Top Free Things to do in South Bank
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
The last week of December is always a magical time to be in London. Twinkling lights, dazzling shows, quirky pop-ups, cosy pubs and world-famous attractions - there's plenty to keep you busy during the festive break!
Here's a look at what's on and who's open in South Bank during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
While away the chilly evenings at the cinema
There’s always something interesting to see at the BFI Southbank, one of London's most celebrated cinemas. Catch one of the special screenings from their latest themed seasons such as the Echoes in Time season, which presents a major exploration of the best in modern and contemporary Korean cinema (until 31 December) or catch a classic feel-good Christmas film.
When’s it open?
The cinema is open daily. Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 Dec.
See an exhibition at Hayward Gallery
During the festive season holidays don't miss your last chance to view Hayward Gallery's major survey of the internationally celebrated Korean artist Haegue Yang. Haegue Yang’s work spans a vast range of media – from paper collage to performative sculpture and immense sensorial installations. Featuring major new commissions and productions, the exhibition also spotlights key works from some of Yang’s most notable series, including Light Sculptures and Sonic Sculptures.
When's it open?
The exhibition runs until 5 Jan. Closed on Mondays and 24 –26 Dec.
Tom Fletcher's The Creakers
This year's blockbuster festive season family show at Southbank Centre is Tom Fletcher's The Creakers, a brand new musical based on the best-selling children's book The Creakers. Lucy and the other kids of Whiffingtone wake up one day to find all the adults have disappeared With a town full of children running wild, our reluctant hero and some unlikely friends begin to solve the topsy-turvy mystery of a lifetime. Suitable for kids aged 6+.
When?
Tom Fletchers The Creakers is playing 18 Dec until 7 Jan
Ballet Shoes at National Theatre
Meanwhile, at National Theatre, this year's major family production, running right through to February, is a new adaptation of Noel Streatfield’s beloved novel Ballet Shoes. First published in 1936, Ballet Shoes is a heartwarming and uplifting tale of three very different orphaned siblings who follow their passions and work hard to smash ceilings as they strive to lift their family out of poverty.
When?
Ballet Shoes is playing until 22 Feb. No performances on Sundays and 22-25 Dec.
Circa's Duck Pond at Southbank Centre
Experience Swan Lake like never before through the magic of soaring circus in this sparkling production at the Royal Festival Hall. The iconic romantic ballet is re-imagined as a circus spectacular by the Australian circus arts troupe Circa. Full of Circa’s signature physicality and shot through with cheeky humour and contemporary energy, this is a fun and thrilling production that promises plenty of festive glitter. A show that is guaranteed delight children and adults a like, Duck Pond is suitable for kids aged 5+.
When's it open?
Circa's Duck Pond is playing 19-30 Dec. No performances on 24 and 25 Dec.
1927: Please Right Back at Southbank Centre
Part social realism, part science fiction with a healthy dose of mischief and a dash of dystopia, Please right back is a eulogy to the power of the imagination, storytelling and make-believe. Presented by the critically acclaimed theatre makers 1927, this is a poignant coming-of-age story suited for kids aged 10+ that uses song, dance, and absurd, subversive animations to bring the stage to life in a way that's utterly enjoyable for both kids and adults.
When?
Please Right Back is showing at the Purcell Room from 21 Dec-5 Jan. No performances 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Book a table for a festive afternoon tea
The perfect way to treat yourself this season is to book a table for a festive afternoon tea. In South Bank afternoon tea is served daily at The Library at the Marriott County Hall where you are treated to the most superb views of Big Ben. The festive afternoon tea is available until 5 January and comes with extra festive treats including Christmas scones, traditional mince pies and gingerbreads.
When's it open?
Afternoon tea at The Library is available daily 12pm-5pm (booking essential)
The Paddington Bear Experience
Join Paddington Bear and the Brown family for a very special day out at this official Paddington Bear immersive experience inspired by the beloved films. A unique and fun-filled interactive experience inspired by the nation’s favourite bear, visitors are whisked away on a 70-minute adventure packed with interactive games, abundant character interactions, and lots of surprises along the way.
When's it open?
