The best Christmas markets in London, 2022

Canopy Market, run by Real Food Festivals, is serving up festive treats aplenty in the run-up to Christmas. Its December market offers great Christmas gift ideas as well as the chance to shop locally for seasonal foods to bulk out your festive celebrations.

Expect gorgeous clothes, hand-crafted toys, homeware and accessories from quirky artists and designers at Crafty Fox's annual Christmas Markets, plus plenty of stalls serving gourmet street food and seasonal drinks.

While not exclusively a Christmas market, Venn Street Saturday market in Clapham is especially lovely to browse during the festive season. Stock up on choice cuts of meat and quality cheeses for your spread; search for stocking fillers and decorations from the market's broad range of independent and artisan producers; and enjoy a hearty pastry and steaming cup of mulled wine while you're there.

From vegan candles to eco Christmas cards and DIY craft sets to enjoy with the whole family, Eccleston Yards Christmas Market is full of music, festive scents and amazing food. Grab something yummy from Wild By Tart or Jones Family Kitchen, a bag from Bespoke Boutique London, environmentally friendly skincare from Vui Vui Botanic Atelier, woollen stocking fillers from UDOM and more.

With over 100 small businesses trading plus delicious bites and entertainment, Pexmas is the go-to place for gifts from independent artisans, makers and food producers. You can also shop the products online – you'll want it all.

Wander along the South Bank at this time of year and you'll find stalls standing shoulder to shoulder, providing a warming glow to passing visitors. Take refuge from the harsher elements by hunkering down between the cosy Alpine lodges. Here, you can take your pick of handmade gifts and warming street food from around the world, which is served until 10pm. Beneath the twinkling lights and with a venison hot dog in hand, the winter chill will soon melt away.

Amid the flashing lights and blaring music of the West End is Leicester Square’s Christmas market, where a more pared-back experience lies in store. Wander between Bavarian-style wooden huts and admire the traditional toys, festive ornaments and hand-knitted clothes on offer, while enjoying a glass of mulled wine or plate of something warming. No visit is complete without catching a show at the Spiegeltent. La Clique's dazzling circus skills and a very merry cabaret concert are among this year's highlights.

Are artisan gifts with a luxury twist your thing? Then look no further than the Mayfair Christmas Market. Stock up on hand-crafted goodies, then cheers your finds at the Louis Roederer Champagne Ice Bar, where house DJs Sally & Spencer are spinning the decks. Meanwhile out on the streets, shoppers will find themselves serenaded by minstrels and carol singers. Between the stalls, you'll find all sorts of fancy snacks, including local restaurant Novikov’s Asian and Italian delicacies, plus caviar and oysters (as this is Mayfair, darling). For the sweet-toothed, there's a chocolate corner and plenty of mulled wine stations. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for visiting reindeers.

This new makers' market in Wandsworth Town is being run by Design Led, an events platform with several other markets across the city. Head on down to plump up your stockings with sustainable brands, homeware, fashion, artisan condiments and more.