HACKNEY'S bumper season of festive events and surprises is set to run throughout December.
Click the links below to find out what's happening around Hackney or download the full programme of events (PDF, 867KB) here.
Make Hackney Sparkle
Free seasonal entertainment, brought to you by EE, the new digital network.
Love Hackney, shop local
Special festive shopping events and entertainment at Hackney’s markets, with free parking on nearby streets.
Deck the town halls
Seasonal events at some of Hackney's most iconic buildings.
Ho ho ho Hackney
From panto and carol singing to free craft workshops and Santa’s grotto, Hackney’s town centres will be brimming with festive activities.
Throughout December
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Thanks to EE and POKE you can be sure of it. Simply call these local rate numbers along Rivington Street: 020 3322 4824; and Hoxton Square: 020 3322 2376, or check-in on the FourSquare App to create your very own blizzard – with a little help from snow cannons, set high up on the rooftops.
15-22 December, 12noon-8pm
Free ice skating plus a magical light display with a twist by Poke and EE. Hoxton Square, N1 6NU; and St John-at- Hackney, Lower Clapton Rd, E5 0PD.
15 December
Fifteen, Jamie Oliver’s renowned Shoreditch restaurant, will be holding a street market selling seasonal food. Westland Place, N1 7LP.
20 December, 4pm
See this classic family movie at St John-at- Hackney Church, Lower Clapton Rd, E5 0PD. Tickets are available from Hackney Picturehouse from 10 December. Book tickets here.
20 December, 7.30pm
Catch this hilarious Christmas comedy at St John-at-Hackney Church, Lower Clapton Rd, E5 0PD. Tickets are available from Hackney Picturehouse from 10 December. Book tickets here.
Special festive shopping events and entertainment, with free parking near Hackney's markets.
1, 8, 15, 22 December, from 11am
Festive inspired market, selling deli goods from homemade chutneys and jams, to artisan foods and cakes, as well as seasonal fair. Handcrafted gifts, stocking fillers and vintage clothes will be on sale from local artisans and designers. Visitors can also learn how to make their own Christmas cards, presents and decorations at a crafts workshop. St John-at-Hackney churchyard, Lower Clapton Rd, E5 0PD.
1, 8, 15, 22 December, 10am-2.30pm
London's only weekly organic farmers' market has moved for Christmas. Buy direct from farmers and growers and support small, local, sustainable businesses, as well as take home some delicious food. Offers everything you need for a seasonal feast from turkey, geese, hams, sausages, bacon, pies and pates to a wide range of veg, cheeses and fresh fish caught off the Sussex coast. West Hackney Recreation Ground, Evering Road, N16 7QA.
8, 15, 22 December, from 11am
Pop-up fashion market selling crafts and designer wear from talented East London designers. There will also be carol singing on 15 December. Hoxton Street, N1.
9, 16, 23, December, 11am-4pm
Meet Santa and pick up creative handmade jewellery, vintage clothes and homewares. Food and drink including mulled wine and minced pies will be available alongside carol singing, festive music and other seasonal entertainment. The road will be closed to vehicles on 16 December.
9-22 December
Christmas decorations throughout the market and for sale on the stalls. Plenty of bargains for shoppers. Ridley Road, E8 2NH.
15-16 December, 10am-6pm
A live acoustic jazz band will be performing, plus festive offers and treats from local shops over the weekend. Bradbury Street, N16 8JN.
22 December, 10am-5pm
Sounds of African drumming will fill Gillett Square at this special market. Mask-making, face-painting and delicious food will be on offer alongside traditional African crafts. Gillett Square, N16 8JN.
22 December, 7.30am-6pm
This farmer’s style market with good quality fashion, foods and arts will have special seasonal offers from shops and traders. Carol singers will entertain in the market and London Fields primary schoolyard. The market takes its annual holiday from 29 December to 5 January. Broadway Market, E8 4QJ.
23 December
One of Hackney’s newest markets with a selection of Christmas books for all tastes and ages. It’s the perfect place for Christmas shopping with children’s and art books, the latest blockbusters, and collectable editions, as well as unusual art prints and posters. There will also be plenty of music, mince pies and seasonal hot, spiced drinks. Goldsmith Row, E2 8QY.
Free parking will be available in and around Hoxton and Ridley Road markets on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 December. There are no parking restrictions on Saturdays at Broadway Market, and Sundays in Chatsworth Road and Goldsmith Row markets.
Seasonal events at some of Hackney's most iconic buildings.
15-16 December, 11am-5pm
More than 60 stalls selling arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery and special Christmas gifts. Santa will be there too and there's face painting and craft activities for children. Refreshments also available. Free entry.
From panto and carol singing to free craft workshops and Santa’s grotto, Hackney’s town centres will be brimming with festive activities.
1 December - 6 January
Hackney’s popular panto is back. Dick Whittington and His Cat promises to provide lots of laughter and fun for all the family, including show stopping songs and extravagant performances. Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ. Info: www.hackneyempire.co.uk.
13 December, 6.30pm
Have a sing-a-long with Santa at this annual carol service. Stoke Newington Fire Station, Church Street, N16 0AP.
15-16 December, 11am-4pm
Spend a day with Santa at his grotto to get everybody in the mood for the joy of gift giving. £2.50.St. Augustine’s Tower, St John-at-Hackney churchyard, Lower Clapton Rd, E5 0PD.
15 December, 2pm-6pm
Enjoy mulled wine, songs and festive treats and help raise funds for Hackney’s cycling club for people with learning disabilities. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane, E8 3DF.
16 December, 2pm-6pm
Join in the festival of light and help light this hidden oasis of a garden for Christmas. Free. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane, E8 3DF.
17-18 and 20-22 December, 2pm and 8pm
Barefoot in the Grass Theatre presents Twelfth Night. Inspired by the pantomimes and mummers of the past, this will be a traditional and contemporary performance. Tickets £5/£10/£12.50/£27.50. No matinee on 17 or 20 December. Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH. Info and tickets: www.hoxtonhall.co.uk.
Amazing offers
