What's on in Ilford: November and December 2026

November 2026

Ongoing until 9 November: A Language of Colour and Form

Sunday 11 October to Monday 9 November | Art exhibition | Ground-floor gallery, Valentines Mansion, Emerson Road, IG1 4XA | Free on public open days, Sundays and Mondays, 11am to 3pm in November.

Artist Venetta Nicole explores colour, texture and movement through abstract, portrait and architectural forms. Her work draws on personal memories and Caribbean cultural heritage. This is a chance to combine a gallery visit with the mansion's period rooms during its published winter opening days.

21 and 22 November: Valentines Mansion Artists' Open Studios

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November | Art, demonstrations and studio visits | Valentines Mansion, Emerson Road | Confirm special-event hours and any workshop charges with the mansion.

Step into the resident artists' workspaces on the top floor, normally closed to visitors. The programme offers demonstrations, workshops and work to buy, spanning basketry, textiles, fused glass, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Ask about access to the upper-floor studios before travelling if needed.

21 November: LED Light-Up Christmas Tree Card Craft

Saturday 21 November, 11am to noon | Children's craft, under-twelves | Redbridge Central Library, Ilford | Free; first come, first served.

Make a seasonal card with a small LED light as part of the library's festive activity programme. Places are offered on arrival rather than through advance booking, so check the library event page and arrive in time for the session.

21 November: Ilford Christmas Lights Switch-On

Saturday 21 November, activities throughout the day; lights switch on at 5.30pm | Festive town-centre celebration | Ilford High Road | Check the organiser's programme for activities and any individual charges.

Ilford's Business Improvement District hosts the town-centre switch-on, alongside the borough's wider seasonal celebrations. Make time for the High Road's shops and places to eat before the evening countdown. Vision's current announcement confirms 5.30pm for Ilford, with updates on its festive programme page.

22 November: Valentines Mansion Christmas Lights

Sunday 22 November, from approximately 4pm | Community lights and entertainment | Valentines Mansion and Gardens, Emerson Road | Check the current programme before visiting.

The mansion joins Redbridge's festive lighting celebrations, with local school and choir performances planned across the borough's events. Wrap up for an outdoor visit and follow Vision's event updates for the final local running order.

December 2026

12 and 13 December: Pop-Up Panto at Kenneth More Theatre

Saturday 12 December at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; Sunday 13 December at 1pm and 3pm | Family pantomime | Kenneth More Theatre foyer, Oakfield Road | One-hour shows; check ticket prices and availability.

Redbridge Creates presents Jack and the Beanstalk in a smaller foyer setting, with songs, slapstick and audience participation. Choose the Ilford venue when booking, as the production also has dates elsewhere in Redbridge. The foyer performances are separate from the main auditorium's reopening gala later in December.

From 18 December: Elf Jr in South Woodford

Selected performances from Friday 18 to Thursday 24 December | Family musical | Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB | £18 full price or £16.50 child/concession, including £1.50 theatre maintenance levy.

Redbridge Creates Youth Theatre Company follows Buddy's journey from the North Pole to New York. The production takes place in nearby South Woodford, rather than at Kenneth More Theatre. Santa's Christmas Workshop is an optional extra on selected dates from 19 to 23 December; combined tickets cost £23 adult or £26.50 child. Latecomers are not admitted.

31 December: Curtain Up, Celebrate Act Two

Thursday 31 December, 3pm to 5pm | Reopening gala | Kenneth More Theatre, Oakfield Road, Ilford | £29.50 full price or £26.50 concession, including £1.50 theatre maintenance levy.

Local companies and performers reunite for an afternoon of music, theatre, dance and comedy marking the theatre's return. Announced contributors include Redbridge Creates, Forest Musical Theatre Company, IODS and local performing-arts schools. Book directly through the theatre's current event page.