Columbia Road’s independent shops will open late on four Wednesday evenings before Christmas, from 5pm to 9pm on 25 November and 2, 9 and 16 December, with mulled wine and mince pies on the street.
The dates were published on 2 November. There will be no road closure, carol singing or entertainment this year, London On The Inside reported, a decision it said was meant to avoid overcrowding.
Columbia Road, in Bethnal Green, has more than 50 independent shops, including galleries, perfumers, antiques dealers, homeware and childrenswear shops. Londonist said many would stay open until 9pm on each of the four nights.
Why there are no carols
The Wednesday evenings used to include a carol service with St Peter’s Church in Bethnal Green. In December 2023 a TikTok clip of the singing drew more than half a million views, and about 7,000 people came the following Wednesday, MyLondon reported last year. The carol service was cancelled after that, and has not returned.
Getting there
Hoxton Overground station is about seven minutes’ walk away. For the Sunday flower market, Made in Shoreditch’s guide to Columbia Road has the times and the best hour to arrive.
The essentials
- Dates: Wednesday 25 November, and Wednesday 2, 9 and 16 December 2026
- Time: 5pm to 9pm
- Where: Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 7RG
- What: late opening at independent shops, with mulled wine and mince pies
- Not happening: road closure, carol singing, live entertainment
- Nearest station: Hoxton (London Overground), about seven minutes’ walk