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Jamie Hutton

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‍Christmas in East London

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The clocks have rolled back, the nights are drawing in, mince pies and mulled wine are at the ready - the countdown to Christmas is officially on.

There is nowhere quite like the capital at this time of year, and with a combination of traditional Christmas activities in a modern cityscape illuminated by lights, spending the run-up to the big day in East London is a surefire way to get you in the spirit.

But with so much going on, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. So, here are a few of my recommendations to get you started... 🎅🏼

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I might be more like Bambi on ice than Torvill and Dean, but I'll still be hitting the rink at Canary Wharf's Canada Square Park.

It's London's longest-running seasonal ice rink and is covered by a canopy, so you can enjoy skating under the Canary Wharf skyline without the British weather spoiling any fun. For warming up (or cooling down) afterwards, head to the Grandstand Bar for rink-side drinks.

This year, there are also themed sessions throughout the season, including 80s, 90s and Soul Classics nights. So if that doesn't convince you...

There are a number of great markets in the area and between them, they provide pretty much everything you'll need to prepare for the 25th.

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Hunting for the perfect Christmas tree? Head to the Columbia Road Flower Market for a beautiful real, freshly cut spruce.

For the past few years, Columbia Road has held a series of late-night shopping evenings on Wednesdays throughout November and December, where you can wander in and out of the shops and pubs that line the street and enjoy some carol singing and community spirit.

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If you're anything like me and have a long list of friends and family to find gifts for, I recommend a visit to Greenwich Market where local designer-makers showcase a range of handmade arts and crafts, beautiful decorations, and unique gifts.

You'll be able to tick off your list in no time, although if you walk there along the foot tunnel from Isle of Dogs, you might want a pair of helping hands to carry back your finds.

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For the best mulled wine and tasty treats, head to Victoria Park on a Sunday between 10am and 4pm for the weekly food market held in arguably one of East London's most beautiful parks.

You'll find seasonal fruit and veg, organic farm butchers, locally baked bread and cakes, cheese and charcuterie... everything you need for a Christmas spread to make Jamie Oliver proud.

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Soak it all Up

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The capital transforms into a wonderland at this time of year, and if nothing else, I'd recommend an evening stroll simply taking in the light displays and decorations.

On the 15th November, Children from local schools will be parading colourful lanterns through the Old Royal Naval College grounds, around Cutty Sark Gardens and into the Market for the big light switch-on at Greenwich.

There's also the Winter Lights festival, the largest of its kind in London, transforming Canary Wharf with over 20 stunning light art and interactive installations. Take a look at the video below of last year's festival; it was a true spectacle.

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Will I be seeing you on the ice or picking out treats at the markets? Maybe you've got some other recommendations for getting into the festive spirit that you'd like to share.

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Whatever you get up to, there really is nowhere quite like London.

Thanks for reading,

Jamie