Best Things To Do In London This Winter

From themed burlesque shows to alpine pop-ups, quirky immersive experiences to unusual activities; places around the capital aren't letting the frosty weather get in the way of your jam-packed agendas. So that you can make the most of all the season has to offer, we've put together a list of the very best things to do in London this winter, come rain, or hopefully snow.

For more London winter ideas, find our epic guide here.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 16th December 2024




Craft The Most Beautiful Wreaths

From sustainable classes to beautiful bouquets and mulled wine, what's not to like about these wreath-making workshops? Get into the festive spirit this Christmas and take home a stunning masterpiece, decked out with snowflakes, dried fruit and much more.

Indulge in some gooey fondue

Ah, cheese. It's one of life's greatest joys, especially around the chilly season. So if you're looking for romantic things to do in London in winter, have a gander at our guide to the top dogs of fondue, serving oozing, molten, heavenly nibbles of deliciousness.

Immerse Yourself In The World Of Mr Fogg

Be delighted and entertained at the whimsical Mr Fogg's, a quirky venue in Soho that's home to all kinds of weird and wonderful events. If you're looking to be challenged, then test your skills on a cocktail-based treasure hunt, where you'll be immersed into an adventure and unravel puzzles along the way. 

They also host a Victorian murder mystery that'll test your detective skills, racing against time to find the culprit. That's not all though, as you can enjoy boozy brunches, cocktail masterclasses and gin tasting sessions here, with tickets starting from £60 each.

Stay Frosty With Club Curling

@ Coal Drops Yard on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

When it comes to winter activities in London, this pop-up is the best place to head. Club Curling has icy lanes ready and waiting for you to try your hand at this sport, with space for groups of up to six people on each.

This year, it teams up with neon wizards God's Own Junkyard for a glow-up like no other, complete with a custom sign by @RealHackneyDave that says, 'King's Cross Is Always A Good Idea.' With Coal Drops Yard setting the scene, enjoy DJ sets, cocktails, and curling fun for just £9 a head - grab your gang and let the games begin.

Find Circe's Cloud 9 Pods

@ Circes on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Circe's Cloud 9 Pods are beckoning from the Waterloo rooftop bar that's complete with a Greek-inspired theme and Mediterranean food. Think drinking and dining under the stars while gazing out across the local area, with full heating and a customisable playlist in igloo. Make ours the salted caramel choco-tini, please and thank you.

Warm Up At A Winter Martini Garden

@ 4th Floor, Ham Yard Hotel on Saturday 21st and Tuesday 31st December 2024

Ham Yard Hotel's seasonal rooftop pop-up is a staple, making The Winter Martini Garden one of the best places to visit in London this winter. Expect two cocktails included in your ticket, from the paloma-flavoured serve on arrival to a second concoction that you'll choose using a fun interactive quiz.

Indulge In A Bottomless Fondue Brunch

@ Munich Cricket Club Victoria on Every Saturday

Munich Cricket Club's Bottomless Fondue Brunch is your Saturday destination for cheesy delights. For £35 each, savour 90 minutes of unlimited fondue with a side of bottomless German mimosas, Haus beers, and refreshing spritzes.

Dunk cured meats, grilled vegetables, potatoes, bread, and cornichons into a rich, velvety pot of cheese and get comfy with friends as the atmosphere is filled with the lively sounds of après-ski hits.

Apres-Ski At Vicinity's Winter Pop-Up

Looking out over Tower Bridge and the Thames, Vicinity is bringing you an Alpine Lodge pop-up for the winter, complete with cosy blankets and firepits to gather around. Sip on mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and themed cocktails, while admiring the city at night.

They'll be serving up all sorts of seasonal eats here too, including loaded rosti potato bites, cheesy fondue, currywurst and Belgian waffles.

Challenge Yourself At The Cube

Think you've got what it takes to be a game show champion this winter? Put your skills to the test at The Cube. This exciting, interactive experience in Canary Wharf features 21 cubes filled with fun and challenging games. Gather your friends and family for a night of laughter, competition, and unforgettable memories. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink from Toni Loco and The Butcher.

Visit An Immersive Christmas Dive Bar

@ The Truman Brewery on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Looking for something a little unusual to do this winter? Then check out Humbug: The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar, located at The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. This is the quirkiest bar in town this season, promising mischievous surprises and DJs playing festive tunes throughout.

Party with Santa all night long, sipping on cocktails that are both naughty and nice. Expect sing-alongs, nostalgic decor and even a shrine to Mariah Carey.

Party On A Boat

London Boat Party are offering up the chance for you to party on Thames on a fun cruise, complete with four hours of party anthems from DJs, a light buffet meal, drinks and pub prices and more. Plus, there's entry to a club on dry land afterwards and a Christmas edition to boot.

