It’s officially the season for getting out and about and enjoying all the festive fun London has to offer. And as with every year, Westfield London (White City) and Westfield Stratford City are pulling out all the stops with the celebrations, alongside their usual offering of fantastic shopping, dining, entertainment and activities to enjoy with friends and family. Get ahead on all of your Christmas gift shopping and treat yourself to a fun festive outing at Westfield this winter. Sounds like efficient planning to us! Keep reading to find out what’s in store…
1. Get involved in Christmassy activities at Illuminate East
As well as putting on a stunning lights display, this year Westfield Stratford City is inviting Londoners to come together for the ultimate celebration at Illuminate East, a free Christmas festival full of fun activities and entertainment. Providing merrymakers with the perfect festive soundtrack, Nutcracker Brass Band, Go Gospel, LED drummers and others will be performing. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the roaming entertainment as you explore, from acrobatic light up elves and ice jugglers to LED ballerinas and festive gliders! Inside you’ll also find plenty of arts and crafts activities to keep the kids entertained. Writing letters to Santa, decorating cookies, making baubles and sitting in on storytelling are guaranteed to get the little ones even more excited for Christmas. Illuminate East is taking place on November 18, see the full programme of events here.
2. Secure a deluxe SEPHORA gift bag at the new store opening
Beauty and skincare obsessives will be elated to find out that Sephora’s second UK store is arriving just in time for Christmas. As of next week on November 15, the Westfield Stratford City store will open to the public, giving shoppers plenty of time to stock up on all of their favourite products. If you’re one of the first 300 to make it down to the new store opening, you’ll be treated to a deluxe gift bag. But don’t worry if you miss out, there’ll be more entertainment and giveaways from local East London talent throughout the day, as well as services from the SEPHORA UK lip bar, the Benefit Brow Bar and personalised fragrance engraving.
3. Skate on magnificent outdoor ice rink
If glee-fully gliding around Europe’s tallest Christmas tree wasn’t enough to fill you with festive spirit, this year’s ice rink at Westfield London (White City) is having a Wonka-ful makeover. Open from today, A Wonka-ful Winter Experience, sponsored by Warner Bros, will provide skaters with the ultimate Insta-worthy backdrop. Celebrating the release of the new Wonka film, the 65ft tree will be decorated with Wonka-themed decorations, immersing visitors in the magic of Christmas. The rink will be open until January 7, book your skating session now!
4. Enjoy a purr-fect cup of coffee at Java Whiskers
Coffee, cake and cats. Can you think of a better way to relax amidst a busy day of Christmas shopping? Java Whiskers is the perfect tranquil refuge where you can unwind in the calming company of gorgeous felines. And all kids aged 6 and over are welcome! So pop into the cat cafe for a ‘paws’ throughout your day and enjoy delicious coffee along with an array of sweet and savoury treats. Westfield London (White City) outside on The Square 1081 Ariel Way W12 7GF
5. Hit bowling pins and high notes at All Star Lanes
Whether you’re out shopping with the family or enjoying a festive meal with work mates, a group trip to All Star Lanes is the perfect activity to elevate your Christmassy outing. This luxury bowling alley – come – karaoke joint can be found in both Westfield London (White City) and Westfield Stratford City, and there’s a great modern American restaurant and cocktail bar where you can celebrate (or commiserate!) after.
6. Shuffleboard your way to victory at Aspers
If belting out tunes and bowling isn’t your bag, why not try a game of shuffleboard instead? Aspers at Westfield Stratford City is home to four immersive Shuffleboard tables where you can gather your friends in groups of up to 8. Open midday to midnight, 7 days a week, you can pop in for a spontaneous match amidst your shopping, or make a night of it with the pizza and drinks package.
7. Get a hole in one at Puttshack
Brought to life on an imaginative, crazy course, vibrant neon lights and modern tech, Puttshack at Westfield London (White City) is mini golf reimagined. Gone are the days of paper score cards and pencils, it’s time to let your inner child loose in this futuristic playground! And with so many mouth watering morsels and delicious signature cocktails to choose from on the food and drinks menu, pre or post game refreshments are a must.
8. Score some runs at Sixes Social Cricket
When the weather outside is frightful and it’s far too cold for sports in the park, Sixes Social Cricket at Westfield London (White City) is the perfect place to play. Not only does no one get stuck with the boring job of fielding, this simulation sport is batting all the way. Each pitch also has its own adjoining table, so you’ll have the luxury of ordering food and drinks to enjoy whilst you play!
9. Horizon of Khufu
Have you ever dreamed of exploring ancient Egypt? Well this Christmas you can embark on an expedition through space and time and discover the Great Pyramid of Giza. Westfield Stratford City’s Horizon of Khufu is an immersive virtual reality experience that transports visitors 4,500 years into the past. Created using years of research and historic, scientific and architectural data collected on-site, this expedition is a truly unforgettable adventure to experience with friends and family.
