Essential seasonal fun in Greenwich this Christmas

As ever, Greenwich is the place to be this Christmas! From ice-skating in gorgeous classical surrounds to pop-up Christmas cinemas, two different ‘Santa’s Grottoes’, lantern parades and a whole raft of pantos and other kids’ shows, there’s almost too much to choose from. And, as it’s the season of indulgence, some of the borough’s best food and drink purveyors are cooking up special menus and events. Check out this list of 2023’s most unmissable festive fun, all here in Greenwich.

Activities

If you’re looking for experiences and activity this Christmas, look no further!

1. Queen’s House Ice Rink skaters of all skill-levels can slide, shimmy and slither around the ice in the grounds of England’s first (and finest) classical mansion, from 23 November to 7 January.

2. Kids love visiting Santa in his grotto: in 2023, he’ll be making wishes come true on selected dates at two locations, Greenwich Market (15-13 December) and Woolwich Works (1-22 December).

3. Seven wonderful festive markets will showcase local and regional artisans and provide a venue for independent traders across Greenwich this festive season.

4. Up at The O2 Twilight Climb (pictured): Scale the 52m canopy of a London multi-entertainment icon, all to the sound of a choir belting out classic Christmas tunes!

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Events

The spectacles come thick and fast!

5. Lantern Parade and Light Switch On Wednesday 15 November sees Christmas in Greenwich start in earnest, with this heartwarming procession of lanterns made by local schoolchildren, culminating in the annual switching on of Greenwich Market’s Christmas lights.

6. More Christmas-light displays are blinking into life all over the borough: see Sparkle in the Park (Avery Hill Park, 30 November to 3 December) and Christmas at Eltham Palace (1 December to 1 January).

7. Carols and Christmas music are set to roll on throughout the festive season. Check out Carols and Coalescence, Blackheath Halls Christmas Concert and The Snowman with East London Brass.

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Entertainment

Brace yourself for a flurry of shows this festive season

8. Kids, naturally, have plenty to keep them entertained throughout their Greenwich Christmas! There’s The Elves and The Magic Bear, The Elf Who Stole Christmas, the Showstoppers’ Christmas Kids Show and the Greenwich Theatre’s panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

9. The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, AKA ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’, is the out-of-the-ordinary setting for storytelling with Father Christmas, Sundays 2-23 December.

10. Grown-ups should book ahead for FEAST!, a joyful Christmas cabaret at Woolwich Works. Expect comedy, three courses of great food, good times, and a glass of fizz!

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Food and Drink

What’s Christmas without fabulous food and drink? Not much! Get down to Greenwich and get set for indulgence.

11. The Festive Dining Experience at Coalescence is an unparalleled chance to see the London debut of artist Paul Cocksedge’s latest installation while dining in one of London’s most ornate interiors.

12. Come to Woolwich Works on 13 December for the Christmas wine tasting, A Corking Christmas, where you’ll enjoy a flight of eight wines, from minerally whites to rich, spicy reds.

13. Save space in your calendar for wonderful festive menus in Greenwich, from Sticks’n’Sushi Christmas menu to the five-course dinner at Kinaara, the fine Indian diner at The InterContentinal London – The O2.

Written by Hugh McNaughtan