Best Christmas Pubs In London

Out-Christmasing every pub in London, The Churchill Arms takes the crown for the most festive pub in town every year with its awe-inspiring display. This Kensington boozer doesn't mess around, splashing out a whopping £25,000 on flowers and decking its halls with 80 Christmas trees and a jaw-dropping 22,000 lights enveloping the exterior. The twinkling glow invites you inside like a warm hug, perfect for escaping the chilly streets after a long day of Christmas shopping. Inside, it's a fun mix of history and hops – with festive garlands and Churchill memorabilia all around, as well as some unexpectedly mouthwatering Thai dishes to keep you fuelled.

For a festive tipple inside a boozer oozing seasonal charm, The Holly Bush in Hampstead is your ticket to a picture-perfect yuletide hideaway. This Dickensian gem is packed with charm, from its wood-panelled booths to its crackling coal fires, perfect for thawing out after a winter wander across the heath (or just surviving that steep climb up the hill). This Hampstead gem, named after the season's most iconic prickly plant, serves up a cracker of a Christmas roast and a sticky toffee pudding that might just steal the show. Pair that with a pint of the finest local ale, and you've got yourself the cosiest nook in town to warm up your holiday spirit.

London pub with Christmas trees, you ask? Step back in time at The Mayflower, a charming Thames-side cubbie hole dating all the way back to the 1620s, nestled in the cobbled streets of Rotherhithe. This cosy ale house is perfect for a mulled drink and a festive feast by candlelight, boasting stunning river views and a cracking collection of craft beers and fine wines. As the holiday season rolls in, so does their yummy Yuletide feast — think roast turkey with all the trimmings and brandy-soaked puds that'll warm your soul. After braving the brisk riverside deck, cosy up by the open fire inside this historic inn.

Fancy a London pub at Christmas this winter? The Spaniards Inn has been serving up pints and history to locals and literary legends alike since 1585 (Keats and Dickens among them), making it London's oldest pub and a Hampstead Heath institution. Inside, dark wood panelling, cushty nooks and crannies, creaky beams, and crackling fireplaces set the scene for a quintessentially British experience. This storied boozer's menu leans into hearty, comforting pub classics, while the bar keeps things interesting with a rotating selection of cask ales and craft beers. If you fancy a pint with a side of history, this pub is a literary legend worth toasting to.

The Argyll Arms is a cosy 19th-century haven that invites you to escape the holiday hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. This festive gem features private mahogany booths with etched-glass partitions, ideal for slipping away from the shopping frenzy to sip on a quiet pint or indulge in a cheeky gin, the house's speciality. A Grade II-listed beauty from the Victorian era, it serves up hearty British pub classics alongside a top-notch selection of local cask ales that are sure to warm your cockles. And for those with a taste for adventure, keep an eye out for the rumoured secret tunnel that supposedly links this boozer to the nearby London Palladium.

If Father Christmas were to take a break from his sleigh, he'd find the perfect pit stop at Flask, a delightful 17th-century pub perched on Highgate West Hill. Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you; inside this former coaching inn, you'll discover a labyrinth of cosy, wooden-beamed rooms brimming with laughter, where groups gather to tackle board games and browse the well-loved books lining the shelves. The atmosphere is delightfully snug, accentuated by low ceilings and a stunning fireplace, making it an inviting spot for a quiet drink. 

Searching for pubs in London open on Christmas Day? Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer and sleigh bell sightings at Queen of Hoxton on Curtain Road's rooftop winter wonderland. This lively hotspot features glowing lanterns and a permanent rooftop wigwam that transforms with the seasons, serving up cosy concoctions like Hot Buttered Rum and Bramble Mulled Wine to keep you toasty. Past themes have included enchanting settings like Grimm's fairy tales, Alice In Wonderland and a whimsical Moroccan Medina. Whatever the decor, this sky-high retreat promises a magical escape to make your holiday spirits soar.

For a jolly good time this winter, The Cadogan Arms should be your go-to Christmas Day pub in London, having served pints and seasonal cheer for over 200 years. With its charming wood panelling and sparkling chandeliers, this cosy hideaway oozes Victorian elegance. To snag the best seat in the house, make a beeline for one of the central tables flanked by sink-in velvet bucket chairs perfectly placed in front of a roaring fireplace draped in foliage. Their menu is a love letter to British cuisine, focusing on sustainable and seasonal food so you can feel good about what you're eating.

Fancy a visit to a secret Christmas bar in London? Step inside Prince Blucher in Twickenham, a historic 19th-century inn where vintage charm meets modern comfort. With its bare-boarded bar area, nine antique-style pump handles, and quirky clip fittings, it's a cosy haven just waiting for you to pull up a chair by the roaring fireplace. On the menu? Treat yourself to hearty home-cooked delights like glazed Hampshire ham hock while sipping on a refreshing pint of Cornish Orchard cider. Family-friendly and steeped in history, this boozer is a great escape from the frosty air and the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke.

Tucked away on the banks of the River Thames, Gun is a stunning English pub that promises to warm your cockles this holiday season with its roaring fireplace. This Grade II-listed beauty has been pouring pints for over 250 years, with a guest list that reads like a who's who of history, featuring everyone from Lord Nelson to Tinie Tempah. On their decadent Christmas menu, you'll find sophisticated dishes like seared scallops accompanied by brown onion consommé, charred button onions, grilled leeks, and white onion purée paired with crisp pints of beer or a selection of global wines.

East Dulwich Tavern is a welcoming, classic pub in the heart of South London, offering a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe, it's the ideal place to unwind with friends, enjoy a pint of craft beer, or savour a delicious festive meal.

Tuck into three courses for £36 per person: think roast turkey, beetroot, spinach, pine nut and cashew Wellingtons and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. The pub's warm interior features cosy seating, exposed brick, and vintage decor, making it a lovely spot for a casual gathering or a cosy Christmas time.