Festive Market Rundown

There’s a lot of talk of shopping right now. And not being a fan of a sweaty, crowded high street, I’m opting for some more relaxed market browsing to select my Christmas gifts. But where to begin?

A slightly cheesy classic is the Southbank Winter Festival market. Have a bratwurst and some Glühwein (with an optional shot of amaretto, bizarrely) and browse the stalls. Much is dressed-up tat but there are some real gems. The gingerbread houses are excellent, as are the good old-fashioned wooden toys (colourful swords and shields) which would make rather nice gifts for the older man as well as the smaller ones.

Remember Soho Flea Market that we covered all the way back in June? The organisers City Showcase Markets are bringing more market based joy to the streets of London with Dalston Christmas Market which takes place on December 1 in Dalston Square. As you’d hope from east London festivities, the market brings something a little different to the standard German market we’ve all become somewhat accustomed to. Think Reiko Kaneko Christmas baubles featuring ridiculous dogs, Youchka origami style jewellery and framed Hackney prints. Plus, if you’re a little sick of the mulled wine and chestnuts situation there are Franchini & Friends canapés to be had. Definitely a gift or two to be found for more discerning friends and relatives.

Not strictly a market but a shopping opportunity nonetheless, the Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard Christmas Shopping Night is coming up on December 5. 120 shops and restaurants are offering a 20 per cent discount from 5-9pm and there’s live music with DJs on the streets and bands instore. For some post-work nibbles there’s street food from the clever people at Urban Food Fest and Christmas meringues (I love those two words) from The Meringue Girls. Surely worth a visit even just to feast your eyes on on what Christmas meringues look like?

So good luck and happy shopping. Go forth and buy gifts…