FESTIVE EVENTS HACKNEY

Welcome to HACKNEY’s 2024 SEASON OF FESTIVE EVENTS

Here you can find info on Council run events from Hannukah and our Christmas Lights switch on, to Christmas Markets across Hackney and what is happening in our Libraries and Museum. You can also explore events run by community groups and organisations with our funding, like the iconic Santa’s Grotto at St Augustine’s Tower and the Stokey Winter Fest.

HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

PRE-HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

Sunday 22 December, 1.00-3.00pm 

Join us for a celebratory get-together in advance of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. This free event is for everyone and will include traditional music and food. Whether you want to celebrate in the presence of family, friends and community, or learn more about Hanukkah. Join us on Sunday 22 December 2024, 1-3pm at Hackney Town Hall.

HACKNEY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

Sunday, 1 December, 4.15-5.30pm

Join us for the switch on of Hackney Town Hall’s Christmas Lights by the Mayor of Hackney. With performances by the Hackney Empire Community Choir, a carol singalong (lyric sheets provided), christmas lanterns designed by Emily Tracy and Andy D.Cruz with children from Mandeville School, circus walkabouts from Brainfools Circus and free hot chocolate and mulled wine from Two Palms bar.

All ages. Free. Hackney Town Hall Square. Lights ceremony from 4.30 and carols after.

MORE FESTIVE FUN, SUPPORTED BY HACKNEY…

  • STOKEY WINTER FEST - SATURDAY

    Saturday 30 November, 10am - 4pm

    Enjoy a festive jigsaw trail, Stokey’s Special Tree, magical Santa’s Grotto, a tag-making workshop and winter folk songs.

    All ages. Stoke Newington High Street and Stoke Newington Church Street.

  • STOKEY WINTER FEST - SUNDAY

    Sunday 1 December, 2pm - 6pm

    Dickensian Xmas Xtravaganza, featuring DJs, live bands, mulled wine, cakes and soup, Oliver Twist and sing-a-long Christmas Carols.  Dress code: fingerless gloves.

    All ages.  Everyday Sunshine N16 0RT.

  • GROTTO AT ST AUGUSTINE’S TOWER

    7 & 14 December, 11am-4.30pm (closed 1-2pm)

    Climb up this atmospheric, ancient tower to see Santa in his brilliantly illuminated 700-year-old grotto. All ages. Free, although donations are welcome. St. Augustine’s Tower, The Narrow Way, Mare Street, E8 1HT

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

HACKNEY’S LIBRARIES

Always a warm welcome!

Hackney’s libraries are putting on a range of free activities for families this winter – from making Christmas decorations and wreaths, to singing festive songs and watching a wintry film.

HACKNEY MUSEUM

20 December - 04 January  

Head to Hackney Museum with your kids during the school winter holidays to learn about life in Hackney. Fun, festive activities include a reindeer trail and carnival-inspired crafts – as well as the Museum’s hands-on history, dressing up and activities. All ages. Free. Hackney Museum, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ

20 December-4 January, various times (closed Sun, Mon and public holidays)

HACKNEY’S MAGICAL MARKETS

  • RIDLEY ROAD MARKET

    Mon-Sat, various times

    On 20 December enjoy Ridley Road’s festive day with Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and face painting. Stock up on your fresh produce and essentials just in time for Christmas on 22 December, and head down on the days before New Year’s Day to replenish your diminished stocks. Ridley Road Market, E8 2NH.

  • BROADWAY MARKET

    13, 14, 20 & 23 December, various times

    Head to Broadway Market for its extended opening hours. Shop for unique gifts at the arts & crafts market on 13 December and enjoy joyful Christmas carols on 14 December. Get your last-minute fresh produce shop at Broadway’s bonus markets on 20 and  23 December. Broadway Market, E8 4PH.

  • HOXTON STREET MARKET

    7, 14, 21 & 28 December, 9am-4pm

    Grab all your gifts, food and craft essentials every Saturday in December from this old-school market. On 7 December there will be free activities to enjoy for all of the family – including face painting, photobooth and workshop. Hoxton Street, N1 6SH.

  • CHATSWORTH ROAD MARKET

    8, 15 & 22 December, 10am-5pm

    Shop locally for unique gifts and delicious grub in the run-up to Christmas at Chatsworth Road. On 22 December there will be a festive market with children’s entertainment, free face painting, fairground rides, Christmas stalls and more! There will also be road closures on Chatsworth Road on 8 & 15 December. Chatsworth Road, E5 0LH.