A Very Croydon Christmas: Stories That Spark Joy 

Celebrate the season with A Very Croydon Christmas – an audio series that brings together voices from every culture, generation, and street in Croydon.  

From goats in Zimbabwean kitchens to Allders’ magical grotto, from pyjama parties to pantomime ponies, these stories will make you laugh, reminisce, and feel the warmth of community.  

Whether you’re a lifelong Croydonian or just love festive traditions, this three-part series will fill you with joy, nostalgia, and surprises.  

It’s a powerful reminder that Christmas in Croydon isn’t just a time of the year – it’s a celebration of who we are, together. 

This podcast series was recorded during our A Very Croydon Christmas festive event (5 – 7 December 2025) using equipment from the podcasting studio at Croydon Central Library. It’s part of the brand new Digital Zone, which was made possible by the DCMS Libraries Improvement Fund, delivered by Arts Council England. 

Credits

Herbe Walmsley, Audio Engineer
Helen Scott, Script Editor 
Rumena Rahman, Jess Pascal, Beth Richards, Isaac Chandler – Library Outreach Team  

Episode 1: From Zimbabwe to Croydon: Festive Traditions From Around the World 

“I thought they’d bought me a pet goat for Christmas… and then I woke up on Christmas Eve and he was in the kitchen.” — Thembi (Zimbabwean tradition) 

Step into Croydon’s melting pot of festive traditions! From Zimbabwean Christmas goats to Italian panettone, and South African braais… Hear heartwarming and hilarious stories that show how Croydon celebrates Christmas in every language, flavour, and style.  

Episode 2: Merry Crispmas: Family Traditions & Rituals 

“This year with my team, we’re actually going to have a Crisp-mas lunch. Not Christmas, Crispmas, because we’re all fans of crisps.” — Rumena 

What makes Christmas magical? The little rituals we treasure. Croydon families share their quirks – from pyjama parties and Santa keys to crisp-themed lunches and stockings tied shut with rope! These stories will make you laugh, reminisce, and maybe even start a new tradition of your own. 

Episode 3: Croydon Christmas: Then and Now 

“I was a tiny kid, so excited to see Santa… and then burst into tears in Allders.” — Sarah (Croydon childhood memory) 

Take a nostalgic stroll through Croydon’s Christmas past. Remember Allders’ magical grotto? Tabner House’s skyscraper tree lights? This episode brings those memories to life alongside today’s vibrant celebrations.  

Photography by Chris O’Donovan and Glenn Foster