Christmas shopping nights in London – part 1

It’s that time of year again when I round up my favourite spots for Christmas shopping in London. There’s a plethora of events, markets, and shopping nights on offer this time around, from candlelight shopping on Cheshire Street to buying direct from the artisans at Cockpit Studios. With a focus on the hand-made, design-led and independent shops, here are my top picks (part two is coming tomorrow)...

26 November: One Night in November Xmas
This East London shopping night boasts an excellent line-up of designers including byGraziela (retro-style kids’ bedding), Studio Special (cool clocks) and Share the Feeling (stocking fillers handmade in Hackney). There will also be extra Christmas cheer by way of champagne, cupcakes and raffles. 7-10pm, Thursday 26 November, 20 St. Philip’s Road, E8 3BP.

 

26-29 November: Made in Clerkenwell at Craft Central
Buy direct from over 70 designers at the Craft Central studios, and take your pick from a variety of jewellery, fashion, homewares, ceramics, accessories and traditional crafts. Don’t miss The Design Pop-up Shop, which features Esther Coombs’ distinctive ceramics (see below). Click here for all the details. Adm £2.50.

26-29 November: Homeworks
This collective of designer-makers, including the likes of Made with Love by Mrs Booth, Petra Boase and Lou Rota (see below), will be holding a Christmas sale at the Twentieth Century Theatre in Notting Hill. Click here for all the details. Adm £1 for the Special Yoga Centre.

 
27-29 November: Hidden Art London Christmas Fair
Setting up shop at the Old Truman Brewery, the fair will offer up some great alternative gift options from around 60 UK designer-makers. Take advantage of a sustainable gift-wrapping service by Fabrications, and there will also be drop-in craft workshops for children. Click here for all the details.

27 November: Cockpit Arts Open Studio
Buy direct from the artisans at this open-studio event, held at both the Holborn and Deptford locations. Nosey around their studios and consider your purchases over a glass of mulled wine or two. Click here for all the details.

Comments

[bridebug]

If you're going to Cockpit Studios be sure to check out my friends' beautiful work: Lauren Moriarty
http://www.cockpitarts.com/directory/moriarty/moriarty-02.php
and Fleuron Bindery
http://www.cockpitarts.com/directory/warren/warren-01.php

[Delicious Industries]

Too much loveliness - shame all my spare cash between now and Christmas has to be spent on other people!

[Fionnuala]

Jealousy is a terrible thing, TB -- stop inspiring it!

[Rose]

I'm planning to visit Cockpit arts and Colombia Road in a few weeks but these all look great. So much Christmasy stuff so little time. Really we should all get the whole month off to mull, make and be merry!

hope you're feeling better

[The Brighter Sparks]

Thanks for the tips! I fear I'm going to spend far too much money this Christmas...