Hello 2025!
If your New Year’s resolution is to explore more of London’s iconic riverside, you’ve come to the right place.
Skate into the new year
It’s not too late to enjoy ice skating in London! A few ice skate rings are still open. 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 ice rinks still open.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
London’s longest-running seasonal ice rink is open until 23 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
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard has been transformed into a glorious wintry destination with a Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism until 12 January . With trailblazing DJs on the decks and skating lessons with Skate School, you can choose to take to the ice or the dance floor. 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
Canary Wharf's Winter Lights festival
Experience the magic of Winter Lights at Canary Wharf from 21 January to 1 February. Explore 12 breathtaking temporary installations alongside our popular permanent light artworks, showcasing the transformative power of art and light. From glowing bathtubs to a swirling tornado of lights at Westferry Circus, a dazzling mirage on Montgomery Square, and a 20m-wide illuminated sinkhole at Eden Dock, every display will transport you to the edge of the surreal.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Rupaul’s DragCon UK
Join the ultimate fan event, RuPaul's DragCon UK, on 10–11 January 2025 at ExCeL London!
Back for its fourth year, DragCon celebrates the phenomenon of RuPaul’s Drag Race with performances, meet-and-greets with iconic queens, and a legendary Pink Carpet. Shop drag-inspired fashion, makeup, and merchandise from unique vendors, and immerse yourself in the creativity and joy of drag culture.
Whether you’re here for selfies with Drag Race royalty or to celebrate inclusivity and self-expression, DragCon UK is an unmissable event for all fans.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich (then table Cable Car to the Royal Docks)
Bankside Twelfth Night Celebrations
Join the Lions Part theatre company on 5 January for a festive Twelfth Night celebration like no other. Starting near Shakespeare's Globe, this unique procession brings ancient traditions to life, with the Green Man and Holly Man leading the way as they celebrate Midwinter.
As the procession makes its way to Bankside Jetty, enjoy the Folk Combat Play of St George, a lively performance filled with quirky characters and medieval action. At the end, two lucky participants will be crowned King and Queen for the day after finding hidden beans in their cakes. The festivities continue at Soap Yards with storytelling and revelry, making for a joyful day along the Thames.
Nearest pier: Bankside
Battersea Power Station’s Light Festival
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Socks: The Art of Care and Repair
NOW Gallery proudly presents its 2024 Fashion Commission: Socks: The Art of Care and Repair by London-based textile artist Celia Pym, on show until 9 March 2025.
Highlighting sustainability in fashion and everyday life, the exhibition celebrates the art of mending through darning. At its heart is a vibrant installation of 488 socks, stitched and darned by the Surrey Square Primary School community in Southwark. Created using waste socks from industry warehouses, the pieces are the result of 26 workshops led by Pym in early 2024, where children, staff, and families honed their stitching and darning skills.
Nearest Pier: North Greenwich
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Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers
On until 19 January 2025, experience Van Gogh’s most iconic works in this once-in-a-century exhibition.
Stroll beneath a starry night, stand among swirling cypress trees, or find shade in Saint-Rémy. Featuring rarely seen masterpieces paired with extraordinary drawings, this exhibition captures the vibrant colour and poetic imagination of Van Gogh’s transformative years in the south of France.
Nearest Pier: Embankment
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Making a Rukus!
On until 19 January at Somerset House, this exhibition, curated by artist, filmmaker, and rukus! federation co-founder Topher Campbell, celebrates Black LGBTQ+ creativity, activism, and pride. Through archive materials, contemporary artworks, and new commissions, it honours the contributions of Black LGBTQ+ pioneers and artists since the 1970s.
The rukus! archive, inspired by the act of “causing a ruckus,” is presented not as static historical documentation but as a living, vital series of political and artistic interventions. It captures the joy, friendship, resistance, and creative spirit of Black LGBTQ+ communities in Britain.
Nearest Pier: Embankment
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Mars in the Painted Hall
Until 20 January, experience Mars, the latest awe-inspiring installation by Luke Jerram at the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College. Following the success of Gaia and Museum of the Moon, Mars completes Jerram’s stunning trilogy of space-inspired artwork.
Measuring an impressive seven metres in diameter, the installation showcases detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface, recreated to scale. As it gently rotates in the magnificent setting of the Painted Hall, this fusion of art and science creates a captivating journey that brings the Red Planet closer than ever before.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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VITAL SIGNS: another world is possible
What’s vital to your survival—air, water, earth? The health of our planet is key to the wellbeing of all living things, including us.
Science Gallery London’s Vital Signs: Another World is Possible (on until 17 May) brings together artists, designers, and researchers to explore the deep connection between the natural world and human health. Through creative and sensory works, the exhibition highlights environmental injustices and asks: how can we shape a hopeful future by recognising that the planet’s health is an extension of our own?
Nearest Pier: London Bridge City
Find out moreRoyal Museums Greenwich
Take off on captivating cultural and celestial journeys with Royal Museums Greenwich this January.
