Have you been to the Wharf Pole yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Unlike the North Pole, this one can be reached by tube or bus or car – not a flight in sight…! There is – quite literally – everything you could want for a dream festive day out in Canary Wharf.

Maybe you need to do a spot of shopping, and much prefer seeing, touching and smelling the gifts you’ll be giving, whether toys at the top of a wish list, a super-soft cashmere number or a delectably scented candle. Or maybe you want to intersperse retail therapy with plenty of great festive food and drinks, and some seasonal fun – ice skating, curling, a boat trip, Christmas craft or a special meal out? Read on to find out exactly how you can fill a brilliant day out in the Wharf Pole.

9am: Breakfast with the Naughty Elves at The Ivy in the Park (14, 21, 23 December). Write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy treats and a delicious family breakfast, and leave with a beautiful memento (an Ivy teddy for the kids and a glass bauble for their grown-ups).

Breakfast with the Naughty Elves

12pm: Time for lunch and if you’re dining on a weekend between now and Christmas, the Electric Shuffle Festive Brunch is guaranteed fun; you’ll enjoy prosecco or beers, unlimited pizza and an hour of shuffleboard plus a live DJ. If you book for 13 or 14 December, use the code ‘SANTASHUFFLES’ and enjoy a free cocktail (that’s the spirit…!)

Electric Shuffle

On Saturdays, make a beeline for Roe – its Bottomless Brunch runs from 9.30am all the way to 4pm, complete with frozen margs, wine and beer – or try one of two creative, immersive Hunger Games menus any day of the week, inspired by the live show now on stage at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. There are also complimentary Creative Workshops in Jubilee Place, outside the Food Hall on Level -1; look for available slots if you fancy decorating and making your very own card, gift tag or bauble and be quick as they’re being snapped up.

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

2pm: Where to start the afternoon’s fun? Have a go at The Curling Club at Marceline; granny/grandpa/little kids can do it too because it’s accessible (and fun) for all ages. Time to put your money where your mouth is if you’ve ever said that sweeping the ice doesn’t look that hard…

And is it even Christmas if you don’t meet Santa? At John Lewis & Partners, the big man himself tells a story to kids as they enjoy hot chocolate and snacks; they even get a special LEGO set (15-16 December; price includes snacks and gifts for children plus hot drink and slice of cake for adults).

5pm: On 29 November, John Lewis & Partners is hosting a Design Masterclass; find out how to tablescape, declutter ahead of Christmas and style any room to wow guests this year, whether for a small gathering or big party (£10 a ticket, redeemable against any Home purchases on the day, includes glass of fizz).

You can also head over to Nicolas Wine & Spirits on 1 December (3-7pm) to enjoy a free festive wine tasting and perhaps find a new favourite tipple to serve friends and family this year. Take in irresistible scents and tick several people off that gift list at Jo Malone London’s Festive Event (4-6 December) or at Diptyque (11 December).

5.30pm: A GoBoat Winter Pod outing! You might have seen these electric boats on the waterways on sunny summer days but GoBoat has upped the ante and you can now book a cosy vessel for a magical winter outing (between midday and 9.30pm). Watch Canary Wharf sparkle from the water, if you head out after dark, from the comfort of heated seats, complete with blankets, throws and complimentary mulled wine. Plug into your phone to play any music you like and take alcohol on board that you’ve bought in the kiosk. Eight people can hop in (any age, and dogs welcome too; from £199 per boat) and you’ll chug along at a gentle 3.5mph for two relaxing hours.

7.30pm: Afterwards, try one of the Wharf Pole’s newest restaurants; at Nora, near Harbour Quay Gardens, taste your way through a menu inspired by the culinary delights of Istanbul and sip raki-based cocktails. Barbarella is ideal if you’re after a family-friendly Italian feast, with its excellent pizzas, pasta and dolci. Boisdale is a fail-safe option, always; its terrace is now a cosy Highland Lodge – with fondue, hot cocktails and blankets – and there are Sinatra Christmas Lunches and Very Rat Pack Christmas throughout December. Toast to an excellent day at The Winter Club, in the Ice Bar and Bierhaus, and plot your return visit…

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