Last updated: 11 November 2024
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Islington with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this guide helps you enjoy the festive fun in Islington.
Popular events during the holiday season include the charming Christmas Markets at Covent Garden, where you can browse unique gifts and sample delightful seasonal treats. Each stall is brimming with festive joy, perfect for holiday shopping. The Leicester Square Christmas Market adds a whimsical touch to the season with its bustling atmosphere and entertainment options. And don’t forget Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, a vibrant festival filled with ice skating, attractions, and more. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Islington Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Displays at Regent Street
- What to Expect
- Spectacular, large-scale spirit sculptures with LED pea lights.
- Description
- Regent Street's Christmas lights display features over 300,000 low-energy LED lights, showcasing 45 majestic spirits soaring through the skies. The display is inspired by Regent Street's first Christmas lights scheme and includes large-scale, three-dimensional sculptures hand-crafted in London.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Light Displays at Regent Street
Christmas Light Displays at The Shard
- What to Expect
- Dynamic light show with mosaic-inspired designs on London's tallest building.
- Description
- The Shard Christmas Light Displays feature vibrant mosaic-inspired designs, including a larger-than-life snowman, a softly illuminated candle, and a bold green and gold pattern. These dynamic light shows are brought to life with animation and movement across the top 20 storeys of The Shard, visible from over 40 miles away.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Light Displays at The Shard
Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch On
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly Christmas light display with fireworks.
- Description
- Join us for the Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On, a day of family fun and celebrations on the King's Road, featuring festive food, family entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Where
- London | More Info : Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch On
Greenwich Market Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Handmade lantern parade by local children.
- Description
- At Greenwich Market's Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights, children from local primary schools parade handmade lanterns around the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark Gardens, culminating in the iconic Christmas lights switch-on. Traders sell unique arts, crafts, clothing, and food.
- Where
- London | More Info : Greenwich Market Christmas Lights
Merchant Square Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light display on historic buildings.
- Description
- Merchant Square Christmas Lights feature a stunning display of festive lights and decorations, transforming the area into a vibrant holiday setting.
- Where
- London | More Info : Merchant Square Christmas Lights
Angel Central Christmas Lights Switch On
- What to Expect
- Circus-themed Christmas celebration with live music and puppets.
- Description
- Join Angel Central for a circus-themed Christmas celebration featuring live music, puppets, and stilt-walking elves. The event kicks off with the Christmas Light Switch On at 4 PM on Friday 17th November, followed by live performances and a selection of Christmas classics.
- Where
- London | More Info : Angel Central Christmas Lights Switch On
Ilford Christmas Light Switch On
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly event with a brand new Christmas tree light scheme and fireworks.
- Description
- Join Ilford for a vibrant Christmas celebration featuring a new and improved Christmas tree light scheme, artistic displays, trails, performances, and a fireworks show.
- Where
- Ilford | More Info : Ilford Christmas Light Switch On
Light Up Orpington
- What to Expect
- Spectacular light displays along a historic high street.
- Description
- Light Up Orpington is a festive event featuring elaborate light displays and activities along Orpington High Street, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- Where
- Orpington | More Info : Light Up Orpington
Islington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Markets at Covent Garden
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas decorations and activities in a historic market setting.
- Description
- Christmas Markets at Covent Garden feature iconic decorations, a 60-foot Christmas tree, and various festive activities including mulled wine stations, Santa's sleigh, and holiday shopping.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Markets at Covent Garden
Selfridges Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of street food and festive activities.
- Description
- Selfridges Christmas Market features a curated selection of street food trucks, festive stalls, and fairground rides, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
- Where
- London | More Info : Selfridges Christmas Market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional alpine-style chalets with diverse street food options.
- Description
- The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a variety of traditional alpine-style chalets along the River Thames, featuring street food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. Enjoy truffle burgers, duck wraps, spicy chicken boxes, and sweet treats like Dutch pancakes and churros. Browse gifts, jewelry, and decorations made by independent creatives.
- Where
- London | More Info : Southbank Centre Winter Market
Islington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
- What to Expect
- Extensive range of festive activities and attractions.
- Description
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a six-week event featuring over 200 activities, including ice skating, thrilling rides, and spectacular shows. It offers a variety of international cuisines and themed bars, making it a comprehensive holiday celebration.
- Where
- London | More Info : Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Leicester Square Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- World-class cabaret show in a historic pop-up event space.
- Description
- Leicester Square Christmas Market features a vibrant Christmas market with hand-crafted goods, delicious food, mulled wine, and the Spiegeltent hosting the multi-award-winning show La Clique.
- Where
- London | More Info : Leicester Square Christmas Market
Christmas at St. Paul’s Cathedral
- What to Expect
- Traditional Lessons and Carols service with the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir.
- Description
- St. Paul’s Cathedral offers a variety of Advent and Christmas services, including Lessons and Carols, Handel's Messiah, and celebrity carol concerts. These events feature the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir and readings by representatives of London life and the St. Paul's Cathedral Community.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas at St. Paul’s Cathedral
Christmas at St. Martin’s in the Field
- What to Expect
- World-class festive music performances.
- Description
- Christmas at St. Martin’s in the Fields features a variety of festive concerts and carol events, including performances by St. Martin’s Voices and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, showcasing traditional Christmas favorites and Baroque music.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas at St. Martin’s in the Field
Islington Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at Hyde Park
- What to Expect
- UK's largest open-air ice rink with penguin skate aids.
- Description
- Glide into the festive season at Hyde Park's largest open-air ice rink, set under twinkly lights around a charming Victorian bandstand. Enjoy this fan-favourite attraction with your friends and family, perfect for any occasion.
- Where
- London | More Info : Ice Skating at Hyde Park
Ice Skating at Somerset House
- What to Expect
- Unrivalled skating experience with gourmet dining and DJ takeovers.
- Description
- Ice skating at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with skating lessons, contemporary music, and gourmet dining. Enjoy exclusive evenings, DJ takeovers, and festive shopping in a historic courtyard setting.
- Where
- London | More Info : Ice Skating at Somerset House
Christmas Special Bus Tours
- What to Expect
- Interactive Paddington-guided animation and themed menu.
- Description
- Embark on a Paddington-themed afternoon tea bus tour through Central London, featuring iconic landmarks and a delightful menu with marmalade sandwiches.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas Special Bus Tours
Thames River Christmas Cruises
- What to Expect
- Scenic holiday cruise with decorated boats and festive views.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas with a scenic cruise along the iconic River Thames, enjoying illuminated landmarks and a warm holiday ambiance.
- Where
- London | More Info : Thames River Christmas Cruises
Christmas at Westminster Abbey
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas services and reflections in a historic setting.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Westminster Abbey with special services, festive reflections, and traditional carols. Join the world-famous choir and explore ancient Christmas traditions.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas at Westminster Abbey