Open Studio and Christmas Fair in London: A Visitor's Guide

Every November our diaries fill up with invitations to an open studio and Christmas fair in London, and we would not have it any other way. There is nothing quite like stepping into a working studio or a bright, buzzing hall full of independent makers, a cup of something warm in hand, knowing your Christmas shopping is about to get a great deal more personal.

This guide is our round-up of how to find the best Christmas craft fairs in London, what to expect from an open studio, and how to shop thoughtfully when you get there. Event dates and venues change every year, so treat this as a how-to rather than a listing, and always check organisers' own details before you set off.

Why visit an open studio and Christmas fair in London?

The simplest answer is that you meet the people who make the things. At an open studio, artists and designers welcome visitors into the spaces where they actually work, so you see the tools, the half-finished pieces and the process behind the finished object. At a Christmas design fair, dozens of makers gather in one place, which makes it easy to compare, browse and discover someone new.

Both offer something the high street cannot: the chance to ask how a thing was made, to commission a variation, or simply to thank the person whose work you are taking home.

A handmade gift carries two stories: the one you give it, and the one the maker put into it.

Finding Christmas craft fairs in London

London's calendar of designer makers markets is rich, especially from mid-November until the week before Christmas. A few ways to track them down:

• Follow makers you already love. Most independent designers announce where they will be trading over the festive season.
• Check art schools and studio complexes. Many studio buildings hold open weekends in late autumn, often with a Christmas sale attached.
• Look at local listings. Neighbourhood markets, community halls and independent galleries frequently host seasonal fairs.
• Ask at independent shops. Owners of design-led shops tend to know which fairs are worth the trip.

What to expect at designer makers markets

Expect variety: ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, furniture, stationery, candles and food gifts, often within a few steps of one another. Stalls are usually staffed by the makers themselves, so conversations can run long. Bring patience and a little curiosity.

A recurring theme at these events is photography. Many makers now invest in beautiful images of their stalls and products, and you will often see photographers documenting the day, capturing work for makers' websites, social feeds and catalogues. It is a reminder that a small creative business depends on being seen as well as being skilled, and it is part of why these fairs feel so lively and well presented.

How to shop thoughtfully

1. Make a list, then leave room for surprises. Know who you are buying for, but allow yourself one unexpected find.
2. Carry a mix of payment options. Plenty of makers take cards, but not every stall does.
3. Bring a sturdy bag. Ceramics and prints travel home far better with a little protection.
4. Ask about commissions. If something is nearly right, the maker may be able to adapt it, though perhaps not in time for Christmas.
5. Take a card. The best relationships with makers last well beyond one season.

Making a day of it

We like to treat a fair as an outing rather than an errand. Arrive early for the best choice, take a break for lunch nearby, then go back for the piece you could not stop thinking about. If you are planning a festive day out in the city, our pick of east London hotspots or our favourite London restaurants might help with the lunch stop.

And if a print catches your eye, our feature on Outline Editions has a few ideas for displaying a growing collection at home.

However you spend your season, choosing gifts from an open studio or a Christmas fair keeps money in the hands of independent makers and fills your home, and those of the people you love, with objects that have real character.

Questions readers ask

What is an open studio?

An open studio is an event where artists and designers welcome the public into the spaces where they work, so visitors can see their process, chat with them and often buy work directly.

When are Christmas craft fairs in London usually held?

Most Christmas craft fairs and designer makers markets in London take place from mid-November until shortly before Christmas. Dates change each year, so check the organisers' own details.

What should I bring to a Christmas design fair?

Bring a gift list, a sturdy bag for fragile items, and a mix of payment options, as not every stall takes cards.