Ballet Shoes
The hit stage version of Noel Streatfeild's children’s novel returns to the National this festive season
The festive season is just around the corner and South Bank is getting ready for a sparkly Christmas makeover to get you through the chilly months of November and December!
In addition to the famous riverside winter market stalls, cosy Alpine pop-ups and enchanting festive shows that you know and love, there are also some new winter attractions coming to the South Bank this season that you won’t want to miss.
Southbank Centre Winter Market is back!
Everyone’s favourite riverside Winter Market is back for the season, and this year will be staying open right through the Christmas holidays! Take a stroll beneath the festive lights and browse the cute chalets stalls and their enticing mix of festive food and drinks with a variety of new traders joining the market this winter. There’s also even more gift shopping opportunities this year with a collection of market stalls curated by south London makers collective SoLo Craft Fair.
The market opens from 3 Nov to 4 Jan (closed 25 and 31 Dec)
Queen Elizabeth Hall roof garden is opening for winter
A much-loved summer space, this year Southbank Centre’s magical roof garden on the Queen Elizabeth Hall is opening for the festive season too! Throughout November and December, the beautiful rooftop garden will be transformed into a romantic winter garden with a view over South Bank's festive lights and a pop-up bar serving mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
The garden is open 6 Nov – 28 Dec (closed Mon-Wed)
Electric Winter festivities at Between the Bridges
This huge pop-up destination next to Jubilee Gardens leans right into the celebration season with their packed Electric Winter party programme of DJs, weekend drag brunches, bingo and Barrioke. There’s space to sit indoors and out with half a dozen different bars and street food stalls to choose from and no shortage of tinsel.
Electric Winter at Between the Bridges is open until 21 December
Fondue by the river at Fire & Fromage
Jimmy Garcia’s Alpine-inspired Fire & Fromage pop-up right on the riverside opposite the Skatepark to Southbank Centre there are firepits for toasting marshmallows and a mouthwatering menu of Alpine-inspired street food like schnitzels and raclette burgers, plus fantastic wintery cocktails and of course the best mulled wine. For a special treat, book a table and indulge in a decadent fondue to share followed by mini chocolate doughnuts for dessert.
Fire & Fromage is open 30 Oct to 4 Jan
New festive sing-along pop-up Bar Humbug
South Bank's newest winter pop-up is Bar Humbug, making its debut under Hungerford Bridge this festive season. The bar styles itself as a festive sing-along bar with a Bavarian twist. Think timber-fronted alpine lodge, steins of beer, fir garlands, fairy lights and the sounds of a crowd singing together. Expect live music, DJs and communal sing-alongs by the piano through to the New Year.
Bar Humbug is open from 3 Nov – 4 Jan 2025 (closed 25 and 31 Dec)
Festive shows galore
You are spoiled for choice this year when it comes to blockbuster stage shows! This season’s biggest highlights include:
A Christmas Carol | 9 Nov – 4 Jan at The Old Vic
Jack Thorne’s magical in-the-round imagining of the Dickens classic brings mince pies, music and merriment to The Old Vic for the eighth year running.
Ballet Shoes | 17 Nov – 21 Feb at National Theatre
The 5-star hit show about a trio of ambitious young orphans pursuing their dreams takes over the National’s biggest stage. A gloriously colourful and uplifting festive season treat with a heart of gold, this one’s guaranteed to delight children and adults alike.
Sh!t Theatre: EVITA TOO | 9 Dec – 31 Dec at Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
The hilarious comedy duo Sh!t Theatre, bring their unique mega-musical take on life and politics in this hit show that races through the wild story of Isabel Peron, gogo-dancer-turned-president.
Top Hat | 12 Dec – 17 Jan, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
A dazzling whirlwind of romance, comedy, and toe-tapping dance, this all-singing all-dancing musical inspired by the 1935 Ginger Rogers film recreates the glitz and glamour of old school Hollywood.
The Paddington Bear Experience at Christmas
Winter fun for kids
Christmas at Paddington Bear Experience | 11 Nov – 5 Jan
Embark on an immersive walkthrough adventure into Paddington's world which has been given a magical makeover especially for Christmas.
Shrek's Adventure! London: Gingy's Christmas Sweet and Greet | 13 – 24 Dec
Meet the beloved sassy sweet treat Gingy this Christmas at Shrek's Adventure where the immersive fairytale adventure gets an extra sprinkle of festive cheer.
SEA LIFE London: Al's Adventure | 20 Dec - 5 Jan
Join Al on his Arctic adventure across the London Aquarium with this educational and interactive festive story time, themed around what you can do this Christmas to save the planet.
Bluey’s Big Play | 18 Dec – 11 Jan at Royal Festival Hall
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli return to the South Bank in this live show packed with music, laughter and brilliantly created puppets. Suitable for children of all ages.
Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart! | 22 Dec – 2 Jan at Royal Festival Hall
Join children's TV’s favourite doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand on a dino-mite adventure in this gigantic new show packed with crazy experiments. Suitable for kids aged 5+.
