Winter Wonderland at The Duke of Greenwich: A Festive Extravaganza

Get ready to sleigh this festive season as The Duke of Greenwich presents its first-ever Winter Wonderland, a magical celebration spanning three weekends in December, each with a unique theme to delight every taste. The Duke’s spacious garden has been transformed into a festive haven, complete with twinkling lights, cosy heaters, and a ski lodge-inspired cabin. Families can enjoy special guest appearances from Santa Claus across all weekends, with the jolly man himself handing out bags of treats to children—no booking or fee required. Whether you’re after a local art fair, indulgent festive food, or creative seasonal cocktails, The Duke has something for everyone for a truly memorable Christmas.

29th November - 1st December: Arts & Crafts Weekend

Winter Wonderland opens with an Arts & Crafts Weekend spectacular from 29th November to 1st December, featuring a host of talented artists from Greenwich Printmakers. The Duke’s garden will be transformed into a charming Christmas market, with 15-20 festive stalls arranged along the pathway from the ski lodge cabin through to the garden. Guests can wander through the market, mulled cider in hand, exploring unique, handcrafted gifts, including jewellery from the likes of It’s Jess Jewellery, macrame crafts by Creatives Craft Fair, ceramics from Made by Agustina, local photography prints, Lego model gifts, Christmas cards galore, hand-painted baubles, and much more.

For kids, the weekend will feature face painting and a gingerbread man decorating station, ensuring plenty of festive fun for the whole family. The restaurant will also be hosting an all day, drop-in wreath-making workshop on Saturday 30th November, inviting adults to craft their own seasonal creations. Co-Owner Jonathan Kaye says, “This Arts & Crafts Weekend showcases the incredible talent in our community, offering a chance to celebrate creativity while experiencing the winter magic of The Duke.”

6th-8th December: Festive Foodie Pop-Up Weekend

The second weekend, 6th to 8th December, is set to delight with a festive foodie extravaganza. Chef Director Dan Blucert will serve up a “Richter scale of Pigs in Blankets,” offering options from spicy to honey mustard, alongside festive Christmas wraps, gourmet hot dogs, and a raclette station. Guests can also enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, and seasonal treats from a host of local suppliers. With a Christmas Spinner Game and a live band playing seasonal covers, the atmosphere will be lively and merry. Dan shares, “It’s all about comfort food and indulgence this season. We’re bringing together rich, festive flavours that are meant to be enjoyed in good company.”

13th-15th December: Festive Drinks Pop-Up Weekend

The final Winter Wonderland weekend, from 13th to 15th December, is dedicated to festive drinks and Christmas cheer. Nick Blucert, Head of Bars, has crafted a drinks menu brimming with festive spirit, featuring Sloe Gin Sours, Candy Cane Martinis, and steaming hot chocolates for all ages. Guests can also enjoy local craft beers from Super Cute (Brixton) and Brew by Numbers (Greenwich’s house beer), plus, expect killer Bloody Marys from Bloody Ben’s and Doghouse Distillery.

New to the menu is the Christmas dinner-inspired Bloody Mary, aptly named the “Yorkshire Merry,” topped with a Yorkshire pudding and roast beef for a festive twist. Guests can also enjoy mulled cider, ensuring there’s something to warm everyone’s spirits.

Nick remarks, “Our drinks menu is designed to bring warmth and merriment. We’ve included something for everyone, whether you’re after a unique cocktail or a local brew.”

Santa Appearances & Garden Wonderland

Throughout December, families can explore the festive garden, transformed into a winter wonderland featuring twinkling fairy lights, cosy heaters, and a rustic ski lodge cabin that’s perfect for photos. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Santa Claus will make special appearances, walking through the garden between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to hand out bags of treats to children. There’s no booking or payment required, making it a truly magical and accessible experience for all visitors.

Festive Food Highlights

Dan Blucert has created an all-new Christmas menu designed to bring warmth and festive joy to every meal. Highlights include vegan-friendly Christmas Cauliflower Wings, Turkey Breast with Pigs in Blankets, Goose Fat Roasties, Cranberry and Thyme Stuffing, stonking sides of Maple and Chestnut Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts with Shallots and Pomegranate, all topped off with a delicious Peanut Butter Cheese Cake (because nobody really wants Christmas Pudding shhh)! Throughout December the Duke’s roasts selection will still be available, featuring popular dishes like Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings, juicy Pork Loin, and crispy Beef Fat Roasties, along with an array of sharing side dishes that can be replenished at any time. For a full list of the Duke’s festive and roast options, see the Christmas Menu and Roast Menu. Dan says, “Christmas is about comfort, indulgence, and coming together over great food. We’ve created a menu that celebrates the best of festive dining, with plenty of crowd-pleasers and some special seasonal surprises!”

Meet the Team

The Duke of Greenwich is run by Jonathan Kaye, Nick Blucert, and Dan Blucert, the talented team behind The Jolly Gardeners in Vauxhall. Together, they’ve crafted a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with food, drinks, and Christmas cheer, making this December one to remember in Greenwich.

Jonathan Kaye, Co-Owner and Head of Front of House, says, “We’re thrilled to bring our Winter Wonderland to Greenwich this year. With art, food, drinks, and Santa’s visits, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s all about creating memories, whether you’re here with family or friends.”