Winter Solstice Festival
Visitors can celebrate midwinter with music, dancing, storytelling, and hands-on crafts inspired by global folklore and traditions. Activities include interactive tales of the holly and oak king, lantern making, and shadow puppetry. Royal Observatory astronomers will also be on hand with telescopes to offer solar and lunar observing and answer questions about the night sky.
What to Expect
Celebrate midwinter folktales with crafts, storytelling, and telescope observing.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families interested in folklore, crafts and astronomy
Vibe
Festive and curious
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: 10.30am-5pm.
- Parking: The National Maritime Museum has a secure car park, open during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, with limited weekday availability; pre-booking is recommended.
Tips & Advice
- Use the DLR to Cutty Sark station, a seven-minute walk from the National Maritime Museum, or take one of the buses serving the museum.
- Pre-book a museum car-park space where possible; on-the-day spaces are subject to availability.
- Allow time to explore the festival’s range of family activities, including crafts, storytelling, music and astronomy observing.
- Bring questions for the Royal Observatory astronomers, who will be on hand to discuss the night sky and the solstice.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free entry.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are planned for families?
Activities include music, dancing, storytelling, crafts, lantern making and shadow puppetry, with interactive tales about the holly and oak king.
Can visitors take part in astronomy activities?
Yes. Royal Observatory astronomers will offer solar and lunar observing with telescopes and answer questions about the night sky.
Do I need to book to attend?
The festival is free; the event information does not specify whether booking is required.
How can I get to the National Maritime Museum by public transport?
The DLR at Cutty Sark station is a seven-minute walk away. Maze Hill station and buses 129, 177, 180, 188, 286, 386 and N1 also serve the area.
Is parking available at the museum?
A secure car park is available during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, with limited weekday spaces. Pre-booking is recommended, and on-the-day spaces are subject to availability.
More Christmas Events near Archway
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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.