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. Royal Museums Greenwich sites are open every day apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (24-26 December).

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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.

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

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

Winter sunlight in Greenwich Park, with the buildings of the Royal Observatory visible on the hill

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

Wraith-like green aurorae swirl above snow covered trees

Spirits in the Sky © Enrico Curti

See wintry landscapes and stunning skyscapes

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

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.

View of the Orangery with a black and white marble floor overlooking the Queen's House

Learn new skills in a winter drawing workshop

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

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 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.

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 from the road of an old red brick building

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 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.

A procession of Christmas lights in Greenwich

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.

Christmas activities for children

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

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.

Illustration of Ted in a spacesuit in front of the Moon.

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