We’re always on the hunt for new wintry destinations to help us get into the festive spirit, and Battersea Power Station’s makeover might just be our favourite.
This iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station reopened its doors to the public for the first time in almost 40 years last month, and it has quickly become London’s new ‘must-visit’ destination. And this Christmas season, it’s receiving a festive transformation. Complete with an all-new riverside ice rink, a state-of-the-art Dolby Cinema, fairground rides, and even more dining options and shopping hotspots, this is the London Christmas destination to visit this year.
Christmas experiences to book
In true festive style, Battersea Power Station will be going all out to transform the space into a winter oasis. From mid-November, the space will be home to vintage fairground rides, a winter village and cosy cabins, with a stunning festive installation inside the Power Station’s Turbine Halls from early December.
The big arrival to Battersea Power Station this Christmas is, of course, the Glide at Battersea Power Station Ice Rink, sponsored by the one and only Jo Malone London. Brought to life by the team behind the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, this is the ultimate festive skating experience to book this Christmas with a new shape rink never before seen in London.
Opening Friday 11th November, the rink is truly Christmassy. Expect to be surrounded by twinkling lights and a giant 30ft Christmas tree as you whizz around the rink with your friends while soaking up the unrivalled views of the Thames. Post-skate, stop by the bar or one of the many food vendors on The Coaling Jetty to warm up with a hot drink and a bite to eat.
Exciting experiences to see & do
There are plenty of extra activities to get involved in over the festive season and beyond…
The box office for their brand new cinema is officially live. The Cinema in the Power Station, opening on Friday 11th, offers relaxing reclining seating and state-of-the-art Dolby screens and sound. Each screen will also be home to private boxes seating two or four people at a time, complete with individual mini-bars. Expect the hottest releases to be landing, from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Menu to Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Avatar: The Way of Water. Pair your experience with the finest of wines, Champagne, beers or house-made cocktails, and an obligatory box of popcorn.
If you’re looking for Christmas party ideas, head to Paul Edmonds Hair Salon for a festive blow dry before challenging your colleagues to a round of wild mini golf at Birdies or fight of dragons at DNA VR. If you’re more into theatre, head to the Turbine Theatre to catch a show, while budding florists can get crafty at one of the Moyses Stevens Flower School workshops.
Tickets for the Power Station’s Lift 109, the immersive lift experience that’ll see you enter a Willy Wonka-esque glass elevator to take you to a new viewing point, are now on sale! At the top you’ll have mesmerising 360-degree views over London looking over some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
London’s first art’otel will be opening at Battersea Power Station in December 2022 for first stays and will officially launch in February 2023. This art-inspired, luxury lifestyle hotel will be one of London’s most anticipated hotel openings, with original pieces and interiors designed by Signature Artist Jamie Hayon.
From 12th December 2022, treat yourself to a stay at the hotel and sample the delights of all-day café and restaurant TOZI Grand Cafe, a new Italian restaurant inspired by the classic elegance of Europe’s Grand Cafes. Look forward to the official launch of the hotel, rooftop pool, spa and skyline restaurant JOIA by Michelin Henrique Sá Pessoa on 21st February 2023.
Christmas gifting done right
Last month saw this riverside neighbourhood’s retail offering expand with the opening of the Grade II* listed Power Station and Electric Boulevard, a new pedestrianised high street, just in time for the Christmas shopping season. The Power Station’s retail offering is housed in two newly restored, historic Turbine Halls, which, despite being identical on the exterior, are completely different in their interior – think Art Deco glamour in Turbine Hall A and industrial 1950s vibes in Turbine Hall B. There are so many stores to explore, with new openings almost every week until the end of the year.
There’s a gift for everyone, from beauty favourites like Aesop, Jo Malone London, Le Labo, Rituals, Kiehl’s, MAC and Space NK to jewellery must-haves from independent jeweller ROX.
For the fashion lovers, a visit to the incredibly beautiful (and BIGGEST) ZARA store in the UK on Electric Boulevard is a must, shop everything from menswear to womenswear, kids to home. Other fashion and accessory hotspots include Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Mulberry, Nike and sustainable childrenswear brand, Petit Pli. Plus, don’t forget head to Reformation for the best party wear this season.
Need some ideas for the friends who have everything? Try Clarendon Fine Art for art-lovers, Battersea Bookshop for the bookworms and Curated Makers for local gifts at affordable prices.
New dining destinations to try
To satisfy your hunger pangs, there are plenty of brilliant dining and drinking options, from new openings to Battersea Power Station favourites.
Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen is now open, so you can expect plenty of Ramsay favourites, from their signature sharing beef wellington to succulent steaks and kids options. Other new openings include Control Room B, the all-day cocktail bar from the team behind Mr Fogg’s and Cahoots; gourmet kebab specialists Le Bab; brunch staple Where The Pancakes Are; and Venchi for sweet treats and Christmas chocolate.
Over at Circus West Village, you can choose from restaurants such as seafood specialists Wright Brothers; all-day dining at No. 29 Power Station West; dog-friendly brunch spot Megan’s; fragrant Indian dishes at Cinnamon Kitchen; and more.
Plus, there’s loads more to come
It’s not just a destination for Christmas; Battersea Power Station will be expanding even further, with a changing landscape going well into 2023. From a trendy hotel opening to immersive experiences and more dining options, here’s what to expect…
For the foodies, Arcade Food Hall will be landing at Battersea Power Station in 2023, housing an exciting range of new and existing food concepts, and three standalone restaurants including award-winning Taiwanese restaurant BAO.
Ping pong specialists Bounce will also be opening up a branch here, a space for you to channel your inner Federer and challenge friends to a game of table tennis.
For the fitness enthusiasts, the world’s first boxing-gym concept BXR will see you getting your fitness on in a luxury space in 2023 also, while London’s luxury health club Third Space will be opening up a branch filled with world-class facilities, from a naturally lit pool and wet spa to dedicated studios for classes.
Discover Battersea Power Station’s offerings here
Created in partnership with Battersea Power Station
