24 Piers of Festive Delight
Unwrap the Magic Along London's Riverside
Unwrap the Magic Along London's Riverside
The festive season is in full swing, and we're inviting you to embark on a magical journey along London's iconic riverside with the "24 Piers of Festive Delight."
This Advent, explore our route and discover the best events, experiences, and happenings close to each pier, ensuring your December is filled with festive cheer.
We’ll be unveiling one fantastic festive event each day of Advent on our social media channels, or if you’re a planner and want to get your December in order in advance, here’s the full line-up of incredible, Christmassy events taking place throughout the capital. Grab your River Bus ticket and sail to some of the best festive activities along the river.
Pier: Doubletree Docklands
Event: Surrey Docks Farm Christmas Fair
Date/Time: Saturday, 2 December, 11am - 4pm
Kick off the Christmas festivities by Doubletree Docklands Pier with the Surrey Docks Farm Christmas Fair. Just a short walk away, you can explore a real Christmas tree sale, Christmas wreath kits, crafts, and more. Entry is free, don’t miss out.
Pier: Putney
Event: Putney School of Art and Design Christmas Fair
Date/Time: Sunday, 3 December, 10am - 5pm
Immerse yourself in the world of art at Putney 's Christmas Fair. Discover original prints, limited edition photographs, and enjoy arty festive activities.
Pier: Barking Riverside
Event: Barking Riverside Visitor Centre Winter Warm Up
Date/Time: Wednesday, 6 December, 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Get in the festive spirit at the Barking Riverside Visitor Centre Winter Warm Up. Enjoy a professional gift-wrapping station, crafts, music, a cocktail bar, and panoramic views.
Pre-book your tickets to secure your spot!
Pier: Westminster
Event: Westminster Abbey Family Day: Christmas at the Abbey
Date/Time: Saturday, 9 December
Join the world-famous Abbey choir for carol singing and festive fun at Westminster Abbey Family Day. Activities include Christmas crafts, storytelling, and more.
Don’t forget to book your tickets!
Pier: Masthouse Terrace
Event: Mudchute Farm 'Christmas in the Woodlands'
Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9 & 10 December, 11am - 3pm
Experience 'Christmas in the Woodlands' at Mudchute Farm. Meet Father Christmas, make reindeer food, and enjoy a magical small forest wearing special Christmas sparkle glasses.
Pier: Vauxhall (St George Wharf)
Event:Vauxhall City Farm ‘Wreath Making Extravaganza’
Date/Time: Thursday, 7 & 14 December, 6:30-8:30pm
Unleash your creativity at Vauxhall City Farm's Wreath Making Extravaganza. Whether you're a seasoned wreath-maker or a beginner, the expert instructor will guide you through a festive crafting experience.
Pre-book your tickets below!
Pier: North Greenwich
Event: The O2 ‘London's highest outdoor carol concert at Up at The O2’
Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9 & 10 December, Twilight Climbs
Take Christmas to new heights at The O2 with London's highest outdoor carol concert. Enjoy panoramic views, festive tunes by Vocal Dimension Chorus, and hot drinks against the city skyline.
Pre-book your Twilight Climb to secure your spot to the top!
Pier: Chelsea Harbour
Event: Festive Carriage Rides
Date/Time: Saturdays, 9 & 16 December, 12pm - 3pm and 1pm - 4pm
Experience the charm of festive carriage rides at Chelsea Harbour Pier. Hop aboard for a 20-minute spin, discovering the area's festive delights with complimentary rides.
Pier: Bankside
Event: The SnowGlobe Bankside Pop-Up
Date/Time: Every Thursday throughout December, 8pm
Laugh your way into the holiday season at The SnowGlobe Bankside Pop-Up. Indulge in the best of food and drink, enjoy market stalls, themed karaoke, and choirs every Thursday throughout December.
Pier: Millbank
Event: Garden Museum Crafting Projects
Date/Time: Throughout December
Stop off at Millbank and head over to the Garden Museum. Throughout December, experience a whole host of nature-infused workshops and crafting events. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just looking to fill your days with festive fun, the Garden Museum has something for everyone. From winter flowers and wreath making to cooking classes and more.
Pier: London Bridge City
Event: Winter by the River
Date/Time: Throughout December
Join the vibrant Winter by the River at London Bridge City Pier. Explore market stalls, enjoy musical fun with themed karaoke, choirs at Hay’s Galleria, and toast the season at two pop-up bars offering festive and classic beverages.
Pier: Blackfriars
Event: St Paul's Cathedral 'Britten’s Ceremony of Carols’
Date/Time: Friday, 21 December, 5pm - 6pm
Make your way to Blackfriars and take in the incredible architecture of St Paul's Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the sound of song with an evening carol service for all the family, suitable for all ages.
