Winter in Waltham Forest 2025
See what's on in Waltham Forest this winter...
Thursday 20 November: Leytonstone light switch-on event
A magic Christmas lights switch-on event will kick off Leytonstone’s festive events programme on Thursday 20 November from 4pm to 6.30pm at St John’s Leytonstone Churchyard.
You’ll find Santa’s Grotto, a bouncy castle, reindeer rodeo, mulled wine, DJ and more at the town centre’s popular annual switch on event. This is event is also free!
The rest of the season is packed with great events and activities too, including Christmas markets, craft workshops, children’s winter trail, food pop-ups, films, live music and so much more.
Our local businesses have loads going on too, so make sure you’re out and about in Leytonstone Town Centre to shop, eat, drink, play and be merry! Follow @leytonstoneloveslocal on Instagram for live updates!
Friday 21 November: Wood Street Wonderland
Get ready! Wood Street Wonderland is back, and this year it's going to be bigger and better than ever.
Join us for this free, family-friendly event on Friday 21 November, from 4pm to 7pm for a range of performances curated by local bar owner and events organiser, Pixie Presents.
There will be a larger Christmas Market this year too, and as with last year there will be food and drink available, a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) friendly space by the Together Space, free Santa’s grotto and of course the traditional lights switch-on countdown!
This event is brought to you by Waltham Forest Council and Countryside Homes.
Thursday 27 November: William Morris Late
Celebrate the season as William Morris Gallery opens its doors after hours (5pm to 9pm) on Thursday 27 November for an evening of free music and merriment. The Gallery’s Christmas Tree lights up at 7pm with the Mayor of Waltham Forest. Hear live music from the Choir of Joy and Natural Voices community choir, join in on FREE festive crafts for all ages, shop at the pop-up Christmas Market, see Women in Print after hours. Plus, enjoy a mulled wine and festive treats at Deeneys.
Friday 28 November: Lighting up Highams Park
Come along to Hale End Library at 6.30 pm on Friday 28 November.
You are invited to come down for the lighting of the Christmas tree and some other festive decorations.
There will be carol singing by local choir Harmony E4 and, courtesy of Tesco Highams Park, there will be free mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies on offer.
This year we will be unveiling the new tree and the Christmas Window at the library.
Refreshments from 6.15pm, tree lighting at 6.30 pm with finish at 7.15pm.
From Thursday 4 December to Sunday 4 January: Revel Pucks Circus Winter Festival
The Revel Puck Circus returns for another year with its Winter Festival, now taking place in Walthamstow Town Square between Walthamstow Central Library and 17&Central.
From Thursday 4 December to Sunday 4 January, there will be a pop-up taproom and a heated covered garden from Signature Brew, a festive market in partnership with Waltham Forest Council, and training and performance slots for the local community, plus two all new productions:
- Fête du Puck, a foot-stampingly audacious celebration of the past, present, and future of circus with an international cast of exceptional talent!
- The Ugly Duckling - a circus story, is for younger audiences aged 2 to 7, reimagining the classic coming-of-age tale with an acrobatic twist celebrates difference and finding your tribe.
As an added Christmas bonus, Waltham Forest residents are eligible for the concession ticket option plus an additional 10% with discount code WFC10.
Saturday 6 December: Love South Chingford Christmas Funday
Live music, face-painting, raffles, visit Santa, cakes and more!
From 12pm to 5pm at St Edmunds Community Hall, Chingford, E4 8JL
Sunday 7 December: Wood Street First Christmas Tea Party
Free Christmas tea party for senior citizens, Sunday 7 December, 1pm to 4pm, St Gabriels Family Centre, Havant Road, E17 3JF
Please email bookings.wsf@hotmail.com to reserve your space.
Sunday 7 December: The Highams Park Christmas Fayre
This year the Highams Park Christmas Fayre will consist of a Food Market in the Station Car Park and a Craft Market in Signal Walk from 11.00am to 5.00 pm. With massed Carol Singing in Signal Walk at 4:00 pm. Don't forget to check out both markets when you come along and also to keep a look out for the stilt walking reindeer and juggler!
The Craft Market in Signal Walk will have a wide range of Arts & Craft/gift stalls and mulled wine and cider with live music.
The Food Market in Highams Park Station Car Park will have a range of food stalls, including fresh and cooked meats, breads, cheeses and more.
There will also be free children’s rides.
Sunday 7 December: St James Big Local Christmas Carol Tour
St James Big Local Christmas carol tour with brass band around St James with a finale at CRATE.
5pm Christmas Tree (opposite Oxfam)
5.20pm Mission Grove School (Buxton Road)
5.40pm Northcote Road (Pretoria Avenue)
6pm Glenthorne Road
6.20pm Coppermill Lane (Haroldstone Road)
6.40pm CRATE, St James Street
Tuesday 9 December: V17 Christmas Carols
V17 (Walthamstow Village Residents Association) host their annual carol singing on Walthamstow Village Square. Tuesday 9 December, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Mulled wine and mince pies available
Follow V17 on Instagram for updates
Wednesday 17 December: Family Festive Fun Day
Family Festive Fun Day is back by popular demand!
Last year’s event was a hit with over 250 families attending, and we’re excited to bring it back for families to enjoy together. Join us on Wednesday 17 December, 1pm to 3.30pm at Walthamstow Library, High Street, E17 7JN.
Free drop-in activities are suitable for younger children, and include:
- Meet Santa
- Arts and crafts
- The Elmer Adventure storytelling session
- Fun games and giveaways
Drop in and join the festive fun!
Thursday 18 December: Mini Morris: Recycled Christmas Tree Craft
This December, bring your little artists to William Morris Gallery for a festive creative adventure! Craft vibrant Christmas trees using fabric scraps, recycled treasures, and leftover materials. Mini Morris are free, drop-in sessions for children aged 2-5 and their parents/carers. Choose from sessions at either 10am, 11.45am, or 1.30pm.
Mini Morris - William Morris Gallery
From 20 December: The Elmer Adventure
Soho Theatre Walthamstow is also hosting The Elmer Adventure from Saturday 20 December through to Sunday 4 January. Based on the much-loved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant books by David McKee, this magical, musical adaptation promises fun for those aged three to 103.
Sunday 21 December: Philharmonia Brass at Christmas
Tickets are now on sale for the Philharmonia Brass at Christmas show on Sunday 21 December at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Curated and introduced by trombonist Philip White, the concert will include arrangements of Christmas songs, carols, seasonal classics and more.
Follow Waltham Forest on Instagram and Facebook for live updates.