Many Christmas markets have lost their charm. Instead of the fun and festive independent events that many associate with the season, they are now dominated by larger brands and higher-ticket items, pricing out many who want to shop small and makers who want to build a wider audience. The Indie Bazaar, a recent alternative Christmas market at Stokey Popup, was a reminder that such events are still alive and well.

Located on Stoke Newington High Street, Stokey Popup provided a warm welcome over a bracing wind and chilling rain weekend. Through the window, a large bed displaying ‘70s-inspired luxury bedding brand Weirdstock’s wares was a tempting haven from the terrible weather, and with the addition of a large pink disco ball and any number of fairy lights inside, this was a must-visit for anyone passing by.

The narrow building was lined with stalls on both sides, offering products from ceramics to tote bags, fluffy jackets to chunky bracelets. Sustainability was a big focus – aside from the vintage fare of Happy Sunday and The Octopus Garden, glass jewellery brand MIMILYSK is just one brand vocal in its intentions to reduce waste. Amid the overconsumption of Christmastime, this kind of ethos is particularly pertinent.

For anyone wanting a break from the shopping, diversions including live portraits from Eleanor Joanna and a tarot reading table were in place. Rythmik Cocktails were set up at the back of the shop offering samples of their high-quality bottled cocktails along with warming apple spice concoctions by the glass. These drinks, developed by a brother and sister duo, will appeal to even the snobbiest of drinkers; from the cheery packaging to the well-balanced flavours and tipple-specific playlists, Rythmik’s products are a treat all year round.

Moving on to another sense, the scent of Lords Fragrance House’s stall turned heads as shoppers walked by. With candles, reed diffusers, toiletries and more, these nature-inspired fragrances are hard not to linger in. Particularly appealing was the Yellowstone range, the fresh, earthy smell of which was handily available as a scratch-and-sniff business card.

Being able to buy from independent, often local creators has a myriad of benefits. The gifts you give will be more unusual than something mass-produced, you’ll often be able to meet the maker yourself and feel closer to the product, and you’ll get the sense of satisfaction that comes with knowing you’re doing a good thing: supporting your local creative scene.

The Indie Bazaar is currently a Christmas-only event, but here’s hoping they’re inspired to run more markets down the line.

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Lucy Carter is a London-based writer with a strong interest in the arts, entertainment and culture spaces. She can generally be found spending too much time and money at food markets and coffee shops, or going on long walks around the city. To read more of her work, take a look at her Substack and Muck Rack and follow her on Twitter @lucyllcarter.

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