Christmas 2026 | Thursday 12 November, from 5pm | Free
Forget sleighs: this Christmas, reindeer are taking to the Thames. Fulham Pier is hosting London’s first ever Great Reindeer River Race to launch its festive season. Here are five things to know.
1. Six glowing reindeer boats on a famous stretch of river
Six illuminated rowing boats will be transformed into racing reindeer for an after-dark showdown at 6.30pm. The crews race past Fulham Pier and back again on the very same stretch of the Thames that hosts the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race every spring. It’s a brand-new London Christmas tradition, and the first of its kind in the capital. Seeing glowing reindeer gliding along the river in the dark should be quite a sight, so get there early for a good spot on the boardwalk.
2. Amanda Holden and Mark Wright are hosting
Heart Radio presenter Mark Wright will provide live commentary as the reindeer battle it out. Once the race is over, the crews join Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden for a riverside Christmas lights switch-on, with Amanda leading the countdown. Mark Wright then returns to round off the night with an exclusive DJ set. Amanda says she’s completely Christmas-obsessed, so expect plenty of festive enthusiasm.
3. Pick a team and you could win
The rowers are young crews from Fulham Reach Boat Club, an award-winning local Sport for Good charity that uses rowing to support the community. Hundreds of people are expected to line the boardwalk, and you’ll be invited to choose a reindeer crew and wave a flag in support. Everyone who backs the winning team gets a voucher to use on a future visit to Fulham Pier’s Riverside Market, London’s only food hall overlooking the river. It’s a fun way to get the kids invested in the race.
4. A whole evening of festive entertainment
The free festivities start from 5pm, so there’s plenty to enjoy before the race. Expect gospel performances, a sneak peek of Fulham Pier’s upcoming Christmas musical, pop-ups and competitions, including the chance to win a family cruise with Royal Caribbean. Football fans can meet Fulham FC players and the club mascots, Billy and Bella. If you want to make a night of it, you can also book a Comedy Box show headlined by Milton Jones at 8pm.
5. Seven weeks of Christmas to follow
After the switch-on, Fulham Pier transforms into a woodland-inspired escape with twinkling trees, seasonal food and live entertainment. The opening weekend (13–15 November) brings light-up performers, live jazz, a vinyl market and appearances from real reindeer. Over the following weeks there’s Santa storytelling, a roller disco, wreath-making, candlelit opera and a Santa Paws Day for dogs, plus the return of the sold-out Snow Ball NYE Family Rave. Warm up with a mulled rosé at Riverside Market or a cocktail with river views at Flo Bar.
Info
The Great Reindeer River Race
Fulham Pier, between Hammersmith and Putney Bridge, London
Thursday 12 November 2026 | From 5pm, race at 6.30pm | Free
Nearest station: Putney Bridge