It’s time for festive fun in Greenwich

The Christmas countdown is on, and Greenwich is embracing everything twinkly and festive, and this November and December it is the place to be to feel all merry and full of joy and have the most festive fun in London.

Avoid the crowds and busy high streets of the city and head to Greenwich for that extra sparkle. You can enjoy walks though this beautiful borough in the fresh, crisp open air, take in the glorious autumn colours and the glittering sights.

Starting off the proceedings is Greenwich Market with its Christmas Light Switch On and Lantern Parade on 17 November, which is sure to get you feeling joyful. Starting at the Old Royal Naval College, children from five local schools, led by a jazz band, will parade their handmade colourful lanterns through the grounds, round past Cutty Sark and into the Market for the big Christmas Countdown and Lights On. Father Christmas will be there to welcome visitors in his Greenwich Grotto, and open for bookings throughout the festive period.

From 18 November, the magical open-air Queen’s House Ice Rink takes centre stage once again in the beautiful grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich. Set in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the rink is surrounded by wonderful architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, providing a backdrop of some of the best views in London. Open throughout the Christmas season until 9 January. So grab your skates, bring your friends and have fun gliding and wobbling on the ice!

Christmas shopping can sometimes be challenging, finding the perfect gift for that special someone. Greenwich Market is a brilliant solution for finding a unique gift. You'll be spoilt for choice with British designer-makers with many different shops and stalls from original artworks, antiques, handcrafted toys, fashion, jewellery, handmade gifts and more. There is also the food court with culinary delights from all over the world to keep you going. 

For another kind of designer shopping, head to ICON Outlet at The O2, which has over 60 well-known brands such as adidas, Calvin Klein, Jack Wills, Next and many more. Offering up to 70% off, you can treat yourself as well as find gorgeous gifts. Tip: The O2 has free car parking for 4hrs if you spend over £35.

Whilst you are at ICON Outlet, leave your purchases at the bag drop and treat yourself to an early Christmas gift to go for a sky-high adventure at Up at The O2. Why not do it in the evening and take in the Christmas lights and sights!

You can also see the lights and sights from the river when you catch a ride on board Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Not only is it a speedy way to travel between The O2 and Greenwich - just 8 minutes by the way! – it takes in glorious views of Greenwich, the Thames and the rest of London along the way. Choose from being out on deck feeling the rush of the air or be cosy with a coffee inside.

For a Christmas show to enjoy with the family, don’t miss A Christmas Carol, the classic Dickens tale, brought to life in the stunning surroundings of the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, 3 to 23 December. It will be a thrilling musical adventure to Christmas past, present and future.

Another Christmas celebration to make a family Christmas tradition is Enchanted Eltham Palace, between 9 and 30 December. It is a magical evening of illumination, sound and colour whilst exploring the spectacular grounds and gardens of historic Eltham Palace. This will surely make even the Grinch feel festive.

Truly unique to Greenwich and a delightful way to explore the town centre is to look out for the Advent Windows, organised by St Alfege Church. Now in its 15^th year, in December the town centre is brought alive with shops, homes, schools and pubs using their imagination and artistry to decorate their windows to create a living Advent Calendar. On each day of Advent (1 to 24 December) a newly decorated window is revealed (or ‘opened’) and will remain on display until 3 January.

Sit back and relax on board City Cruises and watch the world go by as you take a scenic trip on the majestic river Thames. Cruise and party your way into merry winter celebrations, like Christmas Day cruises and New Year’s Eve sailings that are sure to leave you with a twinkle in your eye.

So, let’s recap on why Greenwich means Christmas time – there are festive markets, live shows, seasonal drinks, and tasty street food. Designer shopping, river trips, enchanted light trails, ice-skating and sky-high adventure, all in one beautiful riverside setting.  Easy to get to by river and rail. Everything on your Christmas wish list for the perfect countdown to Christmas.

Get your friends and family together and start making some Greenwich Christmas traditions of your own.