We’ve rounded up five things to see and do in south east London this Christmas.
Whether you’re looking for a festive meal out with friends, an activity with the children or a night out to celebrate the festive season, there are some great things to get up to between now and the big day.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best things we think you should do in south east London this festive season and everything you need to know.
Visit the festive light trail at Eltham Palace
Located in the historic grounds of Eltham Palace and Gardens, this popular light trail is back with brand new installations this year.
The trail will take a different, step-free route around the grounds this year and features illuminated chandeliers, an illuminated rose garden, and an installation featuring the resident lemur Jongy, who once lived in the palace in the 1920s.
The trail also hosts Quiet Slots at 4pm and 4:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, where the capacity is lower and sound levels are reduced during these times.
Tickets start from £20.25 for adults and £15.25 for children during off-peak times and £25.50 for adults and £19.25 for children during peak times.
Go skating at one of south east London’s ice rinks
If you fancy skating after some Christmas shopping, head to Bluewater to try out their popular ice rink located in the village, with tickets starting from £16.50 for adults and £14.50 for children.
If you’re out for a day in Greenwich, head to the outdoor ice rink situated in the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with views of Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College.
If you’re local to Bexley, Ruxley Manor ice rink offers guests a chance to skate on a covered ice rink, along with child-friendly sessions.
Visit Father Christmas at the Painted Hall in Greenwich
If you still haven’t visited Father Christmas yet, then head to the Painted Hall in Greenwich for a chance to hear festive stories told from the man in red.
Visitors will have a chance to meet Father Christmas, who will be taking residence in the Nelson Room in the Painted Hall, which is currently playing host to a new artwork installation called Coalescence.
Father Christmas will be telling Christmas tales and visitors will also have a chance to take a photo and receive a special gift.
Father Christmas Storytelling in the Painted Hall will be running on December 23 with slots between 11am until 2:25pm with tickets starting from £8 for children and £15 for adults.
Have a festive meal
If you’re looking for some traditional British food with a festive twist, Dorothy and Marshall in Bromley’s Old Town Hall is offering a range of festive menus, including a two or three course Christmas set party menu, a festive sharing menu and a menu for Christmas day.
For £32.90 for two courses or £39.90 for three courses, guests can choose from a range of dishes like a Prawn & Avocado Cocktail, Confit Duck Leg or a Valrhona Chocolate Cheesecake.
If you’d prefer something more exotic, head to Babur in Forest Hill to sample their Christmas Tasting Menu featuring a five-course menu produced by chef Jiwan Lal.
Dishes include Amritsari Black Cod Cheeks and slow-braised Punjabi lamb shoulder, saffron rice, and lamb jus, culminating in a choice of desserts like the Royal Punjabi Kulfi.
The tasting menu costs £48.95 without wine parings and £80.95 with wine pairings and is available until December 24.
Go for a festive afternoon tea in Greenwich
If you’re looking for a festive afternoon tea, the River Gardens Café in Greenwich is a great spot for brunch or a sweet treat.
This dog-friendly setting is located a 10-minute walk by the river from the Cutty Sark, offering great views of the O2 and the River Thames.
For the month of December, the River Gardens Café will be offering a festive afternoon tea for £40 per person, which includes a selection of festive sandwiches, scones and mince pies, and a selection of cakes.
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