Guide to East London Christmas Markets in 2023

Get yourself in the festive spirit with this local guide to the best Christmas markets East London has to offer in 2023.

Once again the festive season is approaching us and it’s never too early to get ahead of the Christmas rush. We’ve got you covered with a selection of the best Christmas markets East London has to offer. Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers, decorations, or even just a festive day out, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for here and might even come across something you didn’t expect. 

We are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most innovative and exciting businesses in the city, so why not drop the high-street chains and support your local community this year? From sustainability-focused vendors to charity auctions, these markets offer the opportunity to celebrate Christmas consciously and creatively. It doesn’t always need to be about spending, warm yourself with a mince pie and a mulled wine whilst enjoying carols and performances with locals and loved ones.

• 25 and 26 November, 9 and 10 December – Urban Makers at the Eco Pavilion
• 26 November – Winter Yard Sale and Auction, Museum of the Home 
• Saturday and Sunday from November 25 to December 17– Wick Wonderland at Barge East 
• 2 December – Yurt Cafe Christmas Market
• 8 December – Aldgate in Winter Festival
• 9 December – Stepney City Farm Christmas Market
• 9-17 December – The Truman Brewery 
• 10 December – Bow Arts Winter Market 
• 18 – 24 December – Christmas market at Old Spitalfields Market

Urban Makers at Ecology Pavilion 

25-26 November / 9-10 December 

BEST FOR: ECO-FRIENDLY & SUSTAINABILITY 

Urban Makers are returning to Mile End Park to host their annual festive makers’ market. Fifty different designers each day will be welcomed, showcasing their diverse array of products from Christmas gifts to homeware, jewellery, art, candles, clothing, and accessories. All the products are sustainable and ethical. The Urban Makers annual feast is also making a come-back, promising a delicious range of festive food and drinks including delicious cakes, warming savoury food, artisan coffee, and cocktails. Entry is free so this would make for an easy and affordable day of festivities with friends and family, just around the corner from Roman Road. 

125 Grove Road, London E3 5RP

Aldgate in Winter Festival

Friday 8 December 

BEST FOR: WORKSHOPS & LIVE PERFORMANCE

Aldgate in Winter first took place in 2017 and has grown ever since into an annual celebration. Returning this year for its seventh edition, the festival is a jam-packed, all-day event made for and by the community. With a programme including a lantern parade, live performances on The Aldgate Stage, creative workshops and more, Algate in Winter is a lively celebration of festive fun. If you’re looking for a market day out with a bit more action than your typical stalls and vendors, this is the perfect event to get yourself in the Christmas mood this season.

Aldgate Square, Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AF

The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market

Saturday 18 – Friday 24 December 

BEST FOR: BESPOKE & UNIQUE GIFTS

Looking to switch up your gift-giving this year? Old Spitalfields Market offers a wide  range of bespoke vendors to make sure you’ll be giving the most memorable gifts to your loved ones. Located under a Victorian market roof, Spitalfields Market is the original East London marketplace in the heart of the city’s most lively neighbourhood. This year they’ve curated a Christmas Market featuring a range of artisan makers, and independent vendors and offer an on-site gift-wrapping service. If you’re in the market to spoil your loved ones or impress at secret Santa, browse their selection of fashion, toys, jewellery, art, and homeware, all with a festive twist.

16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

Winter Yard Sale and Auction, Museum of the Home 

26 November 2023

BEST FOR: COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESSES 

Museum of the Home’s Winter Yard Sale will bring together local, luxury and sustainable makers to deliver a diverse range of local designs for this year’s event. The Winter Yard Sale is a philanthropic and charity-based event and will be followed by an online auction with items from ambassadors and supporters’ personal collections in support of Campaign for Change: Food Equality. The event coincides with the Winter Festival, inviting visitors to explore the museum’s famous Rooms Through Time collection. Enjoy an array of festive nibbles and delicious mulled wine whilst browsing through a selection of elegant homewares and studio clear-out bargains.  

136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA

Wick Wonderland at Barge East

Every weekend 25 November – 17 December 

BEST FOR: CHRISTMAS TREES & DECORATIONS 

Just a stone’s throw from Hackney Wick Overground, Barge East will be hosting Wick Wonderland again this festive season. Barge East is a sustainable, independent bar & restaurant that will be collaborating with local makers, traders, and produce suppliers each weekend in the lead-up to Christmas. This event offers the opportunity to browse festive trinkets, seasonal sweet treats and Christmas goodies to enjoy and gift to loved ones. There will also be Christmas Trees available for purchase or pre-order and collection on the day. This is the perfect place to gear up for Christmas and grab your last-minute gifts and decorations all in one place. 

River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN

Christmas Fair at Stepney City Farm 

Saturday 9 December 

BEST FOR: ART, CRAFTS & LEARNING

Stepney City Farm is hosting a Christmas market with a huge range of arts and crafts, fresh produce, baked goods and mulled wine. Families and friends are welcome to enjoy the festive activities, which will include live performances from the London City Brass Band. You can also enjoy lunch with wide offerings from both street food vendors and an onsite cafe, The Allotment Kitchen. Leave the city behind and venture out this year with a visit to this three-acre working farm to give your festivities a rustic twist. Perfect for a family adventure.

Stepney Way, London E1 3DG

The Truman Brewery at Brick Lane Market

9 -10 December/16 & 17 December

BEST FOR: TRENDY & UPMARKET PICKS 

Located in the buzz of the Brick Lane Market, The Truman Brewery is now internationally known as East London’s primary destination for creative businesses. This December, they are hosting an array of Christmas market events to transform this unique space into a bustling festive hub. The calendar includes a two-day market celebration hosted by sustainable vendors ‘Honest House’, followed by a pop-up design and craft fair held by various independent artisans. Why not make a day out of your Christmas Market shopping and pop over to the Truman Brewery after visiting Old Spitalfields Market. 

Ely’s Yard, E1 6QR

Bow Road Winter Market

Sunday 10 December

BEST FOR: MULLED WINE & MINCE PIES 

Bow Arts will be hosting the annual Bow Road Winter Market once again this year. Based here in Bow, this is a chance to browse and buy unique gifts and artworks from a local community of over 20 artists, makers and designers. You can find everything from ceramics, hand-stitched gifts, and original prints all the way over to homeware, accessories, and more. Alongside the main market, there will be a free, drop-in festive art workshop for local families and children to get creative, as well as all the delicious mulled wine, mince pies, and hot chocolate on sale at the Nunnery Café. Head over to the Bow Arts Courtyard to celebrate the festive season with our east London neighbours.

Bow Arts Courtyard, Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ

Yurt Cafe at the Royal Foundation of St. Catherine

Saturday 2 December 

BEST FOR: CAROLS & CHRISTMAS CLASSICS 

Working in collaboration with Urban Makers, the Yurt Cafe at the Royal Foundation of St.Catherine will be hosting its biggest market yet. Joined again this year by Thames Children’s & Community Choir, you can enjoy the sweet tunes of your favourite Christmas classics whilst browsing a selection of sustainably produced gifts to give to your loved ones. As of 18 November, Yurt Cafe will also be selling Christmas trees and decorative wreaths so this is certainly the place to find everything you need this season. Celebrate with a day out filled with seasonal food to warm your stomach, festive tunes to brighten your mood and exciting homemade presents to place under your Christmas tree. 

2 Butcher Row, E14 8DS

If you’re interested in exploring more options for markets in the East End, check out our insider’s guide to East London Markets.