Christmas at Woolwich Works brings Santa’s Grotto, family theatre, music and festive events to the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich from November into December 2026. Here’s what’s actually on, including dates, prices and quieter sessions, so you can plan without trawling through dozens of listings.
Santa’s Grotto: 28 November–23 December
Santa’s Grotto opens on selected dates between Saturday 28 November and Wednesday 23 December 2026. Children can enjoy festive activities, write to Santa and meet him. Child tickets cost £13.50 including the £1.50 booking fee; accompanying adults enter free. Under-ones can enter without a ticket, but need a paid child ticket for the activity and gift.
Quieter sessions: 10am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, plus 10am on 21, 22 and 23 December. There are also advertised dog-only sessions at 2pm on Sundays and 23 December. Check the official Grotto dates and ticket FAQs before booking; tickets are generally non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
Family Christmas events and ticket prices
- 22 November: National Children’s Orchestras Winter Concert — from £9; under-fives free.
- 5 December: The Magic Flute, 11.30am and 3pm — from £15 concession / under-18, £17.50 standard; suggested age 7+. Contains haze, some flashing lights and low-level sound effects.
- 12 December: Winter SEND Family Fun & Info Day — free.
- 13 December: The Elf Factory, 1pm and 3pm — from £17.50; predominantly non-verbal family circus theatre.
- 17 December: A Christmas Carol — from £22.50; recommended ages 12+.
- 18 December: Christmas karaoke, with a free children’s session advertised at 6.30pm.
- 19 December: Santa’s Silent Disco — from £12.50, with the family event running 4–6pm.
- 21 December: Baby Gospel Christmas Family Concert — from £11.50, especially suited to ages 0–8.
Prices are the venue’s advertised starting prices, not a guarantee of current availability. Check individual event listings and booking fees via the official Woolwich Works Christmas programme.
The Elf Factory — production photographs
A first look at The Elf Factory, part of the Woolwich Works Christmas programme. Images courtesy of Woolwich Works.
How to plan your visit
Woolwich Works has a mix of performances and activities rather than one single Christmas ticket. Start by choosing the individual show or Santa session that suits your group, then check its date, running time, age guidance, booking fees and availability on the official venue listing. A quieter Santa session should not be assumed to be suitable for every child’s sensory needs; ask the venue about the specific arrangements before booking.
If you are travelling with children or anyone who needs step-free access, check the particular event’s seating layout and arrival arrangements rather than relying only on general venue accessibility information. Prices and programme details may change, so the official booking page takes priority over older promotional posts.
Alternative Christmas: Drag, Bingo and Disco
For a festive night out that isn’t a traditional panto, Woolwich Works has announced Disco Orchestrated on 28 November 2026, Drag the Halls on 10 December and Drag Bingo UK: Festive Edition on 11 December. Drag the Halls is advertised from £13.50 standard or £11.50 concessions, including the stated booking fee. Check individual event pages for age guidance, access information, available seats and final checkout prices before booking.
These are part of the official Woolwich Works Christmas programme. For families, the free Winter SEND Family Fun & Info Day and the previously listed children’s performances remain covered above.
Access and SEND
Check the venue’s advertised SEND activities and quiet Santa sessions. Contact Woolwich Works to confirm step-free routes, companion tickets, seating and any performance-specific adaptations.
Getting there and further reading
Woolwich Works is based in the Royal Arsenal. See our Woolwich transport guide, our Christmas 2026 hub, and the preserved Christmas 2025 archive.
Browse the official Woolwich Works Christmas programme for up-to-date availability.
