What’s on in Winter in East and South East London

1. The Felix Project’s Tower Climb Challenge (8th Dec 2024)

Get ready to tackle 1,031 steps across 48 floors of Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy stunning views of London from the top, all while supporting a good cause. Participants are encouraged to raise £300 each, with the goal of collectively funding the rescue and redistribution of 825,000 meals for Londoners in need! Click here for more information and how to sign up!

2. Winter Lights Festival 2025 (Jan 2025)

Discover the enchanting Winter Lights Festival, which returns for its ninth edition. This year’s trail features 11 temporary installations alongside numerous permanent artworks, including global light artists who explore themes of transformation and illusion with glowing portals, black holes, and surreal mirages. Highlights include a towering stack of illuminated bathtubs, a swirling tornado of lights at Westferry Circus, and a radiant sinkhole at Eden Dock. Enjoy sweet treats and hot drinks along the way. The festival is free to attend, with maps available in January, and installations open from 5-10 pm daily.

3. Ice Rink Canary Wharf (26th Oct 2024 – 23rd Feb 2025)

Embrace the winter magic as London’s favourite seasonal ice rink returns! Lace up your skates and enjoy the festive atmosphere under a transparent roof that protects skaters from the elements all season long. Glide around the central Christmas tree and beneath the sparkling lights of a giant suspended mirror ball. Skaters of all abilities are welcome, and skate aids are available for younger visitors. For those who prefer to watch, the Oasis Bar’s covered terrace offers cosy drinks and a great view of the rink. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of cafes and restaurants. Get tickets here.

4. The Giant London Flea Market (Nov 2024 – Jan 2025)

Discover London’s largest indoor flea market, featuring over 100 top traders specialising in vintage home decor and preloved bargains. Sourced from across the UK and Europe, the market offers a numerous treasures, from furniture to quirky oddities and unexpected finds. You’ll find it near Here East’s canalside cafes, bars, and restaurants.

5. The Winter Market 2024 (8 Dec 2024)

Don’t miss this festive event at The Ecology Pavilion, where 35+ small businesses will come together to showcase their products. From delicious food to one-of-a-kind gifts, there’s something for everyone – enjoy free entry, free parking, and a warm welcome for all ages. The market kicks off at 12:00 pm, so mark your calendars and register for your free ticket soon, as space is limited.

6. Vincent’s Jinglebell Christmas (20 Nov 2024 – 21 Dec 2024)

Celebrate the festive season with a spectacular show at Brick Lane Music Hall. Enjoy evening performances that include a traditional three-course Christmas dinner and dancing until midnight for £75 per person. Dinner shows are available on December 7th and 14th, with dinner at 6:30 pm, and the show from 8:15 pm to 10:45 pm. For a daytime treat, book a lunchtime show featuring a traditional three-course Christmas lunch for £70 per person, running on select dates from late November to December. Group rates are available for parties of 40 or more—contact the Box Office for details.

7. Potted Panto (4 Dec 2024 – 4 Jan 2025)

The West End’s longest-running pantomime returns to the East End this holiday season! Due to popular demand, Potted Panto is back at Wilton’s Music Hall, bringing you seven classic pantomimes in 80 action-packed minutes. This Olivier Award-nominated show offers a whirlwind tour through pantomime’s greatest hits, from Aladdin’s lamp to the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London, and a dash to get Cinderella to the ball. Ticket prices range from £15 to £33, with concessions available.

8. Urban Makers Festive Market 2024 (30th Nov-1st Dec, & 14-15th Dec 2024)

Urban Makers return to the Ecology Pavilion in Mile End Park for their 9th Christmas market. Join them on 30 November & 1 December and 14 & 15 December from 11am to 5pm for two weekends of sustainable and ethical shopping. Discover unique gifts from 50 different designers each day, including homewares, jewellery, art, and more. Enjoy the Urban Makers Feast with festive treats, cakes, artisan coffee, and cocktails. Set in the picturesque Ecology Pavilion, it’s a free-entry event perfect for holiday shopping.

