A Very Croydon Christmas forms part of the wider This Is Croydon creative programme for Croydon’s year as the 2023 London Borough of Culture, and promises a magical experience for all
Bringing communities and faiths of Croydon together in a way that builds understanding and enables inclusive winter celebrations A Very Croydon Christmas will feature music, performances, stories, crafts, and creative activities led by artists, voluntary and community groups, and faith organisations.
Highlights include:
- Step into an enchanting light installation in The Queen’s Gardens created by artist Richie Moment and public art and participatory experts Strange Cargo. 8 and 9 December 3.30 – 7.30pm
- Relish a festive concert led by London Mozart Players, Fairfield Halls’ resident chamber orchestra, featuring their brass ensemble, and the great Fairfield pipe organ, played by TikTok sensation, Reductio. 8 December 7.30pm
- Discover the Arctic circle and delve into the climate emergency with extraordinary life-sized animatronic puppet Bjorn the Polar Bear. 8 December Arnhem Foyer, Fairfield Hall and 9 December Central Libra
- Immerse yourself in the delightful Ukrainian tradition of Didukh-making. On Friday a demonstration from members of the Ukrainian community and on Saturday a demonstration followed by a drop-in workshop to make brooches and pins inspired by the Didukh. 8 December Sun Lounge, Fairfield Hall and 9 December Central Library
- Listen to fascinating Caribbean stories of Christmas and 1950s London in the Windrush Front Room. 8 & 9 December in Central Library with a talk/reminiscence session on Friday at 1pm.
- Join Beeja Dance for the joyous Choogh Choogh train ride, exploring the wonders of India. 8 December at 1.45pm and 9 December at 1pm and 3pm, Central Library.
- Make three special wishes under the branches of The Wishing Tree in a forest of captivating stories. 8 December at 12.40pm, 2pm and 4pm in Central Library. Note 2pm is for adults and elders.
- Participate in a celebratory workshop by Croydon Gurdwara, honoring the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 9 December at 2pm in Central Library.
- Experience the magical opera Meet Me A Tree by HurlyBurly Theatre, specially crafted for 0-2-year-olds. 8 December at 10.15am and 11.30am, 9 December at 10.30 and 11.45am, in Central Library.
- Free face painting. 8 December 4 – 7pm Fairfield Halls Sun Lounge, 9 December 11am – 4pm Central Library.
- Enjoy a relaxed screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol especially for young people living with autism or other neurodiversity. 9 December at 4pm, David Lean Cinema.
- Dive into a family craft workshops with local illustrator Skye Baker, with expert crafter and finger knitter Samia Tossio and with Subrang Arts Gujurati bead craft. Throughout the weekend in Fairfield Halls and Central Library.
- Be entertained by Harris Academy South Norwood Choir, Old Palace Clog, Gospel Rising, and S.I.N.G a capella choir. 8 December 4pm- 7.30pm Fairfield Hall Foyers and entrance
All events at Central Library Croydon Clocktower and in Arnhem Foyer in Fairfield Halls are free, but some will require booking. Tickets for the relaxed screening of A Muppet Christmas Carol, and London Mozart Player’s concert are on sale now.
For further information about these events, visit culture@croydon.gov.uk
