Christmas in Greenwich

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.

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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.

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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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

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

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Concerts, shows and special events

From evening lectures to atmospheric plays and performances, these special events are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.

Journey into space at the annual Royal Observatory Christmas lecture

This event is now sold out

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.

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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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

Christmas activities for children

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

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.

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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.

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