A community Christmas

Festive fun, seasonal sounds and community celebrations are set to bring Christmas cheer to the community. Kris Kringle takes a look at what’s coming up in South Woodford

As winter settles over South Woodford and twinkling lights begin to brighten the darker evenings, the festive season is getting into full swing. From seasonal traditions to community celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities to get together and enjoy some Christmas cheer. Here are a few local events to enjoy with family and friends.

Woodford Christmas Craft Market 21 November; 10am to 3pm (free entry) Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road Providing local creatives with a platform to showcase their wares.

Haven House Christmas Trail 28 and 29 November; 10am to 3pm (tickets: £10) Haven House, Woodford Green, IG8 9LB Follow the path through the magical, wintry woods to complete the Christmas Trail.

Christmas Bazaar 28 November; 10.30am to 3pm (entry: £2) Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road Father Christmas visits also available (£5 per child; includes a gift).

Jack and the Beanstalk Pop-Up Panto 28 and 29 November, various times (tickets: £15) Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford Join brave young Jack, his larger-than-life mum Dame Trott, a twinkly Fairy, and a Golden Goose with attitude as they take on the grumpy giant in this laugh-out-loud adventure for all the family.

Christmas Light Up 4 December; from 3.30pm (free) George Lane roundabout, South Woodford Join the SOWO Society for the switching on of South Woodford’s Christmas lights and a jolly singalong of festive songs with Da Capo Brass and the Redbridge Music Lounge. Meet some surprise Christmas visitors and enjoy festive refreshments.

Haven House Santa’s Grotto 5 to 23 December; 9.30am to 4pm (tickets: £15) Roding Lane North, IG8 8LZ Haven House’s Santa’s Grotto is moving to a brand-new home at Redbridge Garden Centre.

On-screen festive performances from 7 December (tickets: from £17.50) 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.

A Celtic Christmas 6 December; various times (tickets: £19.50) Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford Enjoy cherished carols sung with an ethereal beauty and performed on traditional instruments.

The Story of the Nativity 11 and 12 December; 7.30pm (tickets: £14) Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford Seven actors use inventive storytelling techniques to play more than 50 characters in one of the world’s greatest stories.

Elf Jr The Musical and Santa’s Grotto 18 to 24 December (tickets: from £18) Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford A Redbridge Creates Youth Theatre Company production, with the option to book a visit to Santa’s Grotto after the show.

South Woodford Christmas Market 20 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 festive event.

Beauty and the Beast 1 to 17 January; various times (tickets: £20.50) Sir James Hawkey Hall, Woodford Green A production by the award-winning Woodford Pantomime.

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.