London's Christmas Village, Maritime Greenwich, has a wonderful programme of festive events, exhibitions and activities running through the month of December entering into the celebrations of the New Year 2008.

With open-air ice skating, twinkling fairy lights and decorations, shopping, a big Christmas tree and a visit by Santa Claus along with his assistants, this beautiful fork of south east London will take on a unique festive atmosphere, enabling visitors to soak up the special ambiance and join in a number of events.

Festivities will start with the switching on of Greenwich Market's Christmas lights on 30th November with a huge programme of family fun which will run from 3pm to 7pm.

From 3pm, Father Christmas will be there and the cast of Greenwich Theatre's pantomime Dick Whittington will turn on the lights at 5pm.

The popular indoor Greenwich market is home to a quirky collection of uncommon and interesting shops. In addition, from 6th December a special Christmas Market will be there trading daily until 7pm right up to the celebrations of the Christmas Eve.

For those exhausted with the lack of selection offered by the crowded, cloned high streets across the nation, the Festive shopping in Greenwich Town Centre is really a breath of fresh air. The historic town is filled with exclusive shopping options ranging from Royal Hill to Creek Road.

Special Christmas party menus will also be offered by several restaurants and bars.