With ice skating, plenty of lights, the opportunity to shop unique gifts and (of course) a chance to meet Santa, Christmas at Battersea Power Station is an ideal festive destination for all the family.
Whether your dream festive day out includes a trip to meet Father Christmas, ice skating next to the Thames, or taking in the capital’s Christmas lights from the sky, Battersea Power Station has it all. And did we mention the excellent shopping and festive stalls too? Citizen Enfants spent a day at the iconic London landmark to see what’s on offer this December.
What is Christmas at Battersea Power Station?
Since reopening its doors to the public in 2022, Battersea Power Station has secured its position as a must-visit London landmark – and even more so at Christmas time. Transforming into a glittering mecca for festive fun, this 83-year-old building and its fantastic new outside areas are packed with magical experiences and adventures for visitors of all ages. It really is a one-stop-shop for a festive day out, where you can find a host of activities to please tiny children right through to teens – the kind of Christmas miracle all parents wish for.
Who is it for?
Battersea Power Station ticks the boxes for all ages. While young children will be mesmerised by the stunning Christmas trees (there are over 150 dotted around), twinkling lights and a trip to meet Father Christmas, older kids will love the cool shops as well as the cinema, Bounce Ping Pong and Birdies crazy golf. It’s the kind of place where you can arrive as a family, then let teens go off to explore, before meeting up again to eat at one of the many restaurants.
What are the Christmas activities on offer?
Ice Skating
First up you’ll spot the stunning Glide ice rink that overlooks the Thames. Set against the backdrop of the Power Station, this is a magical place to skate. Open to all abilities, three rinks interconnect, with a spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree in the centre. Children as young as three can have a go, but if they’re under 12, they must be accompanied by an adult. Children’s bob skates – twin-bladed skates that fit over shoes and make it that little bit easier to stay standing – are available from a children’s size six (free of charge.) Likewise, there are 30 penguin skate aids available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meeting Father Christmas
Surely the most exciting part of any festive day out has to be meeting the ‘man-in-red’ – and the Power Station doesn’t disappoint. Pop into a cosy indoor yurt where you’ll be met by elves to guide you on a super-special mini adventure to Santa’s School For Elves. Here, kids can learn all the skills needed to become one of Santa’s little helpers, with cleverly designed creative lessons including ‘Elf & Fitness’ and ‘Arts & Elfy Crafts’. Then it’s off to share your Christmas wish-list with Santa. The whole experience takes about 25 minutes, and every child will be gifted an official Elf hat and an Elf Academy certificate.
Dining as a family
Opt for the family-friendly 24,000 square foot Arcade Food Hall which has 13 different cuisines including Thai and Chinese. Or book a table at Gordon Ramsay’s NYC-style diner, Bread Street Kitchen. Outside, try the festive food huts for the likes of fondu and mulled wine. The ultimate sweet treat has to be a ‘Chimney Cake’ – a nod to the famous structures, they are topped with everything from cinnamon sugar to festive sprinkles, with a drizzle of Nutella or Biscoff for good measure.
Christmas gift shopping
Step inside the giant turbine halls to find dazzling decorations inspired by the building’s art deco heritage – and a truly jolly vibe. This shopping centre is home to over 150 British and international brands, including Nike, LEGO, Apple and Mango. At this time of year there is also a series of festive markets showcasing independent businesses and brand pop-ups, making this the ideal place to pick up some unusual gifts for everyone on your Christmas shopping list.
See London’s Christmas lights from above
A trip up the chimney at Lift 109 will be thrilling for older kids. Survey the Christmas lights all over London from this outstanding indoor glass viewing platform. Find it at the top of one of the iconic chimneys; reach it in a specially designed lift. A totally unique experience with a view to match.
Need to know
Like all of the best Christmas days out, the ticketed events (such as ice skating and meeting Father Christmas) will sell out quickly. Avoid disappointment by booking in advance – and leave plenty of time to arrive too; many people will have the same idea. There are a number of ways to get here: by train, bus and river taxi, and there’s on-site parking if you wish to drive. Parents will find the whole area very buggy-friendly, and there are lots of baby changing facilities too, including a family room. If you feel that kids need some time out from the festive excitement, check out Macaroni Penguin, a great soft-play café where little ones can burn off energy and parents can take a break. Opening times differ over the festive period – the Battersea Power Station website has up-to-date information.
Where is it?
Battersea Power Station is located at Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8DD.
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