Brrr-ing on December
The festive season is here! Check out the merriest events along London’s iconic riverside
Festive Climb at The O2
This December, enjoy a festive climb at Up at The O2! After a guided ascent over the iconic roof, step into the UK's highest snow globe at 52m for a magical winter experience. Surrounded by falling snow, the scent of cookies, and a whimsical setup, it’s the perfect festive photo moment. Climbers will have time to snap snowy shots and enjoy a gingerbread cookie, with bubbly and soft drinks available for purchase. Book now for the ultimate winter adventure!
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 2025.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
Victorian Santa's grotto at London Museum Docklands
Step into the festive spirit at the London Museum Docklands as you wander through the beautifully decorated Sailortown gallery. Meet Santa in his cosy Victorian grotto, where children who’ve been nice will receive a special, age-appropriate gift made with traditional materials and minimal plastic. Running from 5 to 23 December, tickets include a visit with Santa and a keepsake gift to take home. If you're interested in meeting Santa in a relaxed environment, they run quiet sessions every morning between 9.45–10.15am.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Grab 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!
Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station
Open throughout December until 5 January, Glide at Battersea Power Station offers a magical skating experience against the iconic backdrop of the Thames and the Power Station. Skate across three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a stunning 30ft Christmas tree.
Beyond the ice, enjoy vintage fairground rides, live entertainment, and photo booths to capture the festive fun. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season in style!
Photo credit: Joshua Atkins
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Skate at Somerset House
Skate returns to Somerset House for a magical winter experience until 12 January. Enjoy ice skating in the iconic courtyard, live DJ sessions with Skate Lates, and rink-side dining at The Chalet and Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. With festive shopping from Shelter Boutique and exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, there's something for everyone this holiday season.
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 for 17 magical weeks until 23 February. 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
Find out moreSouthbank Centre’s Winter season brings festive cheer to London with dazzling shows, luminous art installations, fun-filled activities, and its beloved Winter Market. Explore a wide range of seasonal treats and experiences guaranteed to make spirits bright this holiday season.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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
Open until 26 December, the Southbank Winter Market invites you to stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights, soaking up the festive atmosphere. Explore alpine-style chalets filled with indulgent drinks, mouth-watering street food, and unique crafts.
From truffle burgers and cheese toasties to Dutch pancakes and churros, there’s something for every craving. Sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate as you shop for handmade gifts, jewellery, and decorations crafted by independent makers.
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 11 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: Bankside
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.
Experience Hansel and Gretel at the Globe
Step into the magical world of Hansel and Gretel at the Globe Theatre this winter. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage reimagines the Brothers Grimm classic with poetry, songs, and a hopeful twist. Running until 5 January, this enchanting tale is perfect for the festive season.
Nearest pier: Bankside
Celebrate Christmas like a Tudor on The Golden Hinde!
This December, step back in time aboard The Golden Hinde with "Twelve Days of Tudor Christmas" trail! Explore the origins of Christmas traditions with a self-guided, family-friendly experience. Learn about feasts, carols, mince pies, and gift-giving, and discover how Tudor customs still shape our modern celebrations. Perfect for all ages, this festive journey brings the sights, sounds, and spirit of a Tudor Christmas to life.
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: Bankside
Mars in the Painted Hall
Throughout December, 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
Helen Chadwick at Tate Modern
Dive into the groundbreaking art of Helen Chadwick (1953–1996), known for her striking use of materials and exploration of self, gender, and the human body. This powerful exhibition spans her career, from early works featuring her own image to later experiments with visceral and organic forms. On display at Tate Modern until 8 June 2025.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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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)
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
Winter Solstice Festival
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Greenwich Park on 21 December with a day of science, performance, and festive fun! Join the Royal Observatory and Royal Parks for live performances, craft markets, and hands-on science demos led by expert astronomers. Discover the significance of the shortest day of the year, ask your astronomy questions, and enjoy a midwinter celebration in this iconic park. Perfect for families and science lovers alike.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
