Lights switch-ons, festive-themed markets, Christmas carols, Santa’s grottos and free family fun all coming to Enfield this year, reports Alice Ashcroft and James Cracknell
The festive season is arriving soon in Enfield, as Christmas-themed concerts, events and markets are scheduled for the coming weeks.
Among the highlights will be Enfield Town’s annual Parade of Light, being held this year on Sunday, 6th December, starting at 4pm at Enfield Civic Centre. The parade – featuring a range of brightly-decorated floats created by local organisations – will follow a circular route along Baker Street, Lancaster Road, Chase Side and Church Street before arriving back in the town centre at 6pm.
The event also includes Christmas entertainment and stalls at Enfield Market throughout the day, culminating in a fireworks display to mark the end of the parade. The event is free to attend and no tickets are required.
Also in Enfield Town, Polar Pip the polar bear and his friend Little Pip the elf will visit Palace Gardens Shopping Centre on Sunday, 22nd November. He will make three appearances during a line-up of free seasonal entertainment planned between 12pm and 4pm. The Candy Girls, the Wish Fairies and the Christmas Ladies are scheduled to perform.
A traditional Santa’s Grotto will be returning to Palace Gardens this year, starting from Saturday, 28th November with a special event featuring performances from Swank Theatre. On Sunday, 6th December, Palace Gardens is also hosting entertainment between 12pm and 4pm, including festive music from the fabulous Sunshine Kings who will play four sets during the afternoon. The Santa’s Grotto, located in the unit between New Look and River Island, will run until Christmas Eve – tickets for £5 (including a gift) can be purchased online here.
Edmonton Green Shopping Centre is hosting its much-loved Christmas lights switch-on event on Friday, 27th November. The free, family-friendly celebration will see the launch of brand-new festive decorations at the centre. Visitors can look forward to a full afternoon and evening of entertainment, including festive food stalls, fun-filled rides, surprise performances, and a free festive roller disco for children. Activities will begin from 3.30pm, building anticipation ahead of the official light switch-on at 6pm, when Edmonton Green will be illuminated in a dazzling display of festive lights. The event is free to attend and open to all, with no booking required.
Also at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, from Saturday, 21st November until Monday, 23rd December, a free Oh Snow Festive! experience offers an opportunity to get a photo inside a giant snow globe.
Palmers Green is hosting its own lights switch-on event at The Triangle on Thursday, 26th November. Organised by Green Lanes Business Association, the free event starts from around 3.30pm. On Saturday, 12th December, Devonshire Square is also hosting a Christmas market.
Meanwhile, Forty Hall will be hosting its annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday and Sunday, 28th/29th November. The event will run between 11am and 4pm on both days, giving shoppers the chance to explore two floors of festive shopping and music, with 55 stalls offering a range of gifts, as well as a food court. Tickets can be bought online here.
In Winchmore Hill, The Enchanted Cinema is hosting a special interactive screening of the classic children’s animated film The Snowman on Saturday, 21st November at Waterhouse Hall Theatre in Compton Road. Before the film begins, there will be an interactive workshop for children ages four and over, giving the audience a chance to use instruments from around the world to play the Walking in the Air sequence alongside other scenes from the 1982 animated film. This will be followed by a screening of the film, where the audience is invited to play along. Tickets costing £8 for adults and £5 for children can be booked here.
Another chance to get into the Christmas spirit in Enfield Town is planned for Thursday, 10th December at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel and St George in London Road, where local charities The Nightingale and One-to-One have arranged performances of classic carols and sing-a-long songs. The concert starts at 7pm, with mulled wine and mince pies served from 6:30pm. Tickets for £10 each can be purchased here, with all proceeds going toward the two charities.
Finally, festive tunes can be enjoyed on Saturday, 12th December, at Myddleton House Gardens in Bull’s Cross. This free concert runs from 4.30pm to 6:30pm, with the Enfield Brass Band performing in the courtyard. Alongside the music, there will be festive greenery for sale and a chance to try the Bowles Tea Room’s seasonal menu, while a “special guest” will be turning on the Christmas lights. More information can be found here.
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