This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Southbank Centre.
Overwhelmed with choices of where to go and what to do in London this Christmas? Head to the Southbank Centre — it's wrapped up all of the best elements of the festive season in the capital into one handy package, right on the river.
The ever-popular Winter Market is back. That means delicious food and drinks from charming alpine-style wooden chalets. Wander along the riverside, soaking in the scents of festive burgers, fondue fries, duck wraps, Nepalese spiced dumplings and many more dishes. The only problem is choosing what to try. Got a sweet tooth? Dutch pancakes, churros and indulgent cookies are readily available.
All fuelled up? Now make a dent in your Christmas shopping list with gifts, jewellery and decorations from independent traders, also at the Winter Market. Stroll beneath the fairy lights, and pick up presents for your nearest and dearest, with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand. For those who shop 'til they drop there's even more to choose from at the Southbank Centre Shop, just up the steps next to the Royal Festival Hall. Choose from their selection of festive decorations, cute Jellycat and iconic London-inspired products.
Looking for a Christmas party spot? New for this year, festive singalong venue Wunder Bar pops up under the bridge. It rocks to live music, DJs and communal singalongs through to the New Year, all with a Bavarian twist — think steins of beer, fir garlands, and fairy lights galore. If ever there was a place to bust out your Christmas jumper, this is it.
For the first time ever, the Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden — a popular summer hangout spot — stays open throughout the winter, providing the ideal place to cosy up beneath blankets, heaters and twinkling lights away from the bustle of central London below. Make your way through the winter drinks menu, with tempting tipples including a Yule Mule, a Baileys Martini, mulled wine and cider, hot toddies, fireside negronis and hot chocolate. Soak it all up with seasonal goodies such as the pigs in blankets and gooey baked camembert.
Speaking of melted cheese, festive favourite Fire & Fromage is back, offering cheesy indulgence, warming drinks and cosy riverside vibes by the bucketload. The foodie pop-up, by renowned chef Jimmy Garcia, serves the ultimate cheese experience for a bargain £35 per person. Get your friends together and tuck into classic cheese fondue served with new potatoes, freshly baked artisan bread, salad and cornichons, followed by mini chocolate doughnuts with whipped cream. Alternatively, opt for the street food menu with indulgent mains including the raclette burger and Jimmy’s cheese hotdog accompanied by sides such as brie bites and halloumi fries.
See the full line-up for Winter 2025 at the Southbank Centre, and plan your visit (or visits, if you're planning to try several different dishes!). It's just a few minutes' walk away from Charing Cross, Waterloo and Embankment stations.
