Best Things To Do In London At Christmas 2026

• Location: rooftops, terraces and other outdoor spaces across London
• When: often from November through to January, February and March
• Price: varies by igloo
• Highlights we recommend: Wagtail, Circe's and Aviary for rooftop views, with Coppa Club Tower Bridge offering gorgeous riverfront vistas and Doubletree Kensington's church-view garden prefect for a glorious afternoon tea

Popping up all over London in time for Christmas are igloos, pretty glass or plastic domes providing you with a fully heated and cosy way to still dine outside over the festive period. Decked out with blankets and festive playlists, these snow globes are the perfect location for sipping themed cocktails and having Christmas dinner.

Across our guide, you'll find igloos on winter rooftops and ones with views of everything from Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge - ideal for celebrations as a group.

• Location: on and off West End theatres, alongside other performances spaces
• When: matinee and evening performances from November 2025 through to early January 2026
• Price: varies by production
• Highlights we recommend: for families, The Snowman's return and Elf the Musical's arrival to the West End, following great success across the pond, are a must-see in our eyes. Ballet enthusiasts shouldn't miss out on English National's magical production of the Nutcracker, set on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London, and tickets to London Cabaret Club's James Bond-inspired Christmas Royale promise something a little different

Celebrate Christmas in London 2025 with tickets to some of the best shows. After all, we are the city where you'll find everything from world-class ballet companies with their latest production of the Nutcracker to pantomimes, and West End theatre.

For our pick of family-friendly Christmas theatre, it has to be The Snowman, which returns to the Peacock in the West End for its 27th year - featuring a live orchestra, iconic music like Walking in the Air, and the iconic story coming to life before your very eyes - and Elf the Musical, which comes to Aldwych Theatre after a record-breaking run on Broadway last year. More off-piste picks come in the form of London Cabaret Club's Christmas Royale show complete with a fine dining experience to match.

• Location: rooftop bars and restaurants across London
• When: these spots are usually in their winter finest from November
• Price: varies by rooftop
• Highlights we recommend: Greek-inspired rooftop bar Circe's is back yet again with their Cloud 9 pods - private igloos we'd recommend for up to nine people with views of the London Eye, soft blankets and a Grey Goose cocktail each on arrival - while Vagabond Northcote Road pairs its usual wine 'vending machines' with a retractable roof strung with fairy lights

This Christmas, travel up to soaring heights and explore some of the best rooftops with your family and friends. In our guide, you'll find a selection of cosy igloos, 360-degree views and signature sips. 

Head to the City to hunker down under a blanket and sip on espresso martinis, or venture into Soho to catch glimpses of the London Eye lit up, while sharing small plates and sipping wine. 

• Location: pubs throughout London
• When: these boozers are usually Christmas-ready from November
• Price: free entry but food and drink varies by pub
• Highlights we recommend: Notting Hill's Churchill Arms is undoubtedly our top choice of Christmassy pubs, thanks to its famous Christmas tree and light-covered exterior. They have their own Christmas light switch-on (TBC November date) if you want to make a full occasion of it

Whether Churchill Arms' Christmas tree and light-covered exterior, Queen of Hoxton's gothic Venice rooftop pop-up with gondola seating and festive food from Italy, or The Cadogan Arms' traditional interiors and gastro grub would be more your thing, there's something in store for you from London's pubs this Christmas.

With a long history of pubbing and ale houses (and some from the 1600s still standing), it only make sense that the city's boozers would come alive even more at Christmas. Think turkey-laden feasts in front of open fires and seasonal decor galore.

• Location: hosting venues throughout London
• When: November 2025 to January 2026
• Price: varies by event
• Highlights we recommend: Silent Disco's Christmas special boat party returns after 10 sold-out dates last year, so we'd suggest you grab tickets to dance to Mariah Carey while floating by landmarks along the Thames while you still can. Elsewhere, JOIA's rooftop - overlooking Battersea Power Station - plays host to a joyful Christmas movie pop-up including films like The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life and Elf

For fun things to do in London at Christmas, check out our events guide. We'll help you plan a roaring schedule complete with fondue, popcorn and fizz, and themed pop-ups. 

