A new Christmas festival with family-fun activities is opening next month within a walk of the Elizabeth Line.
Woolwich was named by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best places to live for 2023, with SE18 gaining recognition for its “impressive views of the Thames, connections to central London and its cultural offering”, as they wrote it makes the “fertile ground for young professionals seeking a foothold on the London property ladder.”
Now Woolwich is set to host a new Christmas festival by the riverside, within a 14-minute commute of Central London via the Elizabeth Line.
Set across multiple buildings in the historic site of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich Works will be offering a calendar of festive activities to mark the festive season, from live entertainment to festive shopping and food.
From December 1, Woolwich Works will be launching its 24 Days of Christmas Festival, with a calendar of events for people of all ages running over the festive period.
The festival will take place on Woolwich’s riverside, with both indoor and outdoor activities amidst festive decorations and Christmas lights.
There will be a range of activities from Christmas cookery classes, wine tasting, festive yoga and a Santa’s Grotto for the children.
There will also be a host of festive entertainment to mark the month, with live music, carols and performances from local bands.
For shoppers there will also be a chance to get some Christmas shopping done at the Royal Arsenal Riverside Winter Festival, which will be hosting a Christmas market with craft stalls, street food stalls and live music and dance performances.
When is it running from?
Events will run from December 2, 2023 until December 23, 2023
Where is it?
Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 4DX
The closest stations are Woolwich and Woolwich Arsenal.
How much?
Ticket prices vary depending on events.
Entry to the Royal Arsenal Riverside Winter Festival is free.
What’s on for kids?
Santa’s Grotto will be open for children to visit on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between December 1 and December 23.
Children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, take a photo and receive a special gift.
On Saturday, December 2 there will be a storytelling show of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt“, directed by Sally Cockson.
On Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, there will also be a Showstoppers’ Christmas Kids Show allowing children to get creative with music.
What’s on for adults?
On Sunday, December 3 adults can try some Festive Disco Yoga, which blends together yoga with some seasonal fun, in the form of tunes played by Boney M and Mariah Carey.
On Thursday, December 14, Friday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16 guests can enjoy a meal along with some festive cabaret performances.
On Friday, December 22 teachers and parents can attend the End of Term Party, with festive fun to mark the end of the school term.
Recently appointed Director of Woolwich Works Nick Williams said: “I am delighted to be leading Woolwich Works into the festive season this year.
“We wanted to present a programme which brings people together and excites and entertains in equal measure.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase local talent, introduce many more people to our fantastic venue and sing the praises of South East London”.
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