Christmas Events in South London
A round-up of the best Christmas events south of the river this festival season.
May your days be filled be Christmas markets, carol services and candlelight this festive season. There’s a fantastic array of Christmas events happening south of the river this winter.
A Christmas Carol at Blackheath Halls
What’s Christmas without Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? Thankfully, you can get your fix this season with this Dickensian performance at Blackheath Halls. A sole narrator, who transforms himself into each and every character, tells the story. The audience watches as he transforms from Scrooge to Marley and the Three Ghosts of Christmas Past.
Address: 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ
Price: £8.50. Suitable for 4+.
Picture the scene. It’s one of those beautifully crisp winter’s days with a cloudless blue sky. What better way to spend it than escaping the madding crowd in Greenwich Park? You can walk amongst the deer (including 16 fallow deer and 14 red deer) along the variety of footpaths in the woodland area. There’s nothing like walking off the Christmas excess.
Address: Greenwich
Price: Admission free
One of the most magical times of the festive period is seeing the Christmas tree lights go on. The Cutty Sark Gardens will be treating us to exactly this on Saturday 3rd December. The festival will start from 12pm, so get there early to make the most of the traditional carousel, view the ice sculptures and take your children to visit Santa’s grotto. The lighting of the tree takes place at 5pm. Don’t miss out.
Address: Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9HT
Price: Admission free
Designer-Maker Christmas Market
Venture to Greenwich Peninsula this December to indulge in all your Christmas needs. This fantastic market hosts the very best in London’s designer-maker scene, so is a perfect place to stock up on presents. You can also enjoy a festive drink in the Tepee Snug Bar, take your children to visit Santa’s grotto, and see a variety of Christmas performances in the amphitheatre.
Open from 3rd – 22nd December, 12pm until late.
Address: Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10
Price: Admission free. Santa’s grotto: one child, £12; two children, £20; three children, £28; printed photo, £5.
The Bussey Building will play host to this year’s Crafty Fox Christmas Market. The event will take place on the 10-11th December (11am – 5pm) and includes over 50 talented designer/makers and artists. Not only is this a great place to complete your Christmas shopping, there’s also mulled wine, DJs and the opportunity to take part in a range of workshops (from screen printing to creating your own Christmas cards).
Address: CLF Art Café, The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Price: Admission free
Dulwich Picture Gallery Artisan Christmas Market
This wonderfully quaint Christmas market is the perfect place for last minute gift inspiration. It’s set in the Gallery’s beautiful historic grounds and offers over 50 artisan stalls selling handmade and local produce. You won’t fail to get in the Christmas spirit with their pop-up choirs, servings of mulled wine and a special guest appearance from Father Christmas himself. Open on the 10-11th and the 17-18th December.
Address: Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD
Price: Admission free (10am – 5pm). From 6 – 10pm the event becomes part of Dulwich Winterlights. Tickets apply (see below).
This truly is a sight to behold. The stunning 19th Century Dulwich Picture Gallery building and grounds are beautifully lit to celebrate Dulwich Winterlights. The lighting installment comes from the same team as Kew Gardens, so expect to be dazzled. You can enjoy Christmas storytelling, festive choirs and delicious street food. We recommend visiting on the weekend to make the most of the full Christmas market.
Address: Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD
Price: Adults, £14; children, £8; family (two adults, two children), £40.
The Horniman Museum is celebrating its annual Christmas fair on the 3-4th December. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, from carol singing at the bandstand (Sunday) to a delicious Farmers’ Market full of seasonal produce (Saturday). Your children can also enjoy face painting, storytelling, a Christmas trail and A Christmas Carol puppet making.
Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Price: Free admission. Additional activities may have fees attached.
It’s worth noting that residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich are eligible for the Greenwich Card, which gives you discounts on events and activities held in the area.
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