The 90's Brunch

Throughout winter, The 90's Brunch is hosting a load of exciting events. Head on over to their retro goings-on for a daytime party that includes bottomless cocktails and two tasty courses. Once you've had your fill? Head to the dancefloor as a DJ spins banger after banger.

The Glasshouses

Sip & Slide.

A gorgeous venue that promises three separate event spaces, The Glasshouses can be found on the banks of the Thames in London Bridge. These all-glass destinations are decked out in festive decor, serving up free-flowing drinks and tasty pizzas.

They offer all sorts of activities here as well, including paint and ip sessions, wreath making workshops and curling across their three lanes.

Head To An Après Bar Rooftop Experience

£6 Aprés Sunday

London Bridge Rooftop is getting a wintery makeover promising a space decked out with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and plenty of heaters to keep you toasty, as well as whole ski lifts as booth seating to match the Après Bar theme. Plus, they'll be delving out hot, boozy beverages like free-flowing mulled wine in a teapot.

Additionally, there'll also be a 6th-floor private Christmas Grotto overlooking the city, which features a darts board and is available for private hires and group bookings.

The Perception at W London

Après Tea with with a glass of Black Run cocktail - £67.50 and 3 other offers

Teaming up with W Verbier to bring the spirit of the Swiss Alps to Leicester Square, W London has a Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge complete with a cosy fire pit this winter. Here, you can indulge in Après Tea - a themed afternoon tea complete with crisp potato rosti topped with sour cream and smoked ham, beetroot and dill smoked salmon with keta caviar, and pastries shaped like mountains, skis and snowballs.

Otherwise, check out the lodge's main menu of spiced hot chocolate, ski-themed cocktails and chocolate fondue.

Sink Drinks By The Fireplace

While the humble pub has a special place in our heart year-round, it's when the chilly season arrives that they become our permanent home. And why, you ask? The fireplaces, of course. Settle by the flickering flames to tip back pints, glasses of wine and the like.

Alpine Apres Ski Terrace

@ Tequila Mockingbird Wimbledon on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Discover a slice of alpine magic at Tequila Mockingbird's Alpine Twinkle Terrace in Wimbledon. Surrounded by enchanting lights, plush blankets, and chalet-inspired décor, this dreamy terrace is perfect for festive cocktails, romantic meetups, or friendly get-togethers.

From just £25 per person, you'll get three cocktails, some spiced mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate. Make it even more special by adding a bubbling cheese fondue for just £15 extra.

Enjoy a garage brunch

Throughout winter, Garage Brunch is hosting a whole load of exciting events at top secret London locations. What to expect? Free-flowing cocktails, a two-course feast and some of the hottest UKG music artists bringing the vibes with non-stop bangers.

Explore A New Planet With Creative Cocktails

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

If you're in the mood for something a little different this winter then check out Avora, the immersive experience in Hoxton created by the brains behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon. Start your adventure at Roscorp Laboratory, where you'll be given a purpose-built jumpsuit and a briefing on all the scientific-style missions you'll be completing together. You'll also get to enjoy three quirky cocktails on your journey, including a magical colour-changing drink which features Avora's most precious substance, Luminol.

Cosy up at a winter restaurant

Cuffing season is finally upon us, so snuggle up with your beau at one of the city's cosiest restaurants. If you're looking for fun things to do in London in winter, the capital is home to hangouts showcasing roaring fires, comfort food grub and twinkling lights galore.

Indulge In Chocolate Cocktails

Let's be honest, chocolate is pretty much synonymous with Christmas. And The Chocolate Cocktail Club? They're mixing it with booze to create a range of delicious concoctions, including their famous Chocotini and espresso martini tipples. You can also enjoy an afternoon tea here for £25 per person, complete with finger sandwiches and homemade cakes, as well as 90-minute drinks masterclasses, where you can learn to create impressive concoctions for the winter period.

1864 Rooftop Bar

1864 Rooftop Bar isn't just a bar - it's an experience, especially in winter with its signature mulled wine and igloos. With sweeping views of the London skyline, you'll have to remind yourself to blink while sipping on a negroni or toasting with a prosecco.

Perfect for cosying up under heaters, this spot adapts to the seasons while keeping the vibes on point. Bring your mates, bring your date, or just bring yourself for a solo recharge with a view.

Christmas in Chelsea

@ Royal Hospital Chelsea on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Embrace the spirit of the season at the Royal Hospital Chelsea's light trail, where twinkling lights and festive displays create a magical holiday haven. Stroll beneath illuminated arches, admire glowing trees, and take in the beauty of Christmas brought to life. 

The sounds of Christmas carols fill the air, while mulled wine and hot chocolate keep you warm as you explore. At the festive market, artisans showcase handmade treasures and delicious snacks. With the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced wine all around, it's an experience to savour.

