Get into the holiday spirit with Hackney’s festive programme
A bumper programme of festive themed events for all the family welcomes in this year’s holiday season in Hackney.
The yuletide fun begins on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December with Stokey Winter Fest featuring a magical Santa’s Grotto, a gift tag-making workshop, a festive jigsaw trail, Stokey’s Special Tree, plus DJs, live bands, sing-along christmas carols and winter folk songs, along with mulled wine, cakes and soup.
On Sunday 1 December, residents are invited to gather at Town Hall Square from 4.30 - 5.30pm to join in the countdown to the borough’s Christmas lights switch on, with performances by the Hackney Empire Choir, a carol sing-along and free hot chocolate for all from Two Palms bar.
Hackney’s Santa’s grotto at St Augustine's Tower is open on Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 December from 11am to 4.30pm (closed from 1-2pm), while the borough’s annual pre-Hanukkah celebration takes place on Sunday 22 December from 1-3pm.
There is also plenty of winter fun to be had throughout December at Hackney Museum, in Hackney’s Libraries and across Hackney’s Christmas Markets.
We take everyone’s security very seriously at our events. If you are planning to bring a bag to an indoor event, please bring a small one and make sure to leave enough time for that bag to be searched before entering the venue.
See the festive line-up on Love Hackney and here:
STOKEY WINTER FEST - a weekend of festivities
Saturday 30 November, 10am - 4pm
Enjoy a festive jigsaw trail, Stokey’s Special Tree, magical Santa’s Grotto, a tag-making workshop and winter folk songs.
All ages. Stoke Newington High Street and Stoke Newington Church Street.
Sunday 1 December, 2-6pm
Dickensian Xmas Xtravaganza, featuring DJs, live bands, mulled wine, cakes and soup, Oliver Twist and sing-a-long Christmas Carols. Dress code: fingerless gloves.
All ages. Everyday Sunshine N16 0RT. Both events are collecting for Hackney Foodbank. Info: https://www.seeyouinstokey.com/
HACKNEY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Sunday, 1 December, 4.30-5.30pm
Join in the countdown to the borough’s Christmas lights being switched on, with performances by the Hackney Empire Choir, a carol singalong (lyric sheets provided) and free hot chocolate for all from Two Palms bar.
All ages. Free. Hackney Town Hall Square, Mare St, E8 1EA.
PRE-HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
22 December, 1-3pm
Head to Hackney Town Hall for an early celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, with music, speeches and a light lunch. The eight-day festival officially starts on 25 December when the first light of the Menorah in the Town Hall Square will be lit. All ages. Free. Hackney Town Hall Mare Street, E8 1EA. Book your free place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pre-hanukkah-celebration-tickets-1082179340539?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl:
SANTA’S GROTTO AT ST AUGUSTINE’S TOWER
7 & 14 December, 11am-4.30pm (closed 1-2pm)
Climb up this atmospheric, ancient tower to see Santa in his brilliantly illuminated 700-year-old grotto. All ages. Free, although donations are welcome. St. Augustine’s Tower, The Narrow Way, Mare Street, E8 1HT
Winter fun at Hackney Museum free
20 December-4 January, various times (closed Sun, Mon and public holidays)
Head to Hackney Museum with your kids during the school winter holidays to learn about life in Hackney. Fun, festive activities include a reindeer trail and carnival-inspired crafts – as well as the Museum’s hands-on history, dressing up and activities. All ages. Free. Hackney Museum, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. Info: hackney-museum.hackney.gov.uk/visit/families
FESTIVITIES AT HACKNEY LIBRARIES
Love your local library
Hackney’s libraries are putting on a range of free activities for families this winter – from making Christmas decorations and wreaths, to singing festive songs and watching a wintry film. For more information, visit: https://www.lovehackney.uk/warm-welcome-events-2024
Clapton Library, Northwold Road, E5 8RA
Winter Crafternoon
10 December, 3-5pm
Join an adult-only edition of ‘crafternoon’. Bring your small craft projects – such as beading, knitting, crochet and embroidery – to this informal and friendly group. Suitable for all skill levels. Hot drinks provided. 18+.
