Barking Other Christmas Activities 2026

Greenwich Market's beloved annual Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On is a magical evening for the whole family. Children from local schools parade handmade lanterns through historic grounds, culminating in the grand Christmas lights switch-on at 5:00 PM. The market...

Experience a traditional Service of Lessons and Carols within the historic Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. This exclusive event for Historic Royal Palaces members features the Choir of the Chapel Royal, offering a chance to sing along to...

Step into a world of Christmas magic at Haven House Santa's Grotto, now hosted at Redbridge Garden Centre. Families can enjoy a festive walkthrough, meet Santa Claus for a special visit and photo opportunity, and receive a gift. This heartwarming...

Experience the magic of Winter at the Southbank Centre, a vibrant celebration of the season. Discover a dazzling array of luminous art, spellbinding shows, and a bustling marketplace filled with artisan crafts and festive treats. Warm up with delicious food...

Step into a world of festive magic at the Old Royal Naval College's Admiral's House for a special Father Christmas experience. Families can gather to meet Father Christmas, hear enchanting stories, and receive a festive gift. Various session types cater...

Step into a magical Christmas wonderland at The Black Santa's Grotto Experience in Shoreditch, London. This unique event celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering families a chance to experience Santa's workshop infused with Black British culture. Children can craft reindeer food,...

Ilford's Christmas Light Switch On Event on November 21st, 2026, includes fair rides, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks display.

Stratford St John’s Churchyard hosts Winter Wonderland 2026, a community celebration. Attendees can enjoy live music, seasonal treats, and hot drinks. Fun games and activities for children and adults are featured, along with a visit from Santa and his elves...

Lesnes Abbey Wood hosts an adult-focused Winter Solstice fireside storytelling event. Tales of winter magic, spirits, and transformations are shared around a fire, with a seasonal ritual, candle lighting, and a Yule gift included.

The Sip, Style & Sparkle workshop teaches attendees to create a waste-free Christmas table setting and a seasonal centerpiece. The event includes a glass of bubbly, refreshments, and materials. Guests may style their own table.

Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House offers an actor-led journey inspired by the Snow Queen, leading to a visit with Santa Claus. Children receive a gift in the former royal residence.

Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House offers a relaxed, sensory-friendly environment for neurodivergent and SEND visitors. Children will join an actor-led adventure and meet Santa Claus for a gift.

St. John of Jerusalem in Victoria Park, London, hosts a Christmas family concert presented by Bach to Baby. The concert is designed for babies, toddlers, and their carers, featuring live music from outstanding musicians and festive performances.

Lights of Love 2026 at Haven House Children's Hospice is a Christmas gathering for remembering loved ones and supporting local families. The event includes a candle lighting ceremony, live music, and readings.

Mrs H and the Singalong Band offer an interactive musical event for children and families. The special event includes songs and entertainment, with options to book lunch or try Big Penny Curling.

A beeswax candle-making experience is offered in London, a Swiss Christmas tradition. Participants will hand-dip their own candles. Leave with unique beeswax candles.

Tower Bridge Collective offers a 40-minute morning with Santa for families. Children can share Christmas wishes, take photos with Santa, and enjoy holiday entertainment. Kids eat free. All are welcome.

At Hall Place, Botanicalia hosts a workshop on crafting a Christmas wreath. Participants will decorate a premium blue spruce base with festive foliage and cones. The venue offers free on-site parking and an on-site restaurant and coffee shop.

A Creative Workshop Day at Christmas offers four distinct adult craft sessions. Attendees can select a single workshop or a full day pass, with breaks for tea, cake, and browsing artisan craft stalls. No prior experience is needed.

London's holiday history is explored through landmarks and traditions, tracing celebrations from pagan rituals and Roman times to Victorian and wartime periods. The event examines enduring customs influencing modern marking of the season.

The London Archives hosts an in-person talk exploring centuries of London's festive traditions, from Roman Saturnalia to Tudor feasts. The talk covers how the City of London embraces Christmas and features historical figures and celebrations.

Lace up your running shoes and don your best elf costume for the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run in Bexleyheath! This family-friendly 5km event invites participants of all ages and abilities to run, walk, or jog around the picturesque Danson...

This Christmas, children and young people aged 5-16 in Barking and Dagenham can enjoy the free Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme. The initiative offers a range of fun, active, and healthy activities, each including a nutritious hot meal. Both...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa's Grotto returns. This enchanting event offers a special opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus in a festive and memorable setting. Prepare for a delightful encounter filled with holiday cheer.

Experience the festive spirit at Havering Christmas Land, an event organized by Havering Mind. This seasonal celebration offers a heartwarming atmosphere for the community. While specific activities are not detailed, the event promises a joyful occasion to usher in the...

Step back in time and embrace the holiday spirit at Eltham Palace. This festive event offers a magical day out for all ages, allowing visitors to explore the historic palace and its gardens amidst a charming Christmas atmosphere. Special weekends...

Step into an enchanting winter wonderland at the Queen's House for a magical Christmas experience. Inspired by 'The Nutcracker', this festive event offers a 45-minute journey through captivating displays and performances by beloved characters. Little ones can meet Santa Claus...

Step into the world of Charles Dickens this holiday season at his former London home. The Charles Dickens Museum offers a unique journey back to 1837, bringing his iconic stories to life through special events, immersive tours, and captivating performances....

Families can enjoy free craft and sensory storytelling sessions at Angel Central, hosted by the Little Angel Theatre. These engaging activities are designed for children aged 3-9 and younger, offering creative fun with themes ranging from seasonal crafts to space...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a guided walking tour through London's City of Westminster. Discover the most enchanting Christmas light displays as they illuminate the city's iconic streets and landmarks. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and...