It’s the perfect place to shop, explore open-air art and indulge in festive food and drink!
Now that we’re out of lockdown and the festive season has started, we’re all looking for the perfect place to soak in that Christmas cheer. And honestly, it doesn’t get much better than Canary Wharf. You can explore captivating light installations, feast on festive food and drink, and start crossing things off your Christmas shopping list. That’s right, Canary Wharf is here to make your year a little brighter by offering you everything you need to enjoy your holiday season to the fullest. Oh, and here’s how you can enjoy 3 hours of free parking too!
So, without further ado let’s get into your guide to Canary Wharf this Christmas…
Shop for the perfect presents
In search of some glamorous gifts to shower upon your loved ones this Christmas? Canary Wharf is the place to look. You can shop stunning winter fashion, and find perfect presents from the likes of Bimba y Lola, Kate Spade, BOSS, Lululemon, The Kooples, Monica Vinader, Polo Ralph Lauren, The White Company, Zara and many, many more! With this much choice, you’re sure to find thoughtful gifts for all your friends and family.
And once you’ve bought your lovely gifts, save yourself from paper-cuts and forget the hassle of ribbon curling because Canary Wharf is offering a free, sustainable gift-wrapping service between December 19 – 23! That’s right, if you’ve spent a minimum of £50 at any Canary Wharf retailer, you can get a gift professionally wrapped for free. Click here to find out more.
Enjoy some festive food and drink
We’ve all missed eating out during the lockdown periods this year, but now is your chance to make up for it! Treat yourself to a delicious festive feast at one of Canary Wharf’s many restaurants and bars. You can enjoy BBQ treats at Big Easy, Indian soul food at Chai Ki, or some of the best sushi in town at Sticks ‘n’ Sushi. You can unleash your competitive side at Electric Shuffle. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can enjoy a delicious meal at Ibérica Canary Wharf or The Ivy in the Park. And if it’s mouthwatering cocktails you’re after, you just can’t go wrong with The Alchemist!
And with al fresco dining opportunities and outdoor terraces at many of these restaurants and bars, you can enjoy a nice meal out or drinks with up to five of your friends too!
Get your cultural kicks
A visit to Canary Wharf is also an adventure for the culturally curious, with stunning light installations, art pieces and gardens to explore. From now until February 27, you can wander through the Estate and admire some of the beautiful outdoor light displays that make up the ‘Connected By Light’ installation. The nine new works aim to evoke a sense of warmth and calm during these difficult times, and they offer a much-needed splash of colour as the winter nights draw in! Each piece in the installation is designed to be admired from a distance and is a covid-friendly alternative to the annual Winter Lights Festival. Just bear in mind that all installations will be switched off at 10pm daily!
A particular highlight of the Connected By Light installation is the Alice in Wonderland themed display ‘Curious Flurious’ found in the Crossrail Place Roof Gardens. There, artists Baker & Borowski have created a magical fluoro homage to Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s book. And, once you’ve visited the giant sculptural pieces and snapped a few selfies, perhaps you’d like to tumble a little further down the rabbit hole and watch a screening of Walt Disney’s animated Alice in Wonderland at the Everyman cinema too! Click here to find out more!
Admire some art
And the Connected By Light installation isn’t the only artwork to admire on the Canary Wharf Estate! Head down to the Adams Plaza Bridge to check out the amazing Camille Walala mural there. Its colourful, geometric, playful design is sure to brighten up your day.
Oh, you want more? Well, lucky for you Canary Wharf is home to London’s largest collection of outdoor public art. Meander around the parks and open spaces and you’ll find over 75 pieces of sculptures and architectural art pieces. It’s an art gallery like no other! And if you’ve got kids, we recommend you take them along the Children’s Art Trail which will guide you past 12 artworks that are guaranteed to inspire young minds.
Connect and relax in a safe, covid-secure environment
With its large open spaces, outdoor art displays and al fresco dining opportunities, Canary Wharf is the perfect place to socialise safely this winter. Since you can meet up to five other people in a public outdoor area under Tier 2 restrictions, it’s the ideal spot to connect with your friends and family this Christmas season.
Social distancing measures will also be in place throughout the Estate, and visitors will be asked to wear face coverings when inside the shopping malls in accordance with government guidance. You can read more about Canary Wharf’s Covid-19 response here.
Discover what’s on at Canary Wharf this festive season at canarywharf.com.