Festive Weekenders: Switch on the Christmas tree lights this November at unmissable free events in our town centres

Create magical moments worth sharing in Royal Greenwich this Christmas. The council and our partners are bringing joy to our town centres with free events this November, plus a host of unmissable experiences across the borough this winter.

The Christmas spirit will take over Woolwich from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November and Eltham from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November for the council's Festive Weekenders including magical light switch on events, organised in partnership with CC Events and FESTIVAL.org, with free activities and performances, plus local stalls, food and drink.

Kids can get creative with cookie decorating, lantern and Christmas card making, face painting and carnival games, and meet Minnie, Mickey, Rudolph and our enchanted fairies.

Expect performances from singalong Puppets with Guts The Lips and spectacular illuminated drummers Spark! Worldbeaters and Heath House and Cardwell School choirs in Woolwich. And get a selfie in the giant snow globe and take a ride on Santa's mega sleigh. Get started on your Christmas shopping and enjoy tasty street food at Beresford Market, open until 8pm as part of Woolwich Lates.

In Eltham, enjoy circus stilt walkers Corvus Angelicus, Star Bears, giant Big Dancers from El Carromato, Bob Hope Theatre pantomime cast and St Mary's School Choir. Countdown with us to light up the Christmas tree at 6pm and catch Play It on Pan, Boppin’ Bunnies, Jolly Good Timers and TARU Arts at both events.

Plus, take a break from your Christmas shopping to enjoy festive entertainment across the weekend in both town centres, with performances from homegrown musicians.

Don't miss the annual Lantern Parade and light switch-on in Greenwich Town Centre, organised by Greenwich Market, on Wednesday 18 November from 4 to 6pm. Follow the festive lantern parade from the Old Royal Naval College to the Cutty Sark where the countdown begins to light up the Christmas tree. The fun continues inside Greenwich Market, with entertainment from 12 noon through to 6:30pm.

And it doesn't stop there – have an Unmissable Winter Time across the borough this season with festive events from our cultural partners. From meeting Father Christmas, Mrs Clause and even Santa Paws to ice skating under the stars, cosy river trips and climbing into a giant snow globe, step into Christmas with festive fun for the whole family.

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure, said: "Royal Greenwich is a cultural destination. Our culture belongs to the people who live here, and helps create a healthier, happier borough. Our free, festive events connect our communities, bringing people together to celebrate, from local community groups and school choirs, to businesses, artists and performers.

"Together, we're bringing joy to our communities this Christmas. Our free town centre events make sure cost isn't a barrier to creating moments worth sharing, and this year the fun will continue all weekend. Come along to Greenwich, Eltham and Woolwich to help us light up the Christmas tree and stick around for a weekend of magical entertainment."

Councillor Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-Operatives, said: "We want to create joy this Christmas. From our festive events to Woolwich Lates, day and night, there's more to explore in our town centres, high streets and local parades than ever before.

"As well as bringing our communities together, our town centre events provide opportunities for small and independent businesses. By shopping locally, you are boosting the local economy.”

Are you putting on a festive event? Add it to our online calendar to let local people know about it.

Follow us on WhatsApp and sign up to our newsletter to be first to know what's on this Christmas.

If you're a local business looking for community investment opportunities, come on board to support our Christmas events and other community initiatives. To find out more, contact advertising@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Please note, event schedules and artists may be subject to changes.

Unmissable things to do in Royal Greenwich this winter

Greenwich lantern parade and light switch on

Wednesday 18 November, 4 pm to 6pm

Follow the festive lantern parade from the Old Royal Naval College to the Cutty Sark where the countdown begins to light up the Christmas tree. The fun continues inside Greenwich Market with Christmas singalongs and a range of local stalls.

Woolwich Festive Weekender and town centre light switch on

General Gordon Square

Friday 20 November, 12 noon to 7pm, light switch on at 6pm

Saturday 21 November, 12 noon to 8pm

Sunday 22 November, 12 noon to 5pm

Countdown with us to light up the Christmas tree on Friday. Plus, take a break from your Christmas shopping to enjoy festive entertainment across the weekend in Woolwich town centre.

Eltham Festive Weekender and town centre light switch on

Passey Place

Friday 27 November, 12 noon to 7pm, light switch on at 6pm

Saturday 28 November, 12 noon to 8pm

Sunday 29 November, 12 noon to 5pm

Countdown with us to light up the Christmas tree on Friday. Plus, take a break from your Christmas shopping to enjoy festive entertainment across the weekend in Eltham town centre.

Find more festive events near you