Greenwich Council (RBG) have announced a host of Christmas activities for December even as they conceded the festive season will be "very different for all of us".

In a statement posted Wednesday (October 28) that was later updated today (November 4), Council Leader Danny Thorpe highlighted plans to transform Avery Hill Park in particular for December.

"This has been one of the toughest years we’ve all had to face in recent times and Christmas is certainly not going to be cancelled in Royal Greenwich.

"We’re doing things differently this year to make sure we can offer festive fun in a safe and distanced way, so we will be transforming Avery Hill Park into a magical light trail for all residents to come and enjoy the Christmas cheer.

"We’re also keeping our Christmas markets across the borough where you can pick up a unique gift for friends and family and support a small local business at the same time," he said.

RBG dubbed it 'The Sparkle in the Park' and said it would be free for all residents, adding that "to keep you safe and manage visitor flow, you will need to book a time slot to come along," while keeping group sizes to six.

Sparkle in the Park is open from Saturday December 12 to Sunday December 20 (excluding Monday and Tuesday), from 4pm to 9pm (last entry at 7.45pm), and dependent on the coronavirus restrictions that come into effect for England tomorrow (Thursday, November 5).

Meanwhile, Greenwich borough's classic Christmas markets will also be popping up in Eltham, Woolwich, Thamesmead and Greenwich on the following dates:

  • Saturday 5 December, 10am-4pm, General Gordon Square, Woolwich
  • Saturday12 December, 10am-4pm, Passey Place, Eltham
  • Saturday 12 December, 10am-3pm, Clocktower, Joyce Dawson Way, Thamesmead
  • Every Saturday and Sunday throughout November and December in Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich (food sales only during lockdown)