Open daily, closed 25 Dec. Online booking is advised.
A board games afternoon at Draughts
London’s original board games bar Draughts, located inside the famous Leake Street graffiti tunnel, is the ideal spot to while away a frosty day in cosy surrounds. Located inside one of the old railway arches, there are more than 1,000 different board games to choose from, covering every possible interest and there’s a full food and drinks menu to keep your satisfied.
When’s it open?
Open daily. Closed 24-26 and 31 Dec.
Thrills and spills at The London Dungeon
See, hear, feel and smell the chillingly amusing characters of ye olde London as they come to life through 19 interactive shows and two underground rides at this wildly entertaining walk-through experience. This one's a fun day out for anyone with a taste for stomach for gruesome tales and stomach-churning rides, all themed around the darker moments of London's colourful history.
When’s it open?
Open daily, closed 25 Dec. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance for discounted rates.
Journey to the land of Far Far Away at Shrek’s Adventure!
Ride the 4D flying bus, make your way through the Mirror Maze of Insanity and cook up a magic spell at this interactive adventure featuring 10 fairytale-themed live shows, based on the characters from the popular Shrek films. The experience is designed to lead children on a colourful fairytale journey where they are the central character. And, of course, every visit ends with a chance to meet Shrek himself.
When’s it open?
Open daily, closed 25 Dec. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance for discounted rates!
Go underwater at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
One of the biggest aquariums in Britain, the London Aquarium at County Hall is a must-see. Marvel at the biggest collection of aquatic creatures from tropical ‘nemos’ and colourful jellyfish to turtles and the cutest little penguins. The regular keepers' talks throughout the day are well worth making time for and you’ll be mesmerised by the immense stingrays and sharks swimming past your eyes in the aquarium’s biggest tanks.
When’s it open?
Open daily, closed 25 Dec. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance for the best rates!
Get competitive at The Curling Club
Gliding into South Bank again this winter, the apres-ski-themed bar The Curling Club has returned and this year is staying open right through until the end of February! Book a game and get competitive throwing some stones down the casual curling lanes and then top off the visit with festive drinks, ‘dirty raclette fries’ and banging tunes from the resident DJ.
When's it open?
Open daily. Closed 25, 26 and 31 Dec.
Duckpin bowling at BrewDog Waterloo
One of the largest bars in Britain, the epic BrewDog at The Sidings at Waterloo Station has plenty going on to keep you busy during the holidays, including duckpin bowling and an insta-famous slide! During the 'Twixmas' holiday season (between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve) kids bowl for free for 30 minutes while adults pay just £4. For more on what's happening at BrewDog Waterloo including New Year's Eve party and tasty offers, head here.
When's it open?
Open daily. Closed 24-26 Dec.
When do South Bank's Winter Markets close?
The Southbank Centre's festive riverside Winter Market closes for the season on Thu 26 Dec at 3pm. The market opens until 3pm on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day.
The last edition of the Southbank Centre Food Market behind Royal Festival Hall takes place on Sun 22 Dec, and the market reopens after its winter break on 31 Jan 2025.
Between the Bridges hosts its last day of the season on Sun 22 Dec, closing out its winter residency with a final edition of the weekly SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market and Santa's Sunday Social DJs.
South Bank's bar and restaurants during 'Twixmas'
The majority of South Bank's bars and restaurants remain open throughout the festive season with most only closing on Christmas Day (and in some cases on Boxing Day).
Some pubs and restaurants in South Bank such as the glam Skylon restaurant at Royal Festival Hall or the distinctive Doggetts pub next to Blackfriars Station, do stay open with adjusted hours on Christmas Day, although prior booking for a Christmas Day lunch is required!
South Bank's many hotels such as the Marriott County Hall, Sea Containers London, Bankside and the two Park Plaza hotels are, of course, also always open, although if you'd like a table for dinner or drinks during the 'twixmas' period it is highly recommended to book in advance.
During the festive season South Bank plays host to some of the biggest family-oriented stage shows in town and when it comes to family-friendly plays to eat out visitors are spoiled for choice! Check out our guide to kid-friendly dining in South Bank here.
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