Despite the chill in the air, Christmas spirit is now in full flow and so are the abundance of activities, from Santa’s grottos to musical soirees and plenty of opportunities to grab a mince pie and a warming mulled wine. Here is ELL’s guide to what’s on in the boroughs.
Tower Hamlets
Spitalfields Music Winter Festival
Kicking off tonight until December 16 is the end of year music celebration, showcasing baroque and renaissance masterpieces as well as new and seasonal music. Held in a variety of locations from atmospheric candlelit churches to the underground spaces of Shoreditch, the music festival provides something for all music lovers. Families can head to Spitalfields City Farm on Sunday 7 for kids musical fun.
Winterville is Tower Hamlets’ all-new festive playground with plenty of free activities – where else can you train to be a superhero? Taking place this weekend between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm, kids can even decorate their own cape.
Lewisham
St Christopher’s Hospice Christmas Festival
This Saturday, St Christopher’s Hospice is raising money with its festival full of festive stalls, entertainments, refreshments, prizes from the raffle and of course, Father Christmas and mulled wine.
Hackney
The Narrow Way festive fun day
St Augustine’s Tower will be transformed into Santa’s grotto, where kids can meet the big man himself and enjoy other children’s entertainment while adults can appreciate choirs and carol singers.
Sutton House Christmas craft fair and Santa’s grotto
Head to London’s oldest family home for festive gift inspiration this weekend. There’s also Santa on hand for the kids along with mince pies and mulled wine to keep you going.
This Sunday will see an afternoon of live music and festive fun: from local musicians such as Lou Palmer to songwriter Cameron Douglas and ska band Town of Cats. Expect comedy and poetry to round off the day.
Hackney Wick Christmas wonder walk
Go on a wintery tour of Hackney Wick, visit its highlights and end the tour with a hot drink and festive mince pies at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
St. John of Jerusalem festival chorus winter concert
If you’re a fan of the great works of Beethoven and Mozart, head down to the Church of St. John for a winter concert evening celebrating the works of the musical greats, along with a 50 strong community choir and an orchestra.
Croydon
Children can visit Santa in his magical ice castle grotto in the middle of Whitgift Square and enjoy telling Santa exactly what’s on their Christmas list.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pantomime
The Ashcroft Theatre opened Snow White yesterday, starring Gareth Gates. The show runs until January 5 and is packed full of fun and festive cheer, with singing and dancing too.
Croydon Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair
Shop around the craft fair this Sunday for those unique, vintage and handmade Christmas gifts. Rows are even themed to make shopping easier. Afterwards, recuperate in the organic café, all inside a fantastic Grade II listed building.