Gather your mates and hit up a cocktail-fuelled Victorian murder mystery with tickets to Mr Fogg's, or spend an evening frolicking in a ball bit, completed with Instagrammable drinks and pizza in Shoreditch. Whatever you're looking for, we've got it. 

• Location: tearooms, hotels and more across the city
• When: November 2025 to January 2026
• Price: varies by afternoon tea
• Highlights we recommend: our personal favourites include The Dilly's festive afternoon tea (pictured), as the venue always goes all-out with delicious sweet treats shaped like Christmassy things, and Brigit's for a unique take where you'll board a vintage bus and see the Christmas-ready sights of London
  

There's nothing we love more than an afternoon tea - so how about making it a festive affair? London has plenty of quaint and luxury venues in equal measure, and they're are pulling out the big guns this year to make this British pastime as Christmas-themed as can be.

With the likes of The Ritz, Sketch, The Savoy, Claridge's, Fortnum & Mason, and Cutter and Squidge all making the cut in our guide, you've got plenty to choose between.

• Location: bars and restaurants throughout London
• When: November to December 2025
• Price: varies by brunch
• Highlights we recommend: hit up Archer Street Bars in Soho, Notting Hill and SW11 for an immersive Christmas brunch with roaming performers, or go for bullseye at the festive edition of Flight Club's brunch social

Brunch and bottomless brunch are already some of our favourite pastimes here at DesignMyNight, but what happens when Christmas rolls around. We love the opportunity to hit up one of these festive-themed brunches across the city and look forward to a raucous affair that raises even Rudolf's brows.

Jingle your way down to events featuring everything from West End star singing your favourite tunes to drag diva hosts and brunches complete with activities like karaoke.

• Location: Christmas Day restaurants across London
• When: 25th December 2025
• Price: varies by menu
• Highlights we recommend: we say push the boat out with seven courses for £295 per person (£145 for children) in Butlers Restaurant at Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel this Christmas Day, including lobster and crayfish cocktail and free-range Kelly's Bronze turkey 
  

Out of all the things to do on Christmas Day in London, it's got to be food that wins. Our capital is home to a staggering number of Michelin star restaurants, alongside plenty of traditional pubs and other venues serving a knock-out Christmas Day dinner.

From seven-course feasts at British fine dining restaurants to a twist on your festive meal from a Portuguese rooftop restaurant with views of Battersea Power Station, book one of these 25th December experiences now to save on the stress of cooking and faff of washing up.

• Location: hosting venues throughout London
• When: November 2025 to January 2026
• Price: varies by event
• Highlights we recommend: Rivoli pop-up cinema is our festive film location of choice, with family favourites like Home Alone and Elf on the cards, as well as themed snack stalls and a vintage bar for the accompanying adults
  

If you're on the hunt for the top things to do in London at Christmas with kids, then you're going to love our guide. We've got a packed list of activities they'll love, from Harry Potter-themed walking tours to trying out curling. 

Fan of theatre? Then check out the West End Musical Christmas and belt out your favourite tunes. There's also a super cute afternoon tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, fit for all ages, and a chance to get your baking hats on across East and South London.

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Unit 11, London, E2 8GY
• When: 3rd November 2026 - 10th January 2027
• Price: from £48 per person
• Why we recommend: it's an all-in-one night out that combines entertainment, discovery, and great drinks under one roof. It offers an ideal, weatherproof indoor activity for friends, couples, or visitors looking for an unforgettable alternative activity this season

Escape the chilly winter streets by venturing thousands of feet underground into London's premier fantasy prison venue. Running from the 3rd of November, Tuesday through Sunday, until the 10th of January, Hexmoor: The Longest Night brings a dark fairytale atmosphere to Hackney Road.

Upon arrival, you're suited up in an inmate jumpsuit, issued a light-emitting wand, and locked into a cell decked out in stolen festive gear - from jumpsuit wreaths to key-strung cell bars. Work together to search for hidden contraband magic, unlock secret vaults, and drink three bespoke cocktail potions smuggled to your cell by unlikely allies.

