Summer in E14 is spectacular, but nothing quite compares to the magic of Canary Wharf in Winter. You can enjoy some of the best Christmas things to do in London 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.
Experience the magic of Canary Wharf at Christmas
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 soar across 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: Tuesday 21 January – Saturday 1 February 2025, 5pm – 10pm daily
Cost: Free!
The iconic Winter Lights Festival will return in January 2025 for its ninth annual edition. The Christmas lights in London event promises a spectacular experience for visitors of all ages, including striking temporary and permanent light artwork installations from some of the world’s most renowned light artists. The festival includes sparkling light displays along the promenade that glisten against the water of the Thames and create a truly spectacular show.
Prepare to marvel at the wonders of the universe depicted in light, including portals, black holes, towering stacks of bathtubs, and light tornadoes encircling Westferry Circus. The light display will extend all the way to Montgomery Square, Wood Wharf, and the new Eden Dock, where a 20-metre-wide sinkhole will be adorned with shimmering Canary Wharf Christmas lights.
These incredible Christmas lights in London installations will be complemented by hot drinks and sweet treats available along the way. There are also many bars, restaurants, and cafes throughout the Winter Lights Festival trail to explore if you need a delicious meal or refreshment. Make the most of your experience by taking an evening stroll or booking a guided tour along the light display trail for a truly wonderful evening out.
Christmas events in Canary Wharf for the family
Canary Wharf is renowned for being a family-friendly destination with a difference. Its Christmas line-up offers something for family members of all ages, promising to delight and inspire this festive season.
Holiday pop-ups, markets and performances
Explore the House of Canary Wharf’s exclusive pop-up market, open daily between 10 am and 7pm, from Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 22 December.
This festive pop-up will feature some of your favourite fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands in a series of individually styled rooms, adding new flair to the traditional Christmas shopping experience. Featured brands will include John Lewis & Partners, Kiehl’s, Malin+Goetz, and many others.
Deck the Malls will infuse this festive season with music to add cheer to the whole family’s shopping experience. Running from Tuesday 26 November to Thursday 19 December, Canary Wharf’s malls will be filled with the sounds of live music performances, from mellow guitar to classic jazz.
Family-friendly activities
The Felix Project Santa Stair Climb on 8 December at One Canada Square is sure to help the whole family spread Christmas cheer this year. Ideal for older children and adults, the event aims to help feed Londoners in need this festive season. Participants will climb 48 floors and 1031 steps to enjoy exquisite panoramic views of London at the top. The project aims to fund 825,000 meals this year, and if you’re up to the challenge, you and your family can help deliver joy to people in need.
Learn the art of biscuit decorating with iconic fashion brand Jo Malone London at Cabot Place Mall this festive season. The brand will have a team in-store to teach the whole family how to decorate gorgeous (and delicious!) Christmas biscuits. Personalise your designs as you see fit and pass them on as festive gifts – or keep them for yourself. Jo Malone’s expert stylists will also be available to provide guidance on finding the perfect gifts for all of your nearest and dearest. Visit the store on Friday 6 December from 2-3pm, 3-4pm, or 4-5pm to participate.
If your family loves the outdoors, take them on a grand adventure while keeping them warm at Crossrail Place Roof Gardens. This unique undercover rooftop garden is open until 9pm in the winter. It offers an incredible selection of native and exotic plants to see, as well as an 80-seater performance theatre for visitors of all ages. This theatre has partnered with performing arts charity The Space Theatre, and delivers vibrant theatre, music and dance performances free of charge in the garden’s lush setting.
Evening entertainment
Canary Wharf comes alive at Christmas with a wealth of performances, live music, and exciting culinary experiences. If you’re eager to explore E14’s food and drinks scene, spots like Dishoom will delight you with a unique take on festive fare. Between 18 and 8 November, the restaurant will offer a Christmas Matka game, giving your table a chance to eat for free by rolling the dice for a lucky six once they’ve dined from the Winter Feast Menu.
Spots like Sticks ‘n’ Sushi offer exclusive festive menus from 27 November until 24 December this year. Kricket’s contemporary Indian menu will include a range of tempting seasonal dishes, and Mexican restaurant Wahaca will delight with seasonal treats and festive sharing plates. Check out the community food market at Mmy Wood Wharf, too, for a delicious selection of cuisines, including the classics like pasta, burgers, pizzas, poke, and authentic Chinese fare.
Live music is a classic Canary Wharf highlight at this time of year. Boisdale Canary Wharf will host a Sinatra Christmas Lunch daily from 28 November to 28 December, bringing globally renowned Frank Sinatra performer Stephen Triffitt on board. Pergola Lates at Pergola on the Wharf will also be filled with musical cheer, offering weekly DJ and saxophone performances each Friday from 7pm onwards.
Christmas shopping in Canary Wharf
No list of Christmas things to do in London is complete without mentioning Christmas shopping. With more than 120 shops across five malls, shopping in the Wharf is a breeze. 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 stocking fillers? 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.
Or Sunday roast to inspire your Christmas dinner…
Plateau: Add French flair to your Canary Wharf 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.
Living in Canary Wharf during the festive season
Canary Wharf’s abundance of exclusive stores, restaurants, bars, and attractions make living in E14 during the festive season truly magical. Be sure to shop at top spots like White Company, John Lewis, and Waitrose to find the perfect seasonal decorations for your home this year and spread cheer wherever you go.
Are you eager to experience the magic of a Canary Wharf Christmas for yourself? There are few better ways to do so than to rent a stylish apartment close to all the best attractions. Vertus’ apartments for rent at 8 Water Street, 10 George Street, and Newfoundland give you access to the best highlights Canary Wharf has to offer. We also have an exclusive Christmas events Canary Wharf calendar for our residents, bringing you even more joy this season.
Make the most of the season this year with the many fun-filled activities on offer in London and Canary Wharf at Christmas. Become a Vertus resident to keep the magic alive throughout the coming year.
