From getting into the spirit of Christmas to beating the January blues, Battersea Power Station delivers it all this winter, as Amy Hughes discovers.
From December 1 until Christmas Day, visitors of London’s Battersea Power Station can see Hockney’s Bigger Christmas Trees,
drawn on iPad Pro using Apple Pencil.
Standing like a cathedral on the banks of the River Thames, with chimneys instead of spires, Battersea Power Station is so vast that St Paul’s Cathedral could fit inside the Boiler House without touching the sides. It was closed for nearly 40 years but reopened in October 2022, and the legendary landmark has since earned a name as one of the capital’s top shopping, leisure and culture destinations.
Just hop on the Northern line heading southwest to Battersea Power Station Tube station to find the Grade II* listed building (a status only given to buildings with historical or architectural significance) in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Having lay derelict for decades, the Power Station underwent an eight-year transformation and has risen from the ashes to become an exciting riverside destination with many of the building’s original features proudly on display.
Inside, the landmark’s historic turbine halls are now home to a fantastic mix of international and British brands including lululemon, ME+EM, Aesop, Hackett, Uniqlo and Reformation, as well as small independent brands such as Curated Makers.
David Hockney unveils his stunning new work Bigger Christmas Trees
One of the world’s greatest living artists, David Hockney, has unveiled his latest work Bigger Christmas Trees at London’s Battersea Power Station, home to Apple’s new UK headquarters. From 1st December until Christmas Day (25th December 2023) a pair of Christmas trees will light up the London landmark’s two washtowers on the building’s north facade between 5pm – 10:30pm. Drawn on an iPad Pro using Apple Pencil, Hockney’s stunning 10-minute animation transforms the iconic 100-metre-high chimneys that overlook the River Thames.
“Battersea Power Station is such a beautiful building, I wanted to decorate it in a way that I hoped would bring joy and hope to Londoners,” said Hockney.
“Battersea Power Station has been a source of inspiration for many artists for over 90 years and we are thrilled to be working with Apple to continue this legacy with a festive animation from David Hockney, one of Britain’s most influential artists, creating a moment for all to enjoy throughout December,” said Simon Murphy, CEO at Battersea Power Station Development Company.
Deck the halls!
Its statuesque form has been a dominant presence on the capital’s skyline, and it has become even more impressive with the arrival of more than 120 Christmas trees dotted around the site. Along with trees of all shapes and sizes, there are other festive decorations including giant candy canes, and the turbine halls are decked out with thousands of sparkling fairy lights.
Outside, the Glide ice rink returns to its spectacular riverside location (to 7 Jan).
From the team behind Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames while you spin around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and an awe-inspiring 30ft Christmas tree.
Off the ice, visitors can find vintage fairground rides, live entertainment and photo booths to capture lasting memories. Fragrance favourite Jo Malone London is hosting an immersive pop-up experience. Browse the latest collection of festive colognes and home scents and personalise your gifts with embossed gift boxes or engraved bottles. Adding a name, date or initials will elevate a gift to make it a cherished keepsake. The Glass House bar has also returned following its success last year, so you can fuel up before skating or settle in for a post-skate treat with pub quizzes, DJs, live bands and much more throughout the week.
Getting ready for the big day
The Power Station is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping and then enjoy a meal or festivities with friends and family. There are more than 140 shops and food and drink outlets across the site, and there are some exciting new openings too. For gifts, visit the new Massimo Dutti store, where you’ll find elegant European fashion, or the first ever Boots Beauty standalone concept store. Other brands include sports giants Nike, Adidas and Under Armour; a huge Apple Store for all your tech needs; Battersea Bookshop, for the bookworms in your life; and designer stores such as Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Chanel.
Ready to refuel? Searcys Champagne Bar opened in October, adding to the gastronomic offering inside the Power Station. Settle in luxe velvet seating and select from an extensive menu of bubbles and English sparkling wine, paired with British seafood and sharing platters. From Champagne Grandes Marques, demi secs and vintages to bottles from small growers and Searcys’ own collection of cuvées, you’ll be in safe hands with the fizz aficionados. Where better to toast the festive season with loved ones?
Outside in Circus West, Italian restaurant Fiume is offering a Christmas Day menu inspired by the Amalfi coast. Dishes include yellowfin tuna tartare, burrata tortelli with duck ragout, veal chop or stone bass with vegetables, and a final flourish of grilled panettone. Bellissima. Under the railway’s arches, Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Kitchen serves seasonally inspired pan-Indian cuisine that will soon warm you up. Alternatively, ascend to the 15th floor of art’otel London Battersea Power Station to JOIA, a concept by two Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. Meaning ‘jewel’, the venue is spread across three floors and lives up to its name, offering a restaurant, bar and rooftop all with dramatic views.
Non-stop fun
Whichever way you turn, there are surprises and seasonal activities to be found. For visitors with youngsters in tow, look out for face painting and hula-hooping opportunities, as well as music and choir performances that are sure to capture their attention. For adults, there are seasonal workshops such as wreath-making and bauble-painting – go ahead and release your inner artist.
Throughout December, the station’s vast turbine halls will be transformed into Christmas markets. From 9-22 December, Curated Makers will be hosting its market-style pop-up event, welcoming a variety of independent businesses to the Power Station.
Across the site, there will also be other pop-up events from brands such as The Alkemistry fine jewellery, so every visit will be different.
Once the sun has set, Battersea Power Station continues to buzz with activity. Whether you’re belting out your favourite tunes in BAO’s private karaoke room, going head-to-head in ping pong or shuffleboard at Bounce, or settling in for a Christmas movie at The Cinema in the Power Station, you can continue the fun late into the night.
Take an evening trip ascending the northwest chimney aboard Lift 109 and you’ll be greeted by unparalleled views across the illuminated city. A visit to Battersea will leave you feeling (literally) on top of the world.
