The best Christmas markets
Any initial enthusiasm when shopping for Christmas presents soon evaporates when faced with the hell of the high-street. Make gift buying less of a chore by visiting one of these events offering one-stop shopping and free entertainment...
- Shakespeare's Globe's Craft FairThe Underglobe is transformed into a festive fair, with arts and craft stalls at weekends. There are plenty of activities to keep children amused, including sword fighting and dressing up. Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 (020-7902 1400). Sat 4, Sun 5, Sat 11, Sun 12, Fri 17, Sat 18 & Sun 19 Dec, 10am-5pm, Mon 20 Dec, 10am-8pm, free. www.shakespeares-globe.org
- Flavas Of PeckhamThis weekend festival celebrates the culinary diversity of the area and begins with a cookery demo after an official opening by Harriet Harman MP. There's also a funfair, carol singing and guest appearance by a reindeer on stilts. Peckham Square, Peckham High Street, SE15. Fri 3 Dec, 2pm-4.30pm, Sat 4 Dec, 11am-7pm, Sun 5 Dec, 9am-7pm. www.lfm.org.uk
- Gabriel's Wharf & Oxo Tower WharfMulled wine, chestnuts and music, plus around 50 one-off shops and designer-makers to sort out your present dilemmas. Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 (020-7401 3610). Fri 3Dec, 11am-7pm, Sun 5 Dec, 11am-6pm, (music from noon-4pm).
- Dickensian ChristmasIt's worth the journey to this Kent town to see the streets decked out in full Victorian splendour. You'll see Scrooge and lots of other Dickensian characters. There are also carol singers and street theatre entertainers. Rochester, Kent (01634 843 666). Sat 4& Sun 5 Dec. For full programme, visitwww.medway.gov.uk
- Frost FairThe Bankside area will be turned white with clever lighting, snow machines and amazing ice sculptures. Add in food stalls, street entertainers, bands and choirs singing festive tunes and it sounds like a great day out. Riverwalk, Bankside, SE1. Fri 17 Dec, noon-10pm, free. www.visitsouthwark.com
- Christmas Farmers' MarketSpecial Christmas markets take place around London on Thur 23 Dec between 4pm-7pm and this is a good opportunity to pick up gourmet goodies and lastminute supplies. The most central location is Marylebone, but you can also shop at Islington, Pimlico, Wimbledon, Ealing and Peckham. Marylebone Farmers' Market, Cramer Street Car Park (off Marylebone High Street), W1. For other locations, see www.lfm.org.uk.
