BRIXTON: Christmas Shopping at Pop
In short, it’s all going on at the SW9 hangout now painstakingly ‘winter-proofed’, lit and heated. Xmas markets run every weekend until Christmas – and daily, in fact, in the week leading up to the big day.
Need some Antipodean plonk? There’s a New Zealand Cellar garage sale on December 10th, with an undoubted bargain or two. Elsewhere, for decent present options, try vinyl specialists Container Records, skate store Brixton’s Baddest, vintage outfitters Make Do And Mend, or Japanese knife retailers Kataba.
And there are parties throughout the month: a soulfest on Dec 9th, a SupaDupaFly bash on the 16th, and our fave, Stevie Wonderland (Dec 23rd) with a celebration of all things disco, boogie, soul, house and everything in between. SW9 More info here. 49 Brixton Station Rd
DULWICH: Winterlights
An essential December pilgrimage for south Londoners should really be this illuminated 19th century SE21 art gallery. Wander the gardens on a cold winter’s night over the next couple of weeks and you’ll encounter installations and lanterns from the creative minds behind Christmas at Kew. You can follow the paths to find secluded nooks lit up by bursts of magical colours to a soundtrack of ambient sounds.
Thirsty? There’s mulled cider, indulgent hot chocolate and other warming treats from a Christmas Cabin. At the weekends you can shop for gifts too: a full Christmas market is on hand with streetfood including wood fired pizza from Lucabuca, homemade pies from Crafty Pies and burgers by Bapstars. From Dec 6th – 18th. More info and tickets here.
TOOTING: White Christmas Fair
A week before Christmas – if that’s not too late for you – is this chance to peruse gifts from independent designers, quality makers and talented producers: expect everything from jewellery to children’s books, crochet winter wear to hampers.
Even better, it raises funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. All the usual bars, restaurants and shops in Tooting Market will be on hand too, such as Brickwood Coffee & Bread and Franco Manca Pizza, plus the obligatory mulled wine and mince pies.
The event will take place under a canopy of fairy lights, to the sound of Christmas choons. Saturday 17th December 2016, 5pm until 10:30pm,Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High St SW17