10 things to do during the Christmas holidays 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)

When’s it open?
The cinema is open daily. Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 Dec.

Haegue Yang: Leap Year 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

Blockbuster stage shows for kids

This year's 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+.

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's it open?
Tom Fletchers The Creakers is showing 18 Dec until 7 Jan
Ballet Shoes is showing until 22 Feb

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.

When's it open?
Circa's Duck Pond is showing 19-30 Dec. No performances on 24 and 25 Dec.

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?
The London Dungeon is open daily except for Christmas Day. 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?
Shrek’s Adventure! London is open daily except for Christmas Day. 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?
The aquarium is open daily except for Christmas Day. 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.