The Festive Destination You Need To Visit
The Decorations
Battersea Power Station’s distinctive Art Deco architecture sets the scene for its Christmas transformation, with decorations crafted by James Glancy Designs – the secret creative force behind some of the capital’s most famous displays. Visitors can take in more than 150 Christmas trees of all sizes dotted throughout the neighbourhood, including a 30ft tree in Malaysia Square adorned with over 1,500 baubles. Glittering lights, a giant bauble installation, oversized candy canes lining Electric Boulevard and a wreath-inspired selfie seat all come together to help you get into the festive spirit.
Just in time for Wallace & Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl (in cinemas from 18th December), Battersea Power Station is showcasing a giant animation of the iconic duo – all shot on iPhone. Following last year’s David Hockney x Apple display, this year’s Aardman Animation creation runs daily from 5pm to 10.30pm until New Year’s Eve, lighting up the chimneys with a tribute to the beloved claymation characters.
The Shopping
Buying gifts at Battersea Power Station is a breeze, with over 150 British and international brands offering something for everyone. Whether you're after luxury pieces from Mulberry, Swarovski and IWC Schaffhausen or beauty essentials from Jo Malone London, Aesop and Le Labo you’ll find them all in one place. The area is also home to a rotating selection of pop-ups, with the Liberty LBTY. fragrance pop-up currently running until 6th January. It features eight scents inspired by Liberty's iconic prints, created by some of the world’s top perfumers. For a bit of fun, we’ll be heading to the Chanel Beauty boutique to experiment with its virtual try-on screens and try out some festive party looks.
Looking for the perfect Christmas outfit? Zara’s two-storey store sits alongside Reformation, Mango and ME+EM. Plus, don’t miss the newly opened M&S standalone store, offering a curated selection of womenswear, menswear, beauty and accessories.
If it’s stocking fillers or festive decorations you’re after, you’re in luck. Find artisan homeware and foodie gifts at Borough Kitchen, or head to Boots Beauty and Space NK for mini beauty essentials. For the kids, there are plenty of fun toys on offer at the world's first Peppa Pig and Transformers immersive stores.
For pre-Christmas pampering, Paul Edmonds is your go-to luxury salon, offering everything from blow dries to waxing and threading. If you're short on time, head to So.Shell, a unique beauty bar specialising in Ukrainian manicure techniques. Here, you can enjoy simultaneous services, with a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow treatment all completed in just 90 minutes.
If you are looking to support fledgling businesses or simply find a gift that no one else has, there is the new London Made Me Pop-Up – on now until 29th December. This event is a result of the pioneering programme from the Mayor of London to empower the city's creatives with the skills and practical experience to take their brand to the next level. In this space, 12 artists, designers and makers have come together to build and trade in their own shop within Battersea Power Station.
Check out the full list of shops here.
The Restaurants & Bars
This Christmas, Battersea Power Station is the place for festive dining. With over 50 restaurants and bars in the riverside neighbourhood, many offering seasonal menus, there’s plenty to choose from. Highlights include El Pastor (winner of Best Mexican Restaurant in the SheerLuxe 2023 Restaurant Awards) for vibrant Mexican dishes, Dishoom for a taste of Bombay’s festive flavours, and Fiume offering Italian-inspired seasonal fare by the river. Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar brings classic British comfort food, while Arcade Food Hall and Where The Pancakes Are serve up casual, crowd-pleasing options.
For something extra special, head to the UK’s first tashas, a South African café concept, or unwind with a drink at Control Room B, a retro-inspired 1950s bar, or Searcys Champagne Bar for some end-of-year fizz. Elsewhere, Vagabond Wines offers over 100 wines by the glass. As you explore the area, be sure to check out the Christmas pop-up huts in Malaysia Square, serving warming treats for the perfect festive outing.
Check out the full list of restaurants and bars here.
The Entertainment
Battersea Power Station isn’t just about shopping and dining; it’s a place to create festive memories. Lace up your skates and enjoy open-air ice skating at Boots Beauty presents Glide, London’s only riverside ice rink, set against the stunning backdrop of the Grade II-listed Power Station. For a unique view of London’s Christmas lights, there’s Battersea Power Station's chimney lift experience – Lift 109 – in Turbine Hall A. Take in 360° views from the one-of-a-kind glass elevator, rising 109m high. Private ascents and gift vouchers are available for those looking to give the experience as a present.
Catch a film at The Cinema In The Power Station or The Cinema In The Arches, where the latest blockbusters are currently showing, from Wicked to Paddington in Peru, alongside the upcoming Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl film release on 18th December. Later this month, the cinema will be screening festive classics such as Love Actually and Home Alone, along with special showings of the ROH’s productions of Cinderella and The Nutcracker. Enjoy these films from a reclining seat, with a plush menu of wine, cocktails, popcorn and savoury snacks.
You can also enjoy the Curated Makers Christmas Market until 22nd December, which will offer handcrafted gifts and festive treats. For little ones, Battersea will host its first ever Santa’s School For Elves. Children can meet Santa and learn the skills needed to become one of his helpers, with fun lessons like Elf & Fitness and Arts & Elfy Crafts. Each child will receive an official Elf hat and Academy certificate as a keepsake.
Check out the full list of entertainment venues here.
Getting There
Getting to Battersea Power Station couldn’t be easier. It has its own Zone 1 Underground station on the Northern Line on site. It’s also easily accessible by train, bike, bus and river bus with its very own pier. Taxis can be directed to Pump House Lane for drop-offs outside The Power Station and parking is available seven days a week.
The shops inside the Power Station are open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday, with the bars, restaurants and entertainment venues open earlier and later. Find the Christmas opening hours here.
For more information and to sign up to be the first to know about all the festive goings-on, visit BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK
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