Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has announced the return of Winter Adventure – a series of festive events hosted across the Park’s iconic venues. The festive tradition, which launched in 2025, will once again be bringing the Park to life with seasonal events, inviting visitors to explore its spaces in new ways while celebrating the spirit, creativity and vibrant communities of east London and the Park’s venues.
Running daily from Tuesday 01 December to Thursday 24 December 2026, the Park will open a different door each day, revealing a surprise festive moment at one of its 24 locations – from Olympic and Paralympic sporting venues to community hubs, restaurants and East Bank cultural institutions. The programme will culminate in a joyful festive ‘Noon Before Christmas’ singalong.
Bringing together places, partners and people across the Park, the free programme offers something for all ages and interests – from live music, performances and installations to community gatherings, sporting activities and festive food and drink.
Winter Adventure has been made possible through the generous support of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s partners and contributors, including Bring Energy, CIS Security, Kenson Highways, Kilnbridge, The Live Team, London Stadium, Places for People, URW Westfield Stratford and Vistry.
Visitors can register interest and find more information via the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park website here.
Winter Adventure – Full Programme
Tuesday 01 December, 4:15pm – 5.30pm
Carols, Courts, Classes and Christmas Cheer at Copper Box Arena
A festive evening of fun, friendly competition with badminton and carolling, kicking off with a special performance from the Mossbourne Primary School Choir. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or you’re already a keen player, it’s the perfect opportunity to get active and celebrate the season with family and friends.
Location: Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3HB
Wednesday 02 December, 6:45pm – 7:45pm (outdoor)
UCL Horizons
Celebrate UCL’s 200th anniversary with a spectacular event marking the beginning of the institution’s third century. Outside the award-winning Marshgate building, visitors can enjoy food and drink stalls alongside alongside live entertainment from the Pandemonium Drummers, a UCL and community performer group who formed for the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Location: UCL East – Marshgate Building, 7 Sidings St, Stratford, E20 2AE
Thursday 03 December, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
East Village Christmas Light Switch On
This popular festive event will bring the community together to celebrate the start of the season. Enjoy live music, craft workshops, activities and roaming entertainment, as well as a range of food and gift stalls to browse. The highlight of the night will be the Christmas tree light switch-on.
Location: Victory Parade, East Village, E201FS
Friday 04 December, 6:00pm-6:30pm
ABBA Voyage Welcomes Festive Swedish Choir
ABBA Voyage welcomes east London-based Swedish choir Norrsång to the ABBA Arena to perform a selection of Christmas classics and traditional Swedish seasonal favourites.
Location: Outside ABBA Arena, 1 Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford E15 2RU
Saturday 05 December, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
The Xmas Factor Talent Show
A showcase of some of the best local talent – from singers, rappers and spoken word artists to bands, instrumentalists and comedians. All ages are welcome to take the stage.
Location: Brew Street at Timber Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 2AD
Sunday 06 December, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Santa & Reindeer Experience with East Wick & Sweetwater
Meet Santa Claus at East Wick & Sweetwater for a special festive event where he will be joined by two of his hardest working elves as well as two beautiful reindeer. Visiting with family? This is the perfect chance to snap those all-important Christmas photographs together.
Location: 15 Tandy Place, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 3AS
Monday 07 December, 4:00pm – 5.45pm V&A East Museum / 6:00pm – 7:30pm London College of Fashion
London College of Fashion and V&A East Museum
East Bank neighbours, V&A East Museum and London College of Fashion present an evening of creativity and making. At V&A East Museum, from 4:00pm to 5.45pm, artists Sally Barton and Honey Birch invite visitors to explore foil embossing to create festive offerings inspired by V&A collections. Then, from 6:00pm – 7.30pm at London College of Fashion, join Isher Dhiman to create a piece of art or a bespoke greetings card, experimenting with a range of techniques from weaving to origami.
Location: V&A East Museum and London College of Fashion (Upper Ground), 105 Carpenters Rd, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 2AR
Tuesday 08 December, 6:30pm-7:30pm
West Ham United at Christmas
West Ham supporters and Park visitors can capture a seasonal moment ahead of West Ham’s match against Middlesborough at London Stadium. At 6:30pm, a brass band will usher in the evening with festive songs and renditions of West Ham’s famous football tune.
