This December, South East London’s premier arts, culture and entertainment venue Woolwich Works transforms into a wintery wonderland of music, laughter, storytelling and sparkle, as the award-winning riverside complex rolls out a packed festive season for all ages. For more information, visit the Woolwich Works website.
From soulful choirs to playful performances, from creative craft sessions to a gloriously kitsch (and canine-accommodating) Santa’s grotto, every corner of the former Royal Arsenal will come alive with Christmas cheer and new memories being made.
Kicking things off on 29 November, Woolwich Works welcomes the return of the Christmas Candy Grotto, London’s boldest and most colourful festive experience. Every weekend until 22 December, families are invited to step inside a sugar-coated dreamworld complete with candy-cane fences, edible gardens and an audience with Santa himself. With its dazzling décor, dog-friendly policy and irresistible discounts available, this sweet-toothed spectacular promises to be one of South London’s most joyful Yuletide traditions.
That same evening, the Out of the Shadows Choir fills the Ropekeepers Studio with the glorious sound of A (Not So) Silent Night – a heart-warming evening of reimagined Christmas classics, close-harmony vocals and plenty of feel-good festive spirit. Then, on 7 December, the much-loved Baby Gospel returns with its Christmas Special, led by members of the CK Gospel Choir, blending soul, Motown and timeless carols into an uplifting singalong for all generations – from babies to grandparents and everyone in between.
For younger audiences, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings its brand-new production, A Christmas Wish to Woolwich Works, from 14 to 22 December. This charming story follows Fern the Christmas Fairy and Eggnog the Elf as they decorate their cosy home and discover what it truly means to make a wish. With enchanting choreography, glittering costumes and a chance to meet the dancers afterwards, it’s a magical introduction to live performance for children aged 0–8 (including those with special needs).
The creativity continues with Christmas Crafternoon: A Kitschmas Celebration on 14, 21 and 22 December, where guests can roll up their sleeves for 30-minute bursts of retro-inspired craft-making. Expect glitter, handmade cards, over-the-top tree ornaments and a healthy dose of festive nostalgia.
Meanwhile, 14 December also sees the British Youth Music Theatre take over the Fireworks Factory with Let It Snow, the company’s much-loved annual Christmas showcase. Young performers from across the UK reunite for an evening of seasonal songs and highlights from their 2025 musical season, reaffirming BYMT’s status as the largest commissioner of new musicals in the country.
As schools wrap up for the year, the celebrations continue with the End-of-Term Winter Party on 19 December—a free afternoon of music, dancing, and games at the Visitors’ Book Café. DJs will spin festive favourites while families, toddlers and teens toast the start of the holidays together.
The same evening (19 December), the festive programme reaches a grand finale with Chineke! Christmas, performed by the resident Chineke! Orchestra in the Fireworks Factory. Audiences can expect a rousing concert of carols, soulful songs and traditional tunes performed with the orchestra’s trademark brilliance and warmth – the perfect crescendo to Woolwich Works’ family-friendly winter celebrations.
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