Canary Wharf is a very different place now to what it was a decade ago. The neighbourhood is now a bona fide lifestyle destination, bursting with restaurants, retail, activities and events. Read on for the ultimate guide to what’s on in the Estate in the coming months – we also have a very special offer: click below and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a voucher worth £2,500 to spend in selected stores in Canary Wharf.

11:00

Start the day with coffee and brunch at one of Canary Wharf’s eateries – Caravan’s spread is always tempting. You’ll need to be properly fuelled up for the first order of the day: ice skating. The rink at Canary Wharf is fully covered, so no need to worry about London weather scuppering your plans. If you get cold, grab a hot drink at rink-side bar Off Piste.

Afterward, indulge in a bit of retail therapy – or perhaps you have some seasonal shopping to get through. Purchase party outfits at COS, Zara or Maje; GANT, Paul Smith and Polo Ralph Lauren are fail-safes for the guys. Gifting-wise, there’s John Lewis, or if it’s tech you’re after, Samsung and Currys. Try Monica Vinader for jewellery, Kate Spade New York for accessories, Penhaligon’s for scents, and Malin + Goetz for beauty.

13:00

If you have the kids with you, score some points by taking them go-karting at Capital Karts. In fact, there’s plenty on for little ones, including a Children’s Art Trail and a sensory play area in Harbour Quay Gardens. Afterward, pick a family-friendly dining spot like Chipotle, Seoul Bird or Neat Burger. If you’re sans children, we recommend California-inspired classics at Feels Like June, or the unique tasting menu experience at Six by Nico.

15:00

Tick off a few of those seasonal ‘to dos’ – like getting groceries for a festive party or dinner – while you’re here, too. MMy Wood Wharf has cheeses and wines, while Tian Tian Market is the place for Asian snacks of all descriptions. If you want to spruce up before said party/dinner, the Estate is home to a number of salons, including Ted’s Grooming Room and Toni&Guy. For an all-out pamper sesh, there’s Third Space Spa, mani-pedis at London Grace, and vitamin infusions at Get a Drip.

On the subject of looking after yourself, Canary Wharf is full of fitness options. In2Sports, for example, has a sports hall and multi-functional gym and fitness studio, while health clubs like Sweat by BXR, Third Space and Barry’s Bootcamp will all help you hit your goals. If you need the gear, Asics, Sweaty Betty and Lululemon are within walking distance.

17:00

In the evening, Canary Wharf comes alive. Our must-see of the season is the free Winter Lights exhibition (running from 18-28 January): an Estate-wide installation of more than 20 dazzling pieces of light art. Catch dinner at Dishoom afterwards – its Bombay-inspired fare has become a cult favourite in London.

20:00

Then, perhaps you’re up for a night on the town. Our favourite after-dark activity in Canary Wharf is Fairgame – an immersive games/bar hybrid where you can play all of the fairground games you loved as a child, but upgraded. Electric Shuffle – again – offers a twist on a traditional game (shuffleboard) with drinks.

The Estate is also welcoming the Christmas programme at Boisdale Canary Wharf, featuring live acts like KT Tunstall and Scouting for Girls alongside, as ever, hearty menus and drinks. Great drinks are also on offer at The Lowback and M Restaurant, while a Hawksmoor steak or sushi from ROKA make good dinner options.

23:00

As the night goes on, migrate to The Cocktail Club or Pergola on the Wharf for some tunes. For live music, there’s a secret jazz club underneath MMy Wood Wharf. And if you’re staying for the weekend, book into TRIBE Canary Wharf – a contemporary hotel with 24-hour ‘grab & go’ counter of coffee, meals, snacks and drinks.

It’s safe to say that you won’t get bored at Canary Wharf this winter. And in case you needed another reason to visit, you’re in with a chance of winning a day in Canary Wharf worth £2,500. To enter, and to learn more about Canary Wharf’s festive offering, click here.