Christmas in Greenwich

Wrap up warm and take a trip to beautiful Greenwich this Christmas.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site takes on a festive glow each winter, with seasonal treats in Greenwich Market, twinkling lights on Cutty Sark and a host of concerts, shows and special events.

Explore the best things to do in Greenwich this Christmas.

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Top festive days out
Concerts, shows and special events
Christmas markets and lights
Christmas activities for children
Gift ideas and experiences

Top festive days out

If you only make one trip to Greenwich this Christmas, put these ideas top of your list.

Step aboard Cutty Sark

Open every day apart from 24-26 December | 10am-5pm

Festive lights, amazing views and tales of the high seas: a trip to Greenwich this winter wouldn't be complete without a visit to Cutty Sark.

The historic ship's rigging will once again be lit up with twinkling lights in the shape of a Christmas tree, while on board visitors will be able to take part in a range of festive activities.

Book Cutty Sark tickets

Celebrate the winter solstice

Saturday 21 December | 12-6pm

Make the most of the shortest day of the year and head to the Winter Solstice Festival at Greenwich Park, a midwinter celebration filled with attractions and activities.

Folk meets science in Greenwich Park, with live performances, craft and food markets hosted by the Royal Parks, plus live science demos led by Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers.

All activities are free, and the Park will be open late for a spot of festive stargazing – the perfect day out for the weekend before Christmas.

Learn more about the Winter Solstice Festival

Spirits in the Sky © Enrico Curti

See wintry landscapes and stunning skyscapes

Open every day apart from 24-26 December | 10am-5pm

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition showcasing the world's greatest space photography.

From shimmering galaxies to shooting stars, the free exhibition at the National Maritime Museum will transform how you see the night sky, and is the perfect way to brighten up a cold winter's day.

See Astronomy Photographer of the Year

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Concerts, shows and special events

From evenings under the stars to atmospheric plays and performances, these special events are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.

Spend an evening with the stars

Dates available in December and January

Explore the wonders of the night sky and look through the telescopes of the Royal Observatory at this classic museum late event.

The night begins with a live planetarium show, introducing you to the wonders of the night sky.

Then, after sunset and weather permitting, observatory astronomers will guide you across the night sky with modern-day telescopes.

So wrap up warm, and don't miss your chance to spend a night under the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Check dates and book

Enjoy festive concerts in the Queen's House

4 December (1pm) and 14 December (6pm and 7.30pm)

Enjoy music in the sumptuous surroundings of the Queen's House this winter.

On Saturday 14 December step into a world of rich harmonies with Hithertones vocal ensemble. Back by popular demand, this south-east London choir is known for its blissful blend of voices.

On Wednesday 4 December, come along to a free lunchtime concert by talented musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

14 December concert 4 December lunchtime performance

Learn new skills in a winter drawing workshop

10 December and 18 December | 11am-12.30pm and 2pm-3.30pm

Take part in a guided workshop and recreate your own wintry Greenwich scenes.

This event is suitable for those aged 16+ and welcomes all abilities. Materials will be provided. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £13.50 for Members.

Book tickets See all Christmas events at the Queen's House

See a Christmas show at Greenwich Theatre

Promising slapstick, hilarity and laughs aplenty, book a ticket for Greenwich Theatre's 2024 Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington and his Cat.

Or, if you're looking for something a bit more spooky, check out A Christmas Carol on 16 and 23 December, where actor John O’Connor recreates Charles Dickens' famous performance of his classic tale.

Last chance to see Women of the RNLI

Open daily until 1 December | 10am-5pm

The free exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Women of the RNLI is coming to a close on 1 December.

The exhibition offers a window into the lives of Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers across the UK and Ireland and celebrates the work of women in the RNLI through striking photography, personal testimony and breathtaking film.

Open daily until 1 December

Have an immersive Christmas experience at Eltham Palace

Make your way to Eltham Palace on various dates between 23 November and 23 December and join in family-friendly experience The Spirit of Christmas, an hour-long immersive and theatrical journey through the famous art-deco mansion.

Photo by Robin Webster via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy a Christmas concert at Blackheath Halls

Head over to Blackheath Halls on Sunday 15 December for their annual Christmas concert, featuring popular festive favourites and some you might not have encountered before.

Attend a Christmas carol concert in the Chapel

Enjoy a special festive carol concert on 2, 9 and 16 December from the award-winning Trinity Laban Choir.

While you listen, you can take in the neoclassical surroundings of the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul within the Old Royal Naval College.

Christmas lights and markets

Twinkling lights and sparkling gift ideas: explore what's on in south east London this Christmas.

Ed Simmons Photography

Greenwich Christmas lights

Greenwich's historic sites will be lit up every evening this Christmas, from the 'Christmas tree lights' on Cutty Sark's masts to the twinkling decorations of Greenwich Market.

Greenwich Market’s annual lantern parade winds through the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, through Cutty Sark gardens and into the market for the ceremonial light switch-on. In 2024 it will take place between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday 20 November.

Sparkle in the Park

The Royal Borough of Greenwich will be transforming Charlton House and Gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland for Royal Greenwich residents to enjoy at their annual 'Sparkle in the Park'. It'll be open 28 November to 1 December.

Come along for a light display, Christmas market, a funfair and performances from local school and community choirs.

Christmas activities for children

Make this Christmas extra magical for the children with festive theatre and a trip to see Santa

Christmas decoration gilding workshops

30 November and 1 December 2024 | 11am-1pm and 2-4pm

Underneath the gleaming copper hull of Cutty Sark, bring the little ones along to a gilding workshop. You'll create your very own Christmas decoration to add a golden sparkle to your Christmas tree!

Learn more about this activity

Image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Storytelling from Father Christmas at the Old Royal Naval College

Meet Father Christmas at the Old Royal Naval College this Christmas to hear a special reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. You'll receive a present and can take a photo with the man himself! Sessions run between 30 November and 23 December.

Take a trip into space with Ted

Weekends and school holidays | 11.30am

Ted’s Space Adventure is the Royal Observatory’s special planetarium show aimed at children aged 3-7.

Explore the Solar System with a bear named Ted (and companion Plant!), and learn about the things we find there and how they affect us with real astronomers.

The show runs every day at 11.30am during the school holidays (apart from 24-26 December). Book now and make a day of it with the family in Greenwich!

Learn more and book