CULTURE

Christmas is coming to London City Island

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the island is set to transform into a winter wonderland and one-stop festive shop

Ready or not, Christmas is just around the corner. Following the disruptions that scuppered many plans last year, it’s no surprise that people up and down the country are keen to pull out all the stops to make Christmas 2021 one to remember.  

At London City Island, local businesses are busy finalising some extra-special festive events and activities. On Friday 10 December, we will have a very special festive edition of our street food market, complete with a 20ft illuminated tree and warming winter dishes. During the market, you can also take part in a special wreath making masterclass hosted by London florists House of Petula. Taking place from 5pm, the class will give you the chance to build your very own wreath from scratch using a variety of festive materials. Click here to snap up tickets!

London City Island is set to become a festive one-stop shop, providing local residents and visitors all kinds of Christmassy goods and services under one roof. So get into the spirit and spread a little festive cheer by showing your support for local retailers and businesses.

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Festive fun for the whole family

Gymboree Play & Music at London City Island is getting into the Christmas spirit, with hosting hands-on events and parties throughout December. On Friday 3 December, grown-ups are invited to get crafty with a Baubles & Bunting workshop, followed by a Christmas card making class for children on Saturday 4 December. Later in the month, Gymboree will host a festive sing-along for the whole family at Homestead as well as a delightful Christmas party and photoshoot. Visit gymbo.co.uk for more details.

‘London City Island is set to become a festive one-stop shop, providing people with all kinds of Christmassy goods and services’

Unwind and dine at HUM Yoga

New meditation and yoga studio HUM is hosting a Christmas yoga supper club at Homestead on Thursday 16 December. The perfect mind and body reset before the chaos of Christmas Day, the supper club will include a 45-minute unwinding mellow Hum class followed by a delicious two-course feast at neighbourhood restaurant Homestead. Nutritionist Harriett Brown will be sharing some insightful information on gut health and how what we eat supports us – great timing ahead of the season’s inevitable indulgence. The event is free for Unlimited and Founding 50 members, or you can book via hum.yoga. Snap up those tickets sharpish!

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Get creative with artistic gifts from Trinity Art Gallery & London Lighthouse

We all have that one friend with exquisite taste who is near-impossible to buy for. What do you buy the person who apparently has it all?

Trinity Art Gallery may have the answer to your Christmas shopping conundrum with a curated selection of one-of-a-kind paintings, drawings and sculptures. These exceptional pieces will delight a friend or family member with an eye for design while showing your support for emerging creatives. What’s more, local residents and visitors alike can get 10% off these selected artworks by going into the gallery and quoting ‘The Islander’.

An original artwork is a rather grand gesture, so if you’re looking for something on a smaller scale but still more thoughtful than a pair of socks, pop into the gift shop at London Lighthouse Gallery & Studio. Founder Sokari Higgwe has stocked up on the shop’s bestsellers, including a City Island Jigsaw puzzle, board games and the popular Floating Smart Moon Lamp. And during December, the gallery will debut a new exhibition from acclaimed Irish artist and designer Orla Reynolds. This exclusive solo exhibition will feature artworks influenced by renowned Irish architect Eileen Grey alongside Reynolds’ award-winning modular furniture pieces.

Visit londonlighthousestudio.com to discover more.

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Lena Applebaum, Angel Strawberries, 2020

‘Original artwork will delight a friend or family member with an eye for design while showing your support for emerging creatives.’

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Eat, drink and be merry at Homestead, Cartografie and The Lockdown Room

Christmas is a time to put all those healthy habits aside and treat yourself. With this in mind, pop a note in your diary for Friday 10 December, when our popular street food market returns for a festive edition in partnership with ACE Events. Taking place at Hopewell Square from 4pm-9pm, the market will offer a mouthwatering selection of international cuisine as well as traditional festive favourites such as mulled wine and mince pies. The market will be accompanied by live carol singing from local choir London Docklands Singers and a set from Faraday primary school to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Neighbourhood restaurant, deli and bar Homestead has just launched their Christmas menus and the chance to book your Christmas party at the restaurant with various dining options. They’ll also be serving an indulgent bottomless brunch every weekend and a two-for-one cocktail offer every Friday to Saturday from 5pm-7pm to add some festive cheer. And if the idea of cooking a Christmas feast on the big day is too stressful (not to mention the clean up) then why not book a table at Homestead, who are doing a special Christmas Day Dinner with all the trimming.

Meanwhile, local artisan chocolatiers Cartografie, founded by former Ritz chef Kae Shibata, have recently launched their debut advent calendar. This beautiful and sustainable calendar – which is made from lacquered wood so it can be reused – features 25 unique pralines, ganaches and chocolates which showcase the very best of Cartografie. A delightful gift for that someone special – although we wouldn’t blame you for keeping it all to yourself. Cartografie has also introduced new festive flavours and will be serving up some delicious hot chocolates to fight off the winter chill, including a special-edition winter spice hot chocolate. And keep your eyes peeled for a whopping 20% off in-store purchases over the festive season.

Speaking of keeping out the cold, The Lockdown Room Hut has been given a festive makeover and will be serving cosy treats such as mulled wine and cider. And the permanent site of The Lockdown Room finally launches on 4 December with a Grand Reopening Party from 6pm featuring a brass band and DJ sets. Then, on the 18th December, The Lockdown Room will host a community-minded Christmas Party before gearing up for a New Year’s Eve masquerade ball with live music, street food canapés and confetti cannons. Get your tickets soon, it’s going to be a blast!

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