Mince pies at the ready – the countdown to Christmas has begun! Now that your favorite time of the year is finally here, you’re most likely wondering what festive activities there are to do. If you’re a Canary Wharf resident or if you’re visiting over the festive season, then you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do this Christmas.

From ice skating rinks to winter lights festivals, and christmas carols to visiting Santa’s Grotto, Canary Wharf is the perfect place to get festive!

So get out those winter boots, put on your Santa hats, and let’s get planning! Here are some truly Christmassy activities you can do in Canary Wharf that are guaranteed to give you that all-important festive feeling.

Christmas Shopping

There’s no reason to leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute this year when you can get a staggering 30% discount on selected products at the end of November with Black Friday deals. Lots of shops participate each year so it’s a great chance to pick up a bargain for yourself or a Christmas present for a loved one. Even after Black Friday is over, there are still lots of Christmas offers to be had, so make sure you give yourself enough time to explore all of the amazing shops on offer! Luckily there are plenty of food and drink options for when the shopping gets too much!

Date: 29th November – 1st December

Time: All day

Location: Canary Wharf Shopping Centre

Roka Brunch

The legendary Roka brunch isn’t particularly Christmassy, but it’s just what the doctor ordered in the midst of Christmas mayhem. We recommend booking a table the weekend before Christmas for a final farewell to friends before everyone heads off home for the holidays as it can get very busy. Prices start at £49.00 per person and include a range of Japanese food with a free Bellini or Bloody Mary on arrival and unlimited wine throughout brunch.

Date: Weekends

Time: Brunch

Location: Roka, 4 Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5FW

Santa’s Grotto

Tis the season to be jolly, so get all the family involved and visit Santa in Canary Wharf this Christmas. We know this isn’t to everyone’s taste, but a visit to Santa’s Grotto is a must for the kids! There are plenty of events in Santa’s Grotto for children, including face painting and a Gingerbread Treasure Trail.

Date: Every weekend throughout December and daily from Thursday 22nd December through to Christmas Eve.

Time: 11am – 5pm

Location: Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY

Festive Films

If you’ve ever wanted to watch a new movie on your sofa, rather than sitting on uncomfortable cinema chairs, then look no further! The Everyman Cinema in Canary Wharf has comfy sofas and screens a range of the latest films, which can be the perfect excuse to watch the latest Christmas movies for a date night. The very polite and helpful attendants will be more than happy to make sure you’re looked after. So, order yourself a pizza and a cocktail to your chair and settle in for an evening of festive fun!

Date: Various

Time: Various

Location: Everyman Canary Wharf, 2 Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AR

Winter Lights Festival

Say goodbye to dark and dreary January evenings with the Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival, an unmissable event which takes place every January! Whilst the festival technically doesn’t take place until after Christmas, it’s a spectacular event which attracts thousands of tourists during the festival.

The Light Festival has over 25 spectacular light installations which showcases light art and interactive installations. If this hasn’t persuaded you that you have to visit, then perhaps the Winter Light Bites might! The vintage food trucks offer a variety of delicious dishes and hot drinks to keep you warm on the cold nights of the Winter Lights Festival.

Date: 16th January – 25th January

Time: 4pm – 10pm

Location: throughout Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs, London, E14

An Evening of Christmas Carols

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, then what better way to do so than an evening of Christmas Carols and Candles Service, which is open to those of Canary Wharf and their families. The evening provides a beautiful choir made up of Canary Wharf locals, handheld candles and a breath-taking display of Christmas lights.

Tickets cost only £2 and all proceeds are donated to St. Giles Trust and The Favela Foundation, which are charities who work tirelessly to focus on preventing gangs and knife crime.

Date: 10th December

Time: 6-7pm (doors open 5.30pm)

Location: East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5NX

Music in the Malls

On Fridays and weekends leading up to Christmas, Canary Wharf residents can enjoy a programme of live music from a variety of talented musicians and artists. This event takes place every year and brings a huge sense of festivity to Canary Wharf. It’s also free to event, which is why it’s one of the top recommended events each Christmas!

Date: 6th – 8th December, 13th – 15th December, 20th – 24th December

Time: Various (depending on date)

Location: Cabot Place, Canada Place & Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14

If you have any other Canary Wharf Christmas traditions or recommended places to visit this festive season, we’d love to know! Send over your ideas with us on Twitter.