Winter Craft Table
10-24 December, drop in
Visit the winter craft table during the library’s opening times. Make your own Christmas cards and bookmarks to take home to friends and family members. All ages.
Christmas Tree Decorating
10-24 December, drop in
Help to decorate Clapton Library’s Christmas communi-tree. Make your own tiny book to take home or hang on the tree. All ages.
Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, E8 3BQ
Storytime: Winter Special
12 December, 11am-12noon
Enjoy festive stories and songs – and have fun building your own paper elf or santa. Best for babies and toddlers.
Winter Family Film Screening
21 December, 2-4pm
Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive family film. Light refreshments provided. All ages.
Hackney Central Library, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1JN
Angel Paper Craft
9 December, 3.30-5pm
Make your own paper angel to take home with you. 5+.
Christmas Tree Decoration Craft
11 December, 3.30-5pm
Make your own tiny felt book to take home or hang on the library’s Christmas tree. 5+.
Knit and Knatter: Winter Special
18 December, 11.30am-1.30pm
Enjoy a festive edition of Knit and Knatter. Bring along your own project or try out some of the library’s needles and wool in this welcome and warm space for all adults. All skill levels are welcome. Hot drinks and mince pies provided. 18+.
Book Club: Winter Special
19 December, 6-7pm
Enjoy a festive edition of the library’s new book club. Ask about this month's choice and pick up a copy of the book at the library welcome desk. 18+.
Storytime: Winter Special
20 December, 11am-12noon
Enjoy inclusive festive stories and songs and have fun building your own Christmas tree decoration to take home with you. Best for babies and toddlers.
Christmas Wreath Craft
21 December, 3-5pm
Make your own Christmas wreath to take home with you and hang up on your door. 5+.
Christmas Ornament Craft
23 December, 3pm-5pm
Make your own Christmas ornament to take home with you or hang up on the library’s tree. 5+.
Christmas Cards
24 December, 11am-12.30pm
Make your own Christmas cards to give to your loved ones on the big day. 5+.
Snowman Paper Craft
4 January, 3.30-5pm
Make your own colourful paper snowman to take home with you. 5+.
Homerton Library, Homerton High Street, E9 6AS
Winter Coffee Morning and Scrabble Club
Mondays until 27 January, 10.30am-12noon
Head to Homerton for a weekly winter coffee morning to meet new people and enjoy a hot drink. Get involved by playing scrabble or doing a jigsaw. Light refreshments provided. 18+.
Winter Film Screening
2 December, 10.30am-12noon
Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive family film. Light refreshments provided. All ages.
Christmas Tree Decoration Craft
9 December, 4-5.30pm
Make your own Christmas ornament to take home with you or hang up on the library’s tree, using recycled materials. 5+.
Storytime: Winter Special
14 December, 11am-12noon
Enjoy festive stories and songs. Best for babies and toddlers.
Shoreditch Library, 80 Hoxton Street, N1 6LP
Christmas Tree Decorating
11 December, drop in
Help to decorate Shoreditch Library’s Christmas communi-tree. Make your own tiny book to take home or hang on the tree. All ages.
Snowflake Mobile Craft
17 December, 4-5pm
Make your own magical snowflake mobile to hang up at home. 5+.
Handprint Animals Craft
23 December, 3-4pm
Make an animal from your own handprint to take home with you. 5+.
Stamford Hill Library, Portland Avenue, N16 6SB
Craft Activity: Paddington’s Journey
17 December, 4-5pm
Make your own Paddington Bear to take home with you. 5+.
Storytime: Winter Special
18 December, 2-3pm
Enjoy festive stories and songs and have fun building your own Christmas tree decoration to take home with you. Best for babies and toddlers.
Christmas Wreath Craft
18 December, 4-5pm
Make your own Christmas wreath to take home with you and hang up on your door. 5+.
Christmas Tree Decoration Craft
21 December, 2-3pm
Make your own Christmas tree decoration to take home with you or hang up on the library’s tree. 5+.
