London Christmas Maker Markets

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!

Etsy Made Local Christmas Markets 2017

A few weeks back I received an exciting mystery package from the Etsy Made Local London Team. To celebrate their upcoming Christmas market in South London, the team sent me a box of specially curated goodies from selected Etsy sellers who’ll be showcasing their handmade wares in December.

I went to my first Etsy Made Local Xmas market in 2015, and I loved it. I went looking for Christmas presents for friends and family but went home with lots of lovely goodies for me! Back then I bought a set of tiny concrete diamond ‘baubles’ from PASiNGA, whose stall I loved, and they come out every year.

I was so excited to receive my package – the team told me that they’d tailored the contents to suit my style and audience, and I don’t think I could have picked better for myself if I tried. The first item I saw was this gorgeous hand-formed blue and white mini rope bowl by Zuzana of Rope Works. The bowls are naturally dyed with Indigo and make perfect trinket bowls for jewellery by your bedside.

Next up I spotted a brown leather key chain from Suede & Co who make handmade leather and suede accessories from coin purses to laptop sleeves. My second leather goody came in the form of a leather cord holder / cable organiser from By Law London. These are perfect for keeping your headphones together in your bag. Janet sells sets of two for £9, alongside other leather accessories.