Christmas Markets in London 2012

One of the many delights of Christmas in London are the Christmas Markets and Fairs. Great places to wander around, grab a glass of mulled wine, eat a mince pie, and buy some great (artisan) gifts for your loved ones (and yourself). Don't forget to visit our page on Christmas Food and Drink for more edible events!

The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German speaking part of Europe. The Dresden Christmas market - first held in 1434 is often said to be the oldest Christmas market, although this is hotly contested!

The Markets and Fairs of 2012

Boutique de Noel Boutique de Noel 14th - 15th November 2012. Two day shopping extravaganza, held at the Kensington Town Hall will include cocktails, two auctions, and of course plenty of Christmas shopping.

Angels Christmas Market 19 November 2011 - 3 January 2012, at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. The Beautiful Angel's Christmas Market in London has a wonderful array of wintery culinary delights with living handicrafts and eccentric gift ideas, perfect for all those Christmas presents.

Belgravia Christmas Fayre Sunday 4th December 2011: 11am - 4pm. Pimlico Road and the newly refurbished Elizabeth Street in Belgravia will be transformed into a winter wonderland as the unique boutiques, bars and restaurants celebrate the festive season.

Christmas Market at Old Spitalfields 1st December - 24th December 2011. Although this market is open all year round, at Christmas it takes on a little more magic, with entertainment, themed stalls and the now-traditional 'later opening hours'.

Duckie Christmas Market 10th December - 30th December 2011 (not every day) at Barbican. A London Christmas market for alternative gifts including street designer clothes, outlandish jewellery, cult crafts and of course great food.

Cologne Christmas Market in London 18th November 2011 - 24th December 2011 on London's Southbank. A German style Christmas Market in London - more than 30 wooden chalets situated between Southbank Centre and London Eye. Nearest tube is Waterloo.

Morley Winter Fair 4th December 2011 - 61 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HT. Stalls selling original, handmade work including clothes, jewellery, prints and hats - plus music, dance and even entertainment for the kids.

The Ideal Home Show at Christmas 16th November - 20th November 2011. Earls Court in West London hosts the Ideal Home Show at Christmas, bringing together over 400 exhibitors to offer everything you’ll need to make your home ideal for Christmas.

Country Living Christmas Fair 9th - 13th November 2011. You'll find everything you need for the perfect Christmas, from the market with hand-crafted decorations to traditional toys, the latest fashion, limited-edition jewellery and a mouth watering array of festive food and drink. This Christmas Fair is in Islington, North London.

Spirit of Christmas Fair 2nd - 6th November 2011. Based at Olympia (West London), the Spirit of Christmas Fair includes a Food Hall, Producer's Market, and a British Designer's Market. A great place to prepare for your Christmas in London.

Christmas Fair in aid of Cancer Research UK 9th - 10th November 2011. Bank of England Sports Club, Roehampton London SW15. More than 70 stalls at this fair, offering toys, jewellery, clothes, decorations and other products ideal for last minute christmas presents. Tickets and more information available from christmasfair@hotmail.com

Christmas Fair at Chelsea Physic Garden. 26th - 27th November 2011. Chelsea Physic Garden. A great choice of gifts in heated marquees in the Chelsea Physic Garden including handmade clothing, pottery and ceramics, garden paraphernalia, wonderful jewellery, artisan chocolates and beautiful leather goods.

Greenwich Christmas Market 30th November 2011 onwards. Escape the high street and shopping centres and soak up the lively atmosphere of South East London whilst exploring the many stalls, all providing unique and interesting gift ideas.

Christmas at Kew 2011 Dates TBC. Christmas at Kew is full of festive sparkle and activities for all the family, with Father Christmas in his grotto, special winter walks, face painting and a carousel for kids and roasted chestnuts.

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If you're looking for information about Christmas in London 2012, then you're visiting the right site. And don't forget to read our blog. Obviously London is an amazing place for Christmas shopping, but it's also home to amazing parties, great carol singing and all kinds of festive fun. We know what to do in London at Christmas! Many London stores open late in the run up to Christmas, and some of the smaller boutique stores actually hand out free drinks and cakes to get everyone into the festive mood. The tradition of giving away glasses of mulled wine has almost disappeared in London due to a crackdown on serving alcohol from unlicensed premises!