The Christmas countdown has begun, and this year retailers are pulling out all stops to entice you to spend, spend, spend. But if you, like me, are looking for something a little special and unique, give the high street a miss and head to one of London's independent Christmas shopping nights. Here's my round-up of the very best...
1. The best for … checking off your present list
Christmas on Cheshire Street
Winning my vote for this year’s best Christmas shopping poster, featuring a rather charming Pearly King by East London
illustrator Paul Bommer (above), Cheshire Street is off to a great start. But it’s the line-up of shops that are the
main prize here, with some of London’s very best independent shopping
on offer. Christmas present ideas range from luxe handmade leather bags
(Mimi) to contemporary homewares (Ella Doran) with Wee Birdy favourites
including Labour and Wait, Shelf, Dragana Perisic, and Mar Mar Co. There will be mulled wine, mince pies and special offers
including 15 per cent discount off all purchases at Mimi.
Christmas on Cheshire Street
Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December 2008
6pm - 9pm
Cheshire Street, E2
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
2. The best for … festive neighbourhood atmosphere
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
By far my favourite Christmas shopping event last year, I revelled in the warm glow of Columbia Road’s shops which illuminated a particularly dark and foggy East London night. And with a glass of mulled wine in one hand and a sprig of fresh mistletoe in the other, I was merrily on my way. The live music and neighbourly atmosphere generated by this small community of independent retailers is a welcome point of difference from the anonymity of the high street, with mince pies and glasses of festive cheer on offer in all the shops. And Christmas present shopping is a cinch with 40 independent shops, including Ryantown, Supernice and Sharon Elphick offering everything from jewellery, hats, vintage clothes, antiques, toys, cakes, fragrance, sweets, chocolates, art and furniture.
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
Columbia Road, E2
Wednesdays 3, 10, and 17 December 2008
5pm - 9pm
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street
3. The best for … cool design gifts
East London Design Show
With an extensive line-up of products by British and international designers, you’re guaranteed to find some seriously good gift options at The East London Design Show. This annual event on the Shoreditch Town Hall calendar promises brand new talent from Mexico, Moscow, Holland and Italy. Christmas present ideas include jewellery, ceramics, furniture, children’s clothes and toys.
East London Design Show
Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December 2008
Shoreditch Town Hall
380 Old Street
London EC1V9LT
Admission: £4 Concessions: £2, children under 15 free.
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
4. The best for … the coolest craft
Bust Christmas Craftacular
Hooray for BUST magazine’s decision to hold its very first London Christmas Craftacular (just ignore me while I crash to the floor in a dead faint). Craftacular is set to be huge with BUST cherry-picking over 25 British crafters for the event. Expect to find only the coolest local crafty talent around with rich pickings for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents. There will also be fun line-up of classes, live demonstrations, DJs, drinks and dancing.
BUST Christmas Craftacular
Saturday 6 December 2008
12 noon – midnight
St. Aloysius Social Club
Phoenix Road, London NW1
Admission: £2
Nearest tube: Euston
Thanks to Basil Exposition for the tip!
5. The best for… wrapping it all up
The Design Museum Sparkle the Dark Up
With an excellent line-up of design-led products and books catering for all budgets, the Design Museum shop is a Wee Birdy favourite for unique gifts like gorgeous Suki stationery and Ed Carpenter’s pigeon light. Join in a workshop on the night and learn how to make "designer-style" gift wrapping, tags and cards. The museum will provide all the materials you need - fun! There will also be music and free wine for extra Christmas cheer.
Design Museum Design Overtime
Friday 5 December 2008
Until 10pm (last admission 9.15pm)
Shad Thames, London SE1
Nearest tube: London Bridge
6. The best for … late night shopping in central London:
Marylebone Lane
As many of you will know, Wee Birdy has a particular soft spot for Marylebone Lane and its line-up of fashion, shoes, interiors, beauty and accessories. Escape the crazy crowds on Oxford Street and take advantage of great discounts (including a 15 per cent discount at Content Beauty/Wellbeing and 30 per cent off all purchases at KJ's Laundry), festive food, drink and a brass brand. I’ll be checking out VV Rouleaux for some pretty ribbons to decorate my brown-paper Christmas parcels.
Marylebone Lane Christmas shoppping night
Thursday December 4 2008
4pm - 8pm
Marylebone Lane, W1
Nearest tube: Bond Street
7. The best for … last minute shopping
The Super Christmas Market at Somerset House
If you’ve left your Christmas shopping 'til the last minute, resist the urge to high-tail it to the high street and head to Somerset House on the Strand instead. Here you’ll find 20 of Britain’s hottest young designers, including Martino Gamper, Tatty Devine, Lady Luck Rules OK and Gitta Gschwendter offering a host of ultra-affordable gifts, starting at just £5. Learn to make some stocking fillers with Kandy Diamond, or try your luck in the snowball-throwing competition and win some limited edition Lady Lucky Rules OK jewellery (see above).
The Super Christmas Market
Friday 19 December 2008, 6 – 9 pm
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December 2008, 10am – 6pm
Somerset House, Strand
London, WC2R 1LA.
Admission £2, which includes entrance to the ‘Wouldn’t it be nice…’ exhibition.
Nearest tube: Holborn, Embankment, Temple
8. The best for … local and handmade
We Make Christmas
With all things crafty and handmade big news for Christmas, head to this Christmas market for unique and one-off items by local London designer-makers. Bringing the world of Etsy to life, you’ll find a range of gift including jewellery, fashion, art, toys and children’s clothing. There will also be food stalls, carol singing, craft competitions and demonstations. Look out for Miss Bunny's hand-painted shoes (see left), Bombus homewares and Littlechook’s vintage fabric cushions.
We Make Christmas
Saturday 6 December 2008
11am – 5pm
The American Church
79a Tottenham Court Road
London W1
Nearest tube: Goodge Street
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