Fun Christmas in Canary Wharf this Winter

London’s city within a city, Canary Wharf, is a vibrant place to spend a holiday or base yourself for an extended business trip. Discover the highlights of Canary Wharf in winter and plan the perfect stay with our guide. You’ll find annual events, special attractions, places to visit, and much more.

1. Canary Wharf Ice Rink

London’s most extended winter ice rink in Canary Wharf stretching across 1,200 square metres is a not to be missed in the business district. This frosty wonderland is open for 18 weeks beginning way before the rest of the ice rinks in London and lasting long after the holiday season has concluded.

The rink features a protective canopy, ensuring you can glide gracefully even in unfavourable weather conditions, and it hosts an adjacent bar and special DJ-themed nights for added enjoyment. Lace up your skates and get ready for some icy fun!

From the 21^st of October 2023 to the 24^th of February 2024

Location: Canada Square Park, London, E14 5AH

2. Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival

The Canary Wharf Winter Lights festival is confirmed to return this year! It’s the largest of its kind in London, transforming Canary Wharf into a wonderland of more than 20 stunning installations.

The spectacle showcases light art and interactive installations by some of the most innovative light artists across the globe with some new commissions alongside pieces never before seen in the UK. Grab a delicious snack at the street food market before or after you explore light art that must be seen to be believed.

From the 17^th to the 27^th of January 2024

Location: throughout the Estate Canary Wharf, London, E14

3. Christmas Shopping in Canary Wharf

Why wait until the last minute for your Christmas shopping this year when you can enjoy incredible Black Friday deals with a staggering 30% off selected products at the end of November? With many shops participating each year, it's the perfect chance to pick up  bargain shopping in Canary Wharf, whether you're treating yourself or searching for a special Christmas gift.

And even after Black Friday has passed, there are still plenty of enticing Christmas offers waiting for you. Make sure to allow yourself enough time to explore the wide array of fantastic shops available.

Plus, when the shopping gets too much, there are plenty of food and drink options to keep you energised in the area!

Location: Canary Wharf Shopping Centre

4. Festive Movies

If you've ever wished of enjoying a brand-new movie from the comfort of your own sofa, without the discomfort of traditional cinema seats, your dream has come true!

Everyman Cinema in Canary Wharf offers plush sofas and a selection of the latest films, providing the perfect opportunity for a cosy date night featuring the latest Christmas releases. The very polite and helpful staff here will ensure your every need is met.

So, treat yourself to a delicious pizza and a refreshing cocktail right at your seat, and prepare for a delightful evening of festive entertainment!

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

5. Music in the Malls

On Fridays and weekends leading up to Christmas, Canary Wharf residents can revel in a series of live music performances by a diverse array of talented musicians and artists. This annual event infuses Canary Wharf with a tremendous sense of holiday cheer. Best of all, it's a free event, making it one of the most highly endorsed Christmas happenings every year!

Location: Pergola on the Wharf, Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14

6. Santa Stair Climb

Spending your Christmas in an active and charitable way? Participate in London’s first ever Santa Stair Climb to the top of Canary Wharf, a charity event aims at raising £300,000 to fight hunger.

Walk up 48 floors, conquering 1031 steps in the iconic One Canada Square, and be rewarded with unique access to unbeatable views across London. This event is scheduled for November the 19^th, and all climbers will be dressed as green Felix Santas, receiving an exclusive themed t-shirt and a Felix Santa hat for the occasion.

Join the climb this November, help reclaim green in the name of Santa, and raise vital funds for those in need this winter.

Location: One Canada Square, London, E14 5AB

7. An Evening of Christmas Carols

If you're looking to get into the Christmas spirit in Canary Wharf, what could be more delightful than an enchanting Christmas Carols and Candles Service evening, open to Canary Wharf residents and their families?

This event features a lovely choir composed of Canary Wharf locals, participants holding candles, and a spectacular showcase of Christmas lights.

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

Other Things to Do in Canary Wharf in Winter

For decades, Canary Wharf was known as the city’s banking district, but all that has changed. The estate has evolved into a space where residential apartment buildings, art and culture, retail, and business come together to form a truly vibrant community. Here are some additional festive attractions you can enjoy in or near Canary Wharf this winter:

New Year’s Eve: See out the year with a bang by partying the night away at one of the many New Year’s Eve events taking place in Canary Wharf on the 31^st of December. Many restaurants, bars, and clubs have all sorts of events planned, from multi-course dinners to an ABBA Disco Party.

