Markets, music and magical moments will make South Woodford merry this festive season. It’s time to celebrate with the community. Kris Kringle reports
A s frosty mornings paint the rooftops white and fairy lights brighten the early evenings, South Woodford readies itself for a season of festive delight. It’s a time to connect with neighbours, enjoy traditions and share in the celebrations. Here are some local festive events you can enjoy with family and friends.
Woodford Christmas Craft Market
22 November; 10am to 3pm (free entry)
Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road
Providing local creatives with a platform to showcase their wares.
Christmas Bazaar
29 November; 11am to 3pm (entry: £2)
Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road
Father Christmas visits also available (£5 per child; includes gift).
Christmas Light-Up
5 December; from 3.30pm (free)
George Lane roundabout, South Woodford
Join Santa for the switching on of South Woodford’s Christmas lights and a jolly singalong of festive songs with Oakdale Choir, Redbridge Music Lounge and Brook Brass. Meet some surprise Christmas visitors and enjoy festive refreshments.
Jack and the Beanstalk
5 December; 5pm to 6pm (tickets: £12.50)
Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford
A pop-up panto.
On-screen festive performances
from 7 December; (tickets: from £15)
Odeon, High Road, South Woodford
From André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas concert to Royal Ballet and Opera’s performance of The Nutcracker, enjoy festive live shows from the comfort of your local cinema.
Santa’s Christmas Workshop
from 13 December; various times
(adults: £7; children: £15)
Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford
Come and visit Santa’s workshop, where Santa and his hard-working elves are busily getting ready for the big day. Elves will welcome you to their magical interactive Christmas show, after which Miss Christmas will take you to the workshop, where you will be able to make a Christmas decoration and write your letter to Santa. Next, you will be invited to meet Father Christmas himself in the grotto. His helpful elves can then take your photo with your own phone or camera.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
from 14 December; various times
(adults: £17.50; children: £15)
Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford
This Christmas get ready to twirl through a twister and land in the colourful Land of Oz, where magic sparkles, friendships grow and anything is possible! A Redbridge Creates production.
South Woodford Christmas Market
21 December; 11am to 4pm
George Lane, South Woodford
The monthly community market – offering a wide range of food and craft products – will be a family-friendly event with live music, festive stalls and Santa’s Grotto.
Dick Whittington
from 1 January;
various times (£19)
Sir James Hawkey Hall, Woodford Green
A production by the award-winning Woodford Pantomime, which has brought joy, laughter and magic to the community since the 1960s.
Local school and church events
Festive fun, gift stalls, special events and services – too many to include here, so check the full listings to see what’s on.
For more information on these and other Christmas events in South Woodford, visit swvg.co.uk/christmas25
