What's On in London, East

Guess How Much I Love You - A Garden Adventure

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

The Guess How Much I Love You Garden Adventure is a trail inspired by the book of the same name. The trail contains a series of activities that encourage children to learn through play, using the senses...

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Venue: Canary Wharf

Website: https://canarywharf.com

Skating beneath Canary Wharf's twinkling skyline, the rink offers an unforgettable experience for friends, families, and colleagues alike.There’s no chance of rain cancelling the fun, with a magnificent...

Meet Santa at Lakeside

Venue: Lakeside Shopping Centre

Website: www.lakeside-shopping.com

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Lakeside Shopping Centre, and Santa is ready to welcome families to his festive grotto. Step into a winter wonderland, meet Father Christmas, and make unforgettable...

Meet Santa at His Magical Grotto in 17&Central

Venue: 17 & Central

Website: www.17andcentral.co.uk

Expect twinkling lights, festive cheer, and unforgettable moments. Families are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and make the most of this magical experience.£6.00 per child + £1.50 booking...

The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition

Venue: Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront

Website: https://pompeii-experience.com/london

Travel back 2,000 years with VR and cutting-edge immersive tech and experience Pompeii like never before. Wander ancient Roman streets, explore the legendary Villa of Mysteries and come face-to-face with...

Epping Ongar Lights Express

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

An interactive journey for the whole family like never before! Featuring "Voiceover Man" (as heard on Britain's Got Talent and X-Factor) and stunning neon views. A fully immersive lightshow to music with...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: The Liberty Shopping Centre

Website: www.theliberty.co.uk

Make this Christmas truly unforgettable with a magical visit to Santa’s Ice Kingdom Grotto at The Liberty Romford. Meet Santa in a sparkling winter wonderland, surrounded by festive décor and cheerful...

Minecraft Experience

Venue: Maritime Street

Address: Corner Corner, Canada Water

Website: www.minecraftexperience.com/london

Don’t miss Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, the ultimate real-life immersive adventure coming to London. Battle mobs and collect resources in a daring quest to save the villagers. Experience Minecraft...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Join Queen's Theatre for a GIANT adventure packed with gags galore, an original score, and sensational silliness. Expect toe-tapping tunes, live music, dazzling costumes, magic beans, oodles of audience...

The Three Bears

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

This hilarious fairy tale remix celebrates love, laughter and the beauty of families of all shapes and sizes.The Three Bears flips the classic fairytale of Goldilocks on its head and is packed full of...

Glow at RHS Hyde Hall

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow

Immerse yourself in the magic as Glow illuminations return to RHS Hyde Hall. Discover wonderful new installations of colour, music and light, along with festive food and Christmas shopping. Perfect for...

How Many Elves is Too Many?

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: https://discover.org.uk

Visit the elves’ winter village in our twinkling Story Worlds. Join the residents for festive dress-up fun and snowball games. Pop a letter to Santa in the post box and help deliver presents from rooftop...

Mama Goose

Venue: Theatre Royal Stratford East

Website: www.stratfordeast.com

Join local lass Mama Goose and her magical golden-egg-laying goose this holiday season!Stratford East pantos are famous for tearing up the rulebook and telling classic stories with a special East London...

Campfire Adventures

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: https://discover.org.uk

This brand-new, evening event gives a super-special chance to experience Discover after-dark for 5-11 year olds. Campfire Adventures contains all the evening excitement from our super-fun sleepovers, but...

Cinderella

Venue: Hackney Empire

Website: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

This festive season you shall go to the ball, as the magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire! From an unbelievable cast to extravagant costume, from audience participation to sensational song and dance...

Film Screening: Lilo and Stitch

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: https://discover.org.uk

Step into a world where timeless animated favourites are brought back to life from 2D to 3D live action in three spectacular adventures that reimagine beloved classics with real-word magic, heart and a...

The Polar Express

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: https://discover.org.uk

All aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole! Follow one child’s journey to receive a very special gift: a bell that only true believers in Father Christmas can hear ring. Discover the beloved Christmas...

Ebony Scrooge ZooNation

Venue: Sadler's Wells East

Website: www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/zoonation-ebony-scrooge

Meet Ebony, the formidable mastermind behind a renowned fashion empire. Everyone’s nightmare boss, she’s cancelled Christmas for her landmark fashion show. Storytelling dance powerhouse ZooNation give...

