Biggest ever Christmas hits Redbridge

People from across the borough, and from wider London, will be jingling their bells and flocking to our town centres, forests and country parks this year for Redbridge's biggest ever Christmas.

Where in London – in the country in fact - can you walk right through a twinkling Christmas tree, get the perfect Instagram shot of your friends and family on an outdoor ice skating rink, meet the actual Batman before heading up an outdoor Christmas climbing wall at a Christmas event, meet the Grinch, then visit a Christmas craft market in the forest... and then round it all off watching a live festive show with your family? All in one borough!

All this and far more is happening in Redbridge this December, and it has put London Borough of Redbridge firmly on the map as having the best and biggest ever Christmas.

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said, “We are all about making Redbridge the best borough for local people to live in, and as part of this we have been working with partners to put on the biggest and best Christmas programme yet. Many of the activities on offer are free or low-cost and we hope this will give everyone a good dose of winter cheer and the chance to enjoy spending time making memories with friends and family.

“We haven’t done this alone, not by any stretch. The enormous event in Ilford has been organised and funded by Ilford BID, with partners including Exchange shopping Centre and Mercato Ilford. Vision have supported with the Christmas show, and other activities across our libraries and in Hainault Forest and at Fairlop Waters.

“We are grateful to Hasbro, who are kindly donating 35,000 brand new toys to children in our borough. We will be giving these to children most in need in Redbridge. We have been blown away by Hasbro’s generosity and know it will make Christmas so very special for these children. Thank you.”

 

The Grinch, who will be meeting people enjoying the festivities in Ilford High Road on 30 November said, “You may think, you may not know, that December in Redbridge it will snow. Soon I’ll be in Ilford town, so grab your friends and come on down!”

 

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said, “The festive season is a wonderful time for families, and we’re thrilled to offer a variety of exciting events to make it even more special. From our magical Christmas Light-Up events to the bustling Christmas Markets at Hainault Forest and Valentines Mansion, there’s something for everyone. At Redbridge Drama Centre, you can enjoy enchanting Christmas shows like A Christmas Carol and The Snow Queen, as well as festive workshops. Don’t forget, you can pick up a real Christmas tree from Tree Amigos at Christchurch Green starting 22 November!”

 

Luke Jenkins, Managing Director of Mercato Metropolitano said, “We're excited to share our very first Christmas with the wonderful Ilford community, filling the season with festive cheer. The MM team has created a dazzling line-up of events that promise joy and fun for everyone. From our MM family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

 

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Events in the London Borough of Redbridge this December include:

Made in Redbridge Festive Market

Come along with your family and friends for a festive day out at the Made in Redbridge Festive Market! From holiday shopping to intricate crafts, there’s something for everyone. This is the perfect chance to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday while getting into the holiday spirit. 🎁

Enjoy holiday shopping, handmade bespoke products, and festive fun! There will be a face painter from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, and children can join a festive trail from 1 PM to 2 PM

📅 When: Saturday, 7th December
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Where: Oakfield Road, IG1 1EF (between Santander & Redbridge Town Hall)

 

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🎄✨ Countdown to Christmas with Magical Celebrations across Redbridge! ✨🎄

This holiday season, get ready for festive fun with our special events starting 22 November! There's something for everyone - join us for:

❄️ The Snow Queen, A Celtic Christmas and Santa’s Christmas Workshop at Redbridge Drama Centre
🌟 Christmas Light-Up Events across Redbridge
🌲 Christmas Market at Hainault Forest
🎩 Victorian Christmas Market at Valentines Mansion
🎄 Tree Amigos Christmas Tree & Craft Sales at Christchurch Green
⛸️ Fairlop Ice Kingdom at Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre
🎨 Children's Christmas Crafts at Redbridge Libraries
🌲 Enchanted Christmas Market at Forest Road Playing Fields
…and so much more! Don't miss out on the cheer and merriment!

🎅 For more information, visit: visionrcl.org.uk/christmas

 

Christmas Light Up events 🎄✨ Kicking Off the Festivities Across Redbridge! ✨🎄

Join us as we light up local towns with holiday cheer! From 22 November 22 to 1 December, witness the official lighting of twinkling evergreens that will mark the start of the season. 🎅💫

And don’t miss our special 2024 Christmas show, Sant-Nav! 🎭 Dive into Santa's Workshop and meet two of Santa’s chief elves, battling festive chaos after Santa’s navigation system breaks down! Will they save Christmas in time? Expect laughs, music, and a hearty dose of holiday spirit. 🌟

📅

· Wanstead: Friday 22 November 4pm - George Green, Opposite Tube Station & Library

· Barkingside: Saturday 23 Nov 4pm - Ken Aston Square by Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre & Library

