Royal Docks Winter Market

Head to the Royal Docks’ exciting new market, featuring street food, creative workshops, music performances, family-friendly shows, and more—all delivered by talented local artists and cultural organisations.

This vibrant community market is a collaboration between RoDMA, the Royal Docks Team, One Newham, Heroica, and the Good Hotel.

Saturday 14 December

Enchanted Elf Workshop

Step inside a magical craft workshop, where the spirit of the North Pole comes alive in the Royal Docks. As you walk through our twinkling doors, you'll be transported to an enchanting Elf Workshop. Roll up your sleeves and get creative with a little help from Santa’s elves; local artists Matt and Momtaz. As an elf-in-training, you’ll make an Elf Hat that you can wear and a personalised present to take home.

Time: Book a 45 minute slot on the day: workshop times: 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00
Location: Inside Good Hotel

The Lord Street Acoustic Busk 

The Newham-based Lord St. collective is back for another afternoon of spirited music. Join us for an intimate acoustic showcase from 2-6pm, featuring eight intimate performances by students, locals, and the Lord St. collective. A celebration of local talent and community spirit, this is an afternoon of live music you won't want to miss!

Time: 14.00 – 18.00
Location: Royal Victoria Docks Market

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December

Your Message in a Bottle

Look out for the Message in a bottle activity hosted by University of East London students. Add your festive message for a future Royal Docks resident. Messages will be used to inspire the Royal Docks Originals Festival which takes place in autumn 2025.

Time: 11am – 5pm
Location: Royal Victoria Dock Market

Sunday 15 December

Carols and Crafts

Join The Crafted Corner for Carols & Crafts, an inclusive, intergenerational event that combines the joy of creative expression with the magic of live holiday music. This event will offer a series of hands-on festive craft activities, such as ornament making, wreath crafting, and creating dried botanical cards for participants of all ages. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a local youth choir will perform live carols, creating an engaging and heartwarming backdrop for the activities and providing a platform for young people to showcase their talent.

Drop in between 12.00 to 14.00, or 15.00 to 17.00
Location: Royal Victoria Docks Market

Rock the Halls of Holly! Fun Festive Bauble Workshops

Join local artist Marilyn Fontaine for a festive bauble decorating workshop designed for both children and their adults! Create your own festive baubles using a variety of embellishments. Each participant will leave with a pair of beautifully decorated baubles.

Drop in activity times: 11 – 12.30 / 13.00 – 14.30 / 15.00 – 16.30
Location: Inside Good Hotel

Saturday 21 December

The Little Match Girl

The Little Match Girl - a heartwarming winter’s tale presented by Smoke and Mirrors Theatre Company.

Imagine Victorian London on a bitterly cold Christmas Eve. All those who are out on the streets are excitedly rushing home to prepare for the big day. Children are throwing snowballs, church bells are ringing, a choir is singing Christmas carols. But one young girl is lost and alone, trying to keep warm by lighting the last few matches she has left to sell. Will she survive the cold? Will anyone stop to help her? Come and find out by listening to her story.

All performances are BSL interpreted.

Performances throughout the day
Royal Victoria Docks Market

Sunday 22 December

Ukrainian Christmas Magic

These workshops invite children aged 4–8 to experience the magic of a traditional Ukrainian Christmas. Through interactive storytelling, crafts, and festive activities, children will learn about the rich traditions of Ukrainian Christmas, such as caroling (“kolyadky”), the significance of the Christmas star, and the joy of Sviatyi Vechir (Holy Evening). Activities include decorating ornaments inspired by Ukrainian folk art, making a symbolic “Didukh” (a sheaf of wheat representing ancestors), and “Christmas star.” Through these hands-on experiences, children will explore the values of kindness, family, and gratitude that are central to Ukrainian holiday traditions.

Drop in between 11am and 5pm
Outside Good Hotel, next to the Ukrainian boat

Madaleine Trigg: Feeling Festive: Hand-Made Felt Christmas decorations

Nothing feels more festive than putting up winter decorations! This workshop invites all generations to make bespoke, felt Christmas decorations for your home or tree. With rich, seasonal colours, you can make whatever you want – from Christmas trees and puddings, holly, stars and stockings to snowmen and Santas, or decorations with a Winter theme. Stencils, pre-cut patterns, felt, ferns, ribbons and sparkly adornments will be provided to assist your artistic visions as you customise your Christmas creations.

Drop in between 11am and 5pm
Inside Good Hotel