A Festive Evening with Axel Scheffler

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: https://discover.org.uk

Join Discover for an evening of seasonal festivity hosted by Axel Scheffler – the award-winning illustrator of the Gruffalo – to raise funds for Discover’s exciting future plans. All ages welcome,...

Havering Christmas Land 2025

Venue: Harrow Lodge House

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

The historic Harrow Lodge House building will be beautifully illuminated with twinkling lights and a spectacular Christmas Lights Walk Way in the ‘Secret Garden’ next to the building with 000s of stunning...

Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure

Venue: Greenwich Theatre

Website: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Fly away to Neverland and Hook your tickets now for this years swashbuckling, family adventure - ‘Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure! Brought to you by the team behind last years award winning Panto -...

Santas Grotto

Venue: Harrow Lodge House

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

Santa will be busy again this year so you will need to book to visit his Grotto. £7 per child includes a wrapped Christmas gift and you are free to take your own pictures. Presents are for ages 0-3, 3-5,...

Pinocchio

Venue: Shakespeare's Globe

Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com

Journey to a world of endless possibilities this festive season as Pinocchio comes to life in the iconic Globe Theatre for the premiere of a magical, unmissable new musical for the whole family by Charlie...

Santa's Special Trains

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

All children receive a present from Santa and inclusive Park and Ride service on vintage London buses from Epping or Ongar. Take a return journey on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North...

Bow Families: Bringing your drawings to life with Rosie Gibbens

Venue: Bow Arts Trust Courtyard Room

Website: www.bowarts.org

Join Rosie Gibbens to create moving drawings and collages of bodies using small clocks. Children will draw some of body parts or use pre-made body parts provided to make a collaborative installation drawing...

Pinney Talfourd’s – Christmas at Queen’s Charity Carol Concert

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

This Christmas stand with Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and the Queen’s Theatre Charitable Trust to give vulnerable animals and local arts a brighter future. With festive performances, sing-along carols,...

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures The Red Shoes

Venue: Sadler's Wells Theatre

Website: www.sadlerswells.com

A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to...

Nativity the Musical

Venue: Brookside Theatre

Website: www.brooksidetheatre.ticketsolve.com

Feel-good, funny and full of joy, this cracker of a musical was adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films. Featuring all of your favourite sing-a-long hits from the movies...

Revel Puck's Winter Festival

Venue: Walthamstow Town Square

Website: www.revelpuckcircus.com/winterfestival

East London’s own The Revel Puck Circus proudly presents the second edition of Revel Puck’s Winter Festival in an all new location. Following a smash hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Ugly Duckling...

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show!

Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket

Website: www.trh.co.uk

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show! With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?...

Cinema Chill: Ten in the Bed

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Chill out and watch a digital performance on the big screen in a relaxed and laidback environment.This humorous and inventive filmed production celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s...

Festive decoration making workshop

Venue: SPACE Ilford

Website: www.spacestudios.org.uk

Celebrate the season with this family-friendly festive workshop, guided by artists Linzie Hunter and Jill Tytherliegh. Open to all ages, this relaxed, hands-on session is a chance to explore pattern, play...

Haven House Santa's Grotto

Venue: Northfield Nursery

Website: www.havenhouse.org.uk

Begin your festive adventure with a twinkling Christmas walkthrough, where children can meet Father Christmas, enjoy seasonal activities, and receive a special gift and treat from the elves. It’s the...

Showstopper! The Christmas Kids Show

Venue: Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Website: https://sohotheatre.com

If your children could create their very own musical adventure – where would they start? Showstopper! The Christmas Kids Show takes kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from...

Splendiferous Santa Days

Venue: Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Website: www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Meet Santa in the galleries and get a chocolate treat. Enjoy storytelling from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Mrs Claus, meet the Oompa Loompas, and enjoy Christmas crafts and gallery trails.Free...

Christmas at Valentines Mansion

Venue: Valentines Mansion

Website: https://valentinesmansion.com

Go along for a day full of festive cheer - carol singing, craft stalls for some Christmas shopping, Artists' Open Studios, children's craft activities, live music, Victorian Christmas displays, mulled...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

Sign up with your workplace, school, community or friend group and join millions of people getting silly for a seriously good cause with Save the Children.You get to have fun, commit some crimes against...

