Whether you want to get your Christmas shopping done, or you're looking to buy festive treats and Christmas decorations, London's many Christmas markets and fairs are the place to be. Below are details of London's Christmas 2021 markets — do check the latest information with organisers before you go, as there may be extra ticketing or entry charges at some events this year, to prevent overcrowding.
Check out our guide to spending Christmas in London for other festive events in the capital.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: If you're the sort who counts down to Christmas as soon as the last one is over, the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia is very much for you. It's a great excuse to officially begin the festivities in early November, and goes on for a whole week, ample time to browse the 600+ brands represented there. In addition, the Food Hall offers more artisan producers to browse... and if you buy a fancy cheese 'for Christmas' but eat it on the tube on the way home, who are we to judge? From £21 adult, 1-7 November 2021
CRAFTY FOX CHRISTMAS MARKETS: We're massive fans of Crafty Fox markets, which give local artists and craftspeople somewhere to sell their wares. With two Christmas markets at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle and one in King's Cross, there are plenty of chances to shop local and support independent this year. The stalls tend to change every time, but can be a mixture of jewellery, ceramics, homewares, beauty products, textiles, cards and more. We've never left empty-handed. 7 November, 4-5 December, 19 December 2021
COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS FAIR: Expect high-end goods aplenty at the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair in Islington, which caters for all aspects of the festivities, from gifts to food and drink to decorating your home. Everything from jewellery to gin to cheese to textiles to artworks is available to buy. There's also a full programme of talks and workshops where you can learn to make your own festive fairies, wreaths and baubles. We're exhausted just thinking about it. £20 admission (extra charge for workshops), 10-14 November 2021
CHARTERHOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR: The Charterhouse in Clerkenwell hosts its one-day only Christmas fair. Food and drink, accessories, crafts and homewares are available. It takes place on a Tuesday, so is likely to be a bit less busy than London's other Christmas markets. £5 entry, 16 November 2021
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND: If you like your Christmas shopping with a side of fun fair rides, theatre shows, and even an ice rink, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the place to head. Traditional wooden chalets sell jewellery, food and drink, toys, clothes, craft items and more. Be warned though — it does get VERY busy at Winter Wonderland, particularly on evenings and weekends closer to Christmas. If you're just there for the Christmas market, enter via the Blue Gate and head towards the ice rink. Note the new entry procedures for 2021, including an entry free of £5-£7.50 if you're visiting in peak times (it's still free entry off-peak). 19 November 2021-3 January 2022
BLACKHEATH: The Friends of Age Exchange hold their 8th annual Blackheath Christmas Fair at Blackheath Halls, selling books, jewellery, gifts food and drink. Money raised goes back to the charity. £2.50 entry fee, 21 November 2021
IDEAL HOME SHOW AT CHRISTMAS: Head to Olympia for the Ideal Home Show At Christmas. Focus is getting your home ready for the festive period, with a plethora of decorations to browse, but there are also gift ideas, foodie items, festive theatre and live music performances, and plenty of free talks giving interior design inspo. From £14 adult, 24-28 November 2021.
STRAWBERRY HILL: 40 exhibitors descend on Twickenham for the Strawberry Hill House Christmas Fair. Browse pottery, tableware, cards, food and drink and more. Festive demonstration workshops run alongside the fair, though what exactly is being demonstrated isn't clear. £7.50 entry, booking required, 27-28 November 2021
FULHAM PALACE: Over 40 stalls are spread out both inside and outside Fulham Palace over the Christmas fair weekend. As well as purchasing jewellery, homewares, fragrances, spirits and the like, it's a chance to see the palace interior decorated for Christmas and enjoy Christmas carols and live music. Rumour has it that Father Christmas will be around that weekend too, though you'll need to book a separate ticket to visit him. Fair entry £5 adult, booking required, 27-28 November
FORTY HALL CHRISTMAS FAYRE: Forty Hall in Enfield hosts a four-day Christmas fayre, which usually showcases many local businesses. Mulled wine and barbecue food are available to enjoy as you browse, and there's a one-way system in place. £2 entry, booking required, 2-5 December 2021
HAMPTON COURT PALACE: Food is the theme at the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre, a three-day event taking place in the courtyards of Henry VIII's former home. Stock up on Christmas gifts for the foodies in your life, and keep yourself well-refreshed with street food stalls, and warming drinks. Festive singalongs take place in front of the bandstand throughout the weekend. Include in palace admission, booking recommended, 3-5 December 2021. Psst... the Hampton Court Palace ice rink is also open this weekend, in case you want to make a completely festive day of it.
THE GARDEN MUSEUM: The Beautiful & Useful Craft Fair at The Garden Museum in Lambeth has an emphasis on supporting small businesses, with a carefully curated selection of artists, designers and makers selling their products. Ceramics, purses, planters and wooden bowls and vases are the specialities of some of the producers already signed up. £6 entry free (included entry to the museum collections), 5 December 2021