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A Grotto on The Golden Hinde, an Immersive North Pole Experience, Midsummer Night’s Dream by Candlelight and Festive Dining
…Doctor Who Filming Locations and Historical Witches Walking Tours Also Make Fantastic Christmas Gifts
CHRISTMAS 2025 in London’s Bankside
This Christmas, London’s Bankside plays host to magical theatre, immersive attractions (some of the most original grottos ever) and delicious festive dining at its world-renowned restaurants. Highlights include a Christmas Grotto aboard the historic Golden Hinde ship, an interactive North Pole experience and a candelit production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakepeare’s Globe Theatre.
Bankside, or “London’s Other Side,” is one of the capital’s most vibrant, atmospheric and creative areas. Full of history, entrepreneurial energy and some of the UK’s most important cultural destinations (including Tate Modern and Borough Market,) it is a truly magical destination for Christmas celebration.
Nicole Gordon, CEO of Better Bankside, said: “Bankside comes alive at Christmas. Our historic streets, world-renowned cultural venues and vibrant food scene make it one of the capital’s most exciting festive destinations. This year’s programme brings together magical experiences for families, theatre lovers, foodies and anyone looking to celebrate the season in a special way.”
Immersive Grottos
– The Golden Hinde Christmas Grotto
Saturday 6 December – Saturday 20 December, £16
Step aboard the iconic Golden Hinde and experience Christmas on the high seas. Meet Father Christmas in the Great Cabin Grotto, wander candlelit decks adorned with garlands and lights, and follow a festive trail into the ship’s Hold.
– Wundrful World of Christmas – Immersive North Pole Experience
Friday 7 November – Wednesday 24 December
Journey through the North Pole with Santa’s elves, explore an enchanted snowy forest and take part in hands-on fun in Santa’s Workshop. This interactive, family-friendly experience includes live actors, festive storytelling and a free photo with Santa.
Book tickets: https://www.wundr.live/london
Theatre in Bankside
– A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Friday 21 November – Saturday 31 January, £5–£80
Experience Shakespeare’s beloved comedy by candlelight in the intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Snow falls in summer as reality blurs with illusion in this magical winter production.
Book here: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/a-midsummer-nights-dream/#access
– Pinocchio – Shakespeare’s Globe
Saturday 29 November – Sunday 4 January
A brand-new musical adaptation of Pinocchio lights up the Globe this Christmas. Directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes, with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune, this playful, heartwarming retelling is perfect for festive family theatre trips.
Book here: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/pinocchio/
– Into the Woods – Bridge Theatre
Tuesday 2 December – Saturday 18 April
A spellbinding new production of Sondheim and Lapine’s Into the Woods arrives at the Bridge Theatre this winter. Follow iconic fairy-tale characters as a baker and his wife journey to break a witch’s curse in this visually rich, imaginative storytelling feast.
Book tickets: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/51070404-into-the-woods-bridge-theatre
Brilliant Christmas Gift Ideas: Bankside Walking Tours
– Doctor Who London Walking Tour
Sunday 26 October – Sunday 28 December, £17
This 2.5-hour guided experience visits over 15 filming locations from the iconic series. Starting at London Bridge Station, it includes behind-the-scenes stories and stops at major landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.
– Witches & History Bankside Walking Tour
Sunday 1 June – Wednesday 31 December, from £17
Discover the real stories of London’s accused witches on a journey through Southwark Cathedral, The Globe, Clink Street, Winchester Palace and Borough Market. Expect humour, history and even a few Harry Potter connections along the way.
Book here: https://witches-tour.com/london-witches-walking-tour/
Festive Dining in Bankside
Bankside’s restaurants are offering a broad selection of Christmas menus perfect for group celebrations, festive lunches and special nights out.
Café François
Parisian elegance in Borough Market with two festive feasts (£70 & £90pp) and a £35 Christmas breakfast menu.
Menu: https://betterbankside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CAFE-FRANCOIS-Christmas-Brochure-NEW.pdf
Caravan
A flavour-packed £56 sharing feast including bold mains, seasonal sides and indulgent desserts.
Menu: https://betterbankside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Caravan-XMAS-2025-5-Canape-Menu-combined.pdf
Casa do Frango
Portuguese-inspired festive dining with £45 Classic, £55 Signature and £45 vegan sharing menus.
The Distillery
Cosy lunches served daily from 11am–5pm, including seasonal soups, festive sandwiches and winter desserts.
Menu: https://betterbankside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Festive-Lunch-Menu-Distillery.pdf
Fish Kitchen
Two premium seafood-focused festive menus (£49.95 & £89.95) featuring hand-picked crab, seared tuna and more.
Menu: https://www.fishboroughmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/christmas_menu_2025.pdf
Novotel London Blackfriars
Festive lunches and dinners from £48pp, plus Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve buffets.
OXBO Bankside
Seasonal three-course festive menus at £45 & £68pp with classic roasts, fish dishes and indulgent desserts.
Menu: https://betterbankside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OXBO-Festive-Menu-45-pp-combined.pdf
Tonkotsu
A Japanese twist on Christmas: £30 three-course menu with ramen, gyoza and festive desserts plus welcome drink.
Menu: https://tonkotsu.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TONK_Xmas25_Menu_A5-Digital.pdf
Terry’s Café
Traditional two or three-course Christmas meals including roast turkey, prawn cocktail and festive puddings.
Sea Containers London
Premium festive sharing menus at £78 & £115pp featuring seasonal starters, Cornish seabass and 32-day aged rib.
Menu: https://betterbankside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/scl_festivesetmenucombo2025.pdf
To find out more about Christmas in Bankside, visit: www.banksidelondon.co.uk
About Better Bankside
About Better Bankside
Powered by the people of Bankside, Better Bankside leads innovative economic, environmental and social action in one of the world’s great neighbourhoods, responding inventively to urban challenges and celebrating the differences that define the area as London’s Other Side. By co-creating a programme with Banksiders, Better Bankside brings benefits to businesses and Banksiders, improving the experience of the neighbourhood for everyone.
Better Bankside was one of the first Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the country, established in 2005. The Bankside BID covers the area from the riverside in the north to Borough Station and along Great Suffolk Street in the south. It extends to Blackfriars Road and Hatfields in the west, and stretches east beyond Borough High Street to Trinity Street. Visit betterbankside.co.uk for more information.
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