• Location: city-wide
• When: 24th December 2025
• Price: varies by event

The 24th December can be a tricky one. Marking the lead up to the big day itself, Christmas Eve can feel like a whole lot of waiting in anticipation of the clock striking twelve. To make the time go quicker? There are plenty of fun, Christmassy things to do.

Whether you're keeping up the tradition of going on a Christmas Eve walk and need route ideas, or want to shake things up with a rootin' tootin' immersive Wild West experience complete with themed cocktails, our guide has you covered.

• Location: 72 St John Street, Farringdon EC1M 4DT
• When: throughout the year, but with special Christmas cocktails in December
• Price: from £11 per person
• Why we recommend: everyone loves chocolate at Christmas, and a lot of us adults love our booze during the festive period too. We think you should combine these two indulgences at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, who make the most more-ish drinks that taste like your favourite festive chocolates, including Ferrero Roche and Toblerone 

After sold-out pop-ups in Brighton, Covent Garden and Shoreditch, The Chocolate Cocktail Club then settled on a permanent Farringdon location for you to get your hands on (yes, you guessed it) a menu made up entirely of chocolate-laced cocktails. The £11 ticket price covers the price of your first drink.

From Biscoff and Baileys flavours to Christmas twists on the White Russian and other limited edition, festive treats, a trip here is all about yuletide indulgence.

• Location: the Thames
• When: 13th December 2025
• Price: from £26 per person
• Why we recommend: this lively party offers both great tunes and amazing views, and we love that you can choose your favourite songs via the headphones

After something totally unique to do this Christmas? The Silent Disco Christmas Special is a great choice, where you'll be cruising down the Thames while boogieing to festive tunes played directly through your headphones, courtesy of live DJs.

Sing along to Mariah Carey and other classic hits, and make use of the fully stocked bars on board this two-storey vessel. Plus, you'll get to admire all the iconic landmarks along the river.

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Hoxton, E2 8GY
• When: 24th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
• Price: from £51 per person
• Why we recommend: we always love the immersive, prison-inspired experience at Alcotraz, and their Christmas show is perfect for cocktails and festive gifts in a unique setting

This year, the prison-themed bar Alcotraz is running its first ever Christmas-themed show: The Christmas Pardon. Combining live actors and cocktails, this immersive experience will see you donning orange jumpsuits and being locked in a cell, using smuggled in bottles of spirits to create cocktails with.

You'll be tasked with bringing in a Christmas present, and whichever one the warden likes best will be awarded with an official pardon. You can also expect a Christmas tree made with confiscated items, putting a seasonal twist on things.

• Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
• When: from the 29th October 2025 
• Price: £35 per person
• Why we recommend: because nothing beats sharing gooey fondue and hot doughnuts with someone special, surrounded by sparkly lights

Forget dinner and a movie, as Fire & Fromage is one of London's most romantic winter date spots. Share bubbling fondue under the glow of fairy lights, warm up with mulled wine or boozy hot chocolate, and end your night with freshly fried doughnuts.

Snuggle under a blanket by the fire pits and watch the South Bank come alive around you.

Taking place at venues across Soho and Islington, the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is hosting a Christmas edition of their event. This is a club night and quiz all in one, promising non-stop festive tunes and a buzzing atmosphere throughout.

Their quiz rounds will put your musical knowledge to the test, spanning everything from chart classics to old-school anthems and power ballads. Nab tickets from just £17, with options for groups of all sizes.

• Where: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PW
• When: 16th November to 21st December 2025
• Price: from £59.40 per person
• Why we recommend: this quirky immersive experience promises cocktails, snacks and fantastic entertainment, and we particularly love it at Christmas thanks to the festive twists involved

A brilliant immersive experience all year round, the Black Market Knees Up at Cahoots is getting a festive spin this winter. This speakeasy-style bar takes you back to the 1940s, with old-school decor and illicit activity going on in an underground station.

Among the gamblers and black market dealers, you'll sip quirky cocktails disguised as everything from milk bottles to poisons, with the option for either two each or bottomless drinks with your ticket. There are also snacks to spend your rations on, as well as games, live entertainment and a 1940s-style pub quiz.

