‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’, sang Andy Williams in 1963 – we still know all the lyrics thanks to the super-seasonal Home Alone 2 soundtrack – and with very good reason. The Christmassy combination of twinkling lights, nostalgic music, ice skating, festive treats, social gatherings and cheery gift-giving, is, to many of us, irresistible. Keep that festive flame glowing the whole season long in Canary Wharf, which, for 2025, has transformed into the magical Wharf Pole. Frankly, we were sold from the moment we realised we could shop, eat, craft, curl (yep – curling, the sport!) and drink here, heading outside when festively merry and well-fuelled for ice skating and winter wandering around boutiques and bars under starry skies. That’s our perfect Christmas outing right there.

Complimentary Creative Workshops

Our first port of call is one of the Wharf Pole’s Creative Workshops to indulge our inner artist and get crafty. Ever fancied having a go at making your own wreath, decoration, card or gift tag? How about painting a bauble? Now is the time, because you’ll get expert help and it’s free; festive feels indeed. Instructors will guide you through painting a personalised ceramic bauble – will you go with classic red and gold, or something a bit more off piste? – then you can pick it up later when dry (allowing an ideal window of time for shopping).

Altenatively, get stuck into paper choices and use coloured and metallic markers to create a matching card and gift tag, or craft your very own wreath out of seasonal foliage; take it home and impress your family with your new, nimble-fingered skills. Absolutely no previous experience necessary!

Card-making workshop

Wreath-making workshop

Ceramic Bauble Painting

Tuesday 25 November – 1.15-2:30pm
Wednesday 3 December – 1.15-2:30pm
Saturday 6 December – 3.30-5pm
Tuesday 9 December – 1.15-2:30pm
Wednesday 10 December – 1.15-2:30pm

Wreath Making

Wednesday 26 November – 12- 2:30pm
Saturday 6 December – 12-2pm SOLD OUT

Brass Decoration Making

Tuesday 25 November – 12-1pm
Tuesday 2 December – 1.15-2:30pm
Wednesday 3 December – 12-1pm
Wednesday 10 December – 5-6.30pm

Cards & Gift Tags

Saturday 22 November – 2.15-3.15pm
Tuesday 2 December – 12-1pm
Wednesday 3 December – 5-6.30pm
Saturday 6 December – 12-1pm
Tuesday 9 December – 12-1pm
Wednesday 10 December – 12-1pm

Workshops take place outside the Food Hall in Jubilee Place mall, Level -1.

Exclusive Shopping Events & Pop-Ups

An excitingly familiar pale turquoise hue can now be spotted in Canada Place, which welcomes Royal Warrant holder Fortnum & Mason for the season, along with its red-coated specialist staff and a host of luxurious Christmassy goodies. We have our eye on the personalised Sparkling Tea & Truffle gift box, and the Famous Tea Selection for friends and family (but are certain we’ll end up walking away with something for ourselves too). The same goes for the John Lewis Style Edit on 13 November (6pm, £10, redeemable against any purchase at the event); look no further for the perfect party look.

On 21 November you’ll find us at the after-hours Penhaligon’s Christmas Gathering (6-8pm, £15 – redeemable against a minimum spend of £50, book here); choosing from the gorgeous new limited-edition sets and stocking fillers is sweetened further by hot chocolate and mince pies. Keep your eyes peeled wherever you are shopping; the Roaming Elves (3, 6 & 10 December) will be handing out exclusive offers.

In fact, the scents of the season are some of the year’s most evocative; be transported by the irresistible fragrances of pine and eucalyptus or ginger biscuit at Jo Malone London’s Festive Event (4-6 December) as you sip fizz while shopping. We’re getting in a fika state of mind over at Newbie (5 December), where children will be captivated by activities and treats while mums and dads shop – do those gorgeous Christmas dresses and cosy knits come in adult sizes…?!

We will also make a beeline for Diptyque on 11 December; spend more than £120 on your nearest and dearest – frankly, quite easy to do when you factor in how perfect its products are for grandma/godmother/sister etc – you’ll get a complimentary personalised bookmark. A calligrapher will do the personalisation right there and then, in gold ink. Yes please.

Dining & Drinks at The Wharf Pole

There are brilliant places at every turn in the Wharf Pole to delight your palate, whether you fancy a festive drink (or few), a very merry brunch, a quick hot bite, sweet treats or a special, seasonable, sociable supper – have a look through the full list here (sorry in advance for making your mouth water…).

We’re firmly set on starting at The Winter Club on the corner of Water Street and Charter Street. Get cosy in the Lodge with mulled wine, raise a stein to the sound of live music in the Bierhaus and marvel at the glittering Ice Bar, with cocktails in glasses made of – yes really – ice. At -10 degrees, coats are, wisely, provided and this is a seriously fun way to impress a date, sibling or best friend. It’s open until February so just switch your mindset from advent cheer to apres-ski to enjoy well into the new year; book here.

The Bierhaus at the Winter Club

The Ice Bar at the Winter Club

Boisdale is also pulling out all the stops; its terrace is transforming into a Highland Lodge – think cheese fondue, hot cocktails and tartan blankets – plus there are Sinatra Christmas Lunches and a Very Rat Pack Christmas throughout December in true Boisdale style.

Festive Fun

Oh, where to start? First things first, on 25 November and 3 December, listen out for the dulcet tones and rousing harmonies of the King’s Voices Choir, serenading locals, workers, shoppers and revellers in Canada Place and Jubilee Place. There’s nothing quite like a live version of a favourite carol to get you into the spirit. Well actually, just as spirit-boosting are ice skating, curling, or both. We’ve glided round Ice Rink Canary Wharf and love its size, the central island (perfect for apprehensive skaters) and the transparent, twinkling roof – absolutely no chance of being rained on here!

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

King’s Voices Choir

New to the Wharf Pole is Marceline’s Curling Club (15 November – 28 February 2026) where anyone of any age can join in the fun. Pay & Play or upgrade your visit to one of the five high-spec curling rinks and add in a meal and drink, or festive three-course menu with wine (book here). Cheers to that!

For more information visit canarywharf.com/thewharfpole