Deck the Hulls: Christmas Parties at Royal Museums Greenwich

Okay, hear me out. It’s early summer. The sun is (allegedly) shining, people are Instagramming Aperols on terraces like it’s a competitive sport, and the mere mention of ‘turkey with trimmings’ feels like a distant fever dream.

But let’s be honest: Christmas is coming (ominous, I know). And not just in a vague, ‘I’ll sort it in November’ kind of way—there’s already invitations to think about, themes to plan, and venues to lock in now if you want anything better than a sad pub side room with sticky carpets.

And thus, enters Royal Museums Greenwich, your one-stop shop for festive magic, historic wow-factor, and the kind of spaces that make even your most jaded colleague choke on their inhale, clutch their pearls, and murmur, ‘so… this is what joy feels like.’

And this year? You get a FREE one-hour extension on all bookings—from 11pm to midnight—worth £1000 + VAT. Consider it your very own Christmas miracle. (You’re welcome x)

But Amy, What’s New for 2025?

This year, RMG is turning the festive dial up to 11 (gasp!), partnering with some of their trusted accredited partners—namely, catering by Palette Events and The Clink Events, and AV provided by SLX—to bring you everything from jaw-dropping AV to desserts so pretty you’ll hesitate to eat them (but don’t worry, you will).

Expect next-level menus with seasonal flair (and yes, they can easily cater to those who are vegan and gluten-free), beautiful lighting and AV setups, pro DJs via Prelude Entertainment, and dedicated event managers to keep things running smoothly.

And so, let’s unwrap (teehee) the venues, shall we?

Cutty Sark: A Very Cutty Christmas

Let’s set the scene. You arrive by riverboat, gliding past the sparkling Thames like you’re in some kind of period drama reboot (Netflix, I’m ready to write the script). You disembark at Greenwich Pier, walk a few steps—and there it is: Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, suspended in all her copper-clad glory.

Credits: (1) Greg Allen, (2) Smart Group, (3) Smart Group

Built in 1869 and now a Grade I-listed showstopper, she’s dramatic, she’s historic, and she’s surprisingly ready to party. Frankly, this maritime icon is slaying. Wait no, sleighing.

A night with this magical lady includes:

• Welcome fizz or mulled wine, DJ, lighting, and food stations from top caterers
• Exclusive access to all three decks (yes, you get to party inside a ship)
• Full private hire from 7pm-11pm (with that glorious free extension to midnight, don’t forget)
• Drinks and dancing in the Dry Berth under the glowing copper hull

Cutty Sark is for the bold. The brave. The boss who says, ‘No, I will not be hosting this year’s party at a chain hotel conference room. I have taste, thank you very much.’

Queen’s House

Ahh, the Queen’s House. Built in the 1600s by the actual Inigo Jones, you don’t just walk into the Queen’s House—you glide. Probably wearing something velvet. And definitely with a dramatic entrance.

Originally, this architectural masterpiece was designed as a ‘House of Delight’—and spoiler: it still is. With iconic black-and-white marble floors, gold leaf ceilings, and sight-lines to the River Thames, Queen’s House is every bit as glamorous as it sounds.

Credits: (1) Iain Gomes, (2) Joanna Plumbe Photography, (3) Ben Gilbert

Venue options:

• The Great Hall: a soaring cube of opulence, perfect for dinner and dancing with up to 120 guests. Here, the concept of overdressing doesn’t exist.
• The Orangery and South Parlours: think intimate dinners or lunches with park views, ideal for client entertaining or high-end cocktails with the inner circle (please invite me, thanku).
• The Undercroft: a vaulted brick party cave. Dark, moody, great acoustics. Add a DJ and boom: you’re living your best speakeasy life.

The Vibe:

• Two- or three-course menus designed to impress both your taste buds and your Instagram followers (and really, which is more important in this day and age?)
• Canapés, Prosecco, wine, and optional upgrades like AV, entertainment, and sparkly extras
• Run by either The Clink Events (a brilliant charity with real impact) or Palette Events (think bold flavours and faultless service)

Want something a little more low-key but just as luxe? Book just the Orangery and Parlours for a more intimate evening or daytime event. With art-lined walls, twinkling views of the Royal Observatory, and access to Queen’s House museum spaces, it’s cosy Christmas goals.

The Perks of RMG <3

Here’s why I personally think you should book a Christmas event with Royal Museums Greenwich:

• Iconic settings that don’t require a single bauble to look festive (though they can very much still be added, obviously)
• Party in places that may be older than most countries, but are still fully equipped with modern AV and cocktail flair
• Riverboat arrivals <3 (is it obvious the Cutty Sark is one of my favourite venues?)
• Flexible spaces from candlelit dinners to DJ-led dance-offs
• Sustainability and social impact: RMG’s venues are fully accessible, ethically operated, and serious about sustainability—so you can both save the planet and have Champagne

Did You Know?! The National Maritime Museum is BACK

Yes, you heard right—the largest maritime museum in the world has officially reopened this June, and it’s looking better than ever.

We’re talking:

• 550 seated or 1000 standing capacity
• Exclusive access to museum galleries included in your hire

To celebrate the relaunch of this iconic space, we’re offering something special:
The first 5 bookers will receive 25% off venue hire rates at the National Maritime Museum! (T&Cs apply)