Woodberry Down Library, Kayani Avenue, N4 2GU
Snowflake Mobile Craft
19 December, 3-4pm
Make your own magical snowflake mobile to hang up at home or on your tree. 5+.
MAGICAL MARKETS
Ridley Road Market
Every Mon-Sat & 22 December, various
Stock up on your fresh produce and essentials just in time for Christmass on 22 December, and head down on the days before New Year’s Day to replenish your diminished stocks. On 202 December enjoy Ridley Road’s festive day with Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and face painting. Ridley Road Market, E8 2NH. Info: hackney.gov.uk/ridley-road-market
Tuesday Pop Up Market
3, 10, 17 December, 11am-5pm
Discover a selection of arts & crafts, unique jewellery, early Christmas gifts, and more. Perfect for anyone looking to find one-of-a-kind treasures or enjoy a vibrant community market. All ages. Free. DB Music, 24 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7PL. Info: www.dbmusiclondon.com
Yokimono Japenese Christmas Market
6-8 December, 11am-6pm
Expect Japanese food, Kimono, ceramics, illustrations, stationary, clothing and jewellery. As well as a wide variety of market stalls, there will be live performances from musicians and demonstrations of Kimono, Japanese eco-wrapping, Tea Ceremony and Bonsai tree making. Explore the traditional and contemporary ‘Little Japan’ in Hackney and find unique gifts for Christmas! All ages. Free. The Factory, Dalston, E8 2DA. Info: www.instagram.com/yokimono_japanese_market
Wick Wonderland
7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 December
Visit Barge East for their riverside Christmas market, Wick Wonderland. Expect an array of festive trinkets, seasonal sweet treats, and an abundance of Christmas goodies, perfect for picking up gifts for loved ones. River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, E9 5EN. Info: www.bargeeast.com/wick-wonderland
Broadway Market
13, 14, 20 & 23 December, various
Head to Broadway Market for its extended opening hours. Shop for unique gifts at the arts & crafts market on 13 December and enjoy joyful Christmas carols on 14 December. Get your last-minute fresh produce shop at Broadway’s bonus markets on 20 and 23 December. Broadway Market, E8 4PH. Info: www.hackney.gov.uk/broadway-market
Hoxton Street Market
7, 14, 21 & 28 December, 9am-4pm
Grab all your gifts, food and craft essentials every Saturday in December from this old-school market. On 7 December there will be free activities to enjoy for all of the family – including face painting, photobooth and workshop. Hoxton Street, N1 6SH. Info: www.hackney.gov.uk/hoxton-market
Chatsworth Road Market
8, 15 & 22 December, 10am-5pm
Shop locally for unique gifts and delicious grub in the run-up to Christmas at Chatsworth Road. On 22 December there will be a festive market with children’s entertainment, free face painting, fairground rides, Christmas stalls and more! There will also be road closures on Chatsworth Road on 8 & 15 December. Chatsworth Road, E5 0LH. Info: www.hackney.gov.uk/chatsworth-road-market
Hackney Flea Market
21-22 December, 11am-5pm
Rummage through a selection of salvaged treasures from dozens of vintage traders and grab yourself some unique bargain gifts just in time for the big day. Abney Hall, 73A Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0AS. Info: www.hackneyfleamarket.com
Clifton Street Market
Mon-Fri (not public holidays), 11am-3pm
Fed up with cooking over the festive break? Bored of turkey, nut roast or pigs in blankets? Head to Clifton Street, near Shoreditch, for delicious street food stalls. Clifton Street Market, EC2A 4EY. Info: instagram.com/cliftonfoodmarket
I am delighted to welcome in the festive season with such a fun-filled line-up for all ages and communities to enjoy, including plenty of warm indoor events such as in Hackney Libraries, for those who want to keep out of the cold. I hope as many people as possible can join us at Town Hall Square to see our Christmas lights being turned on and join in the singing to spread some holiday cheer.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Culture
I can’t wait to celebrate the festive season together with Hackney’s residents and visitors in what is a jam-packed programme of events and activities. As we bring one year to a close, I wish everyone living in or visiting the borough a happy and restful holiday season.
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney