Christmas is just around the corner and with many of us enjoying the festive season with markets, light shows and more, there’s still plenty of things to do in London in the lead up to the big day and beyond. We’ve been exploring last-minute outdoor festive activities around our developments.
North London
Are you yet to purchase your Christmas tree? Pines And Needles at Finsbury Park could make all your last-minute festive dreams come true. The store is open until Christmas Eve with trees of all sizes. Remember to measure your space before buying your spruce!
Heron Quarter at Woodberry Down is adjacent to the Woodberry Wetlands, which offers the perfect spot for a festive walk with family and friends to blow the cobwebs off over Christmas.
Woodberry Wetlands, Finsbury Park
No festive season would be complete without a visit to see one of the many light displays that are popping up across the city. Designed by local artist Jude Greenaway, Spectrum aims to bring light and colour across Waltham Forest landmarks – many of which can be spotted from our homes at Coachmakers Yard – until late January with a new building lit up every week.
Spectacular lights at Spectrum, Waltham Forest
If you’re not keen to brave the elements, Wood Street Indoor Market is starting to look a whole lot more Christmassy. Open every week, the 25 units offer the chance to buy family and friends unique gifts from local, independent vendors.
Christmas decorations and gifts at Wood Street Indoor Market
South London
Moving south, why not try the heated outdoor rooftop igloos at Skylight Peckham? With views across London, you can stay snug and dry while sipping on cocktails or enjoying the bottomless brunch – not far from our homes at Peckham Place.
Views from the South London rooftop bar - Skylight Peckham
Near to newly launched development Kidbrooke Square, get your skates on at Queen’s House open air ice rink and bask in the iconic architecture and skyline views – it’s open until 9 January so the festive fun can be enjoyed beyond the Christmas period. For those not brave enough to don the skates, Benugo’s catering stall offers warming treats and festive tipples.
Kidbrooke Square apartment
West London
A short drive from our Oaklands Rise development sits Kew Gardens, with wild botanical jungles filled with over 50,000 living plants. Christmas at Kew is an annual after-dark tradition, with the 500 acres of woodland lit up with large illuminations in tunnels, waterside reflections and trees.
Festive drinks at Kew Gardens
Closer to home, Winterfest at Wembley Park has returned until 4 January. The free winter lights trail ticks all the festive boxes with a 25m LED walk-through Christmas tree providing the perfect Instagram backdrop with over 100,000 lights.
East London
In Newham – home to Woolwich Reach and Royal Albert Wharf, Woolwich Christmas Market runs until 23 December. General Gordon Square will be filled with Christmas market stalls, Santa’s photobooth, fun rides for children and delicious food and drink.
Woolwich Christmas Market festive fun
A quick trip across the river on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to see St Alfege Church’s Advent windows is also well worth a visit. Local shops, homes, schools and pubs flex their creative talents to bring advent to life across Greenwich. They’re up until 2 January, so we recommend waiting until later in December when all the windows will be lit up.
There’s still plenty of festive things to do across London over the Christmas period – and the fun doesn’t need to stop on 25 December.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all at Notting Hill Genesis.