Parang music, ponche de creme and plantain may not be so familiar to some households at Christmas, but for those with Caribbean heritage, these traditions are a staple each December (and throughout the year for plantain), dependent on the island you hail from. At Noir Kringle – The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience, there’ll be fabulous food and festive fun for all the family, inspired by an Afro-Caribbean Christmas. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
On December 17–20 at Crooked Billet Yard in Shoreditch, visitors will be greeted by Mrs Kringle and the helpful elves, who will take you on a 45-minute tour of the magical workshop. This will include a storytelling session, a mini-elf school visit, the making of Mrs Kringle’s very own secret magic reindeer feed and so much more. Of course, no tour of Santa’s workshop would be complete without a meet and greet with the big man himself, which will be captured in a commemorative photograph. Each child will receive a gift, and well, children at heart aka fully grown adults, you’ll have the memories to cherish instead!
Noir Kringle started back in 2019, founded by Charlotte Lewis, who was searching for a Santa’s Grotto that showcased what Christmas in her British-Jamaican home was like, so her young daughter could feel represented during the Christmas season. While this existed in America, she was unable to find one here. Since then, her enchanting workshop has helped many children and adults share their Christmas experience with friends, family and the community. Mrs Kringle is played by Charlotte’s own mother, making the experience even more special.
Alongside the workshop tour, visitors can enjoy a selection of delicious Caribbean and African food. Tickets to the event have now sold out, but you can join the mailing list for 2023 here.