Credit: courtesy of venues
3 min read
Make your Friendsmas plans early and book a night out at one of London’s most popular festive pop-ups.
It’s no secret that Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, but there’s still plenty of time to get our calendars in order and enjoy everything that the yuletide season has to offer. Whether you need inspiration for seasonal get-togethers with friends or you’re searching for the perfect cosy spot for an evening in the city, there’s a whole host of pop-ups across London that are sure to bring you tidings of comfort and joy.
From rooftop ice rinks to festive terraces, here are 10 of the best events opening soon. Grab your friends and get booking.
Humbug at the Old Truman Brewery
What: An immersive festive dive bar, complete with a boozed-up Santa, a chaotic mailroom, a Mariah Carey impersonator and a beer can bowling alley. With its kitschy, nostalgic design, you’ll feel as though you’ve just stepped into your favourite Christmas movie… but for adults.
When: 14 November–31 December
Where: The Truman Brewery, Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU
Winter by the River by London Bridge City
What: A whimsical outdoor winter festival right by the picturesque Thames. You’ll find boutique market stalls, homemade festive crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts, Christmassy food and plenty of wines and cocktails.
When: 12 November–5 January
Where: London Bridge City Pier, Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6NU
Limin Winter Lodge
What: Après ski with a Caribbean twist at a cosy makeshift Alpine ski lodge. Complete with a roaring fire, festive drinks inspired by the Caribbean, fir tree decorations and lots and lots of fairy lights.
When: Until January 2025
Where: Limin Southbank, 56 Upper Ground Gabriel’s Wharf, London SE1 9PP England
Winter Rum Den at Light Bar
What: A secret winter wonderland in the backyard of the Light Bar. You’ll find tasty cocktails, including the festive hot mulled rum cider, along with disco balls, Christmas trees and a photo booth.
Where: Light Bar, 233 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PJ
Christmas Cake Shop at The Landmark London
What: The second annual Christmas cake shop pop-up at The Landmark will feature delicious and beautiful concoctions by some of the hotel’s best pastry chefs. Grab your cake from the adorable gingerbread house stall in the north entrance of the hotel.
When: Tuesday–Sunday, 9am-5pm, 3 December–22 December
Where: The Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, Westminster Borough, London, NW1 6JQ, United Kingdom
Novikov’s Christmas Market
What: A one-of-a-kind three-day Christmas market where you’ll find food (including oysters and caviar), drinks (including a champagne ice bar), carol singers, DJs, artisanal stalls and photo ops. Come on Saturday afternoon to get a glimpse of Santa himself.
When: 28 November–30 November
Where: Novikov Restaurant, 50A Berkeley St, London W1J 8HA
Up at The O2’s Snowglobe
What: This winter, the famous O2 roofwalk will be transformed into a magical snowglobe, complete with falling snow. Not only is it the perfect spot for festive holiday pictures, you’ll also get some of the best views in the city.
When: 22 November–5 January
Where: Up at the O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
The Rosewood Hotel’s Winter ‘Hacienda 1942' pop-up
What: This pop-up bar in the Rosewood will take you straight to Hacienda. The bar is decorated with decor inspired by the agave fields of Jalisco, while the bar is filled with Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks, including a festive hot chocolate. The star of the show, though, is Don Julio 1942. Come down on Thursday, Friday or Saturday for the DJ sets.
When: Open till January 2025, Monday–Sunday noon–10pm
Where: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Festive Afternoon Tea at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel
What: If roast dinners or Christmas markets aren’t your thing, the festive afternoon tea menu at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is the perfect alternative. The menu includes mushroom rocket quiche, cranberry sandwiches, mini yorkshire puddings and an assortment of truly adorable festive cakes.
When: 18 November–5 January
Where: The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London , SW1A 2HN
Borough Market’s Evening of Cheese
What: Calling all cheeseboard lovers: the Evening of Cheese at Borough Market is back for another year. Sample dozens of delicious cheeses, chutneys and wines from all over the world.
When: 11 December, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL
Images: courtesy of events
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