Father Christmas Storytelling at Old Royal Naval College
Step into a world of festive magic at the Old Royal Naval College's Admiral's House for a special Father Christmas experience. Families can gather to meet Father Christmas, hear enchanting stories, and receive a festive gift. Various session types cater to all ages, including relaxed options for SEND visitors and gentler experiences for babies and toddlers. Explore Father Christmas's Workshop to create your own decorations and learn about reindeer wrangling.
What to Expect
Meet Father Christmas and his North Pole friends.
Event Details
Duration
40 minutes (Standard sessions), 30 minutes (Babies and Toddlers sessions)
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Greenwich
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Old Royal Naval College
Food & Drink
Not specified, but 'The Old Brewery' is mentioned as a place for enquiries and table reservations.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, magical, joyful
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: No general parking facilities available, except for visitors with access requirements. Car parking for blue badge holders is available in the Park Row car park, opposite the East Gate entrance. Paid car parking is available in Park Row (SE10 9NL) and Cutty Sark Gardens.
- Accessibility: Relaxed SEND-friendly sessions are available with softer lighting, reduced noise, and fewer visitors. Greenwich Pier has Europe’s first Ramp Rider for wheelchair users. Specific accessibility information is available on their accessibility page.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets in advance, especially for specific session types like 'Babies and Toddlers' or 'Relaxed sessions', as they have limited capacity and are popular.
- Arrive a little early for your booked session to allow time for entry and to find your way to Admiral's House, ensuring a stress-free experience.
- Check the specific dates for each session type (Standard, Babies/Toddlers, Workshop) as they are not all available on the same days.
- Note that only certain sessions include a gift directly from Father Christmas; others provide workshop creations to take home.
- Consider visiting the Painted Hall or Peace Doves exhibition with a separate ticket for a fuller Old Royal Naval College experience.
Special Events & Promotions
- Discounted tickets available for Elves and Jingle Bell Ball ticket holders to visit the Painted Hall.
- Additional Father Christmas and Christmas-related learning materials created by Time Capsule TV are provided for school bookings.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the session types?
Standard sessions are for all ages, Babies and Toddlers sessions are shorter and gentler for younger children, and Relaxed sessions are SEND-friendly with a calmer environment. Father Christmas's Workshop involves craft activities before meeting him.
Can children sit on Father Christmas's lap?
No, Father Christmas has to take good care of his knees, so children (including babies) may not sit on his lap. Photos will be taken with him standing or seated nearby.
Are tickets refundable?
No, tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. They are only valid for the date and time shown on the ticket.
Can I visit the Painted Hall with my Father Christmas ticket?
No, your ticket guarantees entry to the Father Christmas event only. A separate ticket is required to visit the Painted Hall and the Peace Doves installation.
What is included in the ticket price?
Ticket prices vary by session type and age. Children's tickets range from £5-£65, while adult entry is free. Specific inclusions like gifts or workshop materials depend on the session booked.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.