Our Guide To The Best Winter Pop-Ups In London

Portuguese restaurant JOIA's rooftop is being taken over by a Christmas movie pop-up this winter, complete with the usual views of Battersea Power Station but with added hot toddies, nougat-flavoured popcorn and festive flicks. The film choices? Home Alone, The Holiday, Love Actually, White Christmas, Elf and more.

But that's not all, since your tickets also include a meal each, whether that's dinner or a Sunday lunch beforehand.

Get set to upgrade your holiday season shenanigans at LIMIN SOUTHBANK, a cosy alpine retreat with a Caribbean twist. Whether you're hosting a get-together with friends or a company party, they have four fabulous spaces and even the option to hire out the whole venue, where you'll get to dance with top DJs, belt out tunes at karaoke and be wowed by fire breathers and drag hosts in a magical festive wonderland decked out in fir trees and twinkling fairy lights.

You'll find Humbug tucked away in The Truman Brewery, located on Brick Lane. This is a quirky pop-up like no other, where there's non-stop festive mischief to be discovered at a themed dive bar.

It's Santa that's on the naughty list this year with his wild nights out, promising DJs playing seasonal tunes, lots of surprises and even a shrine to the queen of Christmas - Mariah Carey.

From 14th November to 5th January, Pergola Brixton are hosting a Deck The Halls-themed winter pop-up, covering the venue in over-the-top festive decor. Think candy canes, Christmas trees, snow and twinkling lights, as well as plenty of mulled wine.

They're hosting a series of seasonal drinks deals here too across different days, including £5 margaritas on Thursdays and £35 bottomless drinks followed by late-night partying on Saturdays.

There's all sorts of seasonal fun going on at The Glasshouses, a quirky event space in London Bridge that spans across three venues. You can enjoy amazing views of the Thames and Tower Bridge while you're here, with delicious drinks available too.

They offer wintery activities such as wreath making workshops, curling and sip and paint sessions with Moet & Chandon - with prices starting from as little as £12 per person.

Having arrived at the rooftop of their Greek-inspired bar for the autumn and winter seasons, Circe's Cloud 9 Pods are making sure you get your fix of pop-up igloos this year. Drink and dine under the stars, using your pre-booked ticket price to redeem against food and refreshments on the day.

Think a winter Mediterranean menu washed down by salted caramel choco-tinis, all while you enjoy the views from this sky-high Waterloo spot. Each pod is heated and comes with its very own, customisable playlist too.

We're always big fans when it comes to news of a winter rooftop at Queen of Hoxton, and this year is set to be no different. For Christmas in London 2024, they're getting gothic with a masquerade theme, where you can enjoy hot cocktails and Venetian-style food against the backdrop of the city skyline.

For those of you seeking cosy winter pop-ups in Waterloo, be sure to check out Fire & Fromage. Expect to transport to the mountains, where you'll be able to delve into free-flowing raclette, sides and sweet treats, all while getting cosy at the cabana tables.

The best igloos in London? Make your way to Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant on Finsbury Square to enjoy an evening in the heated rooftop pods, complete with Insta-worthy views and cosy blankets. On the food front, expect British fare, Swiss cheese fondue, and seasonal Grey Goose cocktails or mulled wine.

If you're looking to get snug in an igloo this winter, venture over to MMy Wood Warf with your mates and hunker down in one of its pods, which can fit up to ten people.

Discover an array of food vendors whipping up Middle Eastern dishes, Indian nibbles and scrumptious spring rolls, prawn crackers and more alongside refreshing drinks. Visit for lunch and indulge in a sharing menu for £35 per person, which comes with a glass of wine or a cocktail, any time between 12pm and 4pm.

The Lost Estate is a West Kensington staple known for creating all-encompassing immersive experiences accompanied by five-star dining and world-class acting. This festive period, their winter pop-up experience comes in the form of The Great Christmas Feast - where you can relive A Christmas Carol in a whole new way.

You'll travel Dickens' home as he unveils his ghostly tale. Enjoy cinematic live music and live performances to create this classic tale but with a unique twist. Meanwhile, you'll be tucking into a Victorian-inspired fine dining feast, from lavish duck to Twelfth night cake and even themed cocktails too.

On the hunt for a Christmas pop-up near Covent Garden? The Log Cabin at The Montague Hotel is a real winner. For 2024, the gorgeous terrace will be transformed into a hub boasting a Christmas tree, cosy armchairs and a flickering fire. Better yet? There will also be a ski lodge.

From October through to March, Vicinity by Tower Bridge is home to a pop-up Alpine lodge, complete with amazing views over the Thames. expect cosy blankets and firepits to gather around, while sipping on mulled wines and ciders, boozy hot chocolate or a themed cocktail.

They serve all sorts of hearty dishes here too, from cheesy fondue to Belgian waffles and currywurst - giving you that après ski feeling right from the heart of London.

This winter, W London is giving its iconic Afternoon Tea a snowy twist with the launch of Après Tea, available every Saturday and Sunday throughout the ski season until 28th February 2025. The menu features a selection of seasonal delights, including crisp potato rosti topped with sour cream and smoked ham, and beetroot and dill smoked salmon paired with keta caviar.

