From a stunning lantern procession to wreath-making workshops and festive concerts, Stokey is getting its sparkle on this Christmas.
We’ve been taking a look through the calendar to offer you a snapshot of what’s on and there’s something for everyone.
The big event for your calendar is the traders’ Christmas in Stokey parade (4pm-6pm on Saturday December 3rd) – children from local schools will be walking their star lanterns down Church St, there will be singing, a Christmas tree light switch on, a Samba band, treats and much more outside the Fire Station. It’s part of the Constellations project – a display of 3D stars centring around three locations – Church St, The Old Church and St Paul’s Church on the High Street.
Heidi Early, co-chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, added: “We hope people will walk the length of Church St and visit the installation at St Paul’s on the High Street – this event evokes the spirit of Stoke Newington; a place of brightly shining individuality, connected as a community.”
Look out for the paper and willow stars adorning local shop windows – they’ve been made by local traders with Output Arts for our Constellations project.
If you’re looking for inspiration for gifts, please check out our Stokey Shopping Directory. Why shop at a big chain when local stores offer unique, ethical gifts and do so much for the local community?
Shopping opportunities
In addition to the array of local stores, a number of festive markets are taking place. They include the Stokey Winter Market at St Mary’s Church on Saturday November 26th and a Local Makers Christmas Market in Abney Hall on the weekend of November 26th. Abney Park Cemetery will have a Christmas event on Saturday December 3rd with handmade goodies, Christmas cards and more. The Women Will Create Market on Sunday December 4th is a great opportunity to pick up some handmade goodies and, The Chocolate Factory in Farleigh Place will be holding one of their open-days when you can visit the studios and buy direct from artists on the 4th.
If you’re in need of last-minute gifts, check out the Hackney Flea-Mas Market in Abney Hall on December 17th and 18th. Stoke Newington Library is also hosting a Christmas market on December 17th (11.30am-4pm).
Everyday Sunshine on the corner of Nevill Road and Barbauld Road is holding a Christmas event on Sunday December 11 with carols and cabaret. They also plan to collect donations for Hackney Foodbank.
Making-events
Rouge on the High Street is offering a festive origami star making workshop on Thursday December 1st (6.30pm-8.30pm). Florist Oya at the Green Room Café is running her annual wreath-making workshops throughout December – these are always lots of fun with plenty of mulled wine and mince pies.
On Saturday November 19 you can make your own festive paper star to hang in the window at a free workshop in The Old Church; part of the Constellations project by Stoke Newington Business Association.
Evergreen and Outrageous will be running wreath-making workshops – stay tuned to their Instagram page for details.
Church Services
St Mary’s Church (the big church) will host a children’s nativity service on Saturday December 17th at 4.30pm and Carols by Candlelight (a service for everyone) takes place on Sunday December 18th at 7pm.
Entertainment
The Boiler House Singers will be belting out an array of songs from pop and country to classical and folk at their Winter Concert in the Old Church on December 4th. The Elizabethan church (the oldest surviving in London) will be lit with candles for the event.
An evening of drag, cabaret, spoken word and games takes place on December 17th at The Old Church when Mark T Cox and Joly Licks present A Fervor Christmas. Join in festive classics from Britney, Kylie, The Spice Girls and Mariah!
For families
The annual Baby Gospel Christmas concert takes place in The Old Church on Thursday December 8th. Bring along your baby or toddler and sing along to some upbeat Christmas classics with the CK Gospel Choir.
Bach to Baby’s Christmas concert for families takes place at St Mary’s Church on Wednesday November 23rd at 10.30, offering carols, classical music, festive stories and more.
For details of more events in Stoke Newington, visit: www.seeyouinstokey.com/events