Becontree Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors gather in Ilford to mark the turning on of the town's holiday light display. The outdoor event includes fair rides, live stage entertainment, family activities, and fireworks.

Guests wander through festively dressed palace staterooms featuring immersive sets, atmospheric soundscapes, and live music. Along the way, visitors encounter live actors, friendly puppets, and gentle mythical creatures including a unicorn foal, panther, and sleeping dragon guardian. For those wishing...

Visitors glide across the ice rink beneath a towering Christmas tree surrounded by twinkling lights, festive tunes, and falling snow. Off the ice, guests can visit the East Court Café to enjoy seasonal treats including mince pies, mulled wine, and...

Dartford kicks off the holiday season with a community celebration at Brewery Square. The event welcomes visitors to enjoy special guests and activities planned to get the town ready for Christmas.

Children from local primary schools carry handmade lanterns in a glowing procession through the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark Gardens to Greenwich Market. Crowds gather to count down the switch-on as the market illuminates with...

Visitors explore an outdoor lights walkway in the Secret Garden featuring thousands of sparkling lights, decorated festive scenes, and numerous photo opportunities. The historic Harrow Lodge House is illuminated for the occasion, and nightly refreshments include mulled wine, German beer,...

Visitors journey into the icy land of the Snow Queen within a former royal residence adorned with towering snowy white trees and blue lighting. Families follow an actor-led story adventure, encountering characters such as the Snow Queen, the Hobgoblin, Gerda,...

Led by expert guides, visitors explore London's iconic wooden 'O' and discover how Christmas was observed in Shakespeare's day. The tour covers folk traditions practiced to welcome winter, including wassailing, the winter solstice, kissing boughs, and traditional mince pyes.

Visitors step through a magical wardrobe into a snowy wonderland created in the historic walled gardens of Fulham Palace. Guided by the Guardians of the Winter Garden, families explore a world of movie-quality falling snow, twinkling lights, and holiday surprises....

Families gather around the fireplace at Admiral's House to meet Father Christmas and his granddaughter for festive storytelling and photos. Depending on the booked session, children can craft unique decorations with North Pole tailors, make dreams with the Pole Star...

Visitors can experience a festive walkthrough decorated with twinkling lights and seasonal displays. Children can meet Father Christmas, take photos, receive a special gift, and take part in Christmas crafts. The experience brings families together while supporting care for seriously...

Passengers embark on a circular sightseeing voyage along the River Thames to take in scenic views of historic riverside sights. The journey includes live or recorded commentary provided by the crew. Guests can take in the sights from an open...

Visitors can step into a winter wonderland in Dartford this Christmas season. Further details regarding the event will be shared closer to the time.

Visitors take part in a lively family celebration filled with games, dancing, and hands-on crafty activities led by performer Len Blanco. The session encourages children and their families to come together, express themselves, and create art alongside artists. It offers...

Families step into Santa’s workshop surrounded by twinkling presents, stockings, and letters to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas celebrating Black British culture. Visitors join Mrs. Kringle and her helpers to make reindeer food with her secret recipe and participate...

Guided walkers explore the London streets that inspired Charles Dickens's famous story A Christmas Carol, following the footsteps of Scrooge, Marley, and the Cratchits. Along the route, guides share warming seasonal stories of Victorian Christmas puddings, turkeys, mince pies, pantomimes,...

Participants take a guided walking tour exploring the holiday traditions of medieval St Albans. The route delves into how locals celebrated during twelve days of licensed misrule with feasting, carolling, dancing, and games. Guides recount stories of churches bedecked in...

Families can celebrate the snowy season dancing to disco, acid house, and techno tunes spun by DJ HiFi Sean inside a Grade I-listed warehouse. The celebration includes bubbles, balloons, foam, confetti, a parachute dance, a snow-themed sensory room, and hands-on...

Participants spend an evening exploring their creativity while listening to sweet festive tunes, guided step-by-step by professional artist Virginia Sutton. Each guest is provided with an easel, palette, canvas, and a set of paintbrushes to work with throughout the session....

Children get the chance to craft their very own wooden car alongside the Elite Transformation team. After building their creation, young racers can test out its speed on a specially designed race track. The festive workshop provides hands-on creative fun...

Visitors spend a calm and crafty morning creating their own holiday card or collage under the guidance of professional artist Virginia Sutton. The workshop provides all necessary art and crafting materials while playing festive tunes to celebrate the season. It...

