Islington’s town centres light up for Christmas

Islington’s festive celebrations are starting this Saturday (19 November) and building up to three days of Yuletide fun on the first weekend of December as the borough begins its countdown to Christmas.

Lights will be switched on in Angel, Archway, the Nag’s Head and Finsbury Park alongside carol singing, family entertainment - and possibly a visit from Father Christmas himself.

Christmas lights events are as follows:

• Saturday, 19 November – Angel Central, 12noon-5.30pm, lights switch-on at 4.30pm;
• Thursday, 1 December – Finsbury Park (Fonthill Road), 2.30pm-7pm, lights switch-on 4.30pm;
• Friday, 2 December – Archway (Archway Mall), 3.30pm-5.15pm, lights switch-on at 4.45pm;
• Saturday, 3 December – Nag’s Head (in and around the Nag’s Head shopping centre), 12 noon-5pm, lights switch on at 4.30pm.

Father Christmas will be switching on the Angel Central Christmas lights at 4.30pm. At the same time, in partnership with angel.london, the lights on Upper Street, Chapel Market and Liverpool Road will become illuminated. From midday there will be five, 30-minute performances, starting on the hour, with Christmas giveaways to look out for.

On December 1, the Camden Passage late-night Thursdays begins with shops opening until 9pm. Mulled wine and other festive treats will be available in all shops in this atmospheric Georgian shopping street.

Santa will be visiting Archway and the Nag’s Head on December 2 and 3 respectively to turn on the festive lights. Archway is offering a free grotto as well as a Christmas poster competition and performances from local school choirs. Special shopping deals and discounts will also be available through the Archway Card. Nag’s Head will have face painting for children, plus local choirs and a DJ to entertain shoppers.

Finsbury Park on December 1 will switch its lights on with a dance and light show, live music, and free mince pies. Specific activities and events may vary on the day depending on the weather.

Finsbury Park retailers are also organising the Shop Stroud Green Christmas Trail which residents can follow on December 3 and 4.

Businesses in Stroud Green Road have produced a map of the trail and shoppers are encouraged to visit participating shops to do some Christmas shopping and get a sticker. When they have picked up at least six stickers along the trail they can then pick up a free drink from tapas restaurant La Fabrica or the new brewery Clapton Craft.

Shops on the trail include a florist, gift shops, a deli and a balloon shop. Most shops are also hosting pop-up stalls and giving a space to local designers and makers to show and sell their work.

With plenty of Christmas cheer to go around, the Shop Stroud Green Christmas Trail is organised to coincide with Small Business Saturday, a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which promotes local enterprises and encourages consumers to 'shop local'.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, executive member for economic and community development, said: “The Christmas lights switch-ons are always something to look forward to and this year there is something for everyone.

“I would like to thank all the local businesses and voluntary groups who give their time and money to help turn these wonderful festive events into reality.

"I encourage residents to head down with their family and friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere, support their local businesses, and start the countdown to Christmas.”

Find out more information on the festive fun.