Q1: What is the age recommendation?
Father Christmas sessions are designed to accommodate a wide range of ages, with a focus on children 0-10+. For little ones up to age 4, we recommend booking our Baby and Toddler Father Christmas sessions, as the sessions have reduced running time and a smaller audience.

Babies and Toddlers are also very welcome to join the standard Father Christmas sessions, so please book the experience that feels right for you and your group.

Q2: How long does each session last?
Standard and Relaxed Father Christmas sessions last approximately no longer than 40 minutes.

Baby and Toddler Father Christmas sessions run at a reduced duration of approximately 30 minutes.

Q3: How do we get there?
The show takes place on the ground floor in Admiral’s House – a historic building on our site. It is just across from the Painted Hall, right by the riverside.

We will be running a one-way system, with a separate entrance and exit.

Q4: Do you offer ticket discounts or special packages?
We offer reduced ticket prices on Universal Credit tickets, and our Baby and Toddler Father Christmas sessions have a lower ticket price due to the shorter running time. We also offer the option to book a free accompanying pre-crawling/babe in arm ticket for those attending with another child (paid ticket) in their group. Please notenote that this ticket does not include a gift.

We also offer the following package deals, to help you make the most out of your visit:
· Family of Four - Father Christmas tickets, plus The Doorstep Elves and The Magic Bear tickets, plus entry to the PH at £84.70
· Family of Three - Father Christmas tickets, plus The Doorstep Elves and The Magic Bear tickets, plus entry to the PH at £67
· Discounted entry for adults to visit the Painted Hall, including access to Connection and Identity installation at £13.50. Entry to the Painted Hall is free for children aged 16 and under.

Please note that standard event tickets to Father Christmas do not include access to the Painted Hall and so general admission tickets would need to be purchased separately.

Q5: How do I receive my tickets?
Once purchased, you will receive an e-mail confirmation and tickets and tickets via e-mail. Please be ready to show this confirmation upon arrival, either on your phone or as a printed copy.

Q6: 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.

Q7: Do babes in arm/pre-crawling babies require a ticket?
Yes, pre-crawling babies/babes in arms, do require a ticket. We do offer the option to book a free accompanying pre-crawling/babe in arm ticket for those attending with another child (paid ticket) in their group, but please note this ticket does not include a gift.

If you would like your babe-in-arm/pre-crawling baby to receive a gift, or they are the only child in your group, then please book a paid ticket.

Q8: What time shall we arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the show to check in.

If you are attending a relaxed session (10.15am every Saturday and Sunday), these sessions are drop-in, so please feel free to arrive at any point during your session, with the last entry fifteen minutes before the end of the session.

Q9: What if I am running late?
As per our terms and conditions, tickets are non-refundable and we cannot guarantee to transfer you to another session should you miss your booked timeslot.

Q10: What happens during the Father Christmas sessions?
The standard Father Christmas sessions start with the audience being greeted by Father Christmas’ granddaughter who then welcomes everyone into the main event space to sit down in front of Father Christmas. Father Christmas welcomes everyone and engages with the audience as a whole to help everyone get settled and excited about Christmas. He then reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ to the group before inviting each child to receive a gift and to have the opportunity with their group to take photos (on your own devices).

Baby and Toddler sessions are slightly shorter, with softer levels of engagement when the group are is welcomed.

As Relaxed sessions are run as drop-ins to provide more flexibility, these sessions do not include the storytelling element, but children are of course still welcome to take photos with Father Christmas and will receive a gift.

Q11: Can we take photographs?
Photographs must be taken on your own device, and you may only take photos of children in your own group.

Filming the content of the entire session is strictly forbidden. ORNC owns the copyright for any content created within its organisation.

Q12: What should we wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes suitable for this time of year. The event venue is a historic building which can get quite cool; however, it is likely to get very busy over the festive period so we suggest wearing layers so you can adjust to how you are feeling on the day.

Q13: 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.

Q14: Will there be a buggy park?
Yes, there will be an indoor buggy park area available, but spaces are limited. Due to capacity and fire safety, we ask that you ideally park your buggy before the event, rather than bringing it into the performance space. We recommend, if possible, coming early or without a buggy to avoid disappointment.

Q15: Are there any relaxed performances?
Every 10.15am session on Saturdays and Sundays are relaxed SEND friendly sessions. These run as drop-ins to help give you more flexibility on the day and allow you to stay for as much or as little of the session as you would like. Father Christmas and his granddaughter will be paying even closer attention to how families and children are feeling and will work to adjust their engagement style as best they can to respond to the needs of individuals in each session. Children are not expected to sit or stand still for a set amount of time and are freer to move around the space during their visit. Due to the flexible nature of the sessions, there is not a scheduled storytelling element, however, children will receive a Christmas gift and can take a photo with Father Christmas.

Q16: 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.

Q17: Do I need to book a ticket for a personal assistant?
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.

Q18: Are there toilets and baby changing facilities at the venue?
There are minimal toilet facilities in Admiral’s House. We recommend visiting the facilities in the neighboring King William building (where the Painted Hall is), just across from Admiral’s House (approximately a 3-minute walk) before checking in.

You will also find our Undercroft Café there, which is open 10am-5pm and offers a wide range of freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries and refreshments.

Q19: Can we bring Food and Drink into the space?
Food and drinks from outside are allowed. All drinks must be bottled or have a lid on. Due to the historic significance of the building any spillage can deteriorate the surfaces with no possibility of fully restoring them.

Q20: What else can we do while we are at the ORNC?
As well as visiting Father Christmas, why not visit the Painted Hall to see Peter Walker’s installations of Connection and Identity. See here for full details: What’s on at Old Royal Naval College

Q21: 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).

Q22: Is there somewhere we can get something to eat and drink?
We have a range of food and drink options on-site, whether you wish to enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries and daily hot and cold specials in the Undercroft Café or a traditional pub in the Old Brewery. Find out more here.

Q23: What is your refund policy?
Our refund policy states that we do not offer refunds or allow changes to session dates if you miss your slot. Our sessions tend to sell out quickly and are often at maximum capacity, so 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.

Q24: 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.