Tour guide Maria leads an exploration of London's Christmas highlights and the history of winter celebrations. The tour covers how holidays were observed across eras, including ancient Celtic and Roman traditions, Medieval and Tudor feasts, Victorian customs, and Second World...

Celebrate the end of the year with a friendly, inclusive social dance session. Participants join dancers for a dance workshop followed by open social dancing. The event features seated adaptations and movement alternatives designed for every body, welcoming attendees of...

Families meet Santa to share holiday wishes and take photos. The session includes entertainment, and children eat free following the visit.

Led by guide Ann, this walking tour explores the stories and traditions behind classic British holiday dishes, from turkeys that walked to London to the chequered history of the sprout. Participants hear about historical pudding recipes, workhouse festive fare, and...

Visitors can explore the museum galleries in the evening before attending a talk on the pagan Roman festival of Saturnalia. Archaeologist Gillian Hovell examines ancient and modern artwork to reveal how customs like gift-giving, holly, and party hats originated in...

Visitors gather to remember loved ones and support local families with seriously ill children. The service features a candle lighting moment, readings and reflections, and music from a live choir. Attendees can also view the remembrance book and enjoy refreshments...

Participants create a holiday wreath using a 12-inch blue spruce base decorated with festive foliage and cones. No prior crafting experience is necessary. While the main house is closed, attendees can explore the open grounds, visitor centre, art gallery, restaurant,...

Visitors can listen to live music and take part in games and activities designed for both children and adults. Santa and his elves make an appearance to meet guests in the grotto. Seasonal treats and hot drinks are available throughout...

Mrs H and the Singalong Band bring live music to children and families with an emphasis on theatrical engagement. Audiences take part in communal singing and active participation throughout the performance. Visitors can also reserve a table for afterwards or...

City of London Guide and Lecturer Jill Finch leads an illustrated talk examining festive traditions in the Square Mile from Roman Saturnalia and Saxon Yule to Medieval mumming and Tudor feasts. Attendees learn about historical figures such as Boy Bishops,...

Guests learn sustainable holiday table-styling techniques and use provided materials and tools to craft a seasonal centrepiece to take home. Attendees also gain access to the 4YaParty warehouse to practice styling their own holiday tables. Admission includes a glass of...

Storyteller Bernadette Russell hosts an evening around an outdoor fire in The Clearing at Lesnes Abbey Wood, recounting tales of bear gods, fox spirits, transformations, ice, and winter magic. Guests can socialize, join in the storytelling if they choose, co-create...

Visitors choose from four one-hour creative workshops, booking either a single session or a full day pass. Between classes, guests can browse a selection of craft stalls and enjoy included tea and cake. No prior crafting experience is required.

Bach to Baby presents a festive performance designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and their carers. The concert features professional musicians performing across a variety of musical genres, instruments, and styles.

Participants learn hands-on bookbinding techniques to design and assemble a customized special-edition book. The session covers skills needed to rebind books from your own collection and accommodates both beginners and experienced crafters. All crafting materials are supplied, and attendees can...

Participants design and hand-paint their own Christmas bauble and mulled wine glass in an in-person workshop setting. Attendees can sip their choice of drink while working on their glassware projects. The session requires no prior painting experience.

Participants hand-dip their own beeswax candles following a traditional Swiss holiday craft surrounded by twinkling lights. The beginner-friendly activity allows attendees to shape wax creations into tall, twisted, or custom designs. Guests leave with their finished handmade candles to keep...

Participants lie on blankets or mats during a sound bath meditation honouring the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. The session incorporates Paiste Symphonic and Planetary gongs alongside crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, drums, shruti, and voice. Attendees listen in...

Families can visit Santa inside his grotto to share their holiday wish lists. The in-person gathering takes place at St. Barnabas Hall and welcomes visitors of all ages.

Gather your team to test your general knowledge skills at this festive pub quiz. Teams compete across trivia rounds with a winner-takes-all outcome.

Participants can run, jog, walk, or skip along a 5km route around Danson Park's lake and boating pool. Festive fancy dress is encouraged, with costume competitions held for both people and pets. All finishers receive an elf hat and a...

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...

Experience the magic of Christmas with two enchanting events at the Epping Ongar Railway. Families can join Santa on his Special Trains for a festive journey, while the Epping Ongar Lights Express offers a dazzling, interactive light show set to...

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...

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...

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...