12 things to do this Christmas in the East End

Stratford East’s Cinderella tears up the rulebook and turns this classic story on its head, making it relevant to the local community and beyond. Set in the ancient home of Sphynx cats, pharaohs and the empress Cleopatra, expect show-stopping original music and laugh-out-loud comedy alongside magical sets and costumes in this must see Christmas pantomime. See event listing.

Set in modern-day London, this brand-new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved Wind in the Willows by children’s author Piers Torday sees our favourite heroes tackling today’s climate issues. Expect songs and puppetry from Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to entertain the whole family. See event listing.

Admire the ivy, holly, red berries and robins while rambling through Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and be rewarded with festive food and warm mulled wine (or apple juice if you prefer!). The perfect way for the entire family to get out into nature this festive season. See event listing.

Sing, clap and dance along to seasonal show tunes from hit musicals and well-known songs from Christmas films, all performed by West End singers. Everyone from new-borns to grandparents will enjoy this one, and all are encouraged to wear festive fancy dress. See event listing.

Grand Union’s ensemble of young musicians has been rehearsing throughout the Autumn to bring you their Winter Concert of jazz and world music held at Rich Mix. Presenting musical traditions and techniques from Turkey to Africa, this free concert reflects the diversity of the society the young musicians are growing up in, promising to be a spirited performance. See event listing.

Troxy will be transformed into a wild jungle playground as it kicks off its Road To El Dorado tour and welcomes in the New Year. Presented by Cirque Du Soul, a travelling collective energy of colour, magic and dance, this promises to be Troxy’s most extravagant party to date. Lock in those New Year’s Eve plans now before tickets run out. See event listing.

Don’t forget your festive costume for RunThrough’s annual Santa Run, taking place this year through the grounds of North Park in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. A flat, fast and inspiring course, you can decide between a 5k or 10k route on the day. No matter which one you choose, there will be a themed medal and mince pies waiting for you at the finish line. See event listing.

Now in its 7th year, the annual festive makers market will welcome 50 different designers each day selling everything from Christmas gifts and decorations to homewares, jewellery, art, candles and clothing. Food and drink will also be on offer, so you can enjoy a mince pie while picking out stocking fillers and festive ornaments ready for Christmas. See event listing.

This free exhibition features a selection of short contemporary films projected throughout the galleries exploring the intersection of dance, choreography and moving image. Performing bodies enact individual experiences and collective storytelling, delving into timely topics from gender and politics to desire and personal healing. See event listing.

Bow Arts Winter Market will offer locally-made unique gifts and artworks from a selection of over 20 different stalls. This one-day event will include a free, drop-in art workshop for kids, and all the mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate you could want, available to buy from the Nunnery Cafe. Held in Bow Arts’ Victorian courtyard, discover Bow’s best local artists while celebrating the festive season. See event listing.

From Diwali to Hanukkah and Christmas to Lunar New Year, many communities have cultural celebrations punctuating the winter months. Celebrate them all at the Museum of the Home with a programme of talks, creative sessions, supper clubs and live performances to fill this winter with a little bit of cheer. See event Listing.

After its biggest-ever event last year, Stepney City Farm’s annual Christmas Fair returns with 35 stalls offering seasonal produce and festive crafts. The farm’s resident artists will be opening their studios for the day, and food will be provided by street vendors and the onsite cafe, The Allotment Kitchen. All that plus mulled wine, a brass band and farmyard animals – what could be more christmasy? See event listing.