This is a sponsored article on behalf of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Where can you find a canalside Christmas market, fantastic festive menus, and an absolute treat for ABBA fans?
No, that's not the start of a groan-inducing Christmas cracker joke, but some of the fantastic festive happenings at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this winter.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at east London's sprawling parkland, where you can combine gift inspiration with Christmas party ideas — or just spend a festive day out with family and friends.
Go walking in a Wick Wonderland at Barge East
Hackney Wick's Barge East Gardens — an outdoor drinking and dining space alongside the floating bar — once again hosts Wick Wonderland. The Christmas market opens every Saturday and Sunday (11am-5pm) between 26 November and 18 December.
Get your Christmas shopping sorted, with local businesses and artists selling their products, from loose leaf tea to locally-made chocolate, houseplants, patchwork quilts, ceramic tableware and sculptures, candles, sustainably-sourced textiles and more. The traders vary from week to week so check the website to see who you can expect on your visit.
You can even pick up a Christmas tree at Wick Wonderland (either pre-order or purchase on the day), making it something of a one-stop Christmas shop.
Give the gift of ABBA to the Dancing Queen in your life
'Tis the season to dance, and whether you're organising a work Christmas party, or a festive get-together with friends and family, we know just the place: ABBA Voyage.
The revolutionary new concert is a whistle-stop tour of the Swedish quartet's greatest hits that's bound to have you up on your feet dancing. It takes place in a purpose-built venue at the south end of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Looking for a gift for the ABBA-maniac in your life? Browse the ABBA Voyage official shop for something special to go under the tree this year — think vintage-style band t-shirts, ABBA-themed Christmas jumpers, concert posters, and woolly hats and scarves to keep the recipient toasty through until spring.
See the park via a festive run
Blow away the winter cobwebs with the RunThrough Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It's a 5k or 10k run through the North Park on 11 December — a different way to see the park's sights.
Sign up now to take part in the chip-timed run on a flat course (ideal for a PB!), with each kilometre accurately marked along the route. A themed medal, water, fruit and mince pies are all included.
Fill up on festive food
Feeling hungry yet? We know just the place to refuel.
Head to Gotto Trattoria for a little slice of the Italian Riviera in Hackney Wick. The cosy restaurant's festive menu is now available, offering a continental take on Christmas fare — think pork and fennel meatballs, the 'Rudolph' pizza (topped with mozzarella, San Marzano tomato, nduja & spicy salame Toscano), and classic tiramisu.
If that's got your mouth watering, book your Christmas party now — you'll get three courses for £29.50 per person, from a menu featuring rich antipasti, decadent pasta and scrumptious pizza. Wash it all down with a tasty spritz or two — after all, it is Christmas!
All this is in addition the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's year-round offerings, including 560 acres of parkland to explore.
Visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park website for the latest updates, and follow Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to make sure you don't miss a thing.
