With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s no better place to soak up the festive spirit than Angel. It is a creative and innovative district, passionate about bringing everything new and exciting to shoppers, visitors and residents alike. This is what makes Angel a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping in London.
To kick off the Christmas season, Angel Islington Business Improvement District (BID) will be lighting up Islington Green with their ‘Glow in the Angel’ event on Saturday, November 23, from 1 – 6 pm. The event promises to bring even more holiday magic to the area, alongside a range of seasonal activities and local shopping experiences.
We spoke to Ben Stephenson from Angel Islington BID to learn more about the event and the spirit of Christmas in Angel. Here’s everything you need to know to make your Christmas in Angel truly special.
“We’re very excited to once again bring a host of free entertainment to the neighbourhood including song and music, exclusive theatrical performances from Little Angel and Kings’ Head theatres, make-and-take Christmas crafting activities, and of course hosting Santa Claus, who is stopping by despite his busy schedule,” says Ben.
This year’s Christmas event has been inspired by a surprising local connection: the invention of the Christmas cracker! Did you know that the iconic cracker was first created in Angel by confectioner Tom Smith in the 1860s? To honour this festive tradition, the event will feature a special ‘Angel Cracker’ theme.
As part of this theme, the BDC, Angel Islington BID, Angel Central and Islington Giving worked together to create the Angel Crackers project. We have collectively made 3,000 special Angel Crackers to help raise £15,000 to combat loneliness in the borough.
“Each Angel Cracker contains goodies curated by local homeware store After Noah, and they’re a fantastic way to give back while enjoying the festive fun,” explains Ben.
“Plus, some crackers contain Golden Tickets, with fabulous prizes donated by local businesses.”
Complementing the Glow in the Angel event will be ‘The Great Angel Cracker Chase’ competition, where five special cracker stickers are hidden in plain sight on five mystery shop windows around the Angel. If you spot them, simply write where you saw all five and bring your list to the Angel Islington BID booth at Glow in the Angel on November 23 for an exclusive prize.
You’ll find a clue map and entry form in the Angel Islington BID Winter Guide 2024.
Local Shops and Independent Stores
For those looking to do some serious Christmas shopping in London, Angel is the perfect spot. From charming homeware stores to quaint cafés, the local shops give the area its unique character and are an integral part of the Christmas experience here.
“It’s really important to shop locally because it keeps the local economy healthy and supports jobs,” notes Ben
“But we think that a town centre like Angel benefits from a range of shops and restaurants, from Marks & Spencer and Muji to After Noah and Chapel Market. The point is, there’s something here for everyone, no matter their budget.”
With its mix of big-name retailers and independent stores, you’re bound to find unique gifts that will make your holiday shopping stand out.
The Estorick Collection’s Museum Shop is a hidden gem, perfect for finding art-inspired gifts, while The Japanese Gallery on Camden Passage offers unique and culturally rich pieces. For foodies, Tanakatsu on Wakley Street serves up fantastic Japanese fare, while Mangia Bene on Chapel Market offers authentic Italian dishes.
“We like saying ‘only in Angel’; our unique mix of shops, restaurants and cultural venues means there is always something to surprise and delight,” says Ben. “There is always something new and exciting to discover, so visiting Angel is a must-do at any time of the year.”
Whether it’s a bespoke gift from Ray Stitch or a locally crafted piece from one of the artisan stores, Angel offers Christmas shopping in London that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Pick up the Winter Guide in local shops or check it out online as it is a handy resource for planning your visit. It’s packed with ideas for events, shopping spots, and local places to eat.
One of the best things about visiting Angel is how everything is conveniently located within walking distance. Islington Green is just a short walk from Angel Tube Station, and nearby, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars to recharge between shopping and activities.
With its unique mix of festive events, local shopping, and community spirit, Angel is the place to be this Christmas. Whether you’re attending Glow in the Angel, hunting for hidden gems down the gorgeous streets of Camden Passage, or enjoying the seasonal atmosphere, Angel offers an unforgettable holiday experience.
So, don’t wait – head to Angel this Christmas for all the magic and cheer the season has to offer!
If you would like to find out more about our exhibition venue in the heart of Angel and what events we have coming up, then learn more by checking out our Whats On page.
