Christmas shopping close to home, an afternoon at the farm or a festive evening at the theatre. There are plenty of ways to enjoy South East London this winter.
For residents of Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Surrey Quays, Deptford and Peckham, this year’s calendar offers a mix of community celebrations and bigger seasonal attractions nearby. We’ve rounded up Christmas and winter outings, plus two November fundraisers supporting local sports teams.
10 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Winter by the River returns to London Bridge City with stalls selling gifts, crafts and food beside the Thames. It’s an option for an evening browse after work or a weekend outing when you want to make a start on the Christmas shopping.
Alongside the market, visitors can enjoy seasonal drinks at The Clubhouse, which has a heated rooftop canopy, or book a session at the riverside curling venue. You could make an afternoon of it with a walk along the river before stopping for something to eat.
The published opening hours are generally 11am to 10pm, with shorter hours on selected festive dates and closure on Christmas Day. Check the organiser’s page when planning your visit or booking an activity.
View Winter by the River event information.
Exploring the neighbourhood too? Read our Bermondsey area guide.
Saturday 5 December 2026, 11am to 4pm
For a local celebration with a community feel, put Surrey Docks Farm’s Christmas Fair in your diary.
The farm has announced carol singing, craft stalls, mulled wine and animal handling, with Christmas trees and wreath-making kits also available to buy. Entry is free, while purchases and additional activities help support the farm’s fundraising.
It’s a chance to enjoy a festive outing in Rotherhithe while supporting a local organisation. Bring the family, browse the stalls and leave time to see the animals.
Visit Surrey Docks Farm’s official events page.
Find out more about the surrounding neighbourhood in our Rotherhithe area guide.
4 to 6 December 2026
If you enjoy choosing presents with a story behind them, Cockpit’s Winter Open Studios offers the chance to meet craftspeople and buy directly from their studios.
The Deptford event takes place at 18–22 Creekside, with more than 70 makers to discover. Expect work spanning disciplines such as ceramics, jewellery and textiles, with opportunities to learn more about how individual pieces are made.
Public opening is Friday 4 December from 5pm to 9pm, followed by noon to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start from £6, and the organiser advertises half-price entry for Lewisham residents. Check the booking page for eligibility and availability.
Find out more and book Cockpit Deptford Open Studios.
Discover more about the neighbourhood in our Deptford area guide.
4 to 23 December 2026
A festive theatre trip makes a welcome change from another afternoon of shopping. This December, Theatre Peckham is staging A Ladd In Peckham, a production combining original music, comedy and audience participation.
The story follows Al as an encounter with a genie brings wishes, challenges and lessons about what matters most. The theatre lists the show as suitable for all ages, with a running time of two hours including an interval.
Performances take place at various times throughout the run. General admission is listed at £18, with concessions, family tickets and a local ticket scheme also available.
Check performance times and book A Ladd In Peckham.
For more local inspiration, explore our Peckham area guide.
18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
For a winter outing a little further afield, the Queen’s House Ice Rink returns to Greenwich.
The outdoor rink sits within Maritime Greenwich, with the Queen’s House providing a distinctive backdrop. Whether you’re organising a date, meeting friends or planning a family activity, it’s another way to enjoy the season beyond the Christmas markets.
The published operating hours are 10am to 9pm. This is a ticketed attraction, so check session availability and the organiser’s requirements before booking.
View Queen’s House Ice Rink information and booking.
Friday 13 November 2026, 7.30pm until late
Squad Volleyball’s women’s team is hosting a quiz night at Leadbelly’s Bar & Kitchen in Canada Water. Entry is £10 per person, with pub quiz rounds and prizes up for grabs. Contact Squad Volleyball for booking details.
Find Leadbelly’s Bar & Kitchen.
Saturday 21 November 2026
Southwark Jaguars’ under-14 girls are taking on a sponsored 10km walk around London. Their campaign highlights landmarks including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and St Paul’s. Sponsoring the team helps fund an event for the players and supports the club’s efforts to keep girls enjoying football in a positive, inclusive environment.
The team’s appeal suggests donations of £5, £10 or £20.
Find out more about Southwark Jaguars FC.
Seasonal events are a good excuse to explore somewhere nearby, support independent makers and spend time with the people who make a neighbourhood feel like home.
If you’re considering a move, our local guide to living in SE16 and beyond introduces the different characters of Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Surrey Quays, Deptford, New Cross and Peckham.
At Alex & Matteo, we help buyers, renters, sellers and landlords across these neighbourhoods. Get in touch if you’re planning a move in the coming year.
Festive listings checked on 4 November 2026. November fundraiser details came from the event posters. Check with organisers for any changes to dates, times, prices or availability.
