Free festive events and Christmas light switch-ons coming to Royal Greenwich

Woolwich and Eltham will host three-day Festive Weekenders this month, with free activities, performances and Christmas tree light switch-ons. Greenwich’s lantern parade takes place earlier, on Wednesday 18 November.

Royal Greenwich is getting ready for Christmas with free events in Woolwich and Eltham, alongside a lantern parade in Greenwich and a packed programme of winter activities across the borough.

The council’s Festive Weekenders, organised with CC Events and FESTIVAL.org, will bring family activities, live entertainment and local stalls to Woolwich from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November, then Eltham from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November. Food and drink will be available at both events.

Children can try cookie decorating, make lanterns and Christmas cards, take part in carnival games and face painting, and meet Minnie, Mickey, Rudolph and the enchanted fairies.

In Woolwich, the programme includes singalong performances from Puppets with Guts: The Lips, illuminated drummers Spark! Worldbeaters and choirs from Heath House and Cardwell schools. There will also be a giant snow globe for photos and rides on Santa’s mega sleigh. Beresford Market will stay open until 8pm on Friday as part of Woolwich Lates.

Eltham’s line-up includes stilt walkers Corvus Angelicus, Star Bears, giant Big Dancers from El Carromato, the Bob Hope Theatre pantomime cast and St Mary’s School Choir.

At both town-centre events, visitors can catch performances from Play It on Pan, Boppin’ Bunnies, Jolly Good Timers and TARU Arts, as well as local musicians. The Christmas trees will be lit at 6pm on the Friday in both Woolwich and Eltham.

Greenwich lantern parade

Greenwich’s annual Lantern Parade and lights switch-on, organised by Greenwich Market, takes place on Wednesday 18 November from 4pm to 6pm. The parade will travel from the Old Royal Naval College towards the Cutty Sark, where the countdown to the Christmas tree lights begins. Festive entertainment and local stalls will continue inside Greenwich Market, with performances running from noon until 6.30pm.

Event times

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure, said the free events would bring residents, community groups, school choirs, businesses, artists and performers together, with cost not a barrier to joining in.

Councillor Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives, said the celebrations would also give people opportunities to support local and independent businesses by shopping locally.

More things to do this winter

Other seasonal events and experiences around Royal Greenwich include:

• Cutty Sark Christmas Market: open until 12 January, noon–8pm.

• Snow Globe at Up at the O2: Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January. Find out more.

• Queen’s House Ice Rink: Wednesday 18 November to Sunday 3 January, with discounts and offers for local people. Find out more.

• Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December. Find out more.

• A Christmas Carol by Three Inch Fools: Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November at the Old Royal Naval College chapel. Find out more.

• Peace Doves: Friday 20 November to Sunday 7 February at the Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall. Find out more.

• Wreath making at Charlton House: Saturday 28 November. Find out more.

• Jack and the BeanSTEM SEND-friendly pantomime: Sunday 29 November at Charlton House. Find out more.

• Christmas Social Media Days: 1–3, 8–10 and 15–17 December at Admiral’s House, Old Royal Naval College. Find out more.

• Christmas Comedy on the Thames: Thursday 3 December with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Find out more.

• Wreath-making workshop with Friends of Greenwich Park: Saturday 5 December. Find out more.

• Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto at Charlton House: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. Find out more.

• The Magic Flute: Saturday 5 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Ghost Stories at Charlton House: Sunday 6 December. Find out more.

• Drag the Halls: Thursday 10 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Drag Bingo Festive Edition: Friday 11 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Winter SEND family fun day: Saturday 12 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Christmas Ceilidh: Saturday 12 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• The Elf Factory: Sunday 13 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• A Christmas Carol and Jolly Bollywood Christmas: Thursday 17 December at Woolwich Works. A Christmas Carol · Jolly Bollywood Christmas.

• Karaoke at The Works Christmas Special: Friday 18 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Santa’s Silent Disco: Saturday 19 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• The Elves and the Jingle Bell Ball: Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 December at the Old Royal Naval College. Find out more.

• Silent Disco in the Painted Hall: Saturday 19 December at the Old Royal Naval College. Find out more.

• Quizmas: Sunday 20 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Baby Gospel Christmas Family Concert: Monday 21 December at Woolwich Works. Find out more.

• Santa’s Grotto Experience with London Cable Car: selected dates from 28 November to 23 December. Find out more.

• Father Christmas in Admiral’s House: Saturday 28 November to Tuesday 22 December at the Old Royal Naval College. Find out more.

• Santa Paws at Charlton House: Friday 11 December. Find out more.

• Storytelling with Mrs Claus at Charlton House: Saturday 12 December. Find out more.

• Carol Concerts in the chapel: Mondays 7 and 14 December at the Old Royal Naval College. Find out more.

• Festive Yoga and Brunch: Sunday 20 December at the Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall and the Old Brewery. Find out more.

• Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic: Thursday 24 December to Sunday 3 January at The O2. Find out more.

Event schedules and performers may change. For more listings, visit the council’s online events calendar.