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Battersea Power Station has quickly become one of London’s most exciting lifestyle destinations. With a wide range of bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment spaces – not to mention a jam-packed year-round calendar of events – it certainly knows how to put on a show. And Christmas is no exception, with plenty of fun, festive activities to enjoy all in one neighbourhood.
This Grade II* listed landmark’s Christmas magic is made even better by its unique and rich history, from guiding RAF pilots home during WWII thanks to the white plumes rising from its chimneys to becoming a pop-culture icon when Pink Floyd featured it on the Animals album cover. Today, the towering chimneys rise above the banks of the Thames, while twinkling lights scatter across the lawns, adding to the whimsical charm of this iconic landmark, where Art Deco and industrial design meet. Battersea Power Station is surrounded by exciting shops, restaurants, bars and activities, and has become a must-visit retail, leisure and cultural neighbourhood, with the Grade II* listed Power Station at its core.
Its Christmas transformation has become one of the most anticipated moments of the year with a festive programme packed with surprises. In 2025, old faithfuls like the Boots presents Glide ice skating rink make a welcome return, along with a brand-new 200m skate trail, while new pop-ups bring a fresh take on the festivities.
Here’s everything you need to know, along with some top insider tips to make your visit to Christmas at Battersea Power Station extra special.
When does Christmas at Battersea Power Station start?
Christmas celebrations at Battersea Power Station are already in full swing, with events running until 4 January 2026.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Battersea Power Station depends entirely on what you’re hoping to see. Midweek visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere, while weekends are perfect for soaking up the festive buzz. Daytime visits are ideal for exploring the festive trail, decorations, markets and family activities, while at night the lights, projections and riverside sparkle come into their own.
Christmas lights and decorations
Dotted across the riverside neighbourhood, Battersea Power Station’s Christmas displays pull you in from the minute you arrive. Giant baubles and sparkling lights guide you through the open spaces and along the riverside, leading you into the heart of the vibrant estate.
Take a stroll along the pedestrianised high street Electric Boulevard, with its very own Candy Cane Lane, featuring towering versions of the festive sweet treat that feel like something straight out of Hansel and Gretel. Over in Malaysia Square, the 40ft Christmas tree steals the show, beautifully adorned with more than 1,000 baubles.
Inside, both Turbine Halls are wonderfully dressed for the season. Turbine Hall A features Art Deco-inspired decor that reflects the building’s heritage, while in Turbine Hall B you’ll spot snowflakes projected across the ceiling – if you remember to look up.
The festive projections remain one of the most impressive features of the season. This year, Battersea has partnered with Apple for Your Tree on Battersea, a festive drawing competition (entries now closed) that brings art and technology together. For the first time, members of the public have been given the opportunity to see their own Christmas tree designs projected onto the chimneys and wash towers – a standout experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city between the 4 and 24 December.
Top tip: For the perfect festive photo, look out for the Mistletoe Selfie Bench (a Christmas peck optional) in Turbine Hall B, where you can capture a memorable snap of your visit.
Festive activities and entertainment
Battersea Power Station is bursting with festive fun this year. If you’re planning your day, here’s a quick guide to the top Christmas experiences.
- Boots presents Glide Ice Rink (until 4 Jan): Enjoy plenty of space to show off your moves on the main rink or explore the 200-metre skate trail that winds around the Power Station Park.
- Silent Disco at Control Room B: The 1950s iconic bar transforms into a silent disco on 12 December, bringing festive tunes to one of the Power Station’s most atmospheric spaces.
- Family-friendly workshops (19-30 Dec): Discover a range of family-friendly workshops, from Christmas cracker crafting to candle painting – perfect for little hands (and grown-ups who love getting creative). Booking in advance is required.
- The Cinema in The Power Station: Buy a ticket to a Christmas classic with several showings of festive favourites.
- Jurassic World – NEON: Closing on 4 Jan – this is the last chance to experience the immersive dinosaur experience. Book your tickets now.
- The Chimney Lift: Enjoy full 360° views of London during daytime, or a nighttime panorama stretching as far as Hyde Park, where you’ll see the dazzling lights of Winter Wonderland. Book tickets here.
Don’t miss: Santa abseiling down the Power Station wash towers, joined by his dancing elves on Sunday 30 November. From 12pm visitors can enjoy music and dance parties to get you in the holiday mood, welcoming December in style.
Christmas markets and shopping
Battersea is a go-to spot for Christmas shopping, mixing independent makers with big-name brands.
The popular Salad Days Market returns across two weekends (6-7 December and 13-14 December), showcasing more than 30 independent makers. Expect jewellery, art, homeware and creative crafts – the perfect spot for finding something special.
Also inside the Power Station, the curated mini market Your Brand Your Story brings together eight small businesses selling unique fashion, gifts and treats all in one place.
Various major brands at Battersea Power Station are also hosting festive exclusives and out-of-store activations. Jo Malone’s seasonal collection is worth stopping by for a browse, with limited-edition scents and gift sets.
