This December, Castle Square is putting on a host of free festive activities, which look to reunite loved ones virtually for those who are unable to travel due to COVID or travel restrictions.

Castle Square has recreated two FREE instagrammable grottos so visitors can transport to the North (traditional) or South (summer) pole – depending on where people would rather spend Christmas! Londoners will be able to take their ultimate Christmas selfie or video with selfie lights to share and celebrate with family and friends wherever they are in the world! Santa and his helping elf will also be at Castle Square around the Christmas tree every Saturday from 12-4pm in the run up to Christmas, in case you would like them to join in your ultimate Christmas selfies!

In addition to the festive grottos, there are a range of free community activities to get involved in throughout the month of December, both in-person and virtual. This month The Elephant and Castle Community Hub will be hosting activities in different venues across Elephant and Castle to invite their current members and welcome new ones to meet and connect in a physical space.

The online kids creative station will host themed sessions every Thursday to enlist children in creative activities from the comfort of your own home. You can enjoy Christmas card making along with making your own window decorations and festive salt dough ornaments. One of the sessions will also help you to decorate your home for Christmas, including table decorations and other ideas. In the last session of the month you can join in to celebrate New Years Eve Around the World.

You can also get creative during December, every Wednesday at 2pm, with the Creative Club which will be focusing on learning how to create origami Christmas decorations. From ornaments to mini Christmas trees, wishing stars and much more!

For those wanting to find calm during their busy Christmas schedules, Monday Mindfulness will be available to all to join in as well as Chair Yoga, Chi Hatha Yoga and Meditation classes. Join in every Monday morning online from 10am to 12pm. Every Thursday at 11am Re-Tribe will also be running self-care workshops over Zoom for people to connect with themselves and come together in a way that can provide calm and courage.

For kids and teens aged 6-16 looking for a fun activity and new hobby to learn over the Christmas period, the Upside Down Kids/Teen Dance club will be running free dance sessions every Friday at 6.30pm. The weekly classes teach Hip Hop, Locking, Popping, House and break dance routines. The Disability Sports Coach will also be hosting free online yoga and Dance classes at 5pm on Thursdays.

Christmas Grottos

What: Free Instagrammable Grottos from the North and South pole with Santa and the elf

When: 4, 11 & 18 December, 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Where: Castle Square, London SE17 1EU