As the nights get longer and darker Islington’s community will come together to celebrate the festive season, as the borough’s high streets and town centres switch on their festive lights.  

Starting tomorrow (17th November), and lasting three weeks until 9th December, the borough’s free festive events return for another year. This year’s seasonal festivities will see the high streets brightened with lights, community events, Christmas Markets, family friendly activities and visits from Santa, this winter is the time to support the fantastic small businesses we have here in Islington.  

Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, and Jobs said: “With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis we know that this winter won’t be easy for lots of families in Islington, but these events are a chance for the Islington community to come together and enjoy the festive cheer. This is also all part of our manifesto commitment to encourage people to shop locally and support independent businesses.” 

The events are as follows:  

• Friday 17 November, 5–7pm – enjoy performances from King’s Head Theatre’s Beowulf panto stars and local choirs and snap up a festive goody bag at Angel town centre.  
• Saturday 18 November, 12-5pm – ‘Glow in the Angel’ seasonal spectacular in Islington Green and Camden Passage.  
• Saturday 18 November, 2–5pm – for the lights switch-on, live music and free mince pies at Nag’s Head Shopping Centre.  
• Saturday 25 November, 1.30–4.30pm – with Ms Santa, music and the festive lights switch-on at Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park.  
• Wednesday 29 November, 12-7pm – for music and performances, festive lights switch-on, Christmas crafts and a festive market at Navigator Square, Archway.  
• Friday 1 December, 4–6pm – for the festive lights switch-on, free mince pies and face painting alongside a festive market at Whitecross Street.  
• Saturday 2 December, 12noon–3pm – for festive music, face painting and crafts, plus see the winner of this year’s Market Trader of the Year Award announced on the day at Chapel Market. 
• Saturday 9 December 1.30–4pm – for the festive lights switch-on, live music and the festive market at Caledonian Road.