Burns Night Aboard Cutty Stark
Experience something extraordinary this Burns Night, 25 January 2025, under the historic Cutty Sark. In the dark is a 60-minute live sound performance, held entirely in pitch darkness for both audience and musicians, creating an immersive and unforgettable atmosphere.
After 40 sold-out shows pre-Covid, in the dark returns to London in 2025 for one night only at this iconic venue. No phones, no theatrics—just pure sound that invites you to listen like never before.
Step into the dark and discover the best concert you’ll never see.
Nearest Pier: Greenwich
Planetarium Shows
Embark on a captivating journey into space at the Royal Museums Greenwich. Join Royal Observatory astronomers and leading scientists for an immersive experience featuring live planetarium shows, interactive science sessions, and much more!
This January, discover a range of astrological shows and special events that promise to offer a whole new perspective on the world. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the cosmos, these planetarium shows and activities are designed to engage and enlighten.
Nearest Pier: Greenwich
Dog-friendly parks and farms along our route
It's Walk Your Dog Month! Improve your wellbeing for you and your dog as you enjoy the peacefulness of nature whilst exploring parks along the river. All woofers are welcome on board!
Battersea Park
200-acres of open green space, floral gardens and a boating lake! Plenty of places for your dog to run, and smells for them to enjoy! Not only is the park dog-friendly, so is the Pear Tree Café, making it the perfect place to pop for a spot of lunch!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Greenwich Park
A short walk from Greenwich Pier, the gorgeous Greenwich Park offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf and the City on a clear day. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, it offers a wide range of facilities and is another dog-friendly park! Every last Sunday of the month at 10am there is a French Bulldog meetup close to the Observatory.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Mudchute Park and Farm
Llamas, in London?! Mudchute Park and Farm is located on the Isle of Dogs, a short walk from Masthouse Terrace Pier.
The farm brings a touch of the countryside to Tower Hamlets and is home to pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and chickens as well as llamas, all of which can be visited by you and your dogs (as long as they are kept on a lead).
Nearest pier: Masthouse Terrace
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St James’s Park
The oldest of London's Royal Parks, St James's Park is at the heart of Westminster. It has breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace and is open to your furry friends, although your dog must be kept on its lead in certain areas!
Nearest pier: Westminster
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Bishop's Park
Across Putney Bridge from Putney Pier lies Bishop’s Park which has been awarded Grade II status by English Heritage.
The park houses Fulham Palace, the historic home of the Bishops of London, a beautiful walled garden and an ornamental lake - bordering the north bank of the River Thames.
Nearest pier: Putney
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Surrey Docks Farm
Nested between the river and a quiet residential area, this farm has donkeys, pigs, sheep, ponies, and many more animals - all welcome to you and your (well-behaved) dogs!
For an off-leash walk nearby you can find Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park or have a stroll along the Thames Path or the Surrey and Greenland Dock.
Nearest pier: Greenland (Surrey Quays) and Doubletree Docklands
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Thames Barrier Park
One of London’s newest parks, Thames Barrier Park offers the best view from the land of London's impressive flood defence, the Thames Barrier. Discover the delights of this urban oasis and its most creative feature 'The Green Dock' that provides a wind-protected microclimate for a variety of plants and butterflies.
Dogs welcome but please keep them away from the sunken garden.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
Find out moreThe Curling Club at the Southbank
Slide into winter in style at The Curling Club, running until 6 February at the Southbank. This pop-up alpine retreat brings curling, cocktails, and festive vibes to the heart of London.
Challenge your friends on the ice, savour indulgent food and seasonal drinks, and enjoy the perfect mix of casual competition and après-ski fun. Don’t miss this unique winter experience—see you there!
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 in London
Chinese New Year in Trafalgar Square
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia on 2 February in Trafalgar Square.
Kick off the day with the vibrant Chinese New Year Parade, a thanksgiving ceremony, and the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony, followed by traditional dragon and lion dances. Enjoy free stage performances featuring Chinese music, dance, martial arts, and pop hits, plus mouthwatering street food stalls.
Families can visit the National Gallery for colourful costume displays and activities. The festivities end with a dazzling techno lion dance and pyrotechnic finale lighting up the sky.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Lunar New Year Craft Morning
Join Woolwich Works on 26 January for a fun-filled morning celebrating Lunar New Year! Get creative at our crafting stations and design your own fan, paper lantern, or a paper snake to mark the Year of the Snake. Perfect for all crafty clubbers!
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
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Lunar New Year at the Planetarium
Celebrate Lunar New Year on Saturday 1st February with a special live planetarium show at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Guided by an expert astronomer, explore the fascinating links between ancient Chinese astronomy and the lunisolar calendar, including the motion of the Sun, the phases of the Moon, and their significance to Lunar New Year. Discover prominent winter constellations and how they compare to their ancient Chinese counterparts, and hear about China’s latest achievements in space exploration.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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