It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
December is here, spread the festive cheer
To give the reindeers a rest, Santa Claus has swapped his sleigh for a Clipper this year and will be riding with us on 3 and 17 December! Hop on board and meet with him whilst enjoying London's iconic landmarks along the river.
Why not make a day of it? With our River Roamer tickets you can hop on and off our services all day and enjoy all the winter events along the river!
Ever celebrated the New Year on the River Thames? Now is your chance! This year you can experience London's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks (presented by the Mayor of London) from the comfort of our modern and spacious boats.
Start your experience from either Gravesend, Tilbury, Barking Riverside or North Greenwich piers and allow us to take care of the rest.
On Saturday 3 December taste local home-cooked food, start your festive shopping, and explore Barking Riverside through the day and into the night with wildlife walks, music, entertainment and free fun for all the family on this ultimate festive day packed full of winter activities.
Nearest pier: Barking Riverside
Winter Markets
What’s more Christmassy than a Winter market? Here are our best picks for markets along the river this November!
Greenwich Market
One of London's most iconic markets, decorated to match the Christmas spirit! Tick items off your shopping list, and wander around the beautiful neighbourhood of Greenwich, decked out with lights and festive goodies! Top off your day by ice skating at the Queen's House Ice Rink.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Christmas by the River
Until 2 January make your way to the capital's much-loved festive experience, at London Bridge City. With London's iconic skyline as a backdrop, you will find fairy-lit wooden cabins, market traders, and an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops!
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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South Bank
As if South Bank wasn’t good enough already! Until 8 January head to central London, for Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival. Joyous shows, pop-up bars, family fun, brilliant art and twinkling markets – there’s a gift for everyone to enjoy.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Finnish Church
Get Finnish before it's finished! From 2 - 4 December head to the Finnish Church in Rotherhithe for a Scandinavian Christmas market. Browse traditional Finnish toys, design pieces, and plenty of Moomin memorabilia before tucking into hots dogs, Finnish beer, and cinnamon buns.
Nearest pier: Doubletree Docklands
Find out moreHead to Greenwich Peninsula this December for a bundle of fun things to do. Cosy up with a festive film at the Enchanted Forest Cinema Pop Up, with a range of holiday classics being shown every weekend from Saturday 3 to Sunday 18 December.
On 8 and 9 December, relax with a drink in hand as you soak up spectacular live sets at the Winter Jazz at Bureau.
Wanting to get creative? On 8 December join a session of festive fun as you learn the skills of wreath making and create a wreath that will last you the whole of Christmas!
From 13 December - 5 February make your way to the Old Royal Naval College, in Greenwich, and marvel at the Moon.
Gaze up to the beautifully illuminated lunar landscape suspended against the unique Baroque backdrop of the Painted Hall, in this awe-inspiring installation from artist Luke Jerram, following his phenomenal sold-out installation of Gaia in 2021.
Truly immerse yourself and lean back on the visitor daybeds accompanied by a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
This winter, Bankside has reinvented the Frost Fair for the 21st century. Between 1605 and 1814, the surface of the River Thames froze over 24 times, so the people of Bankside took to the ice, with a selection of markets, food and drink, entertainment, and festivities.
From 1 December - 31 January immerse yourself in augmented reality installations, feast on Frost Fair themed food (including some of our very own festive menu items!) and enjoy inspired workshops from lino printing to wreathmaking!
Nearest pier: Bankside
Get your skates on!
This time of the year wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t bruised and broken thanks to your terrible ice skating skills. Let’s take a look at where you can get ice skating this December!
Somerset House
Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset signals the start of the festive period with skating, contemporary music, the perfect gift selection from Hotel Chocolat, and delicious food and drink. Open until 15 January.
Nearest pier: Embankment
Swoosh
Battersea Power Station
Until 8 January, head to a magnificent open-air ice rink set against a backdrop of one of the capital’s most iconic buildings. Not only that, after your skate enjoy live entertainment, hop on a vintage fair ride, or chill out with a mulled wine in a cosy cabin.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Swish
Skylight Tobacco Dock
Europe’s only rooftop ice rink! Skylight Tobacco Dock transforms into a Winter Wonderland, complete with a rooftop ice rink. Take in the views of London as you glide (probably fall) across the ice.
Nearest pier: Tower
Glide
Canary Wharf
From business, to casual. One of London’s largest outdoor (but roofed) ice rinks, returns for 18 magical weeks of ice skating in Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, open now!
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Slide
Greenwich
Until 8 January head to Greenwich for the Queen’s House Ice Rink, taking centre stage in the beautiful grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich.
Surrounded by iconic architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, this is truly a sight to see.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
FallLift 109
Following the grand opening of one of London's most iconic landmarks, Battersea Power Station, you can now make a thrilling ascent 109 metres to the top of the north-west chimney where you can take in stunning 360-degree views of London's skyline.
Ride with us directly to Battersea Power Station Pier, and enjoy the surrounding restaurants, shops, and activities available in the ever-developing Battersea area.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Woolwich Works
Looking for a venue off the beaten path? Check out Woolwich Works, a brand new cultural hub housed in the historic Royal Arsenal buildings, right next to the Thames. When you travel by boat to Woolwich you sail through the impressive Thames Barrier!
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Kansas Smitty's Big Brand present Duke Ellington's Nutcracker
One of the most lauded jazz groups in London, Hackney-based Kansas Smitty's Big Band are making the trip across the river to Woolwich on 2 December for a very special concert.
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Jingle Bell Jazz
On Wednesday 7 December expect to hear reinterpreted festive classics, from Silent Night to Last Christmas (and of course Jingle Bells), as you enjoy an evening of jazz from some of London's most exciting performers.
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The Showstoppers' Christmas Kids Show
One for the kids! On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December, enjoy some family time as you witness the award-winning musical improvisers bring your favourite Christmas stories to life!
Find out more2022 World Cup
Get started early with our onboard café bar, whilst on route to watching the World Cup. Here are some of our favourite spots to watch along the river!
