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South Bank's alternative Christmas event is back for a 5th year, turning the famous Leake Street graffiti tunnel into a festive party venue for one night only!

On Thursday 7th December, the Waterloo and South Bank community will once again lead this alternative Christmas celebration that will bring the whole (urban) family together.

The evening will begin with a Cabaret performance from the award-winning artist, Pi the Mime, before a screening of ‘Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York’.

Inspired by both Manhattan and Leake Street’s graffiti backdrops, guests can then join a free graffiti workshop led by Leake Street Arches Artist-in-Residence, Marc Craig. Under his expert tuition, attendees will be able to leave their own mark on the tunnels’ walls.

Throughout the evening there will also be free wreath-making workshops, festive face-painting, street food stalls, mulled wine, and market stalls run by local craft traders (perfect for finding that unique Christmas gift). With (machine blown) snow in the air, a snowboard simulator for (big) kids and a real-life Santa DJing outside Humbug Dive Bar, the transformation of Leake Street Arches into London’s coolest Christmas hangout will be complete.

This free event is run by WeAreWaterloo and South Bank London and will be held at Leake Street Arches. Donations made by cash and card throughout the evening will go to Waterloo Foodbank.

Ring in the New Year with sounds of the century and the very best of live music with 100 Wardour Street’s Music Sounds Better with You New Year’s Eve Party. Complete with a three-course dinner, flowing cocktails, fizz and energetic live music followed by renowned DJs spinning on the decks – wine, dine and dance into 2024 in style. Tickets are £129pp (early seating 6:00-7:30pm) or £199pp (late seating 7:45-10:30pm). For those that want to dance without dining, tickets for entry before 11:30pm start at just £40pp.

The Alligator Bar serves cocktails and snacks from 6:00 pm. Musicians will play sets between 9pm - 12am.

Join us for dinner in the restaurant before the show! Click here to reserve a table. On live music nights (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and live Thursdays), your dinner reservation guarantees access to The Alligator Bar.

The guestlist is subject to capacity and does not guarantee a table. Seating is limited and we recommend arriving early or contacting us to discuss reservation options: we offer a few minimum-spend tables in the bar area. 

An elegant & chic dress code is encouraged. Guests must be 18+

ILLUMINATE will transport you on a magical journey of colour, light and sound to bring festive awe and wonder to our gardens. We're truly excited to create new water features and musical accompaniments to make your 2023 journey even more special.

The natural features and views of the Landscape Garden come to life at night, with spotlights, lit trees and coloured paths drawing you up towards the Great Cascade, down past beautiful dynamic fountains in the Pear Pond and through a 'Christmas tree' grove below the Formal Garden, before finishing with a show-stopping display in front of Hestercombe House.

This stunning experience is approximately the same walking distance as the sold-out 2022 event, but even more packed with show-stopping sights and sounds to wow the entire family. Prepare to be awe-inspired at our beautiful gardens as they come to life this Christmas.