Prepare for a festive spectacle like no other at Battersea Power Station, as the Central London riverside neighbourhood is transformed into one of the capital’s most magical destinations between 7th November 2024 – 5th January 2025.
Beautiful new bespoke Christmas decorations will be unveiled inside the landmark, drawing inspiration from the building’s iconic Art Deco architecture and adding extra sparkle to the two historic turbine halls.
Visitors can expect glittering lights and more than 150 Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes across the riverside neighbourhood, including a 40ft tree in Malaysia Square with over 1,500 baubles. Plus, supersize decorations including a larger-than-life bauble installation in the riverside piazza and a trail of giant candy canes on Electric Boulevard, as well as a wreath inspired selfie seat, add an extra touch of magic and offer the perfect opportunity to capture festive photos with friends and family.
Calling all budding elves – Battersea Power Station will host its first ever Santa’s School For Elves. where children can meet Santa Claus himself and learn all the skills needed to become one of his little helpers with lessons including Elf & Fitness and Arts & Elfy Crafts to name a few. To remember the magical moment, every child will be gifted an official Elf hat and Elf Academy certificate.
Supersized decorations, glittering lights, a special Santa’s School for Elves and more than 150 shops, restaurants, bars and leisure experiences guarantee the ultimate festive day out. Image credit: Brendan Bell (left) and Charlie Round-Turner (centre and right)
The fun doesn’t stop there as festive arts and crafts sessions will be hosted throughout the holidays, offering adults the chance to unleash their creativity. From candle painting to Christmas calligraphy and a table centre workshop from florist, Moyses Stevens, there will be something for everyone.
For those looking for the ultimate party outfit or to do all their Christmas shopping in one place, Battersea Power Station is the perfect destination with over 150 British and international brands across the neighbourhood including ZARA and ZARA Home, Jo Malone London, IWC, Space NK, LEGO®, Reformation, ME+EM, Boots Beauty, Mulberry, Apple, ROX, Rituals, Boss, Chanel beauty, Nike and Borough Kitchen. Also opening in time for Christmas will be Marks and Spencer’s first standalone clothing store located inside the Power Station with a curated range of womenswear including lingerie, menswear, beauty and accessories. The world’s first Peppa Pig and Transformers immersive store will also open ahead of Christmas offering fans of all ages the chance to pick up themed gifts.
Visitors seeking to create magical memories should head to London’s only riverside ice rink, Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station, returning for a third year of unforgettable open-air ice-skating against the backdrop of the Grade II* listed landmark. For those looking to take their Christmas celebrations to new heights, head to the Lift 109 experience for 360-degree views of the capital’s festive lights from the top of the Power Station’s north west chimney. The Cinema in The Power Station in Turbine Hall B is also the ideal spot to watch a Christmas classic or a new blockbuster on the big screen, guaranteeing a fun day out for every member of the family.
Battersea Power Station will again be hosting a series of Christmas markets this year, providing opportunities for shoppers to pick up unique gifts and support a host of local, small businesses. The King’s Trust Market will take place on 23rd November, supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs and up-and-coming businesses. Salad Days Market returns for two weekends over the festive period, 30th November – 1st December and 7th – 8th December, with over 60 independent makers, making it their largest Christmas market to date. Finally, from 7th December – 22nd December, the Curated Makers Christmas Market will offer unique products from more than 40 local small businesses, providing a great mix of handcrafted gifts and treats from cards to jewellery, prints, soaps and much more.
Christmas is a time for feasting, and with over 50 restaurants and bars open across the riverside neighbourhood, many of which will be offering special festive menus, visitors will never be short of delicious options to indulge in. Highlights include El Pastor, Dishoom, Fiume, Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Arcade Food Hall, Where The Pancakes Are and the UK’s first tashas, a café concept from South Africa. Visitors can toast to the holidays at 1950s all-day inspired bar, Control Room B in Turbine Hall B, raise a glass of fizz in Searcys Champagne Bar in Turbine Hall A or enjoy over 100 wines from around the globe by the glass at Vagabond Wines. The Riverwalk in front of the Power Station next to the River Thames will also host Christmas food and drink pop-up huts, which will offer warming treats to enjoy as visitors explore the riverside neighbourhood.
Donagh O’Sullivan, CEO at Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), said:
“Battersea Power Station is a vibrant hub for arts and culture, offering a diverse line-up of events year-round. Our festive season is one of the highlights, with a great mix of shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, the return of Glide, our riverside ice rink, the opportunity to meet Santa at his School For Elves, as well as arts and crafts sessions for all ages. When people think of Christmas in London, we want them to immediately think of Battersea Power Station being the place to visit so we are going bolder, brighter and more festive than ever before this year.”
Travelling to Battersea Power Station couldn’t be easier with the Zone 1 Battersea Power Station Underground station bringing the riverside neighbourhood within 15 minutes of the West End and the City. Battersea Power Station also has its very own Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier and is a 15-minute journey from Embankment, 20 minutes from Blackfriars, 30 minutes from Putney and 40 minutes from Canary Wharf. The riverside neighbourhood is easily accessible by bus, bike, car and train too.