Now Covid restrictions have lifted, we’re looking forward to spending Christmas with our families and friends this year.
With Bonfire night over and December drawing closer, it’s time to put your woolly hats and scarves on and start getting into the festive spirit.
The lead up to Christmas is starting to feel colder and the daylight doesn’t seem to last as long, but there’s still plenty to do to brighten up your day.
We have compiled a list of festive (and not so festive) events in our ELL boroughs that will keep you busy over the next week and get you in to the celebratory spirit.
THE WINTER WARMER
A family-friendly food, drink and music event at Thingy Café. Enjoy an afternoon of music from Albion’s hi-fi sound system while tucking into a festive brunch and winter-warming drinks. Book free tickets here.
When: Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Where: Thingy Café
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
FESTIVE FAIR
At this festive fair in Hackney, unique Christmas gifts, decorations, trees and a festive menu from 8 different food traders will be on offer. Find out more here.
When: Thursday November 25 (12pm – 6pm)
Where: Hackney Bridge
Cost: Free entry
LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR: THE BOB MARLEY SONGBOOK
This Songbook will see Bob Marley’s songs lovingly reinterpreted by the talented London African Gospel Choir. Find out more and book tickets here.
When: Friday, 7:30pm – 11pm
Where: EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney)
Cost: Free entry
PURLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Delicious street food, handmade goods, Christmas trees and more will be on offer outside Purley Leisure Centre this Saturday. Find out more here.
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Where: Outside Purley Leisure Centre
Cost: Free entry
BIG FAT QUIZBOX
Friends and families can team up to answer questions, have a laugh and win prizes at this quiz in Boxpark Croydon. Questions will vary wildly from music to general knowledge to showing off your skills in paper plane making! Book tickets here.
When: Monday, 7 – 9pm
Where: Boxpark Croydon
Cost: £2.74 per ticket
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON: A CROYDON VARIETY SHOW
Enjoy an evening of live entertainment from some of Croydon’s most talented artists, including Croydon rapper JORDS. The line-up also features an exclusive performance from Stanley Arts’ new theatre company Petite Pantos. Miss Great Britain, Kat Henry, will be there to switch on the Christmas lights and get Croydon into the Christmas spirit. Book tickets here.
When: Thursday November 25, 7 – 11pm
Where: Boxpark Croydon
Cost: Free-£50
INDIE MADE CHRISTMAS – DEPTFORD DOES ART
A unique selection of locally handmade crafts and artworks will be on offer at the Deptford Does Art gallery. Mulled wine will be available while you browse for jewellery, clothes and artwork to fill up your stockings. Find out more here.
When: Today until Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Where: 28 Deptford High Street
Cost: Free entry
SANCTUARY STORIES
Craft and snack while discussing what Sanctuary means to refugees at this event by Social Fabric and Sanctuary Stories. Register for free here.
When: Saturday, 3-5 pm
Where: Corbett Community Library
Cost: Free
SISTER MIDNIGHT- LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC AT ORBIT BEERS TAPROOM
On a mission to create Lewisham’s first community owned live music pub, Sister Midnight is hosting this night of beer and live music at Orbit Beers Taproom. Some of the profits from this event will go towards the purchase of community shares for the Ravensbourne Arms. Find out more here.
When: Saturday, 6-11 pm
Where: Orbit Beers Brewery & Taproom
Cost: Free
MR ORGANIC’S PAY WHAT YOU CAN CAFÉ
Head on down to Mr Organic’s ‘Pay What You Can’ pop up event at The Canvas Café for delicious plant-based Italian favourites. Find out more here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Where: The Canvas Café
Cost: Pay what you can
THEASTER GATES’ CLAY SERMON
Bringing together his research, ideas, process and production, Theaster Gates is holding an art exhibition for Black History Month, containing works from across his career. Gates’ use of clay, from his early hand-thrown pots to his large-scale Afro-Mingei sculptures, will be on display. Book free tickets and find out more here.
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Where: Whitechapel Gallery
Cost: Free
UMMISIYA
This celebration of Palestinian culture and arts provides an opportunity for Palestinian and British-Palestinian voices to be heard. There will be live performances and art inspired by the journeys, landscape and culture of Palestinian people. Buy tickets and find more here.
When: Thursday November 25, 12pm – 6pm
Where: Brady Arts & Community Centre
Cost: £7.06 per ticket
