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. Skip to 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. 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. Book tickets Learn more 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. Open daily Image 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. Open daily Never miss a moment Sign up to our newsletter and get the latest news, events and offers from Royal Museums Greenwich delivered straight to your inbox Sign up 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. Image 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 Image Last chance to see a landmark exhibition A 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. Open daily Image 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. Check dates and book Image 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. 13 December performance 16 December tickets Image 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 December, where actor John O’Connor recreates Charles Dickens' famous performance of his classic tale. Image 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. Find out more Become a Family member Image 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 Image 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. Image 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 Image 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? Image 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 Image 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 Image 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 Image 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 Museum gifts and experiences Get your presents wrapped up early or treat loved ones to a special day out this Christmas. Experiences Cutty Sark Afternoon Tea Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea beneath the hull of the world-famous tea clipper Book now Gift ideas Gift Membership Treat someone to a present that will last all year with free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, planetarium shows and special exhibitions. Book now Experiences Planetarium shows Out of this world stargazing and astronomy shows for the whole family Find out more Shop the collection Search online for Christmas gifts inspired by the seas, stars and Greenwich Shop now Royal Museums Greenwich Close Choose your tickets We recommend booking tickets in advance wherever possible. To see all our tickets and prices click here. Queen's House Ice Rink Stunning views Open-air skating Guaranteed entry time Skate hire included Museum entry not included Adult from £17 Child from £10 Student from £11.90 BOOK NOW Special exhibition Astronomy Photographer of the Year The world's greatest space photography Over 100 images on display Entry to National Maritime Museum included Adult £10 Child £5 BOOK NOW Cutty Sark Explore the main deck Walk beneath the ship See how the crew lived Family activities and interactives Guaranteed entry time Audio guide included Adult £18 Child £9 BOOK NOW Royal Observatory Walk the Prime Meridian line See the best view in London Guaranteed entry time Audio guide included Planetarium shows not included Adult £18 Child £9 BOOK NOW Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass Save 25% with combo ticket Cutty Sark Royal Observatory Guaranteed entry time Planetarium shows not included Adult £27 Child £13.50 BOOK NOW National Maritime Museum Guaranteed entry time Access to all free galleries and activities Paid exhibitions not included Free entry Book online BOOK NOW Queen's House Internationally renowned art Stunning architecture The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I Free entry Book online BOOK NOW Become a Member Unlimited entry all year Royal Observatory Cutty Sark Planetarium Shows Special exhibitions Direct Debit One-off Individual: £50 Individual: £60 Family: from £60 Family: from £70 JOIN TODAY Member tickets Free and fast-track Museums entry Priority booking Access using your membership card Membership card number required BOOK NOW