Walthamstow braces itself for a festive season to remember with the launch of a major new Winter Wonderland experience to attract visitors from across London and beyond
Discover an exciting and stylish alternative to central London Christmas markets this year, with a visit to Walthamstow Winter Wonderland, a brand new community event celebrating the incredible history and diversity of Waltham Forest. The ambitious project – set to welcome up to 40,000 people per day – launches just as the east London borough gears up to be the capital’s first “London Borough of Culture” in 2019. Walthamstow Winter Wonderland runs from 10am every day of the week and weekend throughout the festive season located in the local Walthamstow Town Square Gardens, a few minutes walk from Walthamstow Central station.
For those looking to witness the turning on of the Christmas lights, Walthamstow Winter Wonderland’s public grand opening party is on Saturday 1st December at 6pm, which is free to attend. Expect a full array of on-stage entertainment, amusements and ice-rink all centred around Walthamstow town square. Running from the 1st of December to December 28th, Walthamstow Winter Wonderland will create an unmissable new Christmas attraction for east London.
Organisers have called in some of London’s best street food vendors, who will be serving up tantalising dishes from every corner of the globe. Expect a bespoke offering of London’s best street-food cuisines and a festive dining experiences to satisfy all culinary lusts. Traders including ELOTE, Makatcha, Tico’s Hotdogs, Holy Cow, Pearls of Sicily, Carpe Diem Pizzas, The 3 Little Pigs Souvlaki, The Grilling Greek, The Toasty Badger, Smokoloko, Beyroot, Sweet Nothing Bakehouse and Yorkshire Burrito plus more.
Pol Gallagher Creative Director of Walthamstow Winter Wonderland says “We can’t wait to bring a quirky, fun and entertaining festive festival back to East London. Waltham Forest is set to be London’s first borough of culture and we can’t wait to kick things off with Walthamstow Winter Wonderland. The team have been working tirelessly to create a unique festive experience set for all ages, from a santa’s grotto to boozy singalongs with mates. We’ll have it all plus a few surprises up our sleeves along the way. Did we mention it’s all free to enter as well?”
Meanwhile the Umbrella Bar & Stage will offer seasonal drinks and cocktails designed by The Umbrella Project (Discount Suit Company, The Sun Tavern, Umbrella Brewing, Casa Pueblo Tulum), complete with soul warming live music and DJ’s, curated by their event arm, Umbrella Radio. Kids will want to beeline to Santa’s workshop where they can explore his toy factory and deliver their wish lists in person. Santa’s Grotto will also be available for private/corporate lets/cocktail parties from 8pm – 10pm (fully licensed)
The Winter Wonderland also offers festive ice skating within Walthamstow town centre. Visitors can experience the magic of skating on real ice in the town square under a starry sky of twinkling fairy lights; perfect for a memorable day out with family or friends, or the ideal activity to add some magic to a festive date night.
The diversity of kiosks and market stalls have been carefully curated to offer crafts, gifts, local-made specialities, food, drinks, clothing and art. A visit to Walthamstow Winter Wonderland is enough to cover all your Christmas shopping without the stresses of a trip to the West End.
Beyond Walthamstow Winter Wonderland, there will be a street food market aptly named The Sunday Social which launches on Sunday, November 11th. The street food festival will take place every Sunday from 10am – 5pm along Walthamstow High Street. Expect it to rival some of London’s most well-known street markets with an array of hearty food, entertainment and winter warmers to keep people toasty through during the frosty months.