Liat Rosenthal, Head of Creative Programmes, and the entire Woolwich Works team are thrilled to unveil their heart-warming family-friendly schedule throughout the Christmas period.
London’s boldest, most playful and colourful grotto experience is returning to Woolwich Works! Christmas Candy Grotto is open to all ages and will be taking place every weekend leading up to Christmas (29 – 22 December), providing a sweet treat for the entire family this festive season. Expect a sugar-coated grotto, with a candy-cane fence, and an edible garden and what is one of London’s most memorable Yuletide happenings. There’s an early bird discount available too, so booking in advance is advised.
On Saturday 29 November, Out of the Shadows Choir bring their signature sound to the Ropekeepers Studio with A (Not So) Silent Night. Expect gorgeous new arrangements of well-known songs, beautiful close harmony singing and plenty of Christmas cheer that will leave audiences feeling warm and ready for a mince pie!
Live At The Works, South East London’s biggest comedy night returns to the Fireworks Factory on 29 November and will see its final show of 2025 feature a superb line-up, headlined by multi-award-winning comedian Russell Kane with Taskmaster and Celebrity Traitors star Lucy Beaumont, Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Amy Gledhill and Comedy Central’s Tadiwa Mahlunge.
From 5–7 December, Woolwich Works hosts the UK’s top chicken wing festival with Wing Wonderland. Award-winning international wing slingers will showcase unique and festive flavours such as Pineapple, Buffalo, Smokey Honey Jalapeño, Doughnut, Sticky Toffee, Korean BBQ and many more! Wings are reasonably priced at just £1 – £1.50. Guests can load up, vote for their favourites, and help decide who takes home the WingJam Belt.
Baby Gospel returns to the Ropekeepers Studio on Sunday 7 December with a Christmas special led by members of the CK Gospel Choir. Expect an uplifting mix of soul, Motown, carols and Christmas classics and with plenty of opportunities for participation. It’s an uplifting experience for all ages!
Drag The Halls! in the Ropekeepers Studio on Thursday 11 December is a spectacular queer cabaret and variety show presented by LGBTQ Greenwich. This high-energy evening features London’s most sensational drag artists, serving up show-stopping burlesque, hilarious comedy and powerful live vocals. It’s an unforgettable celebration of glamour and heart.
Karaoke at The Works: Christmas Special is a festive twist on Woolwich Works’ much-loved, monthly karaoke night in the Visitors’ Book Café on Friday 12 December. Hosted by self-proclaimed cabaret legends Binkie & Maud, the evening promises to be full of showbiz glamour and plenty of fun – whether guests are taking the mic or just cheering from the sidelines.
Also on Friday 12 December, revellers can experience the lively Christmas Ceildh in the Fireworks Factory. The Wraggle-Taggle Ceilidh Band, known for their lively and traditional folk music, will guide audiences through each dance with a caller. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, the evening promises a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. Ideal for singles, couples, and groups of friends or families, this event promises a kilt-raising good time.
For families with little ones who love to dance, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings A Christmas Wish to the Works from Sunday 14 – Monday 22 December, a magical festive tale for ages 0–8 (including special needs). This charming story follows Fern the Christmas Fairy and Eggnog the Elf on Christmas Eve as they decorate their cosy home and discover what it means to make a wish. Featuring gorgeous costumes and enthralling choreography, the show finishes with a chance to meet the dancers on stage.
On Sunday 14 and Sunday 21 December, and Monday 22 December, guests will be able to join the Christmas Crafternoon: A Kitschmas Celebration in the Workers’ Bar for a lively 30-minute craft session bursting with vintage vibes, glittering decorations, handmade cards and over-the-top tree ornaments.
Families will have the chance to get festive and kick off the school holidays with the End of Term Winter Party on Friday 19 December, a free drop-in celebration with music, dancing and games. Featuring a DJ spinning tunes and feel-good beats and a cafe takeover to get everyone from toddlers to grown-ups joining in.
On Friday 19 December, Woolwich Works’ resident artistic company Chineke! Orchestra brings some seasonal cheer to the Fireworks Factory with Chineke! Christmas. The concert features heart-warming carols, soulful songs and traditional tunes in a joyful celebration suitable for all ages.
Finally, on Sunday 21 December, dive into Quizmas – a festive Christmas Special Quiz in the Visitors’ Book Café with tantalising rounds like picture puzzles, music, mystery voices and more. Entry is £2.50 per person (pay by card on the night), and there’s a £50 first prize, wine for second, plus spot prizes.
Liat Rosenthal, Head of Creative Programmes at Woolwich Works said: “December is always a special time at Woolwich Works, especially as the much-loved Christmas Candy Grotto will return to our Knight Gallery every weekend leading up to Christmas from 29 November onwards. This year we’re embracing the season with a programme full of festive magic. From the glitter and glamour of Drag The Halls to the uplifting Baby Gospel Christmas Special, and from the enchanting family ballet A Christmas Wish to the lively End of Term Winter Party that rounds off the festivities, there’s something for every age group. Throw some Christmas Karaoke into the mix and it’s the perfect way to wrap up a month of festive fun.”
