Brrr-ing on December
The festive season is here! Check out the merriest events along London’s iconic riverside
Christmas at Battersea Power Station
Power up your Christmas spirit at Battersea Power Station! If you’re looking for a festive destination that has it all, look no further. This renowned landmark is the perfect place to enjoy the magic of Christmas, with a range of activities, events, and attractions.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
'Bigger Christmas Trees' by David Hockney
World-renowned artist David Hockney has unveiled his latest work Bigger Christmas Trees, designed on an iPad Pro using Apple Pencil. The 10-minute animation will light up the two chimneys on the north façade of the Battersea Power Station, home to a new Apple Store and their UK headquarters.
"Battersea Power Station is such a beautiful building, I wanted to decorate it in a way that I hoped would bring joy and hope to Londoners” said Hockney.
'Bigger Christmas Trees' will run every night from 5pm to 10:30pm until 25 December 2023.
What a sight arriving by boat and seeing the iconic building with two gigantic Christmas trees overlooking the River Thames.
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Christmas shopping and more
Some of the highlights on offer at Battersea Power Station this Christmas include:
Wintery Workshops with a festive feel: learn a new skill or craft at one of the festive workshops. From candle making and calligraphy to bauble painting and biscuit decorating. The workshops run up until 22 December.
Enjoy the Christmas Markets, where you can find hundreds of unique and handmade gifts from local makers. There's a diverse selection to cater to every taste on your list.
Where to Eat and Drink? Treat yourself to some delicious food and drink at one of the many eateries at Battersea Power Station. Don’t miss the festive menus and offers from some of the restaurants, such as Cinnamon Kitchen, Fiume, and Wright Brothers.
Find out moreGrab your skates and take to the ice
Whether you’re planning a picture-perfect date night, eager to show-off your skills with fellow skating enthusiasts, or enjoying a fun family outing, here are the best ice rinks in London!
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Jo Malone London presents Glide at Battersea Power Station, set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, is in place until 7 January. The ice rink offers unparalleled views of the Thames and the Power Station as you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree. Off the ice, the excitement continues with an array of vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, and photo booths to capture precious moments.
Photo credit: Joshua Atkins
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard has been transformed into a glorious festive destination with a Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism until 14 January. From skating lessons with Skate School to trailblazing DJs on the decks, you're bound to have fun both on and off the ice! Enjoy a glass of Provence Rosé with the ultimate rink-side view at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel and browse the Shelter Boutique's pre-loved vintage, designer, and high-street clothing and gifts.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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The Queen’s House Ice Rink
Head over to The Queen’s House ice rink for a skating experience like no other. Surrounded by iconic architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, the stunning grounds at Royal Museums Greenwich provide the perfect backdrop for a city skate. On until 7 January.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Ice Rink Canary Wharf
London’s longest-running seasonal ice rink is back again to fill the business district with frosty fun until 24 February. Head to The Grandstand Bar for the best views of those skating on the rink and enjoy a variety of drinks and lite bites on offer to warm up or cool down after your session on the ice.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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Skylight at Tobacco Dock
Europe’s first rooftop ice skating rink at the Skylight Tobacco Dock offers ice skating with beautiful views over the city. They’ll even be open on New Year’s Eve for a pre-2024 skate! Featuring a cosy igloo village promising a delicious alpine food menu featuring fondue and seasonal cocktails this is a gorgeous wintry experience worth sharing.
Nearest pier: Tower
Find out moreCoalescence
See the light this winter with Coalescence, a stunning art installation by designer Paul Cocksedge, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Coalescence is made from over 2,500 pieces of coal, cleverly representing the amount of energy consumed by a single 200W light bulb in a year. Suspended against the backdrop of the magnificent Painted Hall, this thought-provoking piece contrasts between the dark fossil fuel and the bright baroque ceiling. The coal pieces reflect and refract the light, creating an impressive effect that invites you to question our dependence on fossil fuels.
Coalescence is on display from 9 December 2023 to 4 February 2024, and tickets are £15.
Your ticket also includes access to Skittle Alley, all the tours of the Old Royal Naval College, and the multimedia guides.
Make your visit even more special and book a Social Media ticket, which includes reduced capacity and allows selfies with the installation. You can also book a Quiet Hour ticket, which is designed for visitors with sensory needs.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
Get ready to jingle and mingle at London's winter markets!
Indulge in festive cheer as you wander through enchanting stalls and sip on seasonal delights, all against the backdrop of the city's glistening festive lights!
Southbank Centre Winter Market
As winter descends, South Bank transforms into a festive wonderland, lining the Thames with charming Alpine-style cabins. Until 7 January, these cosy huts are offering gifts, warming drinks, and delicious snacks. Don't miss Jimmy’s Winter Lodge with its heated riverside snow globes, perfect for savouring cheese fondue. Grab a glass of mulled wine as you explore unique gifts, jewellery, and decorations by independent designers, all while soaking in the sparkling riverside views.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Greenwich Christmas Market
Check items off your Christmas shopping list while exploring Greenwich Market's stalls and shops, offering a range of stocking fillers, fashion items, crafts, and original artworks.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Winter by the River
Escape the ordinary and discover your perfect spot among trendsetters and festive enthusiasts at London Bridge City's 'Winter by the River'. Throughout December, explore market stalls offering delectable tastes and unique finds, let the enchanting choirs in Hay’s Galleria captivate you, and raise a toast to the season at not one but two pop-up bars, serving up a delightful array of festive and classic beverages. It's a December to remember!
