Tis the season to buy presents – tra-la-la-la-la, la la la la. More and more each year I’ve enjoyed buying brilliantly unique Christmas presents from independent makers at a host of festive maker markets. There’s something about ‘shopping small’, and buying from real people, that puts a great big smile on my (and their) face. I’d really recommend getting yourself down to an indie maker market if you can.
Here’s my round-up of five of my favourite London maker markets that you can’t miss this winter.
Etsy Made Local Christmas Market – Saturday 1st December
Where: London Tooting Tram & Social Pub in Tooting Broadway
Featuring over 30 talented independent designer-makers curated by the London Local Etsy Team, spend the day shopping for gorgeous handmade wares whilst sipping mulled wine and taking in the festive tunes. If London is too far for you to trek, you might find a local Etsy event closer to home as they take place across the country – check out the full list here, and you can follow this event on Facebook here.
For a flavour, check out what I’ve bought from previous Etsy Made Local markets here.
Renegade Craft Fair – Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th December
Where: Old Truman Brewery, near London Liverpool Street Station
Join Renegade in a festive celebration of contemporary handmade craft. Shop emerging and established makers whilst enjoying DJ mixes, food trucks and a craft cocktail. Tucked in the heart of Shoreditch in London’s Brick Lane, it’s the perfect place for London’s creative community to come together.
Find my top picks from a previous Renegade Craft Fair here.
Turning Earth Hoxton Winter Market – two winter dates
Where:
- Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th November: Turning Earth Hoxton E2
- Saturday 8 – Sunday 9th December: Argall Avenue, Leyton, E10
This Christmas, after a year’s hiatus, Turning Earth‘s popular East London ceramics studio are once again opening their doors to the public with two Winter Market events. With a line-up of over 150 of London’s emerging ceramics artists, you should plan to come to both events if you want to see the full breadth of ceramic work on sale. Of course it wouldn’t be a Winter Market without mulled wine, minced pies, live music, coffee and street food. I first came across a Turning Earth market at MAKEMORE Festival where I was in my element perusing all of the carefully handcrafted ceramics, so I’m excited for this!
Shelley Makes 