Brixton Village unveils festive calendar with Santa visits, markets, and a New Year’s Eve street party
Christmas has officially arrived at Brixton Village! The iconic south London market is going all in for the festive season with weekends packed with events up until New Year’s Eve, from family-friendly fun and live music to local gift shopping and festive food.
The Upcoming were there at yesterday’s launch to check out all the market has to offer this December. After a warm welcome with a glass of fizz and music blasting outside Brixton Street Wear, we had a mooch around the labyrinthine market alleys to soak up the Village’s unique sights, sounds and smells, ramped up via a decent dose of Christmas cheer. Under glowing colourful lights, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the arcades were brimming with music, vibrant colour and the comforting aroma of street food from all corners of the globe.
We were introduced to the new Brixton Gift Card, which can be used at many of the Village’s restaurants, shops, bars and boutiques – a great, easy last-minute gift idea that also supports local traders: win-win! Across Market Row and Granville Arcade, there’s a bit of everything from artisan jewellery, candles and wall art, to vintage clothes, books and vinyl at shops like Full Moon Design, Lion Vibes, Haus, Sloe Vintage and Circus, or instead, your loved ones can treat themselves to dinner and drinks. You can pick one up from The Black Farmer, Brixton Street Wear or online.
If you’re in need of a bit of inspo, you can check out the new Wonder Window installation in Unit 23 Market Row – curated by two South London creatives, it brings together a beautiful smattering of what you can find from all the independent retailers across the market. Once you’ve made your purchases, you can take advantage of a free premium wrapping station at Wrap Bar Brixton (Unit 74 Granville Arcade) with bespoke paper designed by artist Samantha Almon Adeluwoye.
We also got the chance to meet a suitably cheery Black Santa, who was giving out pressies and posing for selfies. You can find him roaming the arcades over the coming weekends, while the Brixton Chamber Orchestra’s brass band will be pumping out festive tunes (Mariah Carey, eat your heart out).
The wonderful A Space to Dream Gallery has a fantastic exhibition of kids’ art around the theme of home, as well as a spot for your own little ones to have a go at creating something. Outside, there’s free face painting and glitter tattoos (my five-year-old opted for some yuletide-themed holly for his cheek), plus you can hit up an AI-powered Elf photobooth for some hilarious snaps of you as a Christmas character.
After all the browsing, there’s an overwhelming choice of places to indulge in a much-needed tipple and warming sustenance, from virtually any cuisine you can think of. We hit up the elegant Finch for some delicious cocktails (I can highly recommend the Clear Margarita), and after, some hearty Colombian fare from Santa Fe.
If that’s not your bag, there’s also handmade pasta at La Nonna, spicy Thai at Kaosarn, Ethiopian dishes at Addis, or Caribbean flavours from Fish, Wings & Tings. For drinks, there are more cocktail options at HENGE, rooftop vibes at Pergola or small-batch brews at Harlem Brewing.
Coming up in the rest of December, Atlantic Road will host Brixton Dreamland on the 13th, with live music, DJs, gift wrapping workshops and food and drink from Brixton favourites like Shimi Rose, Ugly Dumpling and Jalisco, alongside guest stalls from South London brands Miss Pom Pom and Lowie.
Then to close out the season with a bang, the Village is hosting a free New Year’s Eve party on 31st December, with DJs from Palace Vinyl, HAUS and Dash the Henge, glitter stations, photobooths, bachata classes, and food and drink flowing until late – a proper Brixton send-off to 2025.
“This Christmas, we’re going big at Brixton Village,” said general manager Diana Nabagereka. “At a time of year when community means the most, we want to give back to those who support us all year round. Whether you want to treat the kids, make magical memories with friends, or simply let your hair down after a long year, we’re inviting everyone down.”
With something happening every weekend, the Village is a perfect spot to soak up some Christmas vibes, as well as to eat, drink, shop, party and generally be merry.
Sarah Bradbury
Photos: Courtesy of Brixton Village
For further information and future events, visit Brixton Village’s website here.
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