Brrr-ing on December
The festive season is here! Check out the merriest events along London’s iconic riverside
Grab your skates and hit the ice
Whether you’re planning a picture-perfect date night, eager to test your blades with fellow skating enthusiasts, or enjoying a family outing, here are the best ice rinks in London!
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station, set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, running until 4 January 2026. 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. It will be an unforgettable festive experience.
Photo credit: Joshua Atkins
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Skate at Somerset House
Visit Skate at Somerset House until 11 January 2026 for a magical winter experience!
Glide across the iconic courtyard, enjoy rink-side DJ sets at Skate Lates, and indulge in festive treats from The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and Blondies Kitchen. With exclusive Virgin Atlantic Holidays sessions, art by Harold Offeh, and the sparkling 40ft Christmas tree, it’s London’s ultimate festive skating spot.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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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. Head to Oasis Bar & Terrace 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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Festive Climb Up at O2
Take 'Winter Wonderland' to new heights! Running until 4 January 2026, climbers at Up at The O2 can enjoy a guided trek across the iconic roof before stepping into an immersive snow globe at the 52m-high summit.
Set against the stunning London skyline, the UK’s highest snow globe features falling snow and a whimsical winter scene -perfect for capturing magical festive photos.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
Christmas at the Paddington Bear Experience
Enjoy a festive family day out this winter at The Paddington Bear™ Experience at County Hall on London’s South Bank. Discover stunning decorations, including a 5.5-metre Christmas tree, and indulge in treats like gingerbread paws, mince pies, and orange hot chocolate. Immerse yourself in Paddington’s world and celebrate Christmas magic until 5 January 2026.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
Extra dates added for Illuminated River
Our popular Illuminated River Boat Tours are sold out on Saturdays in December, so we have added extra dates during the week, departing at 5 pm from Tower Pier.
Onboard 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.
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
You can find Southbank Centre's annual Christmas market at the Queen’s Walk until 4 January 2026, with festive Alpine-style chalets along the river. Enjoy pop-up bars, street food like truffle burgers, molten cheese toasties, Dutch pancakes, and shop for unique gifts, jewellery, and decorations from independent creatives.
Warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate as you stroll beneath the twinkling lights. This year’s Winter Festival also includes the après-ski-themed Curling Club and cosy pop-up restaurant Fire & Fromage under Hungerford Bridge.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Salad Days Christmas Market
Don't miss Salad Days Christmas Market at Battersea Power Station until 14 December with 30 different small businesses showcased each day, that’s 120 unique makers across both weekends! Expect beautiful, sustainably crafted gifts from handmade jewellery and personalised baubles to festive cards, ceramics, and homeware. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and finding something special for everyone on your list!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Stroll among charming wooden stalls brimming with handmade crafts, unique gifts, and festive treats at the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market. Throughout December, enjoy the sounds of carol singers performing by the iconic Christmas tree, adding extra sparkle to your visit.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
Running until 14 December, this festive craft fair at Between the Bridges’ indoor venue, The Pier, is the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts. Browse quirky jewellery, handmade candles, colourful ceramics and more, and enjoy food stalls, hot chocolate, or mulled wine as you explore.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Winter at Greenwich Peninsula
A festive favourite returns to Greenwich, with a beautifully restored vintage carousel bringing nostalgic charm and twinkling lights to the riverside. Take a spin, then wander through the Market Quarter for cosy winter treats - think cinnamon churros, bratwurst, crêpes, warm donuts, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Perfect for family days out, after-work meetups or a winter date night. Running until January.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
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Winter by the River at London Bridge City
Running until 4 January 2026, London Bridge City transforms into a festive riverside escape. Explore boutique market stalls with artisanal crafts, unique gifts, and delicious treats, then relax at The Glasshouse Terrace with seasonal drinks, pizza, and hot waffles while enjoying panoramic Thames views, live music, and evening entertainment.
Nearest pier: London Bridge
Find out moreThe Golden Hinde Christmas Grotto
Step aboard The Golden Hinde this festive season and wander candlelit decks decorated with garlands and twinkling lights. From 6 - 20 December follow a cosy trail through the ship before heading into the Winter Workshop, filled with the scents of oranges, cinnamon and festive treats.
Nearest pier: London Bridge
DJ Night at Clipper Lounge EMB
Kick off the weekend with an evening of music, dancing, and stunning riverside views! Gather your friends or colleagues, let loose to the DJ beats, and still make it home in time for a restful night.
When: 18 December | 6:30pm – 11pm
Price: £10 (includes a complimentary drink – beer or small house wine)
Nearest pier: Embankment
Victorian Santa’s Grotto
Visit Santa at London Museum Docklands until 23 December! The Sailortown gallery is decorated in festive style, and children can visit Santa in his Dickensian grotto. Each visit includes a classic, eco-friendly gift.
This family-friendly event celebrates London’s diverse culture and ensures every child can see themselves in the festive magic.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Art on the Thames
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025
Running until 8 February 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery, the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize showcases the best in contemporary photography, from established professionals to emerging talents. Explore diverse portraits capturing intimate moments, striking characters, and unique stories - many on display for the first time - including a new commission for the Gallery’s Collection.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Turner and Constable
Running until 12 April at Tate Britain, Turner and Constable: The Great British Rivals marks the 250th anniversary of two of Britain’s greatest painters. Born a year apart, Turner in 1775 and Constable in 1776, both transformed landscape art with their distinct visions - Turner’s blazing sunsets and travels contrasted with Constable’s fresh, heartfelt depictions of familiar places. Despite different backgrounds, their shared connection to nature sparked one of art’s most famous rivalries, described by critics as a clash of “fire and water.”
Nearest pier: Milbank
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Book your NYE 2025
Experience London’s festive magic by river and road with the Christmas Lights Tour by Bus and Boat.
Cruise the Thames with an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off ticket, then hop on the City Sightseeing open-top Christmas Lights Bus Tour to see Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus sparkle with festive lights and music.
A perfect Christmas day out for visitors, couples, and families.
Woolwich Works Christmas
This Christmas at Woolwich Works features a variety of festive events, from the Gingerbread Grotto and family-friendly concerts to a magical Step Into Christmas show and interactive screenings of The Snowman. There are also plenty of free events, like the Woolwich Choir's festive sing-along and a quiz celebrating the year's highlights. Don't miss the unique offerings, running throughout December and into the New Year.
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Christmas Family Friendly Workshops
From 19 - 31 December, enjoy a fun-filled festive day out at Battersea Power Station. Little ones can get creative with daily hands-on activities, from decorating gingerbread houses and crafting Christmas crackers to making sparkly slime, painted candles, and New Year wands — a perfect family outing for the holidays.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
London Illuminated Festive Lights
Discover the London Illuminated Light Trail at Fulham Palace, running until 22 December.
Stroll through stunning gardens transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, boutique shopping, fire pits for toasting marshmallows, and festive food and drinks. Enjoy live music, captivating circus displays, and magician Markele from Britain’s Got Talent.
Wear sensible shoes, bring a torch, and immerse yourself in this enchanting festive experience!
Nearest pier: Putney
