This is a sponsored article on behalf of Country Living.
Want to make this year's holiday season super-duper special? It all begins this November with a trip to the London edition of Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, and we've scored you 20% off tickets.
Country Living sprinkles its festive magic on Islington's Business Design Centre from 9 to 13 November. Anyone who's wistfully flicked through a copy of the magazine's December edition — lusting over pretty cottages with stocking-ready fireplaces and AGA-equipped kitchens perfect for putting together a lavish festive feast — will know what vibe to expect.
We're talking timeless seasonal cheer, which you can recreate at home (no sprawling countryside pile required), thanks to the hundreds of artisan makers selling their wares at the festival — on top of a bumper programme of talks, demos, tastings and workshops.
But it's not all about planning ahead for the Christmas of your dreams. Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is also just a brilliantly festive day out in its own right — there's even a chance to catch up with friends over a glass or two of bubbly at the Champagne Bar by Viking.
Read on for our whistlestop tour of this year's fair.
Shop till you drop
If you want to make a serious dent in your Christmas shopping list without braving the high street, Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is the place to go. Over 180 small businesses, crafters and artisan retailers are showcasing their latest wares here, with fashion, homeware, jewellery and more available to purchase.
On top of dreamy gifts for your nearest and dearest, you can find goods to help you transform your home into a haven of yuletide cheer — think Christmassy candles, handmade decorations, and more. And the best bit? You'll be buying directly from the makers, adding a personal touch to the season of giving.
Sample festive food and drink
Expand your festive recipe repertoire with a little help from the Country Living Kitchen Theatre, sponsored by Stoves. Here, culinary experts whip up all sorts of seasonal showstoppers live on stage as they answer your burning questions. You might even get the chance to try a tipple or two.
Speaking of drinks, you can sample more Christmassy pick-me-ups in a tailored tasting session. New for 2022, these pre-book sessions introduce you to this season's most marvellous mulled gins, and show you how to pair the perfect wine with your festive feast. There's even a "mindful chocolate tasting"... sounds like just the kind of self-care activity we can get behind.
Get crafty
Needle-felted baubles, top-tier table decorations, cheerful reindeer bunting... these are just some of the quirky items you could be making in one of Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair's fun, interactive workshops, led by an arts and crafts expert.
Like the tasting sessions, tickets to workshops must be bought separately — they're available here.
Enjoy VIP treatment and bottomless fizz
Add some extra sparkle to your day at Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair by opting for a VIP ticket. Not only does it grant you priority access to the fair and complimentary use of its private lounge and cloakroom, you'll also enjoy bottomless prosecco in between all that shopping, sampling and crafting. Complimentary tea and coffee is also available.
You'll even take home a goody bag worth £25 or — if you upgrade to the "Luxe VIP" experience — a hamper worth a whopping £200!
All sounds pretty darn good, doesn't it? Remember, our readers get 20% off tickets (standard adult prices only). Just enter the code CLLONDONIST at checkout to redeem.
Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair London. 9-13 November at the Business Design Centre (Islington).
