stalls and independent craft traders under twinkling lights. Visitors can browse skilfully crafted gifts such as jewellery, decorations and handmade fashion while sampling hearty savoury fare—from duck wraps and cheeseburgers to Himalayan dumplings—and sweet treats like churros, Dutch pancakes and cookies. The market runs daily with craft traders from 11 am-9 pm, food traders from 11 am-10 pm and bars until 11 pm.
Check out our round up of fun and festive things to do this Christmas with kids in East London.
Christmas just isnt’ Christmas without a Panto! OH no it isn’t! Check out Mama Goose at Stratford East!