9. London’s Christmas Lights 2024 (Nov 2024 – Dec 2024)

London’s major shopping districts are due to light up for the holiday season. Kicking off on 5 November, Oxford Street leads the way with 300,000 LED stars. Regent Street’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels follow on 7 November, with neighbouring areas joining in. Covent Garden brings back its stunning decorations on 12 November, while Bloomsbury and the Strand debut new lights the same day. Marylebone Village, Old Spitalfields Market, and Leadenhall Market light up between 13 and 14 November. Bond Street and Savile Row unveil fresh designs, including Chanel-inspired illuminations, on 14 November. The festivities continue in Chelsea on 16 November, with Edmonton Green and Belgravia following soon after. The famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lights up on 5 December. For more details click here.

10. Light Festivals in London: Winter 2024 (Nov 2024 – Jan 2025)

Experience the magic of winter with London’s top light festivals. Kew Gardens’ Christmas spectacular (13 November–5 January) features over a million lights, laser beams, and a mesmerizing lake show. Southbank Centre’s Winter Light (1 November–2 February) offers free illuminated outdoor artworks, including five new pieces for 2024. Epping Ongar Railway’s Lights Express (16 November–12 January) invites visitors to enjoy trackside illuminations from an illuminated train. The Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm (30 November–22 December) and Christmas in Chelsea’s illuminated walk through Ranelagh Gardens (4–29 December) are new for 2024. The Ever After Garden in Mayfair (14 November–18 December) offers a reflective experience with 30,000 glowing roses, while the Vauxhall City Farm switch-on event is hosted by Johnny Vaughan.

11. Dick Whittington and His Cat (Pantomime), (22 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025)

This Christmas, the classic tale of Dick Whittington comes to life in two iconic London locations! At the Greenwich Theatre, join Dick and his faithful Cat as they battle the evil King Rat in a lively, award-winning production filled with music, laughs, and festive cheer—perfect for families. Meanwhile, the Hackney Empire offers its own version of the timeless story, promising a high-energy pantomime packed with colorful costumes, slapstick humor, and local flair. Both venues bring their unique touch to this traditional pantomime, making it a must-see show for all ages this holiday season!

12. Pinocchio at Stratford East (23 Nov 2024 – 4 Jan 2025)

This festive season, join the beloved wooden puppet Pinocchio and his toy maker father Geppetto in a reimagined version of the classic fairy tale. Suitable for all ages, with performances including captioned, audio-described, BSL interpreted, and relaxed options. It runs for 2 hours with an interval.

13. London’s 2024 Christmas Markets And Festive Fairs (Nov 2024 – Jan 2025)

London’s Christmas Markets 2024 offer a festive blend of shopping, food, and entertainment across the city. Popular markets include Southbank Centre’s Winter Market (1 Nov-26 Dec), known for mulled wine, raclette, and craft stalls, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (21 Nov-5 Jan) with rides and Christmas shopping. Explore Christmas in Leicester Square (6 Nov-5 Jan) for food stalls and the circus show “La Clique,” or visit the Global Gift Market (21 Nov-20 Dec) for handcrafted international goods. For unique gifts, head to Mayfair’s luxury Christmas Market (28-30 Nov) or browse Kingston’s European-style market (14 Nov-5 Jan).

14. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s annual Barking Mad Christmas Carol Concert (Dec 2024)

This Christmas carol concert returns this December at St Luke’s & Christ Church in Chelsea, offering a unique festive experience for dog lovers. On December 5th and 6th, attendees will be greeted by a “canine guard of honour” and enjoy a traditional carol service featuring the Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir and Classical Reflection. Tickets must be booked in advance as the event sells out quickly.

15. Santa’s meet-and-greets (Nov – Dec 2024)

Santa’s grottos in London for 2024 offer plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities for children and families. Popular spots include The Mall, Wood Green (2 Nov-24 Dec), where Santa hands out gifts for £7 per child, and Fujifilm House of Photography (15 Nov-24 Dec) with a photo-centric grotto. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s grotto (21 Nov-5 Jan) offers free entry but longer queues, while the Victorian Santa’s Grotto at London Museum Docklands (22 Nov-23 Dec) brings festive charm. Other experiences include Eltham Palace’s immersive show (23 Nov-22 Dec), Santa at Hamleys (25 Nov-24 Dec), and Arctic Adventure at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre in Canada Water (29 Nov-23 Dec).

