London's best interiors Christmas shopping events, markets and pop ups in December
There's nothing like a sudden cold snap to sharpen the mind at this time of the year – yes, after a balmy October and blink-and-you'll-miss it November, we are teetering on the brink of December.
The most keen among us might be planning to pick up a tree this weekend, but there's also a flurry of makers markets, pop-ups and fairs that make for a suitably festive activity with fewer pine needles.
Such sales are an opportunity to pick up, size up and discuss products with their makers and designers, who for most of the year likely sell online (or not at all).
We've chosen ten of the best to catch in December, from a vintage textile fair to Battersea Power Station's biggest market yet.
Tavola by Skye McAlpine
A short hop from Harrods, this Knightsbridge pop-up space will get an Italian-tinged festive makeover courtesy of cookery author Skye McAlpine’s la dolce vita-style tableware.
Pick up scalloped plates made in the Veneto region, seriously posh crackers and one-off vintage pieces selected by Skye.
November 30 – December 17; 10 William Street, London SW1X 9HL
Selvedge Christmas Fair
Cult textile magazine Selvedge has spent two decades investigating the culture of cloth, and this annual event curated by the team is a riot of colour and craft.
Expect vintage fabrics, haberdashery and hand-made creations from 50 textile artists and collectors in the grand surrounds of St Mary’s Church.
Tickets £10 in advance
December 2; St Mary's Church, Wyndham Place, York Street, London W1H 1PQ
Henry Holland Seconds Sale
If a small crack here or a wobble there doesn’t faze you, this seconds sale at the Hackney studio of the fashion designer-turned-ceramicist promises the chance to snap up that distinctive nerikomi swirl for up to 50 per cent off.
A similar sale back in April was a surprise hit, so best turn up sooner rather than later.
December 2 – 3; 50E Amhurst Road, London E8 1JH
Salad Days Market at Battersea Power Station
This market concept by twins Daisy and Liv swiftly outgrew its South London Makers Market moniker and now represents some of the capital’s best-loved shopping events.
Shop from sixty independent makers over the weekend, including cheery ceramics by Denzelduz and ruffled cushions emblazoned with London neighbourhoods from Frill of It.
December 2 – 3; Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, London SW11 8DD
DROOL Alternative Art Market
This art print platform has had a good dig around in the archive and promises up to 60 per cent off its findings. The focus here is on up-and-coming creatives, so expect graphic and irreverent pieces that put a chunk back into artists’ pockets.
There’s also a launch party the night before for those who prefer to browse with a beer in hand.
December 2; Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EY
Studio Pottery London Christmas Makers Market
This community of potters based at Eccleston Yards has been at the wheel all year, so it’s only fair that they get to stage a takeover for one weekend in December.
Expect around twenty stalls at this atmospheric outdoor market, which also promises live music and festive food and drink.
December 2 – 3; Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9NF
Cockpit Open Studios Deptford
Mingle with some of the UK’s finest craftspeople at this best-in-class makers sale at newly revamped Cockpit Deptford.
The launch party on the Friday night is sold out, but visit at the weekend and you’ll be among the first to see the new maker and workshop spaces.
Tickets £8 in advance; £10 on the door
December 2 – 3; Cockpit Deptford, 8-22 Creekside, London SE8 3DZ
Atelier278
Italian stone and British craftsmanship has proved a potent combination for Atelier278’s made-to-order travertine and marble tables, but this Notting Hill pop-up will also offer far more giftable onyx bowls, coasters and cups.
Perhaps most covetable are the limited collection of showstopper chess sets in green onyx and white Carrara marble.
December 4 – 10; 79 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AG
Raye at Coal Drops Yard
Concept grocery store Raye has earned a loyal following by treating beautifully-packaged food, drink and wellness products with the reverence of a gallery.
The second week of this Coal Drops Yard pop-up will feature a shoppable tablescape of stone tableware by Monoware.
December 7 – 21; 108 Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DR
Fels Ceramics Weekend
Well-connected design gallery Fels is an industry favourite for furniture, objects and artworks sourced from Britain and beyond.
Their upcoming ceramics weekend is a chance to buy directly from more than twenty ceramicists – some selected through an open call – and discuss your new purchase over a glass of mulled wine.
December 16 – 17; 209 Brompton Road, London SW3 2EJ