Summer in E14 is spectacular, but nothing quite compares to the magic of Canary Wharf in Winter.
You can enjoy some of London’s best seasonal activities right here, from the Canary Wharf Winter Lights in January to the covered Ice Rink in Canada Square Park, as well as numerous events and other exciting things to do in December. Whether you’re with family, a group of friends, your significant other, or enjoying a bit of me-time, you won’t forget this winter on the Wharf.
Winter activities in London
This year’s incredible winter activities in London are the best reasons you’ll have for fighting off the urge to stay in and hibernate.
Ice rink Canary Wharf
When: Open until 25 February, with 12 50-minute sessions per day. Live music sessions take place after 6pm.
Cost: Children aged 4-12 years old: from £13.50, Adults/Teens aged 13 or over: from £17.95, Family tickets: from £53.95 for 4 skaters.
Whether you enjoy getting active or want to skate down memory lane, you’re sure to agree that the Ice Rink Canary Wharf is one of the best things to do in December in London. The Estate’s Canada Square Park is transformed into a covered ice rink in which you can whizz around on the ice to the accompaniment of live music. Take the Jubilee or Elizabeth lines to Canary Wharf station. Canada Square Park is a three-minute walk from the station, heading across Jubilee Park, left up Upper Bank Street, and turning left to reach Canada Square.
Winter lights in Canary Wharf
When: 18 January – 28 January, daily, 5pm – 10pm.
Cost: Free
The seventh edition of London’s largest free light festival, the Winter Lights in Canary Wharf brings a festive glow to the long, dark evenings with more than 20 stunning installations. Discover the work of some of the world’s most innovative light art artists around the Estate. The festival’s ideal for lovers of light art and the fine old tradition of seeing the Christmas lights. If you’re travelling to the Estate for the festival, take the Jubilee or Elizabeth lines to Canary Wharf.
Christmas at Kew
When: Runs until 8 January. From 4.20pm until 10pm.
Cost: Tickets from £21.50 (£14 for children).
Exploring the light trails, tunnels, reflections, and installations of Christmas at Kew is one of the top things to do in London during winter. Main entrance: Victoria Gate. Take the Jubilee Line from Canary Wharf to Westminster, changing for the District Line to Kew Gardens station. The Victoria Gate’s a 5-minute walk from the station via Lichfield Road.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
When: Runs until 2 January. 10am until 10pm daily.
Cost: Entry is free in off-peak times and costs £5 or £7.50 for peak hours. You can add the price of shows, rides, and games when booking your ticket online.
One of the finest winter activities in London, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is awash with fun family shows, Christmas markets, ice skating, delicious festive treats and street food, fairground rides, and a Santaland. Take the westbound Jubilee Line from Canary Wharf to Green Park Station, changing for the Piccadilly line to Hyde Park Corner station. The entrance to the park is a minute’s walk from the station.
Christmas shopping in Canary Wharf
No list of things to do in December in London is complete without mentioning Christmas shopping. With more than 120 shops across five malls, shopping in the Estate is a pleasure. Be sure to make the most of Black Friday discounts across the Estate from 24 to 27 November.
Jewellery and Watches: Spoil your special someone (or yourself) with a stunning piece of jewellery or a watch from Canary Wharf stores such as Monica Vinader (Jubilee Place) or Breitling (Canada ) and Watches of Switzerland (Canada Place).
Electronics and Phones: Make shopping for the tech-head in your life easier by heading to Currys, Canada Place.
Quirky Gifts: Looking for quirky gifts? Look no further than Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Crossrail Place.
Trend watchers: Stylist-approved fashion picks fill the windows of shops this winter, from Levi’s to The Kooples.
Keeping warm: the best places to eat in Canary Wharf this Winter
Whether you want to book an end-of-year office party, lunch or dinner for family or friends spending a few days with you, or a Christmas meal in Canary Wharf, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Plateau: Add French flair to your Christmas celebrations this year. Plateau has bespoke Christmas Eve and Festive menus available, and caters for all parties large and small, making it perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends or colleagues. Mains range in price from £19.50 – £34.
Hawksmoor: Known for excellent British beef and seafood, Hawksmoor is a great option for festive season get-togethers with family and friends. Mains range in price from £18 – £40.
The Ivy: The Ivy is ideal for an intimate Canary Wharf Christmas dinner with someone special and for private dining with a small group of friends or business associates. The Festive set menu is priced at £60 per person.
Pedler: A new opening in the Estate, Pedler celebrates fresh seasonal foods. This new restaurant is a great option for Christmas meals in Canary Wharf with family or friends. The Christmas Feast menu is priced at £45 per person (minimum of four persons per group).
Feels Like June: Christmas never tasted or looked so good. A delightful 3 course menu for £59 per person, and bespoke party menus from £25 per person.
Places to visit in London this Winter
You don’t want to miss out on these places to visit in London this winter.
Museum of Architecture Gingerbread City: Why be charmed by simple gingerbread cottages when you can be dazzled by an entire city made of the spiced festive treat? You’ll find the city at 6 – 7 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, until 2 January.
Greenwich Christmas Market: A stone’s throw from the Estate, the Greenwich Christmas Market is ideal for hunting for original artworks, crafts, fashion items, and stocking fillers.
Kingston Christmas Market: Head to Kingston on Thames for the annual European-style Kingston Christmas Market. Find unique gifts, seasonal treats, mulled wine, fairground rides, and more until the 24 December.
Instagrammable Hotspots in Canary Wharf: Take a break from all the Canary Wharf Christmas activities by visiting some of the Estate’s most Instagrammable spots. Check out Harbour Quay Gardens and the Crossrail Place Roof Garden and follow the Canary Wharf art trail to find some truly impressive sites.
Make the most of this festive season with these things to do in December, in London and Canary Wharf.
