26 Christmassy things to do in Greenwich this year

Christmas is a magical time of year – and the Royal Borough of Greenwich really brings that spirit to life with a host of enchanting events and experiences. 

Add a dollop of joy to your winter with these fabulous activities with friends, family and work colleagues. Make this a Christmas like no other.

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Experiences

1. Climb to a rooftop Snow Globe on top of The O2

Climbers visiting Up at The O2 will not only enjoy iconic views of London’s skyline on their guided rooftop climb to the 52m-high summit, they’ll be rewarded with an immersive Snow Globe experience making for the ultimate festive photo moment.

2. See Mars at the Painted Hall

Get transported to another world admiring Luke Jerram’s astonishing new installation Mars in the stunning Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College. Mars will complete the trilogy after the sellout Gaia and Museum of the Moon were previously installed here in one of the UK’s most spectacular spaces, known as Britain's Sistine Chapel.

3. Enjoy fine dining with live jazz in the Painted Hall

Soak up the incredible atmosphere of Luke Jerram’s Mars in the Painted Hall at this exclusive one-off event. Diners will be entertained by live jazz vocalist, while dining on a three-course festive meal prepared by expert chefs.

4. Soak up the best of Winter at Greenwich Peninsula

A winter carousel and Christmas market selling foodie treats and local crafts; a calendar of creative workshops from gingerbread decorating to candle-making and wreath decorating; plus a restorative sound bath and Christmas tunes. It’s all on at Winter at Greenwich Peninsula.

5. Festive performances at Outlet Shopping at The O2

You’ll get swept up in the Christmas spirit while shopping for Christmas gifts at Outlet Shopping at The O2 this December. On weekends leading up to Christmas, their iconic golden staircase will double as a performance space for some rousing Christmas entertainment from Festive Choirs.

6. Spook yourself with Christmas ghost stories at Charlton House

Be captivated by an evening of haunting ghost stories set during Christmas time with Edwyrdian Tales at Charlton House & Gardens.

7. Experience all things Christmas at Woolwich Works

Starting with their Christmas Tree Light Up, Woolwich Works has a host of festive activities to keep you entertained from traditional carols to queer cabaret. Check out the packed calendar of pre-bookable events (many are free too!). Check out what's happening for Christmas at Woolwich Works.

8. Catch Christmas light displays across the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Sparklingly decorated Christmas trees, a community lantern parade, and a magical light trail at Sparkle in the Park… the Royal Borough of Greenwich is lit up for Christmas this winter. Read on for where to see them.

9. Enjoy Christmas Carols while you shop at Greenwich Market

On weekends leading up to Christmas you’ll find a rotation of Christmas carollers entertaining shoppers at Greenwich Market. Sip hot spiced apple or mulled wine while hitting the market stalls for unique gifts and delectable treats.

10. Try your hand at the art of gilding at Cutty Sark

A special gilding workshop will teach young and old how to bring some golden glow to their Christmas decorations while visiting the historic Cutty Sark.

11. Go head-to-head with Christmas Trivia at the Trafalgar Tavern

Who sang Cold December Night? It’s time to gather a team and test your holiday knowledge at the Trafalgar Tavern Christmas Quiz.

12. Visit the charity Christmas Fair at Blackheath Halls

The annual Blackheath Halls Christmas Fair is back on with over 40 local artisans selling handmade and bespoke gifts – plus the £3 entry raises funds for Age Exchange dementia services! 

13. It’s panto time! See Dick Whittington and His Cat at Greenwich Theatre

Is it even Christmas if you haven’t seen a rollicking fun panto? Greenwich Theatre is delighted to bring their Offie Award-winning panto Dick Whittington and His Cat back to Greenwich. Don’t miss out on all the fun.

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Kids

14. Visit Santa’s Grotto at the IFS Cloud Cable Car

Not only is there a Santa’s Grotto Experience on the Royal Docks side of the IFS Cloud Cable Car, 10 of their cabins are designed as festive sleighs for Christmas. For families with younger kids, after flying over the Thames little ones – and their adults – will be led by Santa’s elves to meet Santa Claus himself and take home a special gift.

15. Get immersed in a special theatrical Christmas Show at Eltham Palace

Get the family together for an hour-long immersive storytelling journey through this stunning Art Deco mansion: The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace. You’ll interact with delightful characters before a special encounter with Father Christmas himself – and every child receives a gift.

16. Be entertained by The Elves and the Magic Bear at Admiral’s House

This 50-minute interactive show at the Old Royal Naval College will delight kids of all ages. The Elves and the Magic Bear sees Santa’s elves pulling together to save Christmas after stumbling across a bag of untouched Christmas letters a few days before the big day with plenty of singing, dancing and a little mayhem.

17. Be swept away by The Snowman at Woolwich Works

An interactive workshop precedes a screening of Christmas classic The Snowman at Woolwich Works which has been capturing the hearts of audiences for generations.

18. Witness Father Christmas telling festive tales at Admiral’s House

Join Father Christmas and his granddaughter for a special reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas at this special 40-minute long Christmas storytelling event. Guests will also receive a special gift and have the opportunity to take a photo with them.

19. Take the kids to see The Nutcracker at Blackheath Halls

Enjoy an accessible family-focussed production of classic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker by The Let’s All Dance Ballet company in beautiful Blackheath.

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Music

20. Enjoy a magical Christmas Concert at Queen’s House

Vocal ensemble, the Hithertones, return by popular demand to perform a Christmas Concert in the  sumptuous Great Hall at Queen’s House. Expect festive favourites, plus the Scottish folk song "The Parting Glass" and Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium".

21. Glory in a Christmas Carol Concert in the Chapel

Be uplifted by the award-winning Trinity Laban Choir as they fill the neoclassical Chapel of St Peter & St Paul at the Old Royal Naval College with song for the annual Christmas Carol Concert. Tickets include entry to the stunning Painted Hall, which will be featuring Luke Jerram’s installation Mars.

22. Join carol singers at the Trafalgar Tavern

Head to this iconic riverside pub for an evening filled with mulled wine, sing-a-longs and peak festive vibes.

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Food & Drink

23. Dine on a Christmas cruise with City Cruises

Whether with families, friends or work colleagues, you can enjoy a Christmas party on the Thames at one of City Cruises’ lunch or dinner party cruises. Even better, celebrate Christmas Day in style, with a three-course menu, a glass of fizz and entertainment while gliding by London’s riverfront icons.

24. Dine out on this Festive Afternoon Tea at the Undercroft Café

Enjoy a glass of chilled Prosecco with a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Undercroft Café and you’ll also be able to access discounted tickets to this incredible otherworldly Mars installation in the Painted Hall.

25. Festive Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich

DoubleTree's Festive Afternoon Tea serves up Christmas-themed flavours: turkey, stuffing and cranberry finger sandwiches, mini mince pie crumble plus warmed mulled wine to top it all off.

26. Take the stress out of Christmas Day at InterContinental London – The O2

The InterContinental London – The O2 is taking care of Christmas for you with a festive set menu in the lead up to Christmas, plus a special buffet brunch on the day – with breathtaking views of the River Thames and London's Canary Wharf.