Watch An Immersive Christmas Carol Performance

@ The Lost Estate on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Upgrade the holiday festivities this Xmas season at The Lost Estate's The Great Christmas Feast. Step into the enchanting world of A Christmas Carol like never before, with gripping storytelling, merry munching, and holiday hooch. Every ticket includes a three-course Victorian feast intertwined with the story and a selection of time-travelling Victorian cocktails.

Tuck Into A Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea

25% off Afternoon Tea

Looking for a little bit of luxury this winter? Available from 22nd November, the sophisticated Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel are offering a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea that's bound to delight the tastebuds. These guys have won an Award of Excellence at the Afternoon Tea Awards for their high standards of service and food, so you know you're in good hands as you munch your way through tiers of festive finger sandwiches and indulgent sweet treats. This experience costs £75 per person, though you can add on a glass of Champagne for £10 extra.

Party At Supa Dupa Fly

All across the city, Supa Dupa Fly are hosting a series of fun events this winter, from themed club nights and raves to bottomless brunches, with some festive bashes thrown in too. They're throwing parties in Shoreditch, Brixton, Oxford Circus and beyond, so there's something for everyone.

London Dreamtime

London Dreamtime is bringing us a range of unique storytelling events during the winter months. While in a top secret location, enjoy an enchantingly dark and wild evening, hearing about everything from monsters and vampires to occult weirdness.

Lodge d'Argent | Chalet Experience

@ Coq D'Argent on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Looking for a Christmas party that's head and shoulders above the rest? Head to Lodge D'Argent at Coq d'Argent for an unforgettable festive experience high above the City of London. This stylish lodge is decked out in all things cosy and festive, with stunning views of the skyline to make your Christmas celebration extra special.

With mulled wine flowing, seasonal bites like hot cheese fondue to satisfy your cravings, and music to keep you dancing into the night, Lodge D'Argent is the perfect venue for your holiday bash.

Christmas & New Year's at Mercato Metropolitano

Mercato Metropolitano is getting in the festive spirit with its jam-packed events roster this Christmas, offering everything from creative workshops to celebrations with live brass bands. Enjoy the holiday season in style with wreath-making, festive food markets, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

With its bustling atmosphere and delicious seasonal treats, it's the perfect spot to soak up the festive spirit, try something new, and make special memories.

Dive Into A Giant Ball Pit

@ Ballie Ballerson, London on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December 2024

Ballie Ballerson Shoreditch is decking the halls with glittering baubles and giant decorations for its winter theme. Plus, it's hosting festive bottomless brunches and party-loving DJs, alongside themed nibbles and drinks. This yuletide treat could warm the heart of even the most miserable Grinch.

Smuggle Booze Into Prison

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Trade in your sparkles and ties for orange jumpsuits and handcuffs at Alcotraz, a prison-themed cocktail bar. If you're looking for the best things to do in London this January, it will see you sneaking past a wicked warden, avoiding shady inmates and sipping on bespoke tipples.

Spend The evening in an igloo

If you're looking for winter things to do in London, check out our list of seriously stunning igloos. Super cute and perfect for pimping up a date night, these private pods have become an annual sensation. And while you might not get views of the Northern Lights, you will be able to cop an eyeful of the dramatic skyline.

Get Stuck Into A Musical Quiz

The Sounds Familiar Music Quiz at The Old Queen's Head in Angel, and across other London venues in the West End, is a lively music trivia event where participants can test their knowledge of iconic tunes this winter. 

Expect a fun-filled evening of singalongs, trivia rounds, and plenty of surprises. Whether you're there to win or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it's a great night for music lovers. Don't forget to bring your competitive spirit, as prizes are up for grabs.

Have A Laugh On A Boat

@ The Tattershall Castle on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

The Boat Show Comedy Club should be up there on your London winter itinerary. Taking over a snazzy boat, The Tattershall Castle, these events promise you side-splitting laughs, courtesy of an epic lineup of hot-to-trot comedians. And if you're thirsty, there are four bars to check out.

Brunch To Hip Hop Tunes

Hip Hop Brunch LDN is making sure that you have a jam-packed winter by hosting a bucketload of fun events. Not only will they whip you up a mouthwatering two-course meal, but also serve you 60 minutes of bottomless drinks and lots of skank-worthy tunes.

Alpine Inspired Gourmet Fondue

@ The Montague on The Gardens Hotel on Mon, 6th Jan 2025 - Mon, 31st Mar 2025

Winter magic awaits at The Montague on The Gardens this season with an alpine fondue pop-up running from January to March.

Dive into melted cheese with an assortment of dips like bread, pretzels, and bratwurst. At £25 per person, you'll experience a cosy lodge atmosphere with fire, lights, and snow-filled charm.