· Hainault: Tuesday 26 Nov, 4pm - Outside Hainault Library Library

· Seven Kings: Friday 29 Nov, 4pm - Seven Kings Tube Station

· Ilford: Saturday 30 Nov, 12pm - Outside the Town Hall (Organised by inIlford)

· Valentines Mansion: Sunday 1 Dec, 4pm - Outside the Mansion

🎄 For more details, visit visionrcl.org.uk/christmas

#Christmas #ChristmasInRedbridge #HolidayLights #FestiveFun #SantNav #RedbridgeCelebrations

 

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Christmas at Mercato Metropolitano

Ilford Christmas Lights Event at MM

Date: Saturday 30th November

Timings: Midday - Late

Join us on Saturday, November 30th in Ilford for a fun-packed day and evening. We have live entertainers throughout the day, and we will kick off the evening entertainment with live Dhol drummers followed by live bands, and a DJ playing Bhangra, Bollywood, and more into the late night.

 

Christmas Bubble Workshop at Mercato

Date: Saturday 30th November
Times: Various throughout the day

Get ready for an hour of pure wonder! This isn’t just any show—the talented bubble artist, Olena Nesterenko, returns to MM Ilford to share the secrets of her enchanting art, bringing a touch of holiday magic. Expect joy, awe, and captivating bubble techniques in this unique festive experience.

Enchanting Bubble Performance:
The show begins with an impressive performance as Olena dazzles the audience with her incredible bubble tricks and stunning displays, filling the air with seasonal wonder and delight.

Step Inside a Giant Bubble:
Kids will have the unique opportunity to step inside a giant bubble—creating unforgettable memories and the perfect photo moment for this special season.

Mesmerising Special Effects:
Prepare for a delightful display, featuring magical smoke-filled bubbles and even fire effects, adding a thrilling touch to this holiday show!

Safety and Supervision:
Parents are responsible for their children’s safety and must supervise them throughout the show.

*Suitable for children aged 6-10,

 

Christmas Cinema at Mercato

Dates:

1st December: Home Alone

8th December: The Grinch

15th December: Jack Frost

22nd December: Elf

29th December: The Polar Express

 

Join us at Mercato Ilford for a FREE Christmas cinema experience! Starting Sunday, December 1st, we're screening holiday classics to get you in the festive spirit. Every Sunday at 4pm, enjoy a beloved Christmas film and a free cup of popcorn.

Bring your friends and family and make it a holiday tradition. Don’t forget to try our traders' special Christmas foods and festive drinks to make it a Sunday to remember. See you there for some holiday cheer!

 

Christmas Sing-A-Long at Mercato

Dates: 5/12/19 December

Times: 7-9pm

Calling all music lovers, singers, and instrumentalists! Every other Thursday at 7pm, we're bringing Christmas sing-alongs to the next level. Join us for a free night of music and fun with a live band, great food, and drinks.

Get ready to sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas movie soundtracks, traditional carols, and festive pop anthems! Whether you're a seasoned singer or just looking to have fun, everyone is welcome. Bring your instrument and join in, or just sing along with the crowd. No experience is necessary, just a love of music and a festive spirit!

 

Christmas Jumper Day at Mercato

Date: Thursday 12th December

All day

Get ready for a day of festive fun and fashion blunders! We’re celebrating Ugly Christmas Jumper Day and want to see your most outrageous, over-the-top, and delightfully tacky holiday sweaters. 🎅🦌✨

Whether it's bedazzled reindeer, clashing colours, or mismatched ornaments, the uglier your jumper, the better! Wear your most fabulously hideous creation and join in the festive cheer.

Prize Alert!
The person rocking the ugliest jumper will win a gift voucher, perfect for treating yourself at Mercato this Christmas! 🎁🍽️

We will be judging between 5-8pm

It’s all about fun, laughter, and spreading holiday joy—so dust off those wild sweaters and come get merry with us! 🌟

 

Christmas Gingerbread Decorating Workshop at Mercato

Date: Saturday 14th December

Times: Various -please check the ticket link

Tickets: £5 - https://www.designmynight.com/london/restaurants/east-london/mercato-ilford/gingerbread-making-masterclass

Step into the festive season with a creative, fun-filled Gingerbread Decorating Workshop at Mercato Metropolitano! Starting on December 14th, join us at 2 PM to kick off the holiday cheer and decorate gingerbread masterpieces with the help of Tom the Baker, our local expert known for his delicious creations.

In this cosy, 1-hour session, Tom will guide you through decorating techniques, from delicate icing work to fun and colourful toppings, perfect for gingerbread men, stars, and more! Whether you're a baking enthusiast or just want to get into the holiday spirit, this workshop is a fantastic way to spend a festive evening with family or friends.

For just £5, you’ll leave with your own gingerbread creations and memories to sweeten the season. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early!

