Barking and Dagenham celebrates festive season at culture and heritage sites

From arts and crafts including Winter Wreath making, to a Christmas market and festive brunch and afternoon tea – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Step back in time at Valence House, the borough’s historic museum, where families can enjoy Christmas craft workshops, visit Santa in his grotto and get stuck into delicious Christmas Cupcake Decorating:

• SEND to Santa, Friday 28 November, 4 – 6pm: A sensory reduced experience for SEND children to enjoy with their families. Meet Father Christmas and take part in fun arts and crafts. £5 per child, tickets must be booked in advance by calling 020 8277 2034 or visiting reception.
• Make a Winter Wreath, Friday 28 November, 12 – 3pm: Learn how to make a Winter wreath using products from the garden. Suitable for beginners and all material and refreshments will be provided. £25 per adult.
• Santa’s Grotto, Saturday 29 November, various time slots: Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, let him know what you want for Christmas and get a special present. £3.50 per child, tickets must be booked in advance by calling 020 8277 2034 or visiting reception.
• Christmas Cupcake Decorating, Saturday 29 November, 11am – 12.30pm: Decorate some festive cupcakes in this fun workshop for children and make a fancy box for your creations. £8.50 per child.

Book on to Valence House events at: valencehousecollections.co.uk/events

Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Eastbury Manor House where highlights include a Festive Fayre, Victorian Christmas plus Winter Wreath Making. Residents of all ages can enjoy taking part in creative workshops and browse festive stalls:

• Winter Wreathmaking, Sunday 30 November, 12pm: This wreathmaking workshop is a unique experience to create a wreath for your home, completely from scratch! Tickets cost £35 and includes a free hot drink and mince pie.
• Festive Fayre, Sunday 7 December, 11am – 4pm: With over 20 stalls for you to explore, this free Festive Fayre is a great chance to get in some Christmas gift shopping, whilst exploring the Manor House.
• A Victorian Christmas, Sunday 7 December, 11am – 3.30pm: Come and visit a traditional Christmas Snug, meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. At £8pp, children can also paint their own tree decoration, and explore our Whitbread Family Christmas Trail.
• Festive Afternoon Tea, Sunday 14 December, 12.30 and 2.30pm: The perfect gift, or an indulgent way to catch up with friends and loved ones this festive season, a delicious and delectable array of savoury and sweet treats is a promise! Priced at £29 per person.

Book Eastbury Manor House events at: www.eastburymanorhouse.org.uk/whats-on

The Women’s Museum is also hosting its final PLAY workshop of the year with local artists Julia Forsman and Javaria Hashmi, ahead of doors closing for Winter:

• PLAY workshop, Women’s Museum, 13 December 12pm – 3pm: This free event is suitable for all ages, and an opportunity to make a fun and beautiful creations using a range of materials – perfect as a gift or decorations for the festive season! Festive refreshments will be available and it’s also an opportunity to catch the Desire Lines exhibition currently on display.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Our borough’s rich history provides the perfect backdrop for a festive season full of creativity and joy. These events bring our diverse community together and create magical experiences for residents of all ages. From arts and crafts and visiting Santa’s Grotto at Valence House, to the brilliant Festive Fayre and Afternoon Tea at Eastbury Manor House – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, added “It’s fantastic to see Barking and Dagenham buzzing with festive activity. What makes Christmas so special in Barking and Dagenham is our amazing community spirit. It’s a time when neighbours come together, families make memories, and we all take pride in the borough we call home.”

Residents can also enjoy a festive sparkling Brunch and Afternoon Tea at Eastbrookend Country Park Tea Room for just £25 per person. For a cosy seasonal treat, guests can indulge in homemade pastries, savoury bites, and festive cakes while taking in the park’s winter scenery – the perfect way to relax and celebrate with friends and family.

For more information and to book on to events, visit: www.lbbd.gov.uk/culture-heritage