The best Christmas markets in London, 2021

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 50 small stalls at weekends, and a boutique-style Pexmas Emporium in the week with 25 traders, 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.

Prints have transformative powers. Well, the power to transform your interiors, anyway. Whether you're in need of a design refresh or shopping for an art-loving friend, head to Shoreditch and browse the designs of 50 international graphic artists, with prices beginning at just £15. While there, take part in a screenprinting workshop or commission your own print from a resident artist. Prizes will be up for grabs, and mince pies and mulled wine will be keeping visitors well fuelled.

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 star-studded charity cabaret concert are among this year's highlights.

Are artisan gifts and hand-crafted baubles your thing? Then look no further than the Mayfair Christmas Market, hosted by Novikov Restaurant and Bar. The whole of Mayfair Place is being closed to traffic for one wonderful weekend of winter delights. Between the stalls, you'll find all sorts of gifts and delicious snacks, including Novikov’s own Asian and Italian delicacies. Spare some time to sing along to your favourite Christmas carols and if you're visiting with youngsters, be sure to look out for visiting reindeer.