Festive events

People gathered round a table with festoon lights above it making Christmas wreaths

Meet Santa, enjoy crafts and sing carols: 19 November–24 December


Festive events in town centres

This year, Islington Council is putting on five festive events in Archway (26 November), Whitecross (28 November) Clerkenwell (3 December), Cally (6 December) and Chapel Market (6 December)

Enjoy live music, festive carols, wreath making, facepainting and stalls from local businesses. Santa will also be paying a special visit, handing out complimentary mince pies and toys!

  • Archway festive event, Navigator Square, Archway, N19 3TD on Wednesday 26 November, 3-7pm
  • Whitecross festive event, Whitecross Street on Friday 28 November, 4-6pm
  • Clerkenwell festive event, Clerkenwell Green on Wednesday 3 December, 4-7pm
  • Cally festive event, Freeling Street and Jean Stokes Community Centre, N1 0DX on Saturday 6 December, 2-5pm
  • Chapel Market festive event, Chapel Market N1 on Saturday 6 December, 12noon-3pm

Christmas craft market

Saturday 15 Novemeber, 11:30am- 4pm

Hocking Hall, Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS

Discover unique handmade gifts, decorations and festive treats at our Christmas Craft Market. Support local makers and celebrate the spirit of community this season.


Christmas fair with carols

Saturday 19 November, 11am–4pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

Start the season with festive cheer at St Mary’s annual Christmas fair. Expect stalls, seasonal treats, and live carol singing throughout the day – the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.


Christmas concert: like a bright star shineth

Friday 5 December, 7:30pm
St. Mary Brookfield Church, NW5 1SL
£15 per ticket

Chamber choir Voxcetera will usher in the Christmas spirit with its popular annual Christmas concert at St Mary Brookfield Church. The choir will perform classic and new arrangements of traditional tunes as well as thrilling new festive choral music.

Buy your tickets today.


Big family carols

Sunday 7 December, 11am
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

A lively, family-friendly carol service designed for all ages. Bring the whole family for a morning of festive music and fun.


Carols by candlelight

Sunday 14 December, 4.30pm and 7pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

Enjoy the beauty of Christmas in a candlelit setting, accompanied by traditional carols – and maybe a mulled wine or mince pie or two.


Carols on the steps

Tuesday 16 December, 6pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

Join the community outside St Mary’s for an uplifting evening of carols under the winter sky. Mulled wine will be available to keep you warm!


Candlelit carols

Sunday 21 December, 5pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

A peaceful and reflective service filled with music and candlelight – a chance to pause and soak in the season’s meaning.


Christmas Eve services

Wednesday 24 December, 4pm and 11pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

St Mary’s will be hosting two services on Christmas Eve: a children’s service, with a joyful retelling of the nativity story, perfect for young children and families starting at 4pm. At 11pm there will be a traditional midnight service to welcome Christmas Day with reverence and hope.

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