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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Curated Makers Christmas Market
Searching for the perfect Christmas gifts? Look no further! From 9-22 December, Turbine Hall B at Battersea Power Station will transform into a festive wonderland featuring the Curated Makers Christmas Market. Explore this unique market alongside over 140 shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Forty makers, creators, and small businesses will showcase their creations, offering a chance to discover one-of-a-kind gifts that tell a story and make a difference. Elevate your Christmas shopping experience at the Curated Makers Christmas Market!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Borough Market's Evening of Cheese
Annual Cheese-Themed Festive Extravaganza - Get ready for the ultimate cheese-themed festive extravaganza, as the Annual Evening of Cheese returns on 13 December from 6 to 9 pm at Borough Market. Led by their community of cheesemongers, this event promises a cheese lover's paradise. Embark on a cheese-filled journey with tastings, expert advice, and the opportunity to assemble your own festive cheeseboard featuring the finest cheeses from Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Let the cheesemongers guide you through the flavours and stories behind each exquisite piece.
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
Find out moreOnboard treats
All aboard... the season for festive treats is here!
Make the most of London in winter and travel across the capital by boat. Visit our café bar and treat yourself whilst on board.
Explore the magical world of Disney through the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created. Now on display until 21 January, this massive exhibition at London's ExCeL celebrates a century of history and enchantment through ten captivating galleries filled with treasures, original costumes, and immersive installations.
The Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary exhibition invites Disney fans of all ages to embark on an extraordinary journey through a century of wonder.
Nearest Pier: Royal Wharf (then bus 241) or North Greenwich (and fly across on the IFS Cloud Cable Car)
Celebrate Christmas like a Tudor on The Golden Hinde!
Did you know that many of our modern Christmas traditions started in the 16th century? Head aboard The Golden Hinde this December and discover how the Elizabethans celebrated the festive season. Follow the Tudor Christmas trail and learn about the customs, food, games, and music of the time. You might even spot some familiar faces from the court of Queen Elizabeth I.
The Tudor Christmas trail is perfect for all ages and is included in the admission price. The ship is open every day except 25 and 26 December.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a historic and fun-filled Christmas on The Golden Hinde.
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
Fly Away with Peter Pan the Panto!
Are you ready for a magical adventure this Christmas? Then join Peter Pan and his friends as they take you on a journey to Neverland, where pirates, fairies, and treasure await. Peter Pan the Panto is a fun-filled show for the whole family, with laughter, music, and surprises. You’ll meet Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and the Jolly Roger crew, and help Peter Pan find the hidden treasure. But watch out for the crocodile!
Peter Pan the Panto is showing at the Wandsworth Civic Suite throughout December with an amazing three shows a day. You can choose from regular or sensory-sensitive performances and add a Christmas Treasure Bag to your ticket for some extra goodies. Tickets are only £10 and can be booked online or at the box office. All proceeds go to support Enable’s charitable mission of enriching lives through health, leisure, and community services.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of Peter Pan the Panto, where you’ll never grow old!
Nearest Pier: Putney
Greenwich Peninsula
Are you looking for a festive and fun way to celebrate the winter season? Look no further than Greenwich Peninsula, where you’ll find a dazzling display of lights and activities for the whole family.
Until 26 January, you can explore the stunning illuminated trail of lights, featuring a 10m high traditional tree, a magical draped canopy, and digital artwork by Lucy Hardcastle.
Greenwich Peninsula is the perfect place to make some unforgettable festive memories. Book your tickets online and join in the fun this winter. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious food and drinks at the Bureau Restaurant, where you can warm up with a glass of bubbles or a hot chocolate.
Nearest Pier: North Greenwich
Green Santa is coming on board
We’ve invited Santa Claus aboard one of our hybrid vessels to join an eco-friendly Christmas cruise. Dressed in his traditional green suit, Santa will be handing out sustainable gifts and posing for pictures with kids travelling on Sunday 17 December.
Hop on board and meet green Santa whilst enjoying London's iconic landmarks along the river.
Ho ho hop on boardWoolwich Works Wonders
Looking for some festive fun this Christmas? Head to Woolwich Works and enjoy a range of events and activities for all ages and tastes. Watch a comedy, family theatre, music shows and more!
Experience the magic of The Showstoppers, creators of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and winners of the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family Show, as they return to Woolwich Works this festive season.
If your children could create their dream musical, where would they start? The Showstoppers' Christmas Kids Show takes kids' ideas and transforms them into marvellous, musical adventures right before their eyes. Together, on 9 and 10 December they’ll explore magical kingdoms, decide where the story is set, what happens next, and who the characters are.
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Experience Queermas with 100+ Queer Artists and Businesses
Are you ready for the most fabulous festive event of the year? Join the Queermas 2023 Event, where you can shop, mingle, and support over 100 queer artists and businesses. Whether you’re looking for art, jewellery, clothing, zines, or anything in between, you’ll find it at the Queermas market. Revel in the amazing atmosphere of the Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden, with delicious food, drinks, and wonderful entertainment.
Queermas 2023 is happening on Friday, 8 December, from 5pm to 10pm at the Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden, SW8 1SP.
It’s free to enter and open to everyone. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the diversity and creativity of the queer community in London.
Nearest pier: Vauxhall (St George Wharf)
