Nowhere does Christmas quite like Greenwich.

Whether you want to glide around the Queen’s House Ice Rink, enjoy a winter adventure on board Cutty Sark or feast on seasonal treats at Greenwich Market, the Royal Borough is packed with festive charm.

Discover the best things to do in Greenwich this Christmas, or check out our what's on guide for full listings.

Top festive days out

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

Come ice skating at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Set against the backdrop of the Queen’s House, our outdoor ice rink is the perfect place for a magical Christmas adventure. Open every day until 7 January 2024 (with the exception of Christmas Day), the rink boasts views of the Canary Wharf skyline and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich.

Soak up the festive spirit and enjoy winter treats including mulled wine, ginger spice hot chocolate and more from the Ice Rink Café located in the skate exchange.

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Image of the Vestrahorn in Iceland with the aurorae in the sky above, in teals and turquoise tones. The aurorae are reflected in the water that fills the bottom of the image.

See wintry landscapes and stunning skyscapes

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

From shimmering galaxies to shooting stars, the 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.

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Christmas lights arranged in a Christmas tree pattern in the rigging of Cutty Sark

Step aboard Cutty Sark

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 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.

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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.

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planetarium talk

Journey into space at the annual Royal Observatory Christmas lecture

Head to the Royal Observatory after hours on 15 December to hear about cutting-edge satellite research and developments in how we observe the Earth from space with Professor John Remedios, Director of the National Centre for Earth Observation.

Learn more and book

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A close up from a maritime oil painting, showing a sailing ship with an ornate stern decoration. Sunlight is catching the sails

Last chance to see a landmark exhibition

major exhibition dedicated to the work of the Van de Veldes is coming to a close at the Queen's House.

Willem Van de Velde the Elder and his son Van de Velde the Younger  arrived in England in 1673, having been invited to live and work in the country by Charles II. Together they established a studio at the Queen's House

They would go on to create magnificent paintings and tapestries, ambitious royal commissions and thousands of detailed sketches, drawings and designs, influencing generations of British artists including J.M.W. Turner.

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A woman looks through an historic telescope at the Royal Observatory during an evening stargazing event

Spend an evening with the stars

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 both modern-day telescopes and our 130-year-old instrument: the Great Equatorial Telescope.

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

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Photograph take from above of a woman playing a golden harp. She is wearing a black dress and an ornate black and white marble floor is in the background

Enjoy festive concerts in the Queen's House

Enjoy a series of concerts in the sumptuous surroundings of the Queen's House this winter.

Musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance will be performing a free lunchtime concert on Wednesday 13 December from 1-2pm.

Then on Saturday 16 December, experience an evening of choral music and Christmas songs in the beautiful Great Hall. From Renaissance carols and Nordic songs to contemporary pieces by Eric Whitacre and Pentatonix, this concert showcases the vocal talents of the Hithertones. Founded in 2023, this south-east London choir is known for its rich vocal harmonies and blissful blend of voices. Tickets are available to book now.

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Image of theatre set with man dressed in 1800s clothing in a library

See a Christmas show at Greenwich Theatre

Promising slapstick, hilarity and laughs aplenty, book a ticket for Greenwich Theatre's 2023 Christmas pantomime, Snow White.

Or, if you're looking for something a bit more spooky, check out A Christmas Carol on 12 and 18 Decemberwhere actor John O’Connor recreates Charles Dickens' famous performance of his classic tale.

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Maddie Moate

Join Maddie Moate for a Member exclusive

FULLY BOOKED: Members email membership@rmg.co.uk to join the waiting list

CBeebies and YouTube star Maddie Moate serves up a dose of festive cheer as she talks about her brand new book  A Very Curious Christmas.

Have you ever wondered... Why crackers go bang? How fairy lights work? What's the point of pinecones? And can reindeer communicate?

Maddie is here to answer all these questions and more in an interactive talk packed with demos and wacky Christmas facts. This event takes place on Saturday 18 November and is free for all Royal Museums Greenwich Members. Not a Member? Join now.

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Get festive at the Members' Christmas party

FULLY BOOKED: Members email membership@rmg.co.uk to join the waiting list

Join us this Christmas for a festive evening in the Queen's House. Raise a glass of fizz with Director Paddy Rodgers, and then explore the house with talks from some of our expert guides.

Book Member tickets

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Enjoy carols at the Old Royal Naval College

Come along to a festive concert in the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul at the Old Royal Naval College on 11, 18 or 19 December.

The choristers will perform a variety of festive carols and songs, taking advantage of the venue's excellent acoustics. After the concert you'll be treated to mulled wine and minced pies, and invited to visit the Painted Hall, which will house art installation Coalescence from 9 December.

More information

Christmas lights and markets

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

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A procession of Christmas lights in Greenwich

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.

The front of the Queen's House meanwhile will be bathed in a festive glow, the perfect backdrop to a skate on the ice rink.

 

Image: Ed Simmons Photography

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A family walk along a walkway covered with fairy lights

Discover an enchanted palace

Expect illuminations, colour and wonder aplenty at Christmas at Eltham Palace this December.

As you stroll around the light-bedecked grounds, why not treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine or some toasted marshmallows?

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Winter trees lit up in different coloured lights, with roofs of huts and sparkling string lights hanging over a wall

Sparkle in the Park

The Royal Borough of Greenwich will be transforming Avery Hill Park into an enchanted winter wonderland for Royal Greenwich residents to enjoy at their annual 'Sparkle in the Park'. It'll be open 30 November to 3 December.

Come along for a light display, with the historic Winter Garden all lit up. There'll also be a 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 crafts and a trip to see Santa

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A man in a harness works on historic ship Cutty Sark, with the name of the ship picked out in gold lettering

Christmas gilding

Bring your little ones along to a festive special of Cutty Sark's Family Fun Weekends.

Inspired by Cutty Sark's ornate exterior, try your hand at gilding. We'll be making gilded Christmas decorations and getting playful with all things gold aboard the ship.

Cutty Sark's Family Fun Weekends are free with entry to the ship. The drop-in sessions run 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

More information and book

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Father Christmas in grotto

Storytelling from Father Christmas at the Old Royal Naval College

Meet Father Christmas in the Painted Hall this Christmas to hear a magical festive story inspired by Coalescence, the glittering art installation hanging in the Painted Hall from 9 December. You'll receive a present and can take a photo with the man himself! Sessions run between 2 and 23 December.

More information and book

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Christmas workshop at Cutty Sark

Members' crafting: Christmas stars

On Sunday 17 December, join us in the National Maritime Museum where we'll be making and decorating sparkling stars, ready to hang on your Christmas tree.

This event is recommended for Members aged 3-8 and their adults.

More information and book

Christmas decorations in the shape of a crown, a phone box and post box hang from a Christmas tree, with three chunky candles displayed beneath

Shop the collection

Search online for Christmas gifts inspired by the seas, stars and Greenwich

Choose your tickets

We recommend booking tickets in advance wherever possible. To see all our tickets and prices click here.

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