Woolwich Works has announced its 2026 festive programme, offering an alternative to traditional Christmas pantomimes with a season of circus, live music, dance, comedy, drag and family entertainment at the Royal Arsenal venue.
Running from 22 November through to the New Year, the programme features performances and events for audiences of all ages, including a neon-lit roller circus, a dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, festive ceilidh dancing, Bollywood brass and Christmas-themed parties.
A Diverse Festive Programme
The season opens on 22 November with The National Children’s Orchestras Winter Concert. The showcase features the organisation’s eldest musicians, aged 13 and 14, conducted by Andrew Morley. The programme includes Holst’s The Planets, Gershwin’s An American in Paris and music from John Williams’ Star Wars.
On 27 November, The Comedy Store returns to the Fireworks Factory for an evening of live stand-up comedy, with its new line-up scheduled to be announced in early November. The following day, Brixton Chamber Orchestra – Disco Orchestrated will bring a 19-piece ensemble and powerhouse vocalists to the venue, performing music inspired by disco artists including Earth, Wind & Fire and the Bee Gees.
Families can enjoy Neon Sun – Roller Circus on 29 November, combining roller-skating tricks, circus stunts and 1990s street culture with an old-school hip-hop soundtrack.
On 5 December, Woolwich Works’ resident artistic company Protein presents The Magic Flute, adapted and directed by Luca Silvestrini. The dance-theatre production combines dance, storytelling, singing and visual elements in a reimagining of Mozart’s opera. Designed for children aged seven and above and their grown-ups, the story follows Papageno and Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina.
The programme continues on 6 December with BYMT Presents ’26, a showcase by British Youth Music Theatre featuring performers and musicians aged 11–21. The event brings together highlights from new musicals premiered at venues including Greenwich Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome and Hull Truck Theatre.
Drag, Ceilidh Dancing and Christmas Entertainment
Woolwich Works’ festive programme takes a more unconventional turn on 10 December with Drag The Halls, featuring drag performers, burlesque, clowning, comedy and live singing. On 11 December, Drag Bingo UK: Festive Edition will offer an evening of camp comedy, live performances and Christmas-themed entertainment.
The venue’s Christmas Ceilidh returns on 12 December with live music and dancing. Families can then visit The Elf Factory on 13 December, where three eccentric elves operate a sherbet factory disrupted by malfunctioning machinery. The show combines science, circus and comedy.
For audiences seeking a traditional festive story, a single-actor production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will take place on 17 December. The performance uses Dickens’ original, unaltered words, placing the focus on storytelling and voice.
Also on 17 December, Bollywood Brass Band returns with Jolly Bolly Christmas, presenting festive favourites and carols with Indian rhythms, brass and percussion.
Christmas singalongs will take place on 18 December with Karaoke at The Works: Festive Favourites, hosted by Binkie & Maud at the Visitors’ Book Café. Younger singers will have the opportunity to perform first, followed by an adults-only evening. Entry is free throughout.
Family Events and New Year Celebrations
On 19 December, Santa’s Silent Disco will offer younger audiences glow sticks, Santa singalongs, face painting, festive treats and a visit from Santa. Later that evening, the adults’ edition, Santa’s Silent Disco: Ages 18 to 118, will feature three DJs competing for Naughty or Nice supremacy.
The festive events continue with Quizmas on 20 December, followed by Baby Gospel’s Christmas Special on 21 December. Featuring members of CK Gospel Choir, the baby-friendly performance invites families to sing and clap along to Christmas favourites, carols, soul, gospel and Motown music.
Santa’s Grotto will also return to Woolwich Works, with further details expected to be announced. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on 1 October.
The year concludes with New Year’s Eve at Woolwich Works on 31 December. The free event will feature multiple bars, a live-streamed countdown to midnight and DJ Baz on the decks. All ages are welcome, with entry operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The festive programme concludes on 3 January with Quiz Of The Year – A Look Back Over 2026, featuring picture, music and mystery-voice rounds covering the previous 12 months.
Woolwich Works Welcomes Festive Audiences
Nick Williams, Director of Woolwich Works, said:
“Christmas at Woolwich Works is a magical time, with the full breadth of what we do here on stage and ensuring that there’s something for everyone. From circus and comedy, cabaret to family shows, our Santa’s grotto, live music and plenty of chances to get down on the dance floor, we offer a range of festive fun, whatever your age.”
He added:
“We want people to have fun in the festive season and come together with friends and family and share the spirit of the season.”
Further events and programme details will be announced ahead of the festive season.
Tickets and information for confirmed events are available at Woolwich Works.