7 must-see events in South Bank this winter

A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic

Jack Thorne's absorbing and atmospheric new version of A Christmas Carol returns to The Old Vic for Christmas 2018.

But there's a new Scrooge in town this year. In Thorne's reworking of Charles Dickens's classic novel, A Christmas Carol, Stephen Tompkinson plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Although Scrooge's miserly journey through Christmases past, present, and future has been part of the festive season for over 175 years, Thorne's joyous adaptation is uplifting and heart-warming and sure to delight the whole family.

Book your tickets here

Gabriel's Wharf Magical Christmas, Coin street

Twinkling lights, festive foodie eats and design-led shopping await Christmas shoppers at Gabriel’s Wharf this December.

Located a stone's throw from South Bank's looming Oxo Tower, Gabriel's Wharf will be transformed this winter into a twinkling paradise complete with a glittering Christmas Tree. On Saturday 1 December (Small Business Saturday), the festive fun ramps up a notch with a day of carols and live music from Daughters of Davis.

Browse the boutiques and the stalls of the pop-up enterprise market; stock-up on unique hand-crafted gifts; or, swing by one of the cosy cafes for a glass of mulled wine or a steaming hot chocolate.

*The live music will take place between 12-4pm on 1 December. Guests are welcome to stay and browse the shops until 6pm.

Christmas Day at Skylon, Royal Festival Hall

Cooking Christmas lunch can be more hassle than it's worth. We know!

So, treat yourself and the rest of the family to a decadent Christmas lunch at Skylon, a calming sanctuary with panoramic views at South Bank's Royal Festival Hall.

With the best riverside views in the city, a contemporary design that reflects the architectural features of the Royal Festival Hall below, delicious cocktails, and a beautifully designed Christmas menu featuring British classics from Skylon Bar Executive Chef Helena Puolakka, Skylon offers diners a very spoiling treat this Christmas Day.

On Christmas Day Skylon will offer one menu across the entire site, 5 courses for £125 in both the Grill & Restaurant.

House of Vans, South Bank

Get your festive film fix while saving the pennies at South Bank's House of Vans this winter. Over the festive season, this quirky free cinema, located directly underneath Waterloo station, will play a number of festive favourites, old and new, that will put you in a very merry mood. Order drinks and snacks from The Wall SE1, the on-site American style diner, to make a night of it!

Make sure to check out the programme for films and running times.

War Horse, National Theatre

Eleven years since its jubilant premiere, War Horse returns to the National Theatre this winter for a limited run to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

Michael Morpurgo's moving story about the bond between one boy and his horse through the challenges of the first world war is told with tenderness and imagination.

Joey the horse is brought to life with extraordinary feats of puppetry. The vividness as he gallops across stage, nuzzles and whinnies is breathtaking, tear-jerking and rightfully hailed by critics in previous performances as 'genius' 'magic' and 'uniquely moving'. Expect to laugh, sob and leave feeling a little more alive.

Click here to book tickets

The Mondrian Festive Season, South Bank

South Bank's Mondrian Hotel is the perfect place to treat yourself this festive season: sip delicious cocktails at the super chic Dandelion bar; enjoy a 'festive feast at Sea Containers' (menu available from 19 December); or, celebrate the new year with flowing bubbles at Rumpus Room.

With breath-taking views across the city (and of course the fireworks), flowing champagne, a 5-piece band, and a live DJ set, the Rumpus Room New Year's Eve party will ring in the new year in glorious style. What are you waiting for...

Southbank Centre Winter Series, South Bank

The Southbank Centre will be transformed this winter into a festive wonderland where magical shows, winter markets, twinkling lights and other seasonal experiences will delight the whole family.

Stroll around the Winter Market and enjoy traditional festive treats or a glass of mulled wine; book a festive family show at Southbank Centre – we recommend the immersive new production of Rumplestiltskin, the beloved family tale reimagined for a contemporary audience – or, enjoy a night of daredevil, turn-of-the-century shenanigans with Circus 1903.

Culture vultures should make a beeline for the Hayward Gallery's mesmerising immersive exhibition Space Shifters. Featuring a myriad of innovative sculptures and installations from twenty artists from around the world, Space Shifters explores optical art and the capacity for our perceptions to be challenged. It's also a fabulously fun show if you've got kids in tow.