Get less generic Christmas gifts for friends and family this year at one of these local festive events, showcasing independent makers and designers

Ham & High: Alfies Christmas eventAlfies Christmas event (Image: Archant)

Alfie’s Antiques Market

Thursday, December 3, 5-9, Church Street, NW8

‘Vintage’ music, entertainment, tarot, vintage hair styling, canapés and drinks are all on the menu at this Christmas shopping evening. Pop down to pick up some unique home gifts for the vintage lovers in your life from one of the many specialist traders. In-house services range from engraving, personal shopping and gift certificates.

West Hampstead Christmas Fair

Saturday, December 5, 10-4, West End Green, West End Lane and Emmanuel Church, NW6

Festive food, children’s activities, unique jewellery, cards, gifts, local arts and crafts, mouthwatering cakes and chocolates, singing and dancing, puppet shows, face painting, hot mulled wine and Father Christmas are all promised at this West Hampstead event. Achillea Flowers and Mill Lane Garden Centre both have stalls so this is the place to stock up on your festive foliage.

Ham & High: St John's Wood Christmas FayreSt John's Wood Christmas Fayre (Image: PLEASE CONTACT BEFORE PUBLICATION)

St John’s Wood Christmas Fayre

Sunday, December 6, St John’s Wood High Street, NW8

Fairground rides, donkeys, Santa’s Grotto and stallholders line St John’s Wood High Street in aid of St John’s Hospice at this popular event. Look out for A&M Restoration and Conservation’s stall selling hand decorated picture frames and Swedish decorations; Lords homewares; Green Jade Ceramics; and even a John Lewis pop up stall selling Christmas items.

Alexandra Park Parade

Sunday, December 6, 11-4, Alexandra Park Parade, N22

The first initiative by the traders in the parade to work together and create a community event will involve carol singers at Owen’s, free mince pies and mulled wine for shoppers, tables of local crafts in Prickett and Ellis and free children’s craft sessions at Fringe. The event is in aid of Shelter and each participating shop will have special items and offers that increase their donation to the homelessness charity: T&T gift shop are contributing £1 for every cushion sold, £1 for each Christmas stocking sold, and10 per cent of sales of prints of Martyn’s in Muswell Hill; updos and blowdrys at The Salon Group will be for donations; proceeds of sales of Christmas trees outside Redwood Chemist; a donation will be given for every Christmas bauble painted at Zebra Ceramics.

Ham & High: A Rossignol vintage French school poster showing the 'Birds of Africa'A Rossignol vintage French school poster showing the 'Birds of Africa' (Image: Archant)

Pop Up Vintage Fair, Hampstead

Sunday, December 13, 11-4, St Stephen’s Rosslyn Hill, Pond Street, NW3, £2 entry

Vintage traders at these long running fairs run from fashion, jewellery to haberdashery and furniture, as well as interiors accessories like posters, collectibles and textiles from the 1920s-1980s. This is all set against live vintage-style singers, a pop-up tea room and vintage beauty parlour.