Christmas in Walthamstow 2026, a family day out
Circus on the square, art in the park, lunch in between.
From Thursday 3 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 our heated big top sits on Walthamstow Town Square, E17. Build a day around a show, then wander. Here is what is confirmed for this winter.
Start with a show
Bringing little ones?
- Daytime shows
- 55 minutes
- Ages 2+
A little toy clown is thrown in the bin and sets off to find a new home. Aerial, acrobatics, physical comedy and costume puppets bring Quentin Blake's story of hope, friendship and kindness to life.
Directed by Sean Kempton, a long-time clown for Cirque du Soleil (Varekai, Kooza, Quidam).
First shows: Thu 3 Dec, 11am and 1pm. Adults from £13.
Pick a date for CLOWNAfternoons and evenings
- Afternoon and evening shows
- 100 minutes with an interval
- All ages
Back with an all-new cast of international and homegrown talent. A foot-stampingly audacious celebration of circus, up close in our cosy mini big top. Here for a good time, not a long time.
First shows: Thu 3 Dec, 4pm and 6.30pm. Adults from £19.50.
Pick a date for Fête du PuckA weekend day plan
- 10.30am or 11.30amQuentin Blake's CLOWN. 55 minutes, made for ages 2 and up. Pick a date for CLOWN.
- LunchtimeLunch on the square. East London food trucks, mulled wine and cider, and a pop-up bar from Signature Brew in our covered, heated beer garden, no ticket needed.
- SaturdayWalthamstow Market on the High Street, next to the square, is open until 5.30pm on Saturdays.
- 2.30pmFête du Puck. 100 minutes with an interval, for all ages. Pick a date for Fête du Puck.
Weekend times for most dates. Weekday times vary: every date and time is in each show's calendar.
Also in Walthamstow
William Morris Gallery
Reopens on 3 October 2026 after its refurbishment. Free. Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with the exhibition Earthly Paradise: Radical Living in the UK until 28 March 2027. In Lloyd Park, about 15 minutes' walk from the big top. Check their website for Christmas opening.
Walthamstow Market
One of the UK's longest street markets, on the High Street beside the square. Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 5.30pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
Food and drink on the square
A covered, heated beer garden with East London food trucks, mulled wine and cider, and a pop-up bar from Signature Brew. Doors open 30 minutes before every show.
Walthamstow's lights and markets: dates for 2026 are announced by Waltham Forest Council.
Getting there
Walthamstow Town Square, E17 7JH, beside 17&Central. Two minutes' walk from Walthamstow Central on the Victoria line and Overground, about 20 minutes from Oxford Circus. Walthamstow bus station is next door.
More Christmas ideas
Christmas circus in London
Two shows, one heated big top, 20 minutes from Oxford Circus.
A panto alternative
Not a panto. Oh no it isn't. Real circus, up close.
Christmas shows for kids
A first Christmas show for ages 2+: Quentin Blake's CLOWN.
Quick facts
Who we are, awards, this season and contacts.
On sale now
Chalkwell Park, Leigh-on-Sea
Fri 23 Oct to Sun 1 Nov
Adults from £12.50.
Walthamstow Town Square
Thu 3 Dec to Sun 3 Jan
Afternoon and evening shows. Adults from £19.50.
Walthamstow Town Square
Thu 3 Dec to Sun 3 Jan
Daytime shows, most days. Adults from £13.