Father Christmas Storytelling at Old Royal Naval College
Families gather around the fireplace at Admiral's House to meet Father Christmas and his granddaughter for festive storytelling and photos. Depending on the booked session, children can craft unique decorations with North Pole tailors, make dreams with the Pole Star Dream Weavers, or meet the chief reindeer wrangler. Every child receives a special gift or takes home their handmade workshop creations.
What to Expect
Fireside storytelling, festive activities, and photo opportunities with Father Christmas.
Event Details
Duration
Standard sessions last 40 minutes. Babies and Toddlers sessions last 30 minutes and are shorter than the standard sessions.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Greenwich
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Old Royal Naval College
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Cozy and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Children: £5–£65; adults: free. All attendees must have a ticket. Up to two adults per child ticket; additional adults are not allowed in the group, though extra adults may be added to a booking by contacting the box office at least 7 days before the visit. A pre-crawling baby needs a ticket; if the baby is the only child in the group, a paid ticket is required. A free accompanying pre-crawling Baby ticket can be booked at no extra cost when a child ticket has been booked, but it does not include a gift; book a paid ticket if the baby is to receive a gift. The page recommends the Baby and Toddler sessions for a reduced ticket price. The ticket guarantees entry to this event only; the Painted Hall and Peace Doves require a separate ticket. – Get tickets
- Hours: Various times; every 10.15 am Standard session on the listed dates is relaxed and SEND-friendly; every 9.30 am Workshop session on the listed dates is relaxed and SEND-friendly.
- Accessibility: Accessible toilets are available within the building.
Tips & Advice
- Book the Babies and Toddlers sessions for children up to 4, because they are shorter, have a smaller audience and come at a reduced ticket price.
- Bring a charged phone or camera, since there is no professional photographer and all group photos are taken on your own device.
- Email the box office at least 7 days ahead if you need more adults added, because each child ticket only covers up to two adults.
- Pick a Workshop date if you want children to bring home something they made, since only the other dates include a gift handed over by Father Christmas.
- Buy a separate ticket if you also want to see the Painted Hall or Peace Doves, because your Father Christmas ticket covers this event only.
Special Events & Promotions
- Relaxed SEND-friendly sessions run on 19–22 December during Standard sessions and on 4–6 and 11–13 December during Workshop sessions, with softer lighting, reduced noise and fewer visitors.
- Babies and Toddlers sessions run on 28–29 November and 18 December at a reduced ticket price.
- Father Christmas's Workshop runs on 4–6 and 11–13 December, with the North Pole Tailors, the Pole Star Dream Weavers and the Reindeer Wrangler.
- A pre-crawling baby can come free with a booked child ticket, though the free ticket does not include a gift.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is it for?
Standard sessions are open to children of all ages and abilities. The Babies and Toddlers sessions are recommended for little ones up to 4. They are shorter at 30 minutes and have a smaller audience.
What happens in a standard session?
Each 40-minute session includes a welcome from Father Christmas and a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. There is also a photo opportunity and a gift.
What is Father Christmas's Workshop?
Children meet Buttons and Baubles, the North Pole Tailors, and make their own Christmas decoration. They make a dream with the Pole Star Dream Weavers and meet Nenet Rangifer, the chief reindeer wrangler. The session ends with a chat, a story and family photos with Father Christmas, and children take their creations home.
Is there a photographer, and can children sit on Father Christmas's lap?
There is no professional photographer, so take photos of your group on your own device. Children, including babies, may not sit on his lap.
How many adults can come with each child?
Up to two adults can come on each child ticket. To add extra adults, email the box office at least 7 days before your visit.
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