Q1: What does this experience offer?
The Elves and the Magic Bear is an interactive production that is designed to captivate anyone aged 1-101 with a focus on the little ones, making it a perfect family affair. It offers an immersive experience that will leave everyone with a heart full of festive joy, whilst introducing the youngest members of the audience to the enchantment of Christmas. After the show, parents and children will have the opportunity to take photos with the performers and take away a nice list certificate signed by Mrs. Claus.
Q2: Where is the show taking place?
The show takes place on the ground floor in Admiral’s House at Old Royal Naval College, a beautiful historic building overlooking the River Thames. This space is usually closed to the public, and we’re thrilled to open its doors for our family festive events. It is approximately a three-minute walk from our Painted Hall and a six-minute walk from Cutty Sark DLR station (the nearest station).
Click here for a map of the site.

Q3: How long does the show last?
Performances last 50 minutes without interval.


Q4: How do I receive the ticket?
When you purchase your ticket, you will receive an email confirmation. Please be ready to show this confirmation upon arrival, either on your phone or as a printed copy.
Q5: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
We recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. However, depending on the availability of each session, some tickets may be available to purchase on the day.
Q6: How much is a ticket?
Our Family Package (2 adults and 2 children) is £69 and includes free entry to our Painted Hall. Single tickets are £13 each. We also offer reduced prices on Universal Credit tickets.
Q7: Can we visit the Painted Hall as part of our ticket?
The family package includes two adult and two child tickets for The Elves and the Magic Bear and access on the day for four to the Painted Hall 10am-4.45pm. This costs £69 (normal price £85).

Single tickets to The Elves and the Magic Bear do not include access to the Painted Hall and so general admission tickets would need to be purchased separately. Entry to the Painted Hall is free for children aged 16 and under.

Q8: Can we add additional children to the family package?
You can buy additional child tickets on top of your Family Package to The Elves and the Magic Bear for the usual price of £13. Entry to the Painted Hall is free for children aged 16 and under.

Q9: What time shall we arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the show to check in.

If you wish to arrive earlier than 15 minutes, we recommend visiting the Undercroft Café in the neighbouring King William building (where the Painted Hall is), which is 118 metres from Admiral’s House (approximately a three-minute walk). It is open 10am-5pm and offers a wide range of freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries and daily hot and cold specials.

Q10: What if I am late?
As per our terms and conditions, tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another session. However, where possible, we will allow latecomers to join, provided they can do so without causing any disturbance to other guests, but please be advised that late admittance is not guaranteed.

Q11: What ages is the show suitable for?
The show is perfect for anyone aged 1-101 with a focus on the little ones. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Please be advised that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and any children in your group are the sole responsibility of your adult group members.

Q12: Do babies need to buy tickets?
Children under one year old do not need a ticket. The Children’s ticket is for 1–16-year-olds.

Q13: What are the interactive elements in the show?
Mrs. Claus and the elves will be talking and singing with the audience. The show features a costume character bear which some younger audience members may find overwhelming. The bear does not go near anyone in the audience and is very friendly. At the end of the performance everyone will have the opportunity to take photos with the performers and take away a ‘nice list’ certificate signed by Mrs. Claus.

Q14: Can we take photographs?
Photographs must be taken on your own device and please only take photos of children in your group.

Filming the content of the entire session is strictly forbidden. ORNC owns the copyright for any content created within its organisation.
Q15: What should we wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes suitable for this time of year. We suggested that you may want to dress in layers so you are able to adjust to different temperatures and so to ensure you are comfortable during your visit.
Q16: Is there a cloakroom?
Unfortunately, due to limited space, we are unable to provide a cloakroom for this event. We kindly ask guests to plan accordingly and avoid bringing large bags or bulky items.
Q17: Will there be a buggy area?
Yes, there will be an indoor buggy park area available, but spaces are limited. Due to capacity and fire safety, we kindly ask that where possible, you park your buggy in Admiral’s House before the event, rather than bringing your buggy into the performance space. We recommend, if possible, coming early or without a buggy to avoid disappointment.

Q18: Are there any relaxed performances?
The production has been designed to be friendly for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Children are not expected to be seated the entire time.
There are three special relaxed performances where the house lights will remain on, the sound levels will be quieter, and the elves will be alert to keeping their distance a little more to avoid any concerns with personal space.

The relaxed performances are:
· 4pm on Sunday 8 December
· 12 Noon on Sunday 15 December
· 12 Noon on Sunday 22 December

Q19: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
The venue is accessible by wheelchair. Please select the Wheelchair Access ticket when booking. Due to the historical nature of the building, the Admiral's House is limited to one wheelchair access guest per performance and unfortunately electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters etc. cannot be admitted. Seating will be on wooden wedding-type chairs with padded seats.

Q20: What other accessibility options are the for the show?
Disabled visitors are welcome to bring a personal assistant at no extra charge. Please select the Personal Assistant ticket when booking. Proof of eligibility may be required for this ticket. Please email boxoffice@ornc.org is you have any questions about accessibility or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements.

Q21: Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities at the venue?
There are minimal toilet facilities in Admiral’s House. As a result, we recommend visiting the facilities in the neighbouring King William building (where the Painted Hall is), which is 118 meters from Admiral’s House (approximately a 3-minute walk). To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend families visit the facilities ahead of their booked session or allow extra time before the event.

Q22: What else can we do while we are at the ORNC?
As well as visiting the Doorstep Elves, why not see Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Mars in the Painted Hall open between 10am and 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Following the sell-out success of Gaia and Museum of the Moon, Mars will complete the trilogy of Jerram’s out-of-this-world installations.

If your family is still in a festive mood, you can also enjoy our Father Christmas sessions, designed to accommodate all families with tailored packages:

• Good Morning with Father Christmas - A calm, reduced-capacity session perfect for babes in arms and toddlers.
• Relaxed Father Christmas Sessions - Drop-in sessions where families can come and go as needed, making them ideal for a flexible visit.
• Father Christmas Sessions - Festive and jolly sessions designed to delight children aged 6+ with interactive fun.

Q23: Is there parking on site?
There is no car park access on ORNC site. There is limited parking in Greenwich, particularly at weekends and we encourage you to use public transport if possible. Paid car parking is available in Park Row (SE10 9NL) and Cutty Sark Gardens (SE10 9HT).

Q24: What is your refund policy?
Our refund policy states that we do not offer refunds or allow changes to session dates in case you miss your slot. As our sessions tend to sell out quickly and are often at maximum capacity, we are unable to accommodate such requests. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to double-check your availability before booking to ensure you can attend your chosen session.

Q25: What is the Old Royal Naval College?

The Old Royal Naval College is a historic site in Greenwich, London. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful grounds, making it an ideal location for various cultural and recreational activities, including family events.

For more information and the latest news visit our website, ornc.org.

Q26: Where is the Old Royal Naval College located?

The Old Royal Naval College is located in Greenwich, London. The exact address is King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN, UK.