What’s On Bow in East London – Autumn 2026 to Winter 2027
By Nicola Heard | Created on 22nd October 2026
A resident-friendly guide to real events, seasonal outings, markets, shows and family activities. Event details can change, so please use the links to confirm dates, prices and availability before setting off.
October–November: East London theatre and seasonal outings
Jack and the Beanstalk — Hackney Empire pantomime | 21 November – 31 December 2026
Hackney Empire, Mare Street, Hackney — A traditional family pantomime starring Clive Rowe, with songs, comedy, costumes and audience participation. All ages welcome; accessible performances are listed on the official page.
Go East at Maltby Street Market | Every Saturday and Sunday; 11am–4pm
Maltby Street, Bermondsey (nearby South London option) — A free vintage and makers market featuring clothing, jewellery, ceramics, art, homeware, vinyl and cameras. Included as a useful cross-river day out for East London residents.
Old Spitalfields Market | Regular market; special events vary
Spitalfields — Browse independent traders, gifts, food stalls and seasonal pop-ups. Check the market calendar for specific weekend events and Christmas activities.
Price: Free to browse • Details and booking: Market website
November–December: Christmas and family shows
Victorian Santa’s Grotto | 20 November – 23 December 2026
Museum of London Docklands, Canary Wharf area — A festive grotto experience in a historic setting. Check the museum’s page for session times, ticket availability, age guidance and the current price before sharing.
Hackney Empire: Jack and the Beanstalk | 21 November – 31 December 2026
Hackney Empire, E8 — A local festive theatre favourite, suitable for families and groups. The official page includes ticket prices and accessible performance information.
Price: Tickets £10–£48 plus booking fee • Details and booking: Book the pantomime
Cinderella — London Palladium pantomime | 5 December 2026 – 10 January 2027
London Palladium, West End — A major West End panto option if residents fancy a trip into central London. Stars include Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Julian Clary.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights | January 2027; exact dates to be confirmed
Canary Wharf — A popular outdoor light-art trail around the estate. Include once the 2027 dates and installation details are confirmed on the official calendar.
Whitechapel — Contemporary art exhibitions and public events. Check current shows, talks and opening times before visiting.
Price: Varies by exhibition • Details and booking: What’s on
Rich Mix | Autumn–winter programme
Shoreditch — Independent cinema, live music, talks and cultural events. Browse the calendar for date-specific listings and ticket prices.
Price: Varies by event • Details and booking: What’s on
Hackney Empire | Autumn–winter programme
Hackney — Alongside the Christmas pantomime, the venue hosts comedy, music, theatre and family shows. Check the current calendar for individual dates.
Price: Varies by event • Details and booking: What’s on
Regular places for seasonal days out
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park | Year-round; event dates vary
Stratford — A good option for walking, cycling and outdoor time. Check the official calendar for festivals, family activities and events at nearby venues.
Price: Park access generally free; events vary • Details and booking: Park events
Westfield Stratford City | Seasonal activities in November and December
Stratford — Christmas shopping, restaurants, cinema and indoor leisure options. Check the centre’s listings for family activities and opening hours.
Price: Free to browse; activities vary • Details and booking: Centre website
Bow Arts / Nunnery Gallery | Exhibition programme varies
Bow, E3 — A local creative hub with contemporary art and events by East London artists. Check the live calendar for exhibitions, workshops and family-friendly activities.
Price: Some events free • Details and booking: Bow Arts events
Trinity Buoy Wharf | Event dates vary
Leamouth / Docklands — A creative riverside destination with public art and a historic lighthouse. Check current access and event listings before making a special trip.
Please check before travelling: Event dates, ticket prices, opening hours and availability may change. This guide includes a mix of dated listings and regular markets/venues. Booking may be required.
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Nicola Heard
I have spent 29 happy and eventful years at Oliver Jaques and have enjoyed building a fantastic rapport with our clients, some of whom still entrust us with their property portfolios 20 years on. Having grown up locally living in Bermondsey and attending Aylwin Girls' School, I have a unique insight into the needs of the people moving into the area, and I am one of the few Directors in the industry who can be can be found every day working closely with the staff, striving for the business to continually grow and exceed expectations. I enjoy giving back to my community and hope to continue to be able to do so for many years to come.
I have to admit, once Oliver Jaques were instructed, I continually had weekly viewings. Michael & Tom kept me up to date, before, during after each viewing. I would highly recommend Oliver Jaques & would use them again.
Rakim Asher
Fantastic experience with Oliver Jaques from start to finish! Simon, Owen, Rosalie and the team were brilliant throughout our purchase at Bow Quarter. Always friendly, responsive and helpful, keeping us updated and making the whole process as smooth as possible. Really appreciate all their support i...
Alba Toshkallari
I had a wonderful experience with Maaret. She is incredibly professional, helpful, friendly, and dedicated to her work. From the very beginning, she was attentive, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile to make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Her excellent comm...
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Wayee Tan
Thank you to Stephen and Maaret for providing professional and friendly service. They are very helpful throughout my tenancy :)
Hatem Aroussi Chentoufi
Mareet and Stephen have been so helpful and professional through the procedure with me to help me get the flat. Big thanks and applause for both of them.
Eliza Clarke
I can’t recommend Simon and Owen at Oliver Jacques enough. They made the whole buying process so easy and smooth from start to finish. They were brilliant throughout, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If I could give 10 stars, I would!
Taku Yamamoto
Oliver Jaques helped me for letting out my flat recently. The team, particularly, Steve was very knowledgeable and helpful what I need to prepare for letting. The team also helped to find out tenants and completed necessary paper work very quickly, which was also helpful. This agency is friendly, re...
Thanh Nguyen
Great communication, solution and servies from the team when buying from the agent.
Thank Rosalie, Tom, Harry, Jack
