Seven highlights to catch in South Bank this winter

Snuggle up for story time

Storytelling is an age-old Christmas tradition that these days takes a back seat to social media, TV and cinema. South Bank, however, plays host to two very special experiences this winter. First is a magical morning with former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen, who’s taking to the Old Vic stage on 14 December to read snippets from his much-loved books.

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Then over at the Southbank Centre, a vibrant and critically acclaimed re-telling of Black Beauty (14 December – 5 January) is a highlight of the venue’s winter season. Blending storytelling, music and puppetry, the production by Red Bridge Arts and Traverse Theatre Company offers something for fans of Anna Sewell’s book, lovers of the classic TV show it spawned, and those new to the tale. Saddle up and prepare to gallop through the heartwarming adventures of one very brave horse.

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Immerse yourself in the Squidsoup Installation

Our appetite for immersive light installations shows no signs of abating. This last year alone has seen Yayoi Kusama, Olafur Eliasson and even clothing chain UNIQLO attract vast crowds to their all-encompassing rooms lit by colourful orbs. This winter, there’s a new offering in town: make way for the swirling, sweeping swarm of light and sound that is the latest project by Squidsoup.

The free-to-see exhibition is taking over the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer and sees 200 glowing orbs suspended from the ceiling, while Emma Gillespie’s soundscape completes the experience. Squidsoup’s installation belongs to a series of works that includes Kew Gardens’ Bloom, Salisbury Cathedral’s Wave, and Desert Wave from Burning Man.

Visit soon, before it takes over your Instagram feed.

Take your seats for A Christmas Carol

After a superlative, sellout premiere in 2017 and a re-run in 2018, Jack Thorne's absorbing and atmospheric adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns to The Old Vic for 2019. Stepping into the miserly boots of Ebenezer Scrooge for the first time this year is Paterson Joseph (Peep Show, Green Wing).

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

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Browse an exquisite winter market

Not only is the South Bank a cultural hub of the city, in the run-up to Christmas it offers one of the best under-the-radar shopping experiences, ideal for those on the lookout for original items and handmade gifts. At Oxo Tower Wharf you’ll find Dazzle (1 December – 5 January), an exhibition showcasing contemporary jewellery, leather bags, wearable art and more. Now in its 37th year, the exhibition has become a South Bank staple.

For a market experience that’s a bit more interactive, meanwhile, head to the Morley College Winter Fair on 1 December. Here, you can enjoy live performances in music and dance, take part in a host of taster sessions and pick up hand-crafted Christmas gifts to take home. With mince pies, mulled wine, street food and raffle tickets all on offer, why not make this an all-day affair?

For foodies, one of the loveliest winter traditions in London is the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market (8 November – 5 January). Wander between the cosy Alpine lodges and take your pick of handmade gifts and warming street food from around the world. Beneath the twinkling lights and with a venison hot dog in hand, the winter chill will soon melt away.

Head back in time with Circus 1903

Let Circus 1903 transport you back to the golden age of circus this winter. Joining the troupe of acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and brazen trapeze artists are life-sized elephants – not real ones, but breathtaking puppets created by the team behind the National Theatre’s War Horse. There’s also plenty of new-for-2019 entertainment, most excitingly the jaw-dropping Brazilian Wheel of Death. This is family entertainment at its most dazzling.

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Visit Shrek’s Christmas Grotto

At Shrek’s Adventure, your little ones can meet two of their fictional heroes in one go this Christmas. The journey begins with travelling to Far Far Away, where 12 fairytale-themed live shows and Shrek himself await.

Next, it’s time to get your Christmas wish list ready, because Santa Claus is coming to town. That’s right, you won’t have to travel to the snow-frosted North Pole to see the man in red and white this year, because he’s making a pit-stop at Shrek’s swamp. What’s more, we heard he’s handing out gifts to all who pay him a visit...

The Winter Wonderland Far Far Away experience is included with regular entry to Shrek's Adventure. Visit the website to check which days it’s running.

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style

As those in the know will tell you, the South Bank is where to head if you want a front-row slice of the action on New Year’s Eve. Whether you brave the cold or look on from a cosy riverside venue, watching the fireworks explode above the River Thames is pure joy.

As for where to head, it depends on who you have in tow. For a family experience, swap midnight for 12 noon at the Kids’ Countdown with Ida Barr. The ex-music hall singer turned hip-hop goddess will see you celebrating with sing-songs, dancing and hip-hop DJ'ing.

Adults only? Enjoy a night of champagne, fine dining and unparalleled views at the Oxo Tower Restaurant or Skylon. Meanwhile at Southbank Centre, it’s all about picking your decade – from the Roaring Twenties to present day – and dressing to impress. Dance to live acts and DJs in one of six themed pop-up nightclubs before heading outside to watch the fireworks explode across the sky.

Want to get closer still to the action? Jump aboard with City Cruises and see the fireworks up close as you glide along the river.

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