In addition, there will also be the Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge, an inviting space featuring a crackling fire pit surrounded by fur blankets, skis, and bundles of firewood. Designed to capture the spirit of Verbier's chalets and slopes, the Lodge offers a winter wonderland escape right in the heart of London and the menu includes spiked hot chocolate, rich fondue, and ski slope-inspired cocktails like the Black Run, all paired with refreshing Veuve Clicquot bubbles. 

This winter, The Happenstance's alfresco terrace is transforming into an Apres Garden Terrace, transporting you to the slopes. This is in partnership with St Germain, the elderflower liqueur, and they'll be whipping up seasonal blends like the Alpine negroni or a Ginger Hugo.

The all-weather space is decked out with luscious, green foliage and glimmering festive lights, making it an ideal space to knock back signature cocktails with your nearest and dearest. What's more, you can enjoy tasty eats such as wild mushroom arancini or 12-hour braised ox cheek.

Heading to the 6th floor of John Lewis Oxford Street this winter unveils 1864 Rooftop Bar's seasonal makeover. Book into their igloo experience for between four and eight guests from 5th November to cuddle up under the stars with cosy blankets, seasonal feasting menus and plenty of mulled wine. Make ours the chocolate orange martini, please and thank you.

Home to bowling's much cooler cousin, Club Curling has six perfectly polished lanes over at Coal Drops Yard - waiting for you to try out the sport in a sustainable way and without all that slippy ice. This winter activity can host up to six people on one lane, ideal for those competitive social days out.

Across two weekends in November and December, The Clapton Country Club are hosting a fantastic Christmas Bazaar. The Victorian venue will be transformed into a cosy spot complete with mulled wine, carol singers and a magical Santa's grotto.

There are over 30 different independent traders selling all sorts of unique items, perfect for buying your Christmas presents. What's more, tickets cost just £5 per person.

Joining forces with the luxury drinks pros at Rémy Martin, Coq D'Argent is going full-on festive this winter. Not only will the rooftop space bring French alps vistas, but also alpine canapes, themed cocktails and entertainment.

Rivoli Pop-Up Cinema on Brockley Road boasts a fabulous space to catch all of your favourite Christmas flicks this winter. Whether you fancy watching Love Actually or Elf, you can enjoy it with a couple of mugs of mulled wine and plenty of snacks. 

While The Sipping Room is a gorgeous spot all year round thanks to its view of the docks in Canary Wharf, they're really stepping things up for winter. Their Enchanted Forest Terrace features their three heated igloos, where you can cosy up with blankets under the night sky.

This is in partnership with Monkey 47, who are bringing you themed cocktails like the Tanger-lini, a combination of gin, Disaronno, sparkling wine and tangerine puree. Plus, you can enjoy a three-course feast for as little as £49.95 per person in these cute dining pods.

Drake and Morgan at King's Cross are brining you an Alpine Martini Terrace this winter, in collaboration with Grey Goose Vodka. The outdoor space will be decked out in greenery and festive touches, and you can get your hands on limited-edition drinks like the Berry Poppins or a chocolate-infused Posh Spice.

There'll be some delicious seasonal plates up for grabs here too, including Marmite mac 'n' cheese, spiced cauliflower bites and a Black Forest chocolate bomb.

Situated on the Southbank, The Refinery is a stunning spot for winter drinks. They're working with Sipsmith Origin 1639 Gin to bring you a lush winter terrace full of pretty foliage, where you can enjoy seasonal refreshments.

Their themed concoctions include a chocolate negroni or the fruity An Apple A Day, while the menu features everything from duck bao buns to a chocolate opera cake.

For a little slice of Christmas in Mayfair, head on over to The Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair. With stunning views over the beautiful Green Park, its spacious outdoor terrace offers the perfect setting to sip on a festive drink while admiring the charming snow-themed windows, showcasing the winter adventures of Arthur, the hotel's beloved teddy bear mascot.

The terrace features a selection of festive cocktails starting at £17, including the Merry in Mayfair and Sleigh the Day, as well as customizable hot chocolates from £15, available both boozy and alcohol-free. Hot chocolate options include indulgent flavours like Black Forest, Candy Cane, Bailey the Snowman, Hazelnutcracker, and Under the Tree.

This Christmas, why not step away from the keyboard and straight into a snowball fight? The Pepsi Max Of-Fizz Snowball Fight pop-up at 59 Greek Street is calling your name from the 9th to the 12th of December. Did we mention it's free?

Explore a snow-filled world with games like shuffleboard, The Snowstorm Cupboard, and The Office Snowdown. Your goal? Mute those work calls and embrace the festive vibes. After all, 'tis the season to prioritise fun.

On the hunt for Christmas-themed restaurants in London? Transforming Henrietta Hotel into a scene from a 70s festive postcard, the tinsel-doused haven will be channelling homely vibes with massive fireplaces, retro cocktails and oh-so-tasty comfort food.