Don’t miss: Calling all Kylie Minogue fans! The global superstar has an exclusive pop-up from 5-7 December featuring one-of-a-kind gifts and signed Christmas merchandise that you definitely won’t be able to get out of your head.
Markets and pop-ups are free to browse – you just pay for what you purchase.
Food and drink experiences
With over 50 restaurants, bars and cafes open across the neighbourhood, Battersea Power Station is a dream for food lovers, offering everything from rooftop views to cosy festive treats. Whether you’re after cocktails, comfort food or a celebratory meal, there’s something for every mood.
Over at JOIA, you can enjoy Portugese plates with panoramic views of the Power Station and London. If you’re craving something hearty, Noci offers intimate Italian dining – the focaccia here is particularly delicious! Alternatively, head to the Battersea Arcade Food Hall, which has 12 kitchens and two bars spread over two floors. Here, you can find a wide array of authentic dishes from around the world, including Thai stir-fries, smash burgers, and Middle Eastern grills, to name a few.
Christmas food and drink at Battersea Power Station
No festive season is complete without the aroma of freshly brewed mulled wine filling the air. If you prefer something sweeter, rich hot chocolate is served from The Glass House next to Glide, alongside waffles, churros and other winter warmers.
Control Room B has launched an electrifying menu of seasonal drinks this Yuletide, promising beautifully crafted cocktails with punchy festive flavours.
The Winter Warmer pop-up huts return from 28 November, offering delicious chimney cakes, hot chocolate, mulled wine and the much-loved Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Great spots for festive celebrations:
Whether it’s a work Christmas party or a long-overdue catch-up with friends, there are plenty of restaurants offering special menus and seasonal dishes.
- Gordon Ramsay: With two Gordon Ramsay restaurants – Bread Street Kitchen & Bar and Street Pizza – you can opt for a sit-down meal or endless sharing plates of pizza.
- JOIA: Special festive menus are available throughout the season, and guests can enjoy a series of Christmas movies hosted on the rooftop.
- Fiume: Perfect for a cosy riverside dinner with Italian dishes made for winter evenings.
- Battersea Brewery: Venture to this independent taproom that serves up small-batch craft beer with plenty of space to toast to the season.
- Bounce Battersea: Get competitive at Battersea Power Station’s trendy ping pong venue, which will host a number of festive bottomless brunches.
Family-friendly fun
Battersea Power Station is fantastic for families year-round – and even more so at Christmas. Children will love the vintage carousel, part of the Glide experience, as well as the sweet trucks, food stalls and festive helter-skelter slide.
Creative workshops also run throughout December, giving kids the chance to make gingerbread houses, slime, crackers and more.
The estate is buggy-friendly, both indoors and outdoors, with child-friendly toilets, changing facilities and plenty of quieter corners when little ones need a break.
Planning your visit
How to get there
There are plenty of ways you can get to Battersea Power Station using London transport.
- Underground – The nearest Tube station is Battersea Power Station (Northern line), located directly on-site. Sloane Square (District and Circle lines) is also within a 15-minute walk.
- Bus – Several routes stop close to the Power Station, including the 211, 156, 344 and 436.
- Train – The nearest rail stations are Battersea Park and Queenstown Road, both less than a 10-minute walk away.
- River Bus – Take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Battersea Power Station Pier at Circus West Village. The journey from Embankment takes around 20 minutes.
- Cycling – Hire a Santander Cycles bike from any nearby dock and cycle straight to the Power Station. Stands are available around the estate.
FAQs
Is Christmas at Battersea Power Station free?
Yes – entering the area is free, but activities (such as ice skating or workshops) are ticketed.
Do I need to book the ice rink in advance?
Tickets for Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station must be booked in advance. Visitors can choose their preferred time slot upon booking. Standard Skating Sessions last approximately 45 minutes while any session marked ‘Extended Skate’ lasts up to 3 hours and 45 minutes.
What are the opening times?
Battersea Power Station is open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday until 30 December. Cafes, bars, restaurants, The Chimney Lift and the Cinema are often open earlier and later, please check the individual retailer pages for specific opening hours.
Christmas opening hours are:
- Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 9am-5pm.
- Boxing Day from 10am-9pm.
- New Year’s Day from 10am-8pm.
What is the nearest tube station?
Battersea Power Station (Northern line) is the closest station and is located directly on site.Is it good for families?
Battersea Power Station is an excellent place to explore with children, offering plenty of fun activities and lots of family-friendly restaurants.
At Christmastime, it becomes a hub for little ones to get fully immersed in the festive season, with workshops, sweet treats and seasonal entertainment throughout the estate.
Where can I stay near Battersea Power Station?
- art’otel London Battersea Power Station: design-led hotel inside the destination with bold interiors and rooftop pool views.
- Hilton London Battersea: modern riverside hotel with spacious rooms just moments from The Power Station.
- Pestana Chelsea Bridge: stylish, comfortable stay overlooking Battersea Park, a short walk from the estate.
Whether you’re visiting for the lights, the food, the markets or the riverside magic Battersea Power Station offers one of the most exciting Christmas experiences in London.
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