 

Live Christmas choir at Mercato

Dates:

Saturday, 14th December

Saturday, 21st December

Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit with the enchanting sounds of Christmas at Mercato Ilford!

Join us for two Saturdays of festive cheer as our Christmas Choir fills the air with joyful carols and holiday classics.

Bring your loved ones, grab a warm drink, and let the beautiful harmonies and timeless carols transport you into the magic of the season. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to escape the holiday rush and bask in the joy of Christmas music.

Don’t miss this heartwarming event – come celebrate, sing along, and make some unforgettable holiday memories! 🎶✨

 

Christmas Happiness Hour at Mercato

When: Wednesday - Friday 5-8pm

Sip, savour, and socialise with a drink from @bebeme_london at MM Ilford 🥂

BeBeMe brings a fresh take on mixology to East London:
🍸Beautifully-crafted cocktails
🍷A full collection of wines and beers
🧉An impressive selection of low/no alcohol options
Pop down after work for our weekday “Happiness Hours”
🍸 Enjoy £6 cocktails, wine and prosecco

🍺£5 draft beers
Make sure you check out our signature non-alcoholic cocktail menu too!

 

Christmas at Exchange Ilford

This December, Exchange Ilford invites you and your little ones to step into a magical experience like no other at their Christmas Grotto! Transform your holiday season with a visit to an enchanting Candy Cane Wonderland, where festive cheer and wonderful surprises await.

🎅 From just £3.50 per child, venture into Santa’s Candy Cane Cabin, meet the main man and indulge in the festive spirit before collecting your gift ahead of the big day.

📸 Capture the Magic: Photography will be available for purchase on the day, allowing you to take home a keepsake of this unforgettable experience. All profits from photography sales will be donated to Ilford in Green, supporting our local community and helping to create a greener, more vibrant space for everyone.

Find out more today- Visit us this festive season at our Candy Cane Christmas Grotto! 🎅 | Exchange Ilford | Shopping Centre in Ilford

More Christmas events in Redbridge

Welcome to the Enchanted Christmas Market Festival 2024📍🎄

Come join us on Saturday Dec 14 and Sunday Dec 15 2024 from 11:00 AM to 8.00 PM two magical days at Hainault Skatepark, IG6 3HW 🎅

Experience the festive spirit with delicious food, unique gifts, live music, and more! ☃️

- Free to enter and Meet Santa Claus in our Grotto for kids and Families both days
- Christmas Stalls - Food and Drinks with Kids rides and entertainment
- Fun-fair rides for all ages with music and local bands and choirs performances
- A fully - festive christmas experience with a winter-wonderland in Essex / East London
- Our unique Snow machine with Giant Kids snow globe and games for all xmas festive spirit

Free entry - Free parking is available online at eelassociation.com to sign up and join us all ✨

 

Discover what’s on at SPACE Studios!

All our events, exhibitions and workshops are FREE and take place at

SPACE Ilford, 10 Oakfield Road, IG1 1ZJ

(rear of Redbridge Town Hall, opposite Redbridge Central Library)

Scan the QR code to discover more.

MAIN GALLERY

Open Wed 11am – 5pm; Sat 11am – 3pm

Djofray Makumbu, Snap!

25 October 2024 – 19 March 2025

An exhibition of portraits capturing the energy and joy of the British Congolese community in the 1980s and 90s. Painted from original photographs taken by the artist’s father.

SIDE GALLERY

Open Wed 11am – 5pm; Sat 11am – 3pm

Kassandra Gordon, Ilford and me

11 September – 14 December 2024

An exhibition of fine jewellery by award-winning jeweller Kassandra Gordon, created and designed in collaboration with Redbridge residents inspired by their stories of migration and belonging.

Coming soon

Local residents exhibit their street photography taken in and around Redbridge, supported by photographer Mr Geez.

BILLBOARD COMMISSION

Outside the gallery at SPACE Ilford

Mr Geez, Ilford’s son

October 2024 – March 2025

An artwork celebrating the life of professional boxer and Redbridge resident Nigel Benn by local photographer Mr Geez.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

Free family-friendly workshops suitable for all ages and abilities led by SPACE studio artists – visit our website spacestudios.org.uk/family-activities for the latest events and to book your place. Sat 9 Nov 2024, 11am – 3pm

Look, see, make creative workshop with Emma Douglas

Inspired by our exhibitions, create your own beautiful sculpture, drawing or painting to take home. All materials will be provided.

Sat 7 Dec 2024, 11am – 3pm

Experimental sound and drawing workshop with Sophie Seita

A fun workshop where you will experiment with graphic musical scores by drawing sounds you hear or imagine!

Sat 25 Jan 2025, 11am – 3pm

Family frames: stop motion animation workshop with Nicole Morris

Taking inspiration from our current exhibition, Djofray Makumbu’s Snap!, we will work together to create a stop motion animation of your own family life.