Feeling in the mood for Christmas? If not, here are some local markets you can check out to get in the festive spirit…
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Wooden chalets and twinkling lights pop up alongside the Thames for Southbank Centre’s Winter Market. Its main focus is on food and drink — street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate — with a few craft traders too.
When? Until 26 December
Where? Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX
Admission: Free entry
Between The Bridges
Following a few successful summer outings, south-London-based creative hub SoLo Craft Fair returns to Between The Bridges for a series of Christmas markets.
Head for the event’s venue — between the London Eye and the Hungerford Bridge — on selected Sundays to browse the stalls and grab a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
When? 12, 19, 26 November and 3, 10, 17 December
Where? The Queen’s Walk, SE1
Admission: Free
Winter by the River
Visit market stalls selling gifts and treats, along with pop-up bars and entertainment including themed karaoke rooms and live choir performances.
When? Until 1 January
Where? Between London and Tower Bridges on the South Bank.
Admission: Free
Dulwich Christmas Fair
This is a pop-up market at Barnabas Parish Hall with an array of traders selling seasonal delights, crafts and unique items. There will be two ticketed events too – a Christmas puppet show of Pinocchio and a magic show.
When? Saturday, December 9, 11am – 6pm
Where? St Barnabas Church Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT
Admission: Free (book your ticket here for the shows.)
Festive Peckham DIY market
A festive edition of the DIY Art Market, showcasing work by 150 up-and-coming artists and makers. Browse art prints, ceramics, zines, sculptures, jewellery, sewn items, and much more — with mince pies and mulled wine available to enjoy as you shop.
When? Saturday, December 9, 11am – 5pm
Where? Unit 8, Copeland Park & Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Admission: £2 entry
Greenwich Christmas market
Although Greenwich Market is fantastic all year round – at Christmas the market hosts late-opening festive sessions every Wednesday in December, perfect for a post-work winter wander.
Visit Santa’s Grotto which will be open Thursday-Sunday throughout December. Click here to book a ticket to this.
A visit will involve a personal meeting with Santa where children can tell him their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. All money raised goes to Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
When? Until the end of December
Where? 5B Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ
Admission: Free (but entry to Santa’s Grotto is £3. Click here to book.)
Pexmas
The annual festive market in Peckham is returning for 2023, taking place at Copeland Park for two days in December – with a selection of independent businesses and traders selling food and crafts.
When? Saturday, 2 – Sunday, 3 December
Where? Copeland Road, Peckham, SE15 3SN
Admission: Free
Maltby Street Christmas Market
When? Every Friday in December
Where? Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, Bermondsey, SE1 3PA
Admission: Free
Borough Market at Christmas
Decked out in garlands of mistletoe, twinkling lights and countless ornaments, Borough Market is a great place to while away the hours this Christmas time.
Don’t miss their annual Evening of Cheese – on Wednesday, December 13.
When? Until January 9
Where? 8 Southwark Street, Borough, SE1 1TL
Admission: Free