Islington and Hackney’s Top 6 Christmas Light Displays

Text by Tom Buxton, Images by Valerie Browne

It’s that time of year again – the advent calendars are out, the tinsel’s already been draped across every available wall, John Lewis have released their annual festive ad and thus the countdown to Christmas has truly begun.

True to form, the Islington and Hackney communities haven’t wasted any time whatsoever in lining the streets with eclectic, oft-dazzling festive lights galore. But which of these seasonal displays rank as the most inventive, awe-inspiring efforts by locals to brighten up the boroughs prior to December 25th?

So as to discover the truth of the matter, our reporter Valerie Browne took to the streets last weekend in search of the six most memorable local Christmas light displays:

1. CAMDEN PASSAGE

As if it wasn’t enough for these icicle-style lights to connect each and every one of Camden Passage’s various shops and cafes, they’re complemented hugely by the similarly impressive stars adorning the street’s lampposts as well.

2. ISLINGTON GREEN

Rather than lining Islington Green with tinsel and attaching lights to every branch within reach, the team behind its decorations have gone for a more subtle look, creating the illusion of icicles residing between – and illuminating – the trees while placing some near enough to adjacent streets to connect the Green to its urban surroundings.

3. EXMOUTH MARKET

Similarly understated but no less effective, the rows of spherical lights currently beating back the shadows in Exmouth Market may seem like a breath of fresh air to some onlookers in terms of their rare, powerful simplicity.

4. HOLLOWAY ROAD

In another creative use of a local area’s rural elements, many of the trees spread across Holloway Road’s pavements have been illuminated by their own branches thanks to them being covered with sparkling blue lights aplenty.

What’s more, even St. Nicholas himself – not to mention his oft-forgotten spouse – were spotted in the area last weekend:

5. CHAPEL MARKET / ANGEL CENTRAL

Similar to Camden Passage, each of Chapel Market’s street lights are this month being aided in keeping the winter darkness at bay by a trio of interconnected shooting stars – well, those and the logos of brands like Superdrug, JD Sports and Waitrose, of course.

Meanwhile, anyone who wanders from here to Angel Central can’t possibly miss the wing-esque structure that’s lighting up the shopping centre right now with more colours than even Andrew Lloyd Webber could fit onto Joseph’s dream-coat:

6. HACKNEY TOWN CENTRE

If there’s one truth that our readers can take away from this list, it’s that local trees rarely have it better than they do at Christmas, as evidenced by those based in Hackney’s central area receiving just as much care and attention as their Islington Green and Holloway Road counterparts, if not more-so.

These were our favourite Christmas showcases in Islington and Hackney, but which local festive displays have made the greatest impact on you so far? Be sure to let us know in the comments section, on Twitter or on Facebook as the big day approaches…