If you’re looking for some festive things to do this Christmas break, you can find plenty to do in south east London.
Whether you want to catch a panto, see the London views or even have a festive meal out, we’ve rounded up some of the things we think you should do before Santa arrives…
Catch a Panto
Nothing says Christmas like a family fun pantomime and south east London is playing host to a gaggle of them.
From the exploits of Dick Whittington and his Cat starring Samuel Bailey at Greenwich Theatre, to a star-studied performance of Snow White at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre featuring headlining act Dr Ranj, there’s plenty on offer.
Dick Whittington and his Cat starring Samuel Bailey at Greenwich Theatre. (Image: Nancy Poole)
Over in Catford you can watch Sleeping Beauty written by award-winning playwright Susie McKenna, and Dartford’s Orchard West Theatre are showing a festive performance of Sleeping Beauty featuring Kent-based star Sydnie Christmas.
Dartford’s Orchard West Theatre are showing a festive performance of Sleeping Beauty featuring Kent-based star Sydnie Christmas. (Image: Dartford Orchard West Theatre)
Enjoy London views from inside a life-sized snow globe
When? Until January 5
Where? The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX
How much? £44
If you fancy seeing London from above, North Greenwich’s popular Up at the O2 will be hosting an immersive experience, where you can ascend 52 metres high to see views of the south London skyline within a huge snow globe, where you can pose for photos with a glass of fizz.
You can ascend 52 metres high to see views of the south London skyline within a huge snow globe. (Image: Luke Dyson / Cow PR)
Meet Father Christmas and his friends at Eltham Palace
When? December 21 & 22
Where? Eltham Palace and Gardens, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP
How much? Adults £25, Children £30
This Christmas Eltham Palace is hosting an immersive event, where this historic palace is decorated for Christmas with plenty of character appearances.
This Christmas Eltham Palace is hosting an immersive event, where this historic palace is decorated for Christmas. (Image: Moore Media)
The characters will also be joined by Father Christmas himself, who will give a gift to the children, and there will also be opportunities at the event to snap a festive photo.
The characters will also be joined by Father Christmas himself, who will give a gift to the children. (Image: Moore Media)
Enjoy a festive Indian meal at an award-winning restaurant
When? Until December 24
Where? Babur, 119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, SE23 1JP
How much? £59.95
If you’re bored of the Christmas turkey and mince pies, award-winning Brockley restaurant Babur will be offering a festive Christmas Tasting Menu up until Christmas Eve.
Award-winning Brockley restaurant Babur will be offering a festive Christmas Tasting Menu up until Christmas Eve. (Image: Babur)
This five-course menu features a range of gourmet Indian dishes like Kasundi king prawn and sword fish tikka masala and Halibut coconut mango curry, along with Indian takes on festive dishes like Garam masala Christmas pudding,
But if you fancy something to wash it down, why not partake in one of their Winter Warmer Cocktails like their Winter Apple Cider Shrub with cinnamon and apple.
This five-course menu features a range of gourmet Indian dishes along with Indian takes on festive dishes. (Image: Babur)
Snap a photo of ‘Mars’ at The Painted Hall
When? Until January 20
Where? Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN
How much? £16.50
If you love art and all things space, head over to Greenwich’s Painted Hall, where you can see Luke Jerram’s Mars installation.
At Greenwich’s Painted Hall you can see Luke Jerram’s Mars installation. (Image: Annabel Moeller)
This incredible seven-foot replica of Mars using NASA imagery will be in situ at this historic building from November 23 until January 20.
This will be accompanied by music composed by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones, along with clips from NASA missions to Mars.
This incredible seven-foot replica of Mars using NASA imagery will be in situ at this historic building until January 20. (Image: Annabel Moeller)