Christmas events and attractions in East London in 2023

As December approaches, councils across East London are preparing festivities for their communities. 

From wreath making, Christmas cocktail classes and the classic Christmas markets, there is sure to be something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. 

To find out what events are coming to you, read on!

 

Redbridge 

Those celebrating Christmas in Redbridge are in for a treat, with plenty of festive events to look forward to. 

The carol singing will be held in The Boathouse at Fairlop Waters. Guests are invited to come and sing along to Christmas classics. There will be a number of festive foods and the promise of surprises. 

The event will be held at 2pm.

Those wishing to visit the Christmas market at Hainault Forest can enjoy a wander through Foxburrows Barn. The barn will be filled with stalls from local businesses.

The surrounding café will be open for refreshments, including seasonal options of mulled wine and mince pies. The craft units in the courtyard will also be in use. 

The market will be open from 10am across the weekend.

There will be a number of tree-lighting events across Redbridge this year. The evergreen trees will be decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments. 

All tree-lighting events will offer live music, a brand-new show from Redbridge Creates, The Mice before Christmas, and a visit from Father Christmas who will be free to hear wishes. 

Local libraries will also be holding craft workshops at the events. 

Light-up locations:

Redbridge,128-142 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1DD (25 November 2023, 12pm to 7pm)

Valentines, Valentines Mansion, Emerson Rd Ilford, IG1 4XA (26 November 2023, 4pm to 7.30pm)

Fullwell, Fullwell Cross Library, 140 High St Ilford, IG6 2EA (23 November 2023, 4pm to 6pm)

Seven Kings, Seven Kings High Road & Library, 679 High Road, Seven Kings At the train station, IG3 8RQ (24 November 2023, 4pm to 6pm)

To browse other events including a Victorian Christmas at Valentines Mansion, a Frozen sticker hunt and Christmas parades, click here.  

 

Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is kicking off Christmas with an exciting event at the William Morris Gallery. 

The Winter Late at the gallery will allow visitors to take part in a number of seasonal activities.

There will be a drop-in craft event from 5pm till 8pm, where children aged five and above are welcome to make their own Victorian Yuletide pomander. 

Tours of the Radical Landscapes exhibition will be held at 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. Those wishing to join the tours are asked to sign up at the front desk.

The Rose and Crown Singers will be providing entertainment during the evening. 

Visitors may also be tempted by the 10% discount on selected items in the William Morris Gallery shop, and can visit Deeney’s Café for seasonal refreshments.

Admission is free, and doors will open at 5pm. The Gallery will be closed at 9pm.

Newham 

Newham has a range of activities for the festive season that will be taking place across the borough. The events will take place at libraries and markets across Newham.

Christmas will be warmly welcomed to Custom House Library, with a number of festive features.

Visitors and families will be able to tour Santa’s grotto, take part in Christmas crafts and enjoy carolling from local schools. 

There will also be refreshments. It will be open from 3.30pm till 5.30pm. 

Forest Gate, Woodgrange Markey and Queens Market, Garden Street will each have Christmas light switch-ons this December. 

Forest Gate

Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.30pm on December 2. 

The event opens at 4pm, where visitors can participate in arts and crafts, listen to a choir and enjoy refreshments. 

Location: Forest Gate, Woodgrange Market, corner of Sebert Road and Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, E7 0NQ

Queens Market

The Christmas lights will be turned on at 5pm at Queens Market.

Visitors can enter at 3pm and enjoy Santa’s grotto and face painting. There will be entertainment from a school choir and outdoor performances.

Location: Queens Market, Green Street, E13 9BA

To find out about more festive events in Newham, click here. 

 

Barking & Dagenham 

The Barking & Dagenham community are in for a range of festive treats this winter, with a host of unique events. 

This beginner friendly workshop will teach participants how to make wreaths from garden materials. 

All materials and refreshments will be provided. The workshop costs £15 per person and requires advanced booking which can be accessed here. 

The Saturday session has already sold out, so be sure to book your slot for Monday, November 27!

Monday’s slot lasts from 12pm to 3pm. 

​Valence House Museum is also hosting a Christmas cocktail evening for over 18s. The night will entail music, fun, games and Christmas spirits!

Attendees are required to book in advance. Tickets cost £25 per person, and will cover four cocktails, a buffet with unlimited food and soft drinks, music bingo and more. 

Parking will be free and visitors with tickets are asked to bring ID. 

The evening will start at 6.30pm and will finish at 9.30pm. 

To book your ticket, click here.

​The Valence Christmas Market is likely to be a big hit, with fun for all the family. 

The market will open at 11am on December 9 and will close at 5pm. 

There will be more than 30 local stallholders, mince pies and mulled wine and entertainment for kids. 

Families can meet Father Christmas in Santa’s Grotto and will get a special gift. Advanced bookings are required for the grotto, with tickets at £3.50 per child. 

Tickets can be booked by visiting Valence House Reception or calling 0208 227 2034

There will also be Rudolph’s Christmas Reindeer Hunt. 

To see what else is on, click here. 

 

Tower Hamlets 

Tower Hamlets is offering a great range of Winter fun for all the family, from decoration making to a visit from Father Christmas and his elves!

All activities and events are free. 

Kids can join the community park rangers at the V&A Building to make their own festive decorations from natural materials from Victoria Park. 

This event will start at 10.30am and finish at 12.30pm. 

Location: Victoria Park, Grove Road, E3

Families are welcomed to take part in festive arts and crafts, biscuit baking and chestnut roasting at Whitehorse Adventure Playground and King Edward Memorial Park. 

Locations:

Whitehorse Adventure Playground, Whitehorse Road, E1 OND (December 13, 3.30pm to 6.30pm)

King Edward Memorial Park, The Highway, E1W 3SR (December 15, 12pm to 3pm)
 

Families have the chance to take a photo with Santa and his elves in the Christmas Grotto. 

There will be activities including making your own Christmas cards and a sing along to Christmas classics. 

Families should meet at the V&A Building, area B7. The event will last from 12pm till 3pm. 

For more Christmas events in Tower Hamlets, click here.