Greenwich is the place to be this Christmas.
An extravaganza of events are in store, filled with sparkle, splendour – and lots of festive spirit. Meet Santa and discover an enchanting world at our new experience: Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House.
If you’re looking for a winter adventure, why not grab your skates and head to the Queen’s House Ice Rink? Back for 2025, the open-air rink boasts stunning city views.
Across Greenwich, there’ll be plenty of events to spread Christmas cheer, from twinkling lights on Cutty Sark to winter treats at Greenwich Market.
Below, discover some of the unmissable experiences taking place – and sign up to our newsletter to find out when more events are revealed.
Festive events in Greenwich
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Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House
Selected dates from 22 November – 24 December 2025
Make the festive season even more special with a visit to Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House. New for 2025, this experience takes you on a journey to a winter wonderland, inspired by the Christmas story of The Nutcracker.
Along the way, you’ll explore magical lands, watch performances from tin soldiers, and say hello to Clara and the Nutcracker. Your adventure finishes in Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can meet Santa himself – and take home a special gift.
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The Queen’s House Ice Rink
Open from 21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
London’s most beautiful open-air ice rink is back. Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, the rink is the perfect place for an unforgettable day out.
With VIP fast-track tickets and special sessions for toddlers available – plus a restaurant serving winter treats – the rink is designed with comfort and flexibility in mind. Get ready to glide around the ice.
This year, the Queen's House Ice Rink is brought to you by Tamarisk Events.
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Lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on in Greenwich
19 November 2025
Start your festive season in style at Greenwich’s annual Christmas lights switch-on. Beginning at 4pm on Wednesday 19 November, this fun-filled event includes a light procession through the heart of Maritime Greenwich.
The event culminates with the Christmas lights switch-on in Greenwich Market at 5pm. The space will be transformed into a twinkling paradise, complete with music and seasonal food. Don't miss Cutty Sark's festive lights, which see the ship's mast transformed into a Christmas tree. Expect lots of Instagram inspiration.
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Guess who? Festive trail
21 November 2025 –4 January 2026 | 10am-5pm
Put your knowledge of the Queen’s House artworks to the test on this self-guided trail.
Find the clues located on stockings throughout the House, and see if you can work out who the mystery character is.
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Stories by the Fireplace
1 December 2025 – 5 January 2026 | First room of Flamsteed House
Discover the Royal Observatory’s Christmas connections through a series of short stories, hung on the Christmas tree in Flamsteed House.
Come and learn about the links between Father Christmas and the Prime Meridian, uncover the astronomical explanations behind the Star of Bethlehem and find out how winter would have been spent at the Observatory.
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Christmas concert at the Queen's House
13 December 2025 | Performances at 6pm and 7.30pm
Join us for an evening of Christmas charm with vocal ensemble, Hithertones. Featuring timeless carols, contemporary favourites and hearty singalongs, this event promises plenty of festive cheer.
Museum gifts and experiences
