On Saturday 7 December 2024, Waltham Forest is proud to support Small Business Saturday, a national campaign championing the incredible contributions of small businesses to our economy and communities.
With thousands of small businesses across our borough, this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diversity, creativity and hard work of our local entrepreneurs. From family-run shops to delicious food and creative products, Waltham Forest businesses have something special to offer.
As part of the celebration, a variety of festive markets will be taking place across the borough. These vibrant markets are the perfect way to shop for unique gifts while supporting your community. Join us on 7 December and the rest of the month to shop local, celebrate small business success, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Let’s come together to support our small businesses and strengthen our community.
Chingford
Love South Chingford Christmas Fair
Come along to the Christmas Fair at St Edmunds Community Hall where you will find crafts stalls, cake sales, face painting and lots more. Get free mince pies with a visit to Santa included.
Time: 12pm to 4:30pm
Location: St Edmonds Community Hall, 216 Chingford Mount Road, E14 8JL
Christmas Present Pop-Up Shop
Come along to visit the 228 Christmas present pop-up shop, to get your unique locally designed and locally crafted Christmas gifts. Also take part in free Christmas ornament making workshop.
Time: Saturday 7 December 10am to 6pm, Sunday 8 December 10am to 4pm.
Saturday 7 December 11am to 4pm (Christmas Ornament workshop)
Location: 228 Chingford Mount Road, E4 8JL
Lea Bridge
Appetite: Flavours of Lea Bridge Market
Discover delicious preserves, street food favourites including authentic Jamaican cuisine, bao buns and dumplings, inventive designers, delightful choirs, transporting demos and captivating creative workshops.
Time: Saturday 7 December, 12pm to 4pm
Location: Lea Bridge Library, Lea Bridge Road, E10 7HU
Leytonstone
1 Church Lane
The amazing pop-up shop in Leytonstone has been the host of many local makers and creators since it opened it’s door last year.
It’s current pop-up is called 12 Makers of Christmas which is the celebration of 12 local makers specialising in ceramics, homewares, jewellery and accessories and will run till Sunday 8 December.
There are a host of other great pop-ups coming up in December including Africa Winter Market from 10th – 20th December, Classics Finds from 21st – 23rd December and ending the year will be Food Hub where free food and provisions will be given out to the community.
Stone Mini Market
Stone Mini Market which is known as the hub of Leytonstone will be hosting a number of events this Winter. Kicking off the event schedule is the BSL Christmas Choir at 7pm on the 19 December. Every Friday until the end of December from 7pm, Stella’s Malaysian Food will be serving up a selection of snacks and full dinner with every dish paired with a selection of beers and wine. On 12 December at 6pm there will be Xmas decoration classes and who says Grown ups can’t do craft? On 15 December at 6.30pm, Smashed Potato Club will be holding a Christmas social and craft. And as usual the refill and convenience shop is open for all your shopping needs.
Time: Various dates and times
Location: 721 High Rd Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 4RD
Bushwood Framed
The annual Christmas light switch on event at Bushwood Framed will take place on Saturday 7 December at 5.30pm. This year the North Star Pub alongside Bushwood Framed have donated the tree for the switch on and is inviting everyone to add a bauble. The North star pub which houses an amazing Thai restaurant and Papi Munchies pizza will be serving great food and drinks for all to enjoy!
Time: Saturday 7 December 5:30pm
Location: 26A Browning Rd, Bushwood, London E11 3AR
A Christmas Market
Come and get ready for Christmas at this indoor market and for small businesses selling food, crafts, unique gifts and much more.
Time: Saturday 7 December, 10am to 6pm
Location: Cann Hall Methodist Church Hall, Leytonstone, E11 3NN
Leytonstone Loves Local
Find Leytonstone events and keep up to date on all the exciting goings on in Leytonstone.
Walthamstow
Walthamstow Christmas Market
Local resident Dawn is a true Walthamstownian, with her family living in the area for many generations. She has a passion for organising events, markets, and tours, and recently started her own business, Dynamic and Bespoke Events. In collaboration with Lee’s Spiritual Healing, another independent business with community at its heart, she has curated a weekend of Christmas Markets, bringing together local makers and creatives. The event will feature stalls, a charity raffle, refreshments, artwork, baked goods and more.
Time: Saturday 7 December 10:30am to 5pm and Sunday 8 December 10:30am to 5pm
Location: Lee’s Spiritual Healing, 38 High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7LD
SASB Fairy-Dust Festival Winter Market
Come and get ready for Christmas at this indoor market and for small businesses selling food, crafts, unique gifts and much more.
Time: Saturday 21 December, 11am to 4pm
Location: CRATE St James Street, 35 St James Street, E17 7FY
Ravenswood Collective
Ravenswood Collective are a group of independent businesses at Ravenswood Industrial Estate in Walthamstow, who have grouped together to host a range of activities and events.
CRATE St James Street
CRATE St James Street are putting together a Christmas gift guide for this festive season, so you can shop local and buy something unique for a loved one in your life. The instagram page will be updated.
Wood Street Indoor Market
Nestled behind two separate entrances in Wood Street lies a charming, thriving market built around a horseshoe corridor consisting of 30 unique shops.
V17 supporting local businesses
V17 (Walthamstow Village Residents’ Association) launched its Shop Local scheme in 2023. Forming partnerships with several local independent businesses in or close to Walthamstow Village, they offer discounts for anyone who is a member, which is open to all Walthamstow residents. V17 also prides itself on helping to promote local businesses and events taking place in the Village.
Stow Bazaar
A relatively new addition to Walthamstow is Stow Bazaar. Situated in the previous Wilko’s, this is a unique marketplace bringing together 48 traders under one roof. You can find hair and beauty treatments, colourful African or Afghani garments, rare vinyl’s, perfumes, and food. The traders represent a fusion of cultures, each offering their own unique products and serves that reflect the rich diversity of Walthamstow’s community.
Walthamstow Market
Walthamstow Market prides itself on being one of the longest markets in Europe, and is locally referred to as the lifeblood of Walthamstow. Established way back in 1885, it’s busy, bustling and the place to barter for all your essentials – everything you’ll expect from an East London market. Even royalty can’t resist the lure of a good bargain, as revealed by King Charles’ occasional appearance.