Your guide to Winter 2024 at the Southbank Centre

This winter, the Southbank Centre will offer a festive programme packed with incredible shows, exhibitions, free events, and its famous Winter Market. Running from 1 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, it’s a must-visit destination for celebrating the season. Here’s your guide to the highlights you won’t want to miss!

The Barbican Centre has announced a thrilling lineup of performances and exhibitions for early 2025.

Winter Light Exhibition and Winter Market

This winter, the Winter Light exhibition returns (13th November 2024 - 7th January 2024), transforming the Southbank Centre with magical light installations. Nathaniel Rackowe’s artwork will create a warm glow on the trees along the Thames, while projections by artists like Aoife Dunne will enhance the surroundings. Complementing this festive atmosphere, the beloved Winter Market will also be back, running (1st November - 26th December). It will offer a variety of gourmet street food, festive drinks, and unique gifts, making it the perfect spot for a festive leisurely stroll by the river.

Winter Shows

The Southbank Centre’s stages come alive with thrilling performances this winter. Catch Circa’s Duck Pond (19th – 30th December), a high-flying circus reimagining of Swan Lake. Experience the magic of Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana (10th – 15th December), a Cuban-inspired twist on the classic ballet. For family fun, Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers (18th December – 5th January) promises music, magic, and adventure, while Please Right Back (21st December – 5th January) offers a whimsical, animated tale perfect for all ages.

Noah Davis at work, Los Angeles, 2009, Photo by Patrick O'Brien-Smith.

Music Performances

Music lovers are in for a treat with festive concerts that celebrate the season. Don’t miss the lively London Gay Men’s Chorus Christmas Bop (6th – 7th December) or the grandeur of Handel’s Messiah performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra (13th December). For a traditional Christmas experience, enjoy Christmas Classics (14th – 15th December), performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, or experience a special evening of Welsh and English carols with Bryn Terfel on 16th December.

For One Night Only

The Southbank Centre also offers unique one-night events that you won’t want to miss. Adam Buxton Podcast: Christmas with Joe Cornish (5th December) brings laughs and insights from the beloved comedian and director. Additionally, the London film premiere of All of This Unreal Time (6th December) featuring Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, will also be followed by a Q&A with the film’s composers.

Jordi Savall and Hespèrion XXI will journey through the life of the legendary traveller Ibn Battuta on 17 March 2025.

Free Events

The Southbank Centre’s Winter Season will also feature a range of free events, starting with Winter Re-Imagined on (14th December), which includes sustainable craft workshops and a festive sing-along. Families can celebrate early with the Kids’ Countdown (31st December), a midday New Year’s Eve party for little ones. Additionally, there will be swing dancing at Five Go Jiving on (24th December) and the opportunity to welcome the new year with the New Year’s Day Ceilidh (1st January).

Click here for more on what to expect at the Southbank Centre this Winter 2024.