16. Ice Skating in London (Oct 2024 – Jan 2025)

Looking to go ice skating in London this Christmas? For 2024, top rinks include Ice Rink Canary Wharf (26 Oct-23 Feb), which has a festive urban vibe and the longest season. Skate at Somerset House (13 Nov-12 Jan) offers a beautiful setting with a large Christmas tree and DJ nights. Glide at Battersea Power Station (8 Nov-5 Jan) features three rinks with stunning views of the Thames and the iconic power station. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (21 Nov-5 Jan) boasts the UK’s largest outdoor rink, while Hampton Court Palace (22 Nov-5 Jan) provides a magical Tudor backdrop. Other rinks include Westfield London (15 Nov-5 Jan) and JW3 (8 Dec-5 Jan), with special sessions for quieter skating.

17. Father Christmas Storytelling (Nov – Dec 2024)

Experience the magic of Christmas in Greenwich with a special family-friendly storytelling event at Admiral’s House. Join Old Royal Father Christmas and his granddaughter, Helper-Bean, for a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas followed by a gift and photo opportunity. Sessions run on select dates from 30 November to 23 December, with times available throughout the day.

18. Festive Dining under Mars with Live Jazz (13 Dec 2024)

Celebrate the season at the “Festive Dining under Mars with Live Jazz” event on 13 Dec (7pm–10:30pm) at the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine upon arrival, followed by a three-course seasonal dinner, live jazz music, and a festive atmosphere beneath Luke Jerram’s Mars installation.

19. Thrive Christmas Market (18 Dec 2024)

Thrive’s Christmas Market, organised by the charity Tree Shepherd, will take place on Saturday, 18th December (10:30-16:30) outside The Range in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and in Surrey Quays Leisure Park. This festive event will showcase local, independent businesses from SE16, many of which have grown through Thrive, a business hub offering support to local entrepreneurs.

20. A Christmas Carol (17 Dec 2024)

Join the London Bubble Theatre Company for a magical, festive adaptation of A Christmas Carol on 17th December 2024. Perfect for families, this lively performance features full theatre aesthetics, stage magic, and audience interaction, as four actors bring Charles Dickens’ classic tale to life with music and charm.

21. Blue Bermondsey Winter Fair 2024 (7 Dec 2024)

The Blue Bermondsey Winter Fair 2024, held on Saturday, 7th December from 12noon to 4pm, offers a festive community celebration at The Blue Market Place (SE16 3UQ). Enjoy free activities for all ages, including Christmas carols, street performers, wreath-making, face painting, party games, and a Christmas market.

22. What Christmas Events are on in Greenwich

Greenwich is brimming with festive fun this holiday season! From theatrical Christmas adventures set in stunning Art Deco mansions to a magical winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the charming gingerbread grotto and many other enchanting activities happening around the Royal Borough by the river. Explore Greenwich’s exciting lineup of Christmas events for 2024 and get into the holiday spirit!

23. Winter By The River 2024

Secure your spot at Winter By the River, one of London’s top Christmas markets, set against the iconic Tower Bridge. Featuring festive wooden cabins and unique traders, this market attracts high foot traffic along the River Thames and inside Hays Galleria. With limited spaces available and a history of high sales, don’t miss your chance to join this renowned event and showcase your products to a festive crowd!

24. Christmas at the Bierkeller (Nov – Dec 2024)

Celebrate the season with Bermondsey Bierkeller at London Bridge from 14th November to 24th December 2024. Enjoy Alpine-inspired Winter platters, featuring Cook Haus classics and festive creations, paired with authentic Bavarian beer.

As you can see, London is bursting with festive cheer this season! For even more events such as the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck, Christmas-themed afternoon tea, and loads more, check out the Londonist’s comprehensive Christmas guide.