Our guide to Islington’s Christmas markets
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We compiled the best markets and events for the holiday season, so you can get your Christmas shopping done in time this year
Dates: December 7&8 (11am-6pm), with a preview evening on the December 5 (5pm-9pm)
Where: 3 Torrens Street, Islington, London, EC1V 1NQ
Entry: Free
For two days, Candid Arts Trust hosts 50 designers and artists to set up a market at the Candid Galleries. The event will help promote fresh art graduates and establish new designers.
Ranging from jewellery, ceramics and glass to illustrations and photographs to furniture, the market will be full of unique handcrafted goods, covering all creative disciplines. On top of that the artists themselves will be at the stands to help you find the best Christmas gifts.
The location is an old Victorian warehouse with a cosy coffee shop, which will of course be open during the Christmas fair. And of course there’ll be plenty of mulled wine and mince pies.
Dates: December 12-14
Where: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, South Bank, London, N1 0QH
Entry: £7 per adult or £8 on the door, Children up to 5 years old go free. Over 5′s tickets are £4 or £5 at the door
Whether you want to learn how to make chocolate pecan brownies or create your perfect personal chocolate bar, you can do it all at the Chocolate Festival.
L’Artisan du Chocolat, The Chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat, Rococo Chocolates, Choco Passion, Pacari and many more will have stands set up during three consecutive days.
And for the first time the event will hold special £150 tickets for the “Ultimate Chocolicious Experience” on December 12. Following the champagne and canapé reception with Edd Kimber (there will also be signed copies of his new book “Patisserie Made Simple” handed out), guests will be invited to join a chocolate and wine tasting led by author and journalist Jane Parkinson.
Dates: December 12-21
Times: Mon–Fri 4pm–8.30pm; Sat & Sun 12pm–8.30pm
Entry: Free
Where: Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
The Barbican Centre will be hosting their second annual ten-day festive shopping event. Thirty-five independent designers and craftsmen (changing every day) will be there to offer their exclusive creations. Look forward to unique toys and stocking fillers, jewellery and clothing, all made with exceptional craftsmanship. A must-go fair with findings to satisfy
even someone who has everything.
Dates: December 6-8
Entry: Free
Where: Islington Green, N1 (near Angel tube station)
Located just metres away from busy Upper Street, the Christmas Market at Angel is set to be one of the most delightful markets in the area. The fair will be offering a wide variety of arts, crafts and food stalls, all infused with Islington’s quirkily antique atmosphere.
Dates: December 14-21
Times: Every Sunday, 10am- 3pm
Entry: Free
Where: Camden Passage, N1 (near Angel tube station)
For two weeks before Christmas, the Tudor Markets will take over Camden Passage. Every Sunday from 10am to 3pm, festive stalls will spring up in the ally that was once famous for its vintage shops. Expect amazing hand-crafted gifts and stocking fillers along with delicious Christmas comfort food.
Dates: until December 28
Times: 10am – 6pm
Entry: Free
Where: N1 Shopping Centre, 21 Parkfield St, N1 0PS
In addition to monthly weekend markets, Tudor Markets add some seasonal fun to the N1 Shopping Centre this December. Alpine-styled chalets will be welcoming visitors with hearty Christmas food and lots of toys and gifts.
Dates: December 6&7
Times: Saturday 10am- 5pm, Sunday 1pm- 5pm
Entry: Free
Where: St Mary’s Parish Hall, Cranley Gardens, Crouch End, N10 3AH
The eminent North London Vintage Market goes festive! One of London’s most famous hotspots for vintage homeware, furniture and cookware is going to host a weekend of cheerful vintage shopping. Head here for antique one-of-a-kind gifts like original mid-20th century postcards, vintage dinnerware and Christmas decorations. As if this wasn’t enough, there will be vintage jewellery and clothing. The cherry on top of the cake? Christmas trees for sale just outside the market plus exquisite sweet treats. Simply unmissable!
By Karina Nigmatullina and Vera Mikusch
