Sparkle in the Park 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

Our team of elves are busy transforming Charlton House and Gardens into a winter wonderland for this year’s free light trail, Sparkle in the Park. 

The festive fun continues daily from 28 November to 1 December, between 4.30 and 9pm, last entry is at 8.15pm. After your first visit, we know you’ll want to stay another day! 

As part of the annual trail, the historic Charlton House will be illuminated, alongside stunning light features, telling stories from around the world. There will also be a market, fun fair and pop-up performances from local school choirs. 

Other features include ‘Evanescence’, beautiful, iridescent bubbles by artists Atelier Sisu and ‘Globoscope’ by Collectif Coin, an outdoor artwork of music and over 200 lights, plus ‘LightWeight’, a giant illuminated globe by Impossible Arts. 

On Sunday 1 December, the first hour will be a quiet session, for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities and sensory sensitivities. During this time, there will be reduced noise, no flashing lights, a reduced capacity on site and sensory appropriate entertainment. There will also be an audio described tour. To book a headset email access@festival.org 

Entry to Sparkle in the Park is free, and visitors won’t need a ticket. 

In addition to Sparkle in the Park, Charlton House are running their own festive activities inside the historic property, from 4.30 to 8pm. Book your tickets now to visit the Christmas grotto to ice gingerbread biscuits, create your own Christmas tree decoration and listen to a story with Mrs Claus and her elves. 

Tickets to the ‘Mrs Claus Experience’ cost £10 plus booking for fee and admit one child plus an accompanying adult, for a 45 minute experience. Stay for a drink in their cosy ‘Winter Tavern’ afterwards or head out to explore Sparkle in the Park afterwards. 

Be sure to plan your visit to Sparkle in the Park in advance, so all you have to think about on the day is having a merry little Christmas! 

Getting there 

Entry to Sparkle in the Park is free, and visitors won’t need a ticket. 

The only entrance is at the front of Charlton House on Hornfair Road.

The trail is one-way and you'll exit through the market area on to Canberra Road or Charlton Park Lane.

We will do our best to minimise any wait times, but please be prepared to queue for entry at busy times. Friday and Saturday are expected to be especially busy. For a quieter experience and less chance of longer queues, consider attending on Thursday or Sunday. If your access needs mean queuing is difficult for you, please speak to staff or security at the entrance. 

Please use public transport, walk or cycle to the event. Charlton Station is a 15 minute walk away and nearby bus routes are 54, 53, 422, 380, 486. Visit Transport for London to plan your journey. 

There is limited Blue Badge parking available in Charlton Park car park (on Charlton Park Road, next to Charlton Park Academy, on a first come, first served basis. There is also a designated Blue Badge drop off point on Hornfair Road, directly opposite the entrance to Charlton House. 

Local streets will be patrolled by parking enforcement teams to prevent illegal and irresponsible parking. 

Accessibility 

There is level access throughout. 

There will be a Changing Places (you’ll need to bring your own hoist sling) and accessible toilets on site. 

Please be aware this is a trail experience with limited opportunities for seating. 

The lights in ‘Globoscope’ flash on and off and pulse. They do not strobe. Speak to staff if you want to avoid this display. Most displays are speech free, and any speech in the audio will be displayed via signage.   

Food and drink 

Sparkle in the Park will have stalls selling a wide variety of food and drink and you may bring in your own treats too. The event also has a range of bars. Only alcohol purchased on site is allowed to be consumed. 

It’s cold outside! 

Be prepared for chilly weather. Wrap up warm, wear sensible shoes or boots, and you may need raincoats and an umbrella too... 

Leave it at home 

Anything that could be considered a weapon. 

Alcohol should not be brought on site but can be purchased at the event bars. 

Animals 

We recommend you don’t bring your dog as the event can get very busy and noisy. Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times and please clean up after them. Please consider if your dog will be comfortable with the lights, smells and loud noises of the event before bringing them along. 

No animals are allowed to be used in performances, for entertainment or as prizes at Royal Borough of Greenwich events. 

First aid 

First aiders will be on site. In the event of accident or injury please inform the nearest member of event staff who will call for help. 

Lost children and vulnerable people 

If you find or lose a child or vulnerable person, please notify the nearest member of security staff immediately. 

Photography 

Filming and photography will take place at this event. If you do not wish your image to be taken, please let a member of staff know. 

Find out more about Christmas events 

Sparkle in the Park 2024 will be produced by FESTIVAL.ORG