Handmade in Highgate runs 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 November at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, with free entry. Updated November 2026.

Handmade in Highgate holds two free winter fairs this month at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution on South Grove, from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November and from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, with a different set of designer-makers and artists at each.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome. The organisers say the fairs are a chance to see inside the historic building, which is normally closed to the public, as well as to buy from makers in person a month before Christmas.

Opening times

Day Opening times
Friday 20 November 5pm to 8pm
Saturday 21 November 10am to 6pm
Sunday 22 November 11am to 5pm
Friday 27 November 5pm to 8pm
Saturday 28 November 10am to 6pm
Sunday 29 November 11am to 5pm

Both fairs are at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, London N6 6BS. Entrance is free at every session.

Who is selling this year

Returning favourites include Godi UK, contemporary leather makers (Instagram @godi); Laslett England, which sells hand-printed silk scarves (@laslettengland); and the linocut artist Rachel Snowdon Studio (@rachelsnowdon).

A green silk scarf printed with small pink and white triangles, folded in a red Laslett England box
A hand-printed silk scarf in its box from Laslett England. Photo: supplied by Handmade in Highgate

New to the fairs this year are the jeweller Charlotte Reid, the weaver Vinca Brown (@loomiereweaves), Rogo Studio (@rogouk) and the ceramicist Catherine Lu (@catherinehkceramics). The organisers call them “an outstanding line up of different makers”, and say these are only some of the names taking part.

Four ribbed oval lamps on a wooden shelf, glowing grey, pale yellow, amber and orange
A row of ribbed lamps by Rogo Studio. Photo: supplied by Handmade in Highgate

Because each weekend has a different line-up, a visit to both fairs means two different rooms of stalls. The organisers have not said which makers are at which weekend.

What the organiser says

Lisa, who runs Handmade in Highgate, told Crouch End News: “If you have never been to the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution before, Handmade in Highgate offers the perfect opportunity to visit the historic (normally closed to the public) building and see and buy from some of the brightest and best in contemporary craft makers working today.”

Asked to pick the one stall visitors should not miss, she would not choose: “Everyone is great, and it is impossible to pick a favourite.”

Poster for Handmade in Highgate, the designer/maker fairs, 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 November, entrance free, at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution
The Handmade in Highgate poster for the two November fairs. Photo: supplied by Handmade in Highgate

What it means for you

  • No ticket is needed. Turn up at any of the six sessions; entry is free.
  • Friday evenings are short. Both Fridays run from 5pm to 8pm only, so the Saturdays (10am to 6pm) give the longest browse.
  • Go twice if you are buying presents. The makers change between the two weekends.
  • More Highgate and Crouch End fairs follow. Duck Pond Market at Lauderdale House, the Muswell Hill Creatives markets and Jacksons Lane’s first Christmas market are all in our Christmas markets near Crouch End list.

Details of the fairs are on the Handmade in Highgate website.