Provided it’s not left until Christmas Eve, shopping for presents and knick-knacks to decorate your home can be one of the best things about the festive season and wandering around a Christmas market is the best way to do it.

Vibe’s Dionysis Tsirigotis picked out some of the best yuletide markets and fairs in south London, north Surrey and north Kent.

 

SOUTH WEST LONDON AND NORTH SURREY

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Kingston Christmas Market

RAYNES PARK – St. Saviour’s Church Hall in Grand Drive from noon to 2pm on Saturday, November 14.

A smaller scale Christmas fair with Christmas cheer. Fun for all the family with gifts to buy, games to play and yummy refreshments to enjoy. Entrance by donation.

KINGSTON – Kingston High Street, open daily from Thursday, November 19 to December 31.

The Kingston Christmas Market returns to transform London’s royal borough into a traditional Christmas wonderland. Celebrate the start of the holidays with the lights switch-on at 6pm on November 19 and keep your spirits high throughout the duration of the fair, which wraps up on December 31. Free entry.

WANDSWORTH – St. Luke’s Church from 8.30am on Wednesday, November 18.

One of the longest running fairs, running for over 30 years, Trinity hospice has provided incredible support to people that need it. An evening preview is also planned for Tuesday, November 17, from 6.30pm. The cost for the preview night is £12 or £20 for two, while the next day will set you back £5. All proceeds go towards the nurses who give this critical end-of-life care at home.

EPSOM – Upper High Street from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, November 20.

A Christmas shopping event, seeming like a perfect opportunity to go gift shopping with the family, with added festive fun, music and entertainment.


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SUTTON – Sutton Town Centre from 9am to 6pm daily from Monday, November 23.

This Victorian-themed Christmas festival will be running for a month. The Christmas Fair will have various attractions and entertainment throughout the four weeks. Free entry.

CROYDON – Croydon Road and Soper Hall on Saturday, November 28.

Join in the festivities in Church Walk Shopping Centre and look out for a certain bearded figure who will be turning on the Christmas lights.

EWELL - Ewell Memorial Gardens, from 4pm, on Friday, December 4.

The village will be staying up a bit later than usual, celebrating the start of the season with Christmas carols, family attractions and a good old fashioned treasure hunt. All you need is a smile and a good attitude.

RICHMOND – Richmond town Christmas market from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, December 6

A festive Christmas market held in Richmond Town Hall. Put on your nicest period costume (if yoy feel like it) and hop on down to enjoy all the Christmassy entertainment Richmond has to offer. Free entry.

WIMBLEDON – Everyday Church in Queens Road from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, November 28.

Local businesses will be selling everything from children’s clothing to shoes, accessories, jewellery, gifts, food, crafts and more. Entry is free.

TEDDINGTON – Sparkle at Landmark Arts Centre from 6pm to 8.30pm on Friday, November 20, and 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22.

More than 66 designers and makers will show off their wares and there’s a dedicated area for food.

 

SOUTH EAST LONDON AND NORTH KENT

 

News Shopper:

Southbank Christmas Market

SOUTHBANK - Southbank's Winter Market from 11am to 9pm daily (10pm on Friday and Saturday) from Friday, November 20, to December 24

The big one. Is there anything more festive than the sights, the sounds and the smells of the southbank at Christmas time?

NEW CROSS – Winter Craft Market at Myatt Garden Primary School from noon to 4pm on Saturday (November 7)

Pick up an early present or two at this market selling hand-made crafts and gifts.

HAYES – Gingham Goose Festive Craft Market at Hayes Village Hall from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturday, November 14

Grab quality local crafts and food followed by a stay (and some homemade cake) in the tea room.

GROVE PARK – Christmas Market at Burnt Ash Methodist Church from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, November 14

Bag a bargain, plus refreshments and goodies to be won in the raffle. Entry costs 50p adults and is free for children.

