While Winter Wonderland might be on people's radar during this holiday season, not everyone wants to queue for drinks and lose all their mates in the market. Luckily for you, there are still plenty of other events hoping to fill that festive hole. From smaller pop-ups offering themed drinks to stunning Christmas light installations and eating in an igloo, we've rounded up the season's best alternatives to Winter Wonderland in London.
Best Places Like Winter Wonderland In London
London's Most Festive Markets
Swap your Winter Wonderland experience for one of London's best Christmas markets. From Greenwich to Southbank and King's Cross, many different hotspots across the city have their very own festivities - complete with seasonal food, artisanal crafts sold at wooden huts, and mulled wine or winter cocktails aplenty.
Out of all the places like Winter Wonderland in the UK, London's seasonal markets are the best bet.
Après Bar London Bridge Rooftop
Après Bar London Bridge Rooftop is a new wintery pop-up from the rooftop bar that's best-known for its close-up views of the Shard. This après ski makeover sees it decked out with Christmas trees, fully covered and heated pergolas decorated in snowy furs and lights, and vintage ski memorabilia. There's even a seat styled like a ski lift gondola, all in orange Aperol shades. Topping it off? Everything from bottomless après brunches to free-flowing mulled wine teapots and seasonal cocktails.
Swap Winter Wonderland for the slopes, without leaving London.
Fire & Fromage
For one of the most sought-after table bookings in the capital, pop-up Jimmy's Fire & Fromage is back with the ultimate winter warmer. Head over to Southbank and chow down on ooey gooey cheese raclette while admiring views of the iconic Thames. All this takes place in the dreamy alpine-inspired cabana. The snuggle is real.
This winter pop-up makes for one of the best Winter Wonderland alternatives in the UK.
The Montague On The Gardens Ski Lodge
You can leave the snowsuits in the wardrobe for another year because this fun winter pop-up in London is bringing plenty of aprés without the need for the ski. The ideal destination for small groups, The Ski Lodge is an annual installation at The Montague On The Gardens hotel and it offers the prettiest festive experiences complete with schnapps, seasonal snacks and a whole lotta fake snow. Inside, you'll also find a pop-up winter lodge for exclusive hire too.
This aprés ski affair is perfect for small groups.
Circe's Cloud 9 Pods
Upgrade your winter experience and take it up a few levels to a Waterloo rooftop with Circe's Cloud 9 Pods. Nestled under the clouds are heated igloos complete with a complimentary Grey Goose welcome cocktail for every guest, full heating, soft blankets to cuddle up in, and even Bluetooth speakers ready to blast your very own playlist.
Avoid the crowds and have a relaxed time in your own pod.
Christmas At Kew
The more wholesome way to do festive fun this year, Christmas At Kew's glow-up is much more than just a gathering for families and those couples who feel the need to be touching at all times. Marvel at the most categorically Instagrammable trees and light installations across the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. One of the best cheap alternatives to Winter Wonderland in London? Sounds about light.
To catch London's most phenomenal light show, tickets are just £19.50 during off-peak times.
Glide At Battersea Power Station
Brought to you by the same brains behind Winter Wonderland, Glide at Battersea Power Station will be open from Friday the 8th of November, with tickets from £16 each. The city's only riverside rink will feature a 30-foot Christmas tree, as well as vintage fairground rides and photoboots. Drinks-wise, you'll find delicious refreshments over at The Glass House, plus all the usual fabulous restaurants and bars will be open too, including Searcys and Vagabond.
Glide your way around this awesome ice rink.
The Glasshouses
Nestled right on the river in London Bridge, The Glasshouses are made up of three stunning event spaces inside beautifully decorated venues made entirely of glass. They host all kinds of seasonal fun here, including curling, wreath making and sip and paint sessions, with premium wine and bubbles on offer at all of the events. Plus, you can hire out these spaces for up to 350 people, ideal for Christmas parties.
Great views and pretty decor? This place has got it all.
Pergola Brixton
Trendy event space Pergola Brixton are known to throw some pretty great events throughout the year, and they're really pulling it out of the bag for Christmas. Their Deck The halls-themed winter pop-up promises all sorts of festive antics, decorated with trees, snow and pretty fairy lights. That's not all though, as they're also offering some brilliant drinks deals - from £5 margaritas on Thursdays to £35 bottomless booze every Saturday.
Get your groove on at this festive pop-up.
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