Cultural things to do: winter and festive events

From family theatre and festive workshops to exhibitions, dance, literature and community celebrations, there’s plenty happening across Islington this winter. Explore our seasonal roundup of cultural events and activities taking place from October 2026 through to January 2027.

Check back throughout the season as new events are added. If you’d like to submit an event for consideration, please email culture@islington.gov.uk.

Animals! A Beastly History of Human Behaviour

Until 25 January 2027

Discover how attitudes towards animals changed as Islington transformed during the nineteenth century. Through local stories and historical objects, this free exhibition explores changing relationships between people and wild, working and domestic animals. Held at Islington Museum.

Digital Reading Library for Young Children Aged 1-9

Available year-round

Celebrate the National Year of Reading with access to more than 500 animated storybooks through Motion Storybooks’ online digital library. Designed for children aged 1-9, the collection features stories celebrating different cultures, communities and experiences. Islington residents can use the discount code ISLINGTON20

What’s In Store: A Tour of Crafts Council Collections Store

Wednesday 4 November and Wednesday 2 December, 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Crafts Council Gallery, 44a Pentonville Road, London, N1 9BY

Go behind the scenes of our collection with a hands-on exploration of craft.

We welcome you inside our recently opened Crafts Council Collections Store for a personal experience led by our very own collection team. We’ll take you on a journey to learn how Crafts Council Collection came to be, see the tools we use and how we care for the works in the store. You will have the chance to touch and feel crafted items made by renowned practitioners in our Handling Collection.

This series of free events is the first time since the Crafts Council was established in 1972 that we have made the Collections Store open and available to the public. We are very excited to invite you to explore our collection with us, to unveil the tangible and intangible beauty of craft.

Find out more

Yodomo textile reuse sale

Friday 13 November and Friday 11 December, 12–4pm
Crafts Council Gallery, 44a Pentonville Road, London, N1 9BY

Shop surplus and end-of-roll textiles, wallpaper, leather and creative materials from leading fashion and interiors brands. A great opportunity to source sustainable materials for festive projects, gift-making and creative activities.

Find out more
@craftscouncil

Monthly sewing workshop: mend and repair

Thursday 19 November and Thursday 17 December, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, London N7 9HF

Join this friendly drop-in workshop for mending and repairing textiles using hand stitching and sewing machines. Whether you’re fixing a favourite garment, learning new skills, or looking to reduce waste, everyone is welcome.

Free and open to all.

Please email: callypark@islington.gov.uk for more information.

Crafts Council Makers Market

Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 November, 11am – 5pm 
Crafts Council Gallery, 44a Pentonville Road, London N1 9BY

Discover unique handmade products from talented makers from across the UK. Browse ceramics, jewellery, textiles, homewares, prints and more, and find distinctive gifts while supporting independent craftspeople.

Find out more
@craftscouncil

Make a festive ‘Magic City’ lantern

Sunday 22 November, 10.15am, 12.15pm and 2.15pm
Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX

Create your own festive ‘Magic City’ lantern inspired by Dickensian London. Explore the museum decorated for a Victorian Christmas and make a lantern to take home.

Suitable for families.

Cost: £8 child, £14 adult

Find out more and book
@dickensmuseum

Dick Whittington and His Cat – Family Pantomime

22 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
King’s Head Theatre, Islington Square, 116P Upper Street, N1 1QP

Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat on an adventure packed with laughter, music and festive cheer. Arriving in Islington in search of fame and fortune, Dick soon finds himself embroiled in a battle against the fearsome Rat Queen, who is plotting to take over London. With the help of friends old and new, Dick must outwit the rats and save the city.

Featuring show-stopping musical numbers, family-friendly comedy and appearances from UK Drag Race stars Victoria Scone and River Medway, King’s Head Theatre’s annual pantomime promises fun for audiences of all ages.

Cost: From £25
Special offer: Four Band A-C tickets for £100 with promo code FAMILY (available until 13 November 2026)

Find out more and book
@kingsheadtheatre

Nail Bar by the National Youth Theatre

From December, dates TBC

National Youth Theatre, 443-445 Holloway Rd, London N7 6LW

After a sell-out run, Nail Bar is reopening its doors on Holloway Road this Christmas. Rent is up, rivals are circling and everyone’s got a secret.

A story about found home, queer love and saving the local high street, Nail Bar is an immersive episodic comedy-drama created by lead writer and creator Afsaneh Gray, co-writer and creator Kelly Jones, and director Natasha Haws.

Commissioned by the National Youth Theatre as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, the production premiered in summer 2026 as part of StoryFest. This festive return invites audiences back into the world of the salon as the characters navigate changing fortunes, relationships and the challenges facing local businesses.

Cost: £10-£25
Check back soon for booking information
@nationalyouththeatre

Christmas Jazz and Carols | A Fundraiser for Peace

Sunday 13 December, from 4.00pm
St Peter’s Church, De Beauvoir Town, Northchurch Terrace, London N1 4DA

Celebrate the festive season with an afternoon of Christmas jazz and carols featuring students from Hackney New Primary School alongside guest musicians. Funds raised will support peace-building initiatives.

Cost: £10-£25

Find out more
@debeauvoirjazzfestival
@stpetersdb

Christmas Dinner & Disco

Saturday 19 December, 12.00pm – 3.00pm

King Henry’s Walk Adventure Playground, 11 King Henry’s Walk, London N1 4NX

Funded through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, this festive community celebration brings families together for a Christmas dinner, games, music and dancing. Children can enjoy a visit from Santa and receive a gift, while families have the opportunity to celebrate the season together in a welcoming community setting.

Book today!
@awesome_cic

Adult Learning enrolment days

6 – 7 January 2027
Williamson Street Community Centre, 76 Parkhurst Road, N7 0FF

Start the new year by discovering opportunities with Islington Council’s Adult Learning and Skills service. Residents can enrol onto a wide range of free courses, including ESOL, Maths, English, Digital Skills, Foundations for Work, Skills for a Greener Life, Community and Culture, and Repair, Reuse and Create.

Whether you are looking to improve your employment prospects, gain a qualification, build confidence, develop new skills or meet new people, there are courses available for learners with a variety of interests and goals.

Free for everyone, find out more

ZooNation Academy of Dance

Weekly from Saturday 9 January 2027
Urdang Academy, Old Finsbury Town Hall, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4RP

ZooNation Academy of Dance offers Hip Hop-inspired dance training for young people aged 6-21. Students develop technique, creativity and performance skills through weekly classes led by professional dance artists.

A free trial session is available. Termly fees apply thereafter.

Find out more and book
@zoonationuk

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