BEXLEY – Christmas Craft Fair at Hall Place and Gardens from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15

As well as more than 45 stallholders selling traditional and contemporary gifts, there will be a farmers’ market, pony rides, London Film Archive’s mobile cinema and family craft activities. Entry is free.

BLACKHEATH – Made in Blackheath at Bianco 43 restaurant from 9am to 4.30pm on Friday, November 20, and Sunday, November 22.

What happens when a group of local artisans comes together to create something special? The Made in Blackheath Christmas Fair of course. A Christmas fair celebrating the local Blackheath community and all they have on offer, join in for an event that’s sure to bring out your best.

BLACKHEATH – Blackheath Christmas Fair at Blackheath Halls from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday, November 22

Fifty one specially selected traders will be selling a wide range of gorgeous gifts. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect place to start shopping for Christmas. All proceeds support Age Exchange. Entry costs £2 and is free to under 16s and friends of Age Exchange.

GREENWICH – Christmas Festival at Cutty Sark Gardens from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, November 27

It’s all Victorian by the Cutty Sark this Christmas with carol singers, entertainers and fairground rides. Santa will be in his grotto and there will be a very cool display by ice carvers as well as vintage vehicles and food and drink.

ABBEY WOOD – Christmas Fair at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, November 28

Browse festive glassware, decorations, bunting, garlands and cards while enjoying mulled wine, mince pies and a good old fashioned raffle. Santa will pop by too. Entry is free.

BEXLEYHEATH – Christmas Fair at St Catherine’s School for Girls from noon to 3pm on Saturday, November 28

The school’s fair is always popular with stalls including jewellery, cosmetics, hair accessories, purses, bags and more.

ORPINGTON – Christmas Market at St Christopher’s in Tregony Road, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, November 28

Sip on mulled wine and munch a mince pie while browse the festive stalls and taking part in fun family activities.

BECKENHAM – Langley Park School for Boys from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, November 29.

This is the 29th Annual Christmas Market at the school with more than 70 stalls featuring original artworks, jewellery and ceramics and handmade Christmas gifts & stocking fillers.

GRAVESEND – Christmas Fayre on the Square in the Civic Square from noon to 8pm on Friday, December 4, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday, December 5.

This year, the Market will be running over two with more than 60 illuminated green and white canopied market stalls, a tasty selection of street food and live music, the market and concert will have something for everyone.

LADYWELL – Ladywell Christmas Market, around town, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, December 5

Find gifts and also food and drink, plus entertainment from singers, dancers and carol singers.

GROVE PARK – Santa in the Woods at Ringway Community Centre from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 5

Grove Park Community Group’s Christmas fair includes stalls, refreshments, entertainment and a challenge - can you help them find Father Christmas in the woods? Entry costs 50p adults and is free for children.

LADYWELL – Ladywell Christmas Market, around town, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, December 5

Find gifts and also food and drink, plus entertainment from singers, dancers and carol singers.

GROVE PARK – Santa in the Woods at Ringway Community Centre from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 5

Grove Park Community Group’s Christmas fair includes stalls, refreshments, entertainment and a challenge - can you help them find Father Christmas in the woods? Entry costs 50p adults and is free for children.

SYDENHAM – St Christopher’s Hospice Christmas Festival in Lawrie Park Road, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, December 5

Browse the stalls while enjoying mulled wine and a mince pie.

SHOOTERS HILL – Christmas Fair at The Woodlands Farm Trust from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, December 6

Santa will be in his grottos, there will be stalls to explore, refreshments to be eaten, games to be played and mulled wine to be drunk. Entry is free.

GREENWICH - Greenwich Peninsula Makers’ Market on Greenwich Peninsula from Friday, December 11, to Sunday, December 13

Pick up crafts and jewellery and ceramics and the like from eighteen skilled makers, with additional activities such as wreathmaking and live music on the side.

ERITH – Christmas Fair at Christ Church from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, December 12Pick up some prezzies while supporting a range of local charities. Entry is free.