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 To Visit In 2026
1. London's Most Festive Markets
- Price: usually free entry
- Location: Southbank, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Spitalfields, King's Cross and more
- Dates: often from November through to end of December
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.
2. Après Bar London Bridge Rooftop
- Price: £40 for bottomless brunch (2025 prices)
- Location: Colechurch house, London Bridge Walk, Southwark, SE1 2SX
- Dates: from November 2026
Après Bar London Bridge Rooftop is making a comeback this year. The wintery pop-up from the rooftop bar is 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.
- Price: £38.50 per person fondue bar
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX
- Dates: various dates from from Monday 2nd November 2026 to Tuesday 5th January 2027
For one of the most sought-after table bookings in the capital, pop-up The Fondue Bar is back with the ultimate winter warmer. Head over to Southbank and chow down on ooey gooey cheese fondue while admiring views of the iconic Thames. All this takes place in the dreamy alpine-inspired cabana. The snuggle is real.
But you're wanting something a little more casual, then be sure to rummage through their street food menu which tastes just as good as it sounds. Think raclette burgers, Schnitzel and more. There's also signature cocktails on offer, as well as plenty of mulled wine.
This winter pop-up makes for one of the best Winter Wonderland alternatives in the UK.
4. The Montague On The Gardens Ski Lodge
- Price: from £140 per person for groups of up to 30
- Location: 15 Montague Street, Holborn, WC1B 5BJ
- Dates: from Wednesday 11th November 2026 to Wednesday 31st March 2027
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 groups.
5. Circe's Cloud 9 Pods
- Price: pods from £270 seat up to 9 people (2026 pricing TBC)
- Location: Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Road, Waterloo SE1 8UL
- Dates: Tuesday 31st March 2026
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. New this year are the Snow Pods, which feature a real snowmachine to boost your experience.
Once inside, expect 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.
6. Christmas At Kew
- Price: adult tickets from £29.50
- Location: Kew Gardens, Kew TW9 3AB
- Dates: from Friday 13th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
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 photogenic 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 start at just £23.50 during off-peak times.
7. Glide At Battersea Power Station
- Price: adults from £19.38; children from £11.98
- Location: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, Battersea, SW11 8EF
- Dates: from Friday 6th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Brought to you by the same brains behind Winter Wonderland, Glide at Battersea Power Station will be open from Friday the 6th of November, with tickets from just under £20 each. The city's only riverside rink will feature a 30-foot Christmas tree, as well as vintage fairground rides and photobooths.
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.
8. Swift Stone Curling At The Clubhouse
- Price: £15 per person
- Location: London Bridge City Pier SE1 2PR
- Dates: from Thursday 5th November 2026 to TBC 2027
Nestled right on the river in London Bridge, The Clubhouse is made up of three stunning event spaces inside beautifully decorated venues made entirely of glass that host all kinds of seasonal fun. This year, they're bringing back curling so you and your mates can book a lane for some friendly winter competition.
Right now, you need a group of four to secure a booking online.
Great views and pretty decor? This place has got it all.
9. Miracle On Russell Street
- Price: free booking, with food starting at £5 and cocktails starting at £15
- Location: 9 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5HZ
- Dates: Monday 9th November to Thursday 30th December 2026
London's wildest Christmas bar is back and better than ever. Miracle on Russell Street is a 70s-inspired holiday bar is decked out in outrageous decor, with kitsch mugs and more tinsel than you can possibly imagine. It pops up in 90 cities worldwide and is a viral sensation every time - step inside and you'll see why.
The booking is free but you are expected to eat and drink once inside. You only have 90 minutes once seated, so make the most of it.
This Christmas bar is the place to be.
10. Humbug – Santa’s Christmas Dive Bar
Experience
- Price: from £59.40 per person
- Location: Greenwich Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8RE
- Dates: various dates from Tuesday 8th December 2026
Step into a winter wonderland on the wild side at Humbug: Santa’s Christmas Dive Bar Experience. Old Saint Nick and his crew will whip you through a night of raucous cabaret, live music and cracking singalongs.
Along with plenty of yuletide cheer, you can expect immersive sets, interactive performances and a ho-ho-whole lot of fun. To fuel your festivities, there's Santa's favourite street food and a sleigh-full of holiday cocktails.
Rock out to Santa like you've never seen him before.
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about more winter pop-ups in
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