Location: Stratford Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 2AR
Wednesday 09 December, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Merry Making at Here East
Explore Here East’s winter market featuring local businesses and vendors offering seasonal food, drinks, and treats. While you shop, you can enjoy live music and performances from local artists and take part in winter-themed games for all ages. With twinkling lights, delicious street food and a joyful atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and support local talent.
Location: Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 14 East Bay Lane E15 2GW
Thursday 10 December, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Carols & Curling at Barge East
Head over to Barge East for an evening of Carols & Curling by the canal. A brilliant ensemble of professional singers will bring your favourite winter songs to life, filling the riverside with festive cheer while you tuck into seasonal food and drinks and try out the ice-free curling lanes.
Location: Barge East, River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, 98 White Post Lane, Hackney E9 5EN
Friday 11 December, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cycle with Santa at Lee Valley VeloPark
Ditch the winter traffic and trade it for the fast lane under the stars. Lee Valley VeloPark is opening the gates to its famous outdoor road circuit for an hour of exhilarating cycling. So come along to spin your wheels on Olympic tarmac, breathe in the crisp winter air and take on Santa Clause himself in a high-speed lap of honour. Grab your favourite bike and strap on your helmet as they are mandatory to hit the course.
Location: Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Abercrombie Rd, E20 3AB
Saturday 12 December, 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Crafting, live music and winter cheer at The LightHouse and Gardens
A quaint afternoon of crafting from adult education provider, Mary Ward Centre, as well as live music, indulgent hot chocolate, snacks and plenty of winter cheer with seasonal classics performed by the Singing for Breathing Choir. Stick around until 5pm for a rhythmic live performance from Drum Works
Location: The LightHouse, 38 Celebration Avenue E20 1DB
Sunday 13 December, 11:00 – 6:00pm
Riverside East: Yokimono Festive Japanese Market
Visit Riverside East for the Yokimono Festive Japanese Market! Browse a vibrant selection of stalls offering all manner of Japanese food and sweets, artisan goods and handcrafted items.
Location: Riverside East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD
Sunday 13 December, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
ArcelorMittal Orbit: London at Christmas
Take a lift 80m high to the top of ZipWorld London’s ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 to see its dazzling light show against a picturesque east London backdrop. You can then either take the lift back down to the ground floor or zoom down the Helix, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. Winter Adventure visitors get 75% off the original Helix price. Limited numbers available so turn up early to secure your slot.
Location: ZipWorld at ArcelorMittal Orbit, Stratford E20 2AD
Monday 14 December, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Mini Sleigh Building and Mechanical Digger Show at Build East Skills Centre
Families are invited to join The Skills Centre and Kenson Highways for a fun experience that celebrates the construction industry. Children can build their own small sleighs perfect for tiny hands, take a seat in a full-size digger and drive around in a small cart. Visitors can also explore a range of construction equipment and watch live demonstrations offering an insight into the machinery used across the industry.
Location: Build East Skills Centre, Bassett Lane E9 5EN
Tuesday 15 December
A Winter Surprise at Stratford Walk
It wouldn’t be a Winter Adventure without at least one surprise evening. A special festive event is coming to Stratford Walk, with plenty of Christmas cheer and a few surprises in store for visitors of all ages. More details, including what to expect and when to visit, will be announced shortly. Watch this space
Location: Details to be announced soon
Wednesday 16 December, from 5:30pm – 6.30pm
Shine at Stratford Cross
Head to Stratford Cross for an evening of festive entertainment as part of the Winter Adventure. Enjoy the sounds of live jazz as a band and vocalist bring Christmas favourites and traditional carols to life, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere in the heart of Stratford Cross. Sing along to familiar festive tunes, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and share a little Christmas magic with friends, family, colleagues and the wider community.
Location: Endeavour Square, Stratford Cross E20 1HZ
Thursday 17 December, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Bobby Moore Academy Christmas Musical Extravaganza
The Academy’s scholars will present a programme which includes a mix of traditional carols and contemporary favourites which is sure you get you energised for the festive period. Bring the whole family, soak up the joyful atmosphere and get stuck into the holiday spirit.
