Shop indie at the UK's best virtual Christmas markets
- Deborah Chu
- 25 November 2020
Summerhall's Christmas Market heads online this year / credit: Cat Thomson
Celebrate the art of gifting and support homegrown artisans, makers and designers this holiday season at these online festive markets
Christmas is obviously not about the presents, but as the whole country braces itself for a holiday unlike any other, many of us will be going without the company of our friends and family. So whether you're looking to send a little something to a loved one far away, or simply a festive pick-me-up for yourself, what better way to do so than to buy straight from a talented artisan? Many Christmas markets are taking their wares online this year, thus making it easier than ever to support local economies, stay safe, and discover a beautiful, unique item that you'll be cherishing long after this pandemic is over.
Summerhall's Online Christmas Market
Edinburgh's Summerhall is not only an acclaimed artistic venue during the summer festival season, it also becomes the city's holly jolly hub during the Christmas season with its popular annual Christmas market. Typically packed to the gills, their switch to online this year has done nothing to dim their enthusiasm for Scottish makers: their virtual market will feature 60+ handpicked artisans, with 100% of profits going to the designers themselves. Spanning everything from art, textiles and homeware to plants, clothing and ceramics, stallholders include preserved delights from Edinburgh Fermentarium, handmade jewellery from Maeberry Jewellery, luxurious suds from soapmakers Dook, and much more.
Mon 23 Nov–Thu 24 Nov, summerhall.co.uk
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Super Market Virtual Christmas Fair
Glasgow's Super Market Events have been running creative market events across the city since 2017, keeping accessibility, local makers and the creative community at its heart. Their virtual Christmas market features over 150 independent Scottish designers organised into ten 'rooms' – from food and drink to fashion and homeware – and each stall will feature a personalised voice message from the maker. Shoppers can pop from room to room adding treasures to their basket, and can enjoy free postage across mainland UK. There will also be a host of creative practitioners teaching their craft in a programme of online workshops for anyone looking to pick up a new hobby or skill over the Christmas season.
Fri 20 Nov–Sun 13 Dec, supermarketevents.com
Spot Design Market
Another market typically based in Glasgow, Spot Design Market is a seasonal showcase that spotlights the incredible community of high-end makers in the city. Their online Winter Edit is only on for a few days, so make sure you don't miss out on their expansive selection of ceramics, textiles, clothing, jewellery, homewares, plants and flowers. Highlights include beautiful prints and illustrations from Southside-based Thundercliffe Press, organic and natural skincare by Celine Louise, chocolate delights from micro-batch chocolatiers Bare Bones Chocolate, gorgeous wreaths and arrangements by Flowers Vermillion, ethical brews from Dear Green Coffee Company, and so much more. Those wanting to get a jump on their shopping can buy a ticket for their preview evening on Fri 4 Dec, with £5 going to the Glasgow charity Refuweegee, as well as the option to place an order for a tasting menu for two.
Fri 4–Sun 6 Dec, thespotdesignmarket.co.uk
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Edinburgh's Christmas Neighbourhood Markets
Though events mogul Underbelly had to cancel their traditional Christmas market in Edinburgh this year, they've migrated their shopfronts online to help spread the good word about local and independent in the city. Participating designers and makers include local pen and ink artist Catherine Chalmers, selling her designs on prints and tea towels; exceptional gluten-free brews from Bellfield Brewery; Freckle and Hide's fine leather goods, which have been upcycled from old sofas; handmade, organic clothing for the tiny tot in your life from Little Olive Childrenswear; and many more.
Tue 17 Nov–Mon 4 Jan, edinburghschristmas.com/market
Virtual Cumbrian Christmas Market
Gift yourself or your loved one a bit of the Lake District for Christmas this year at the Virtual Cumbrian Christmas Market, which celebrates some of the best artisan businesses and local produce to be found and enjoyed in the area. Shoppers can purchase a thing or two (or three or four…) from local makers, or book a gift experience at this world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site to be enjoyed once the pandemic has blown over. A few of the products on offer include Pure Lakes Natural Skincare's organic and handmade skincare sets, locally-produced Herdwick fabrics from Cable & Blake, and a Cumbria Cheese and Wine Taster Hamper, curated by a Cumbrian sommelier.
visitlakedistrict.com/seasons/cumbrian-christmas-market
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Online Christmas Market & Festive Fun with Etsy Manchester
The Manchester arm of e-commerce giant Etsy have moved their annual Christmas fair online, connecting Great Manchester's community of artists and makers with audiences across the city and beyond. For seven hours, virtual shoppers can forget their COVID woes and browse through a host of local businesses, as well as enjoy exclusive offers and watch live streamed demonstrations from artisans.
etsymcr.co.uk
The Big Welsh Virtual Christmas Market
Shop from local makers across Wales at this online Christmas Market, hosted on Facebook. Independent designers will be showcasing their unique products throughout the week, giving shoppers the opportunity to do their Christmas shopping early and buy directly from the makers themselves. So far, items have included handcrafted jewellery, personalised pet portraits and Christmas decorations, natural skincare products and one-of-a-kind prints.
Mon 23–Sun 29 Nov, facebook.com/groups/thebigwelshvirtualchristmasmarket
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Folksy Online Christmas Craft Fair
Touted as 'the home of British craft,' online gift and artwork shop Folksy are hosting an online craft fair hosted over on Pedddle. Featuring over 300 Folksy stallholders, the market promises to sprinkle a bit of Christmas joy over the season with a variety of handcrafted jewellery, glass and ceramics, prints and decorations to browse through.
Tue 5–Wed 6 Dec, folksy.com
Bristol Pop-up Shop
Organised by the Bristol Etsy Team, the Bristol Pop-up Shop serves as an online storefront for over 100 creatives working from studios and kitchen tables across Bristol and southwest England. As gifting season gets underway, they've helpfully organised their wares into categories such as 'Gifts under £5' for those tricky stocking stuffers, to unique handmade decorations, like these vinyl waste festive baubles from Dakota Rae Dust. Best of all, they're offering free shipping to all UK addresses.
bristolpopupshop.co.uk
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