Bow Families at The Rum Factory

Venue: The Rum Factory

Address: 49 Pennington Street, Wapping

Website: www.bowarts.org

In this workshop, children and their families can get hands on and experiment with different skills in an inclusive and friendly environment. The session will be accessible to all skill levels and age...

Santa’s Christmas Workshop

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre

Website: www.inilford.com

Visit Santa’s Workshop, where Santa and his hard-working elves are busily getting ready for The Big Day. All the boys and girls need to write their letters to Santa, and help the elves to get ready for...

SENsory Sailors

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/sensory-sailors

Families with children with special educational needs and disabilities are invited to a monthly session at the National Maritime Museum. Explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together,...

The Elves and The Shoemaker

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Created especially for pre-school children and their families, this joyful, interactive performance brings a sprinkle of sparkle, a dash of mischief, and a whole heap of heart. Follow the tale of a kind...

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre

Address: Lovegrove Theatre

Website: www.inilford.com/event/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz

Join Dorothy and follow the Yellow Brick Road on a quest to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz. Along the way, they’ll meet a lovable Scarecrow who needs a brain, a sweet Tin Man searching for a heart,...

Bluey's Big Play

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Back by popular demand, see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli in a live show packed with music, laughter, brilliantly created puppets and fun for the whole family.With an original story by Bluey creator...

Ingrebourne Santa's Grotto

Venue: Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Children are invited to put their Christmas wishes to paper by writing a personal letter to Santa, ready to be hand-delivered during their special visit into Santa’s beautifully decorated grotto, where...

Snow Play

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Snow Play is a showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who has to go away. Help Mr Green against Mr White in this highly interactive festive treat where you get to make a giant snowman,...

Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart!

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Join TV’s favourite doctors on a dino-mite adventure to unearth the most dangerous, most powerful, most important fart in history, in a gigantic brand-new show.As well as 12 seasons of Operation Ouch!,...

Disney on Ice

Venue: The O2

Website: www.theo2.co.uk

Join Anna and Elsa on their quest to protect their kingdom. Be inspired by the Disney Princesses with stories of courage, determination and kindness as you swim under the sea with Ariel, explore an enchanted...

Safe Harbour

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/safe-harbour

Safe Harbour is a series of free workshops created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families. The sessions are an opportunity for families to have fun together in a friendly and welcoming...

Dick Whittington

Venue: Hawkey Hall

Address: Woodford Green

Website: www.woodfordpantomime.co.uk

Follow the adventures of Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as they journey to London in search of fame and fortune. Woodford Pantomime are delighted to bring you another performance of endless toe-tapping...

London New Year's Day Parade 2026

Venue: Picadilly, Regents Street, St James's, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Westminster

Website: www.londonparade.com

Step into the heart of Westminster on New Year’s Day as the London Parade 2026 takes over the streets for its 40th Anniversary celebration. This unmissable extravaganza will showcase the very best of...

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

Venue: The O2

Website: www.theo2.co.uk

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live 10/01/2026 11/01/2026 The O2 www.theo2.co.uk

Bow Families at The Rum Factory

Venue: The Rum Factory

Address: 49 Pennington Street, Wapping

Website: www.bowarts.org

In this workshop, children and their families can get hands on and experiment with different skills in an inclusive and friendly environment. The session will be accessible to all skill levels and age...

Winter Lights

Venue: Throughout Canary Wharf

Website: https://canarywharf.com/

Winter Lights will return in January 2026 for its tenth edition! A crowd favourite, the Winter Lights festival showcases exceptional light artwork from acclaimed artists and studios around the world. Free....

Westminster Abbey Chorister Experience Day

Venue: Westminster Abbey

Website: www.westminster-abbey.org

Each term, interested primary school-aged boys can experience being an Abbey chorister for the day. A love of singing and enthusiasm for music are all they need: no formal training is necessary. Book...

Minecraft Experience

Venue: Maritime Street

Address: Corner Corner, Canada Water

Website: www.minecraftexperience.com/london

Don’t miss Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, the ultimate real-life immersive adventure coming to London. Battle mobs and collect resources in a daring quest to save the villagers. Experience Minecraft...