Location: Bobby Moore Academy (Secondary), 1 Sidings Street, E20 2AE
Friday 18 December, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Festive Family Tennis
Get ready to serve up some holiday cheer at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. Bringing families together for festive fun on its beautifully decorated outdoor courts. Think you’ve got what it takes to make the season legendary? Step up to the baseline and see if you can ace Santa himself in a serve at centre challenge.
Location: Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, Eton Manor, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Leadmill Lane E20 3AD
Saturday 19 December, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Light Up the Season: Lantern Walk
Create your own paper lantern before going on a walk around the North Park. Lanterns have a special place in Christmas traditions around the world, symbolising light, hope, and guidance, bringing light into darkness during the winter season. By walking side by side, lantern walks represent community and togetherness and symbolise unity.
Location: Starting at Timber Lodge Cafe, 1A Honour Lea Ave, E20 1DY and walking through the North Park
Sunday 20 December, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Hackney Bridge
Get ready for a festive afternoon at Hackney Bridge, where local creativity and community spirit come together by the canal. Browse a winter market featuring independent traders, while enjoying live music. Expect plenty of Christmas cheer along the way, with more details to be announced soon.
Location: Hackney Bridge, Units 1-28, Echo Building, East Bay Lane, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E15 2SJ
Monday 21 December, 5:00pm – 5:30pm
East Bank presents Winter Sing
East Bank partners come together for an evening of song. Sing along and let your voice light up the winter night as local choirs spread festive joy.
Location: Sadler’s Wells East, Stratford Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 2AR
Tuesday 22 December, 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Elite Dive Display and Festive Aqua Class
Watch elite divers make a splash at London Aquatics Centre with a stunning dive display or take part in a festive aqua class in the training pool.
Location: London Aquatics Centre, Stratford Walk, E20 2ZQ
Wednesday 23 December, 6:25pm – 7:15pm
Winter Adventures on The Dance Floor
Inspired by the Music is Black exhibition at the V&A, join Isaac “Vitamin” Baptiste and the Dance Floor community at Sadler’s Wells East for an uplifting celebration of music as part of Winter Adventure 2026. The event begins with a special performance created by participants working with Vitamin, a renowned dancer known for his inclusive and energetic approach to dance. Following the performance, visitors of all ages are invited to step onto the Dance Floor and take part in a fun, family-friendly workshop.
Location: Sadler’s Wells East, 101 Carpenters Rd, Stratford Cross,E20 2AR
Thursday 24 December, from 12:00 noon
The Noon before Christmas
Help bring Winter Adventure to a joyful close with our Noon before Christmas singalong from 12pm at Stratford Cross. Back for a second year local east London choir, Natural Voices are on hand to bring that Christmas spirit alive. Plus, there will also be some special surprises guaranteed to entertain children and adults alike. Don’t miss this perfect festive treat to get everyone in the holiday spirit, just in time for your celebrations.
Location: Stratford Cross E20 2AR
Food and Beverage
Visitors can extend their outing to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Winter Adventure by exploring a wide range of food and drink destinations across the Park, including:
- Draughts – A board game bar bringing 1,000+ games, food and cocktails.
- Chilli Padi – Bringing the flavours of Malaysia to east London, serving up favourite dishes from fragrant curries and spicy noodle dishes to expertly prepared rice plates and street food-inspired small plates.
- Ginger and Mint – A relaxed healthy eating café on the River Lea that serves juice, nourishing dishes and drinks that energise you for the day ahead.
- Riverside East – At the foot of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, Riverside East serves breakfast, coffee, lunch and drinks, overlooking London Stadium and London Aquatics Centre.
- Timber Lodge – Set in the northern part of the Park next to Tumbling Bay adventure playground, the family-friendly café offers a varied menu including hot drinks, craft beers, pizza and more.
- Tsujiri – The world-renowned Japanese tea brand, offering a modern twist on traditional Japanese tea culture, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and wellness enthusiasts alike.
- Wild Yak – Opening its doors this November, a bar offering a craft beer selection and big screens for watching live sports and football.