Marvel at the London New Year’s Day Parade: Floats, street entertainment, music, and a whole lot of pomp and ceremony are part and parcel of this beloved annual tradition. The London New Year’s Day Parade will make its way through Piccadilly, Regents Street, St James’s, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, starting at 12 noon on the 1^st of January 2024.

Explore the London Art Fair: Head to Islington’s Business Design Centre and immerse yourself in the London Art Fair showcasing modern and contemporary artworks, installations, and live performances by artists from around the world, as well as talks and tours. From the 17th to the 21^st of January 2024.

Attend the Canary Wharf Curling Challenge: Learn a new skill with friends and family or sit back and watch the action unfold at the annual Canary Wharf Curling Challenge. The challenge takes place at Ice Rink Canary Wharf from the 14^th to the 31^st of January 2024.

Watch films at the London Short Film Festival: Celebrate excellent short filmmaking by taking in a few screenings at the annual London Short Film Festival. This year’s festival takes place at several venues in London from the 19^th to the 28^th of January 2024.

Play old-school fairground games: Enjoy a healthy dose of nostalgia by playing old-school fairground games with a modern tech twist at Fairgame in Canary Wharf. You’ll find Shoot-the-Clown, Whac-A-Mole, Roll-A-Ball Derby, Skeeball, and many more, as well as some of London’s top street food vendors and a bar.

Indulge your need for speed with go karts: Head to Capital Karts in Canary Wharf for some adrenalin-pumping racing on the fastest indoor go kart track in the UK. Once you’ve reached the finish line, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage in the on-site bar and lounge.

See the View at the Shard: If you’re lucky enough to have a clear day in Canary Wharf in winter, be sure to take in the View At The Shard. Located a few minutes’ Tube ride from the Estate, The Shard is the tallest building in the UK. The viewing deck between the 68^th and 72^nd floors offer views of up to 60km (40 miles).

Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of London: See the sights the easy way by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour of London. Tours take in all the major attractions, so you can hop off and do some exploring at the sites that interest you before hopping on the next bus to continue your tour.

Stroll through the Crossrail Roof Garden: Marvel at plants from the UK and around the world in the Crossrail Roof Garden. One of London’s largest roof gardens, this gorgeous, covered venue also hosts free events all year round, so be sure to check the events calendar when planning your trip.

Where to Stay in Canary Wharf in Winter

Canary Wharf in winter has plenty to offer visitors. Base yourself at Fraser Place Canary Wharf and enjoy comfortable accommodation during your stay in this vibrant part of London. Our serviced hotel apartment in Canary Wharf is ideal for long stays, especially if you’re going to be in the city for an extended winter break in London.

In addition to offering serviced, well-appointed rooms and suites and a range of amenities, we’re located near superb public transport links. With the addition of the Elizabeth line, you can travel directly from Canary Wharf tube station to Bond Street in as little as 25 minutes, or you can get a direct service to Heathrow Airport in just under an hour. Contact us and start planning your stay in London today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Canary Wharf Winter Lights free?

Winter Lights Festive in Canary Wharf is free to visit. You can easily get the digital map through the Canary Wharf App or website to navigate the trail or grab one from a helpful Canary Wharf steward on-site.

2. Where do you park for Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival?

If you're looking to park before 8am or after 6pm, there are a number of free on-street spaces available in Canary Wharf. With over 2,147 spaces in and around Canary Wharf, you can often find and book a space by the hour, day or month.

During your stay at Fraser Place Canary Wharf, our hotel with parking in Canary Wharf provides a secure and spacious parking area that offers not only ample space for your vehicle but also peace of mind 24/7.

3. Is it worth visiting Canary Wharf?

Yes, it’s worth visiting Canary Wharf. What was once a banking and business district has evolved into a city within a city, where you’ll find hotels, residences, businesses, events, cafes, and bars, shops and services, public art, open spaces, and much more. The estates conveniently located near Central London and boasts excellent public transport links.