Simply take a hop, skip and a jump to Canary Wharf and immerse yourself in its magical, sparkling atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas. From shopping and skating to wining, dining, laser questing and even a seasonal pop-up, Canary Wharf has something for the whole family this winter. An urban hub in the heart of London, and easily accessible via the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, DLR and plenty of buses (including the river variety), it’s the perfect place to celebrate the festive season, with all the trimmings you could possibly ask for. 

Home to five shopping malls – Cabot Place, Canada Place, Churchill Place, Crossrail Place and Jubilee Place – there are over 320 brands in the Canary Wharf neighbourhood, each showcasing their latest winter collections for men, women and children. Christmas cocktail dress or tux needed? Head to stores such as Reiss, The Kooples, Hackett and Ralph Lauren for fabulous seasonal styles to kit you out for the party season. And don’t forget to stop by Bobbi Brown, Rituals…, Space NK and Aesop to restock your makeup bag and bathroom cabinet.

And if you’re on the hunt for something special for your nearest and dearest, or simply left your present shopping a little last minute, the buzzing district has also got your back with gifts for absolutely anyone and everyone (plus a handy online gift guide here). Buying for a wellness aficionado who loves a bit of self-care? Well, a Third Space day pass couldn’t be better. Technology buff? Check out the latest smartwatches and headphones at John Lewis. Then there’s Waterstones for the latest reads, The White Company for beautiful home decor, and wacky gifts for kids at Flying Tiger (or treat them to a day out at Canary Wharf’s adventure park Flip Out). Of course, sweet packages from the likes of Charbonnel et Walker and Hotel Chocolat will always go down well with the really hard to buy for. 

If you’re in need of even more inspiration, head to the House of Canary Wharf: an exclusive pop-up running until Sunday 22 December and featuring a wonderful line-up of beauty and fashion brands promising the perfect gifts for your loved ones (and maybe an early present for yourself too). Located in Jubilee Place and open daily from 10am until 7pm, discover brands’ uniquely styled rooms, from The Powder Room’s Kiehl’s, Malin+Goetz and Townhouse takeovers to the Walk-in Wardrobe, home to Gant, Lululemon, Reiss, and an exclusive Gift Edit with Sarah and Philippa from We Are Twinset.

Be sure to stop by the Living Room while you’re there, a cosy spot featuring a sparkling tree and sofa by the fireplace, with a friendly team providing a Gifting Concierge service for shoppers. Let them help you whittle down your stocking filler options, point you in the right direction to the ideal presents, and for an extra special touch, a talented calligraphy artist will be in situ, offering a free bespoke personalised gifting tag for each visitor. Don’t miss Sarah and Philippa from We Are Twinset for their one-day-only take-over as Canary Wharf’s Gift Guide Concierges, offering personal styling and gifting sessions, and a spoiling gift bag worth £25.

If you’re in need of something to fuel your shopping spree, take a break and indulge in some delicious foodie bites at one of Canary Wharf’s many eateries. From pizza at Caravan to curry at Dishoom to the whole shebang at Hawksmoor, Hovarda, Marceline and Roe, settle down and tuck into fabulous flavours and dishes from across the globe. For some Christmastime merriment, save space for gelato and hot chocolate, or for something stronger, opt for wine tasting at Humble Grape. 

For more information on Canary Wharf and its festive pop-up, visit canarywharf.com