East London gears up for Xmas
Now it’s getting chilly, it’s time to think about getting ready for Christmas. But there’s no need to tangle with the West End. The plethora of designers living in the East End means there are plenty of local events offering opportunities to stock up on presents or just get into the festive mood…..
Christmas Wednesdays at Columbia Road (Wednesdays, from 26 Nov)
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping by heading down to Columbia Road on a Wednesday evening. For the ninth year running over 50 of the shops will be opening every Wednesday from 26th November to 17th December, from 5 to 9pm. As most of the shops usually open only on Sundays, when the busy flower market can make shopping tricky, this is an ideal opportunity to snap up lots of lovely original presents for your nearest and dearest.
You can avoid the crowds of Westfield or the West End and potter along, mulled wine in hand, browsing the cornucopia of original gifts on offer. With art, food, fashion (old and new), jewellery, home wares and many other potential presents for sale in this eclectic range of independent shops, you’re sure to find something for everyone from Uncle Bob to Baby Tom.
Winterville in Victoria Park (from Tuesday 2 December)
A couple of miles to the east of M&P, Victoria Park will be transformed into ‘Winterville’ from 2nd December until 1st January. Promising to be a ‘magical town’, this month long event will include an ice rink, fairground, horse drawn carriages, a food hall and a Christmas market. Entry will be free, but ticket will be on sale in advance for various attractions and a range of events, such as the Roller Disco.
Hackney City Farm Christmas Craft Fair (Sunday 7 December)
There will be craft stalls, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts at the Hackney City Farm Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 7th December from 12 noon – 4.30pm.
Columbia School Winter Snow Fair (Wednesday 10 December)
Columbia Primary School is holding a Winter Snow Fair on Wednesday 10th December from 3.30 to 5.30pm. Promising lots of stalls and great fun, this is an event for all the family.
East London Design Show
Always an exciting opportunity to get your hands on products direct from designers before they hit the high street, the East London Design show is back at the Truman Brewery this year for its 21st anniversary. Open from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th December (late nights Thursday and Friday till 9pm) this event showcases a wide range of independent product, interior and jewellery designers. Admissions £5, concessions £3, under 16s free.
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