Pier: Canary Wharf
Event: Museum of London Docklands 'Fun at the Frost Fair'
Date/Time: 16-20 December , 11am - 3:30pm
Head to Canary Wharf and step into the enchanting 'Fun at the Frost Fair' at the Museum of London Docklands. From 16-20 December, explore an immersive play area for families. Dive into the sights, sounds, and smells of festive celebrations as you whip up a gingerbread treat, put on a puppet performance, and try your luck at different games. Drop in from 11am to 3:30pm.
Pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Event: Woolwich Works 'Quizmas'
Date/Time: Sunday, 17 December, 7 pm
Head on over to Woolwich Works for its festive 'Quizmas' pub quiz on 17 December at 7pm in the Visitors' Book Café, adorned with holiday decorations and cheer. Whether you're a music whiz, expert sleuth, or budding artist, there's a round for you to show off your skills and win some fab prizes.
Pier: Battersea Power Station
Event: Drawn on iPad by David Hockney
Date/Time: Evenings until Monday, 25 December
World-renowned artist, David Hockney has added a touch of his artistic flare to Battersea Power Station with a bespoke 10-minute iPad animation titled 'Bigger Christmas Trees.' This enchanting piece transforms the iconic power station into two enchanting Christmas trees overlooking the River Thames. Experience the magic every night from 5 pm to 10:30 pm between 1 - 25 December 2023.
Pier: Tower
Event: Tower of London 'The Spirit of Christmas'
Date/Time: Throughout December
Experience a truly regal Christmas at the iconic Tower of London. Immerse yourself in a festive journey where history meets festivity, with magical coronation-themed installations throughout December. Sprinkle a burst of festive joy and royal regalia in this enchanting setting, promising a day of holiday magic and royal splendour you won't forget.
Pier: Wandsworth Riverside Quarter
Event: The Avenue Cookery School - Festive Cooking Classes
Date/Time: Throughout December
Indulge your culinary creativity at The Avenue Cookery School in Wandsworth Riverside Quarter. Throughout December, immerse yourself in a variety of festive-themed cooking workshops. Whether you're an experienced baker, a seasoned chef, or just someone eager to fill your days with festive fun, The Avenue Cookery School has a dish for everyone. Explore the magic of the season through delightful and delectable culinary experiences.
Pier: Cadogan
Event: Festive Performances
Date/Time: Throughout December
Get into the holiday spirit with festive performances at Cadogan Hall. Experience expert musical renditions of your favourite classics re-imagined to keep you feeling merry and bright. Whether you're a fan of timeless tunes or eager to discover new festive melodies, Cadogan Hall is the perfect place to indulge in the magic of the season.
Pier: Royal Wharf
Event: ExCeL Kingdom of Winter
Date/Time: December 8, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Embark on an extraordinary indoor festive experience at the Kingdom of Winter at ExCeL, near Royal Wharf Pier. The kingdom offers a plethora of activities, including the alpine-style Christmas market, where a tempting array of festive food and drink awaits, ensuring a day filled with joy and culinary delights.
Pier: Greenwich
Event: Greenwich Festive Markets
Date/Time: Dates throughout December
Feel the magic of Christmas at Greenwich Festive Markets. From the winter farmers’ market on Greenwich Peninsula to shopping under a dazzling canopy of lights at Greenwich Market, immerse yourself in the holiday mood. Support local businesses, find unique gifts from independent stallholders, and bask in the warm glow of the festive season.
Pier: Plantation Wharf
Event: Neverland 'Home of Escapism, Cocktails, and Fun-times'
Date/Time: Throughout December
Venture to Plantation Wharf and step into Neverland, the home of escapism, cocktails, and year-round fun! Let the good times roll in this magical Winterland, featuring snowy Alpine mountains and Bavarian winter festivals.
Pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
Event: Winter Festival
Date/Time: Throughout December
Experience the magic of the Winter Festival at South Bank near the London Eye. Wander the twinkling lights at the Winter Market, offering delicious treats, alpine-themed curling with The Curling Club, unique Christmas gifts and much, much more.
Pier: Embankment
Event: Skate at Somerset House
Date/Time: Throughout December
Experience the magic of the season at Somerset House's iconic Skate rink which, this year, transforms the courtyard into a Swiss winter wonderland. This beloved London winter tradition offers an unparalleled blend of ice skating, contemporary music, and delectable food and drink.
Pier: Greenland (Surrey Quays)
Event: South Dock Marina and Greenland Dock - Boats Lights Festival
Date/Time: 8 December – 6 January
Experience the enchantment of the Boats Lights Festival at Greenland (Surrey Quays), South Dock Marina, and Greenland Dock. From 8 December to 6 January, revel in a magical display where boats and flats come alive with a dazzling array of lights.