Celebrate Carols, Culture, and Crafts at the Culture Mile this Festive Season
- Visit the Culture Mile this festive season and enjoy craft markets, music and seasonal activities.
- The area boasts a wide range of programming, from Christmas swing shows at the Barbican Centre and enchanting ballet performances at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama to festive seasonal menus at The Jugged Hare and Hawksmoor.
- The Culture Mile is home to world-class cultural organisations such as the Barbican Centre, Guildhall Art Gallery, and the future London Museum.
Embrace the festive season with a visit to the Culture Mile, a cultural neighbourhood in the heart of the City, where you can enjoy special events, seasonal music performances, delicious food, and cultural offerings.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a line-up of exciting events that capture the warmth of community and the richness of culture in the area. Amongst the twinkling lights and festive decorations, you can find fun events for all ages, including:
- A Christmas Craft Market at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Square
26th – 28th November: 12 – 6pm
Wander 30 curated stalls offering bespoke gifts and unique finds for your loved ones. You’ll also be able to support this historic building by visiting the Barts Heritage stand.
- The Culture Mile Big Christmas Party at St Alphage and Barbie Green
4th December: 4.30 – 8.30pm
A festive celebration brimming with live music, dazzling lights, delicious food, drink and lively entertainment – including a playful ‘Pimp Your Pudding’ station to create your own festive treats.
- The Culture Mile Community Carol Service at Giles Cripplegate
10th December: 2pm
Join the local community choir for a heart-warming rendition of all the beloved carols and help us to decorate our Christmas tree, which will be adorned with messages of hope and joy.
- The Culture Mile Chanukah Party at the former London Museum site
12th December: 2 – 6pm
Embrace the chance to discover and celebrate the history and traditions of this festival of light. This event will be run in partnership with Jewish Square Mile, a project dedicated to uncovering the history of the Jewish community in London.
Culture Mile BID
Beyond these celebrations, the Culture Mile offers an array of cultural events to enchant you this festive season. At the Barbican Centre you can revel on the Christmas Swing concert, where classical music meets jazz, showcasing the greatest hits of world-renowned composers, or, for a touch of timeless tradition you can enjoy the Candlelit Carols concert. At the Milton Court Concert Hall in the Barbican you’ll find a captivating rendition of the festive classic, The Nutcracker and I, with state-of-the-art animations and digital effects created by the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
For a post- or pre-theatre meal, the variety of renowned restaurants in the area are offering special festive menus, filled with modern twists on traditional dishes. At The Jugged Hare, you can tuck into roast Norfolk bronze turkey accompanied by all the trimmings or a rich wild Suffolk red deer haunch. For something truly indulgent, head to Hawksmoor for a Winslade wellington with decadent sides including beef-dripping chips, beef and bone marrow stuffing and creamed spinach.
Austin Casey, CEO of the Culture Mile, said: “The Culture Mile’s festive offerings bring together carols, crafts and culture to celebrate our vibrant community in the heart of the City. These events are a perfect example of our commitment to bringing life and creativity to this unique part of the City, creating a welcoming destination for everyone to enjoy. From the Christmas Craft Market to the Chanukah celebration, each event showcases the talent, history and diversity that make the Culture Mile so special. This season’s lineup reflects our commitment to ensuring the Culture Mile is a thriving cultural hub where community and culture come together.”
The Culture Mile is home to world-class institutions such as the Barbican Centre, Guildhall, and future London Museum, as well as offering a wide selection of restaurants, bars, pubs, and leisure experiences, such as Enoteca da Luca, Origin City, Club Gascon and Clays. The neighbourhood offers year-round activities, including historical tours, fitness sessions, food markets and art workshops.
Visit our events section to find out more about upcoming Christmas events and activities.