This is a sponsored article on behalf of Bankside.
Think this winter's been chilly? Compared to Londoners of yore, we've had it easy: from around 1605 to 1814, the surface of the River Thames froze over 24 times, bringing trade along London's main artery to a standstill. The people of Bankside didn't let that dampen their entrepreneurial spirit though, setting up 'Frost Fairs' on the ice.
These impromptu, carnival-esque celebrations featured games, food, drink, shopping and entertainment — which sounds like the ideal winter blues-buster to us. Evidently, the neighbourhood of Bankside agrees, having resurrected the Frost Fair for the 21st century. The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday 31 January and involves plenty of free fun for all ages.
As we're no longer in the Little Ice Age, you'll be reassured to know that Bankside's modern-day Frost Fair takes place safely on solid ground, in and around Borough Yards. The event programme is inspired by the riverside neighbourhood's rich heritage, with street performances, traditional games, live music and crafting to bring history to life.
While you're there, you're sure to encounter Bankside's Frost Fair Folk. These roaming performers showcase the melting pot that was a Frost Fair, which brought everyone from accountants to animal-handlers onto the ice. Oh, and speaking of animals... watch out for the elephant puppet plodding about Borough Yards. It's inspired by the Frost Fair of 1814, which saw a real life elephant led across the river below Blackfriars.
Other family-friendly activities include free winter-themed face-painting and traditional games such as hoopla. There are also drop-in children's art workshops at Arch 23 — choose between doodling a Frost Fair scene with Samme Snow, elephant mask-making with Alice Clarke, and Frost Fair-inspired paper crown-crafting with Rosie Brooks.
All the aforementioned workshops are free, but should be pre-booked here.
The creative fun isn't just for the kids, though. Adults are invited to take part in a winter wreath-making workshop hosted by MYO Creative. Choose your own colour scheme and decor combination (options include pine cones, dried fruit, dried foliage, baubles and ribbons), use expert techniques to craft your wreath, and then take it home to add some seasonal cheer to your front door. The workshop's worth £60, but as it's the Frost Fair you'll pay just a fraction of that — get your £20 tickets here.
There are also arts and crafts for all ages aboard The Golden Hinde, in the form of paper lantern making, stamped Frost Fair prints and Tudor coin rubbings. The iconic ship additionally offers drop-in object handling, traditional games, and a dress-up corner.
Back out in the fresh air, Mr Londoner invites visitors on a journey through the history of frost fairs. At the time of writing, his free walking tour is sold-out, but you can join the waitlist here.
If you do end up exploring al fresco at Bankside's Frost Fair, chances are you'll be in need of a winter warmer at some point. Luckily, there are some excellent food and drink offers for you to take advantage of. Enjoy Frost Fair-inspired hot chocolate and gingerbread at The Hilton’s Distillery Bar for a fiver. Get 50% off hot drinks at local Mediterranean restaurant and bar MAM by quoting "Frost Fair". Or stick around into the evening and enjoy free live folk/acoustic music at local watering holes Mc & Sons, The Gladstone Arms, and The Union Jack. An excellent excuse for a little midwinter revelry!
Bankside's Frost Fair takes place from 11am on Saturday 31 January 2026. Most activities are free, but some require advance booking — check the website for details.
