Dazzling decorations, a magical riverside ice rink, the best shopping and dining around plus festive arts and crafts workshops for all ages - Battersea Power Station has gone BIG this Christmas.
Built in two halves between the 1930s and 1950s, this Grade II* listed iconic London landmark boasts beautiful heritage features and is steeped in history. Giving true meaning to the song ‘deck the halls’, the stunning building and surrounding riverside neighbourhood has been adorned with beautiful fairy lights, Christmas trees, giant candy canes and more. So why not enjoy the gorgeous festive backdrop on a fun day out with friends and family, with over 140 shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, now open! Until December 25, the building’s iconic river-facing facade and chimneys will also be lit up with a bespoke piece of art. ‘Bigger Christmas Trees’ was drawn on an iPad by none other than David Hockney! You can witness this enchanting animation from 5pm-10:30pm daily.
From arts and crafts sessions and live entertainment to Christmas markets and world-class shopping and dining, there is so much to see, do, and explore this Christmas at Battersea Power Station. Plus, London’s only riverside ice-skating rink is back – the stunning Jo Malone London presents Glide at Battersea Power Station.
1. Enjoy tons of fun festive entertainment
Take your Christmas-y home decor to the next level this year by attending one of Battersea Power Station’s arts and crafts workshops. London’s eldest, most prestigious florist, Moyses Stevens, will be holding sessions on how to create a show-stopping floral table setting. There’ll also be pom pom wreath making, Christmas card printing and Christmas cracker making.
As well as family-friendly arts and crafts activities, there’ll also be face painting, seasonal games, storytelling, and special appearances from Santa and his elves throughout December, so kids can drop off their lists just in time for the big day. The Battersea Power Station Community Choir will also be bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with carols in the turbine halls – and don’t miss Elf Dance sessions where kids can put their moves to the test!
Visit Battersea Power Station’s remarkable glass elevator experience, Lift 109, this festive season and hurry up one of the building’s iconic chimneys to admire London’s magnificent lights from up high before catching a catching one of the latest Christmas movies (Wonka, anyone?) at at The Cinema in The Power Station in Turbine Hall B.
2. Tick off your Christmas wish list
Whether it’s finding the perfect gifts for friends and family, or shopping for a sassy new outfit for a festive soirée, Battersea Power Station is home to an array of renowned British and international brands where you’ll find everything you need. Browse the likes of Aesop, Space NK and the brand new Boots Beauty concept store for beauty, fragrance and skincare, and check out Reformation, BOSS, Uniqlo, ME+EM, Jigsaw, ZARA and so many more to put together the perfect winter look.
The historic turbines will also welcome the Curated Makers Christmas Market from December 9-22. Here you can find special, one-off purchases from independent brands, offering everything from handmade clothing and accessories to homeware and festive treats.
3. Explore top-tier foodie spots
Battersea Power Station is home to over 50 fantastic bars and eateries offering delicious cuisine from all over the world. So when you’ve worked up an appetite from all the festive activities, ice skating, and shopping – why not stop for a bite to eat? You’ll find food to satisfy any craving at this array of restaurants, but if you’re in the mood for something with a Christmas touch, there are also plenty of special seasonal menus for you to try.
Just a stone’s throw from the Glide ice rink, Circus West Village boasts over 13 restaurants and bars, from riverfront hotspots and cosy terraces to hidden gems under the railway arches. From seafood experts Wright Brothers to bottomless pizzas at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, there is something to tickle all taste buds!
On the new pedestrianised high street Electric Boulevard, you can indulge in a Bombay-inspired Christmas feast at the newly opened Dishoom or be one of the first in the UK to try the South African all-day café concept, tashas. For a special Christmas toast, we’d recommend a cocktail in Control Room B, Turbine B’s all-day bar inside one of the original control rooms, or a glass of bubbles in Searcys, the newly opened Champagne bar in Turbine. Arcade Battersea is also home to lots of fantastic global foodie outlets, from Manna’s American smash burgers and Japanese at Sushi Kamon middle Eastern at Shatta Toum and flatbreads by Thomas Straker.
4. Plan a festive get-together
Everyone’s diaries are filling up fast with Christmas parties, but if you’ve not yet got yours sorted yet, there are loads of fun venue options where you can get together with work colleagues, friends, and family at Battersea Power Station. Whether it’s bao buns followed by belting out your favourite tunes in BAO’s private karaoke room, a ping pong and shuffleboard tournament at Bounce, or simply enjoying global cuisine, cocktails, and live DJs at Arcade Food Hall & Bar – there’s something for everyone.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH.
Nearest stations are Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.