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Hoxton, E2 8GY
• When: 3rd November 2026 - 10th January 2027
• Price: from £44.50 per person
• Why we recommend: we love Avora all year round, and this magical festive show puts a new spin on things with seasonal decor and winter cocktails galore

Explore a whole new world this Christmas, with Avora: Frozen Realm. This is a brand new story from their usual immersive experience, as the magical planet of Avora is frozen over, and there is some suspicion regarding the reason why.

You'll enter the story as new recruits of Roscorp, sent to study the planet and the mysterious substance Luminol that runs through this world. As part of your ticket price, you'll also receive three unique themed cocktails.

• Where: 20 Fenchurch Street, 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
• When: Various dates from 17th November 2025
• Price: from £27.50 per person
• Why we recommend: as the Christmas lights twinkle across the city, there's no better time to see London from the sky

Dance to DJs, let it all out to live music and sip Moët & Chandon high above the city at the Sky Garden this Christmas. With shifting mood lighting, warming lamps adorning every table and Christmas trees as high as the glass roof, there's no shortage of festive spirit.

With canapes and bubbly served throughout the night, there's plenty to keep you refreshed. But if you need some more sustenance, book into the Darwin Brasserie for British a la carte or the Larch Italian for something a little more continental.

• Location: Unit 8, 6 Hornsey Street, Holloway Road N7 8GR
• When: 29th November 2025 & all of December
• Price: £65
• Why we recommend: cocktails and sweet treats already sounds perfect for the season to us, but to make them yourself across a wholesome challenge? Work in pairs for this fun pick of Christmas activities

Looking for a cute winter date idea? Then check out Bake Master London's Ultimate Baking Challenge. In teams of two, you'll work together to create your own three-tier cake from scratch, decorated in a Christmas theme.

The session lasts 80 minutes, including a cocktail or mocktail-making section and time for photos. plus, they can cater for vegan or gluten-free guests too.

• Location: Various venues across London
• When: from 7th November
• Price: from £11
• Why we recommend: see in Saint Nick LGBTQ+ style with Ginger's chaotic cacophony of Christmas fun

Ginger and friends are bringing their gloriously gorgeous brand of fabulousness to a pubs, clubs and arts centres across London this festive season. Round up your friends, dress to impress and head on out for bottomless brunches, bingo, evening cabaret and star-studded shows.   

With all kinds of uber-camp events in Soho, Shoreditch, Hoxton and the City, she's sure to be laying her sparkly hat somewhere near you. Grab a ticket from just £11. 

• Location: Kew Gardens, Kew TW9 3AB
• When: November 2026 - January 2027
• Price: from £27.50 per non-member
• Why we recommend: our Royal Botanic Gardens are magical year-round, but Christmas reveals the attraction's well-known illuminations trail for a more nature-inspired take on the usual Christmas lights - a must-visit

An iconic location to celebrate Christmas? The world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Christmas at Kew returns year-after-year to treat us Londoners to staggering displays of biodiversity alongside stunning lights.

The illuminations trail here spans a fire garden, tunnels of lights and more, with independent street food traders on hand to keep you well fed and watered as well.

• Location: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
• When: 14th November 2025 to 1st January 2026
• Price: £1 booking free at off-peak times; from £5.50 per person other times
• Why we recommend: yup, it's a little cheesy but we think every Londoner (and visitor) should go to Winter Wonderland at least once. Peruse hundreds of wooden huts for gifts and trinkets, grab a wildly overpriced mulled wine, and view the whole event from up on the ferris wheel

Taking over the city every year since 2007, Winter Wonderland is synonymous with Christmas in London and one of our biggest attractions across the period. This sprawling mecca of festive fun has everything from activities to presents, food and drink - so where to start?

We'd recommend the ferris wheel for views over London and the other rides for higher octane thrills, as well as perusing the hundreds of wooden huts to uncover unique gifts and artisanal products to buy. But don't forget about mulled wine, the ski chalet bars or street food traders either.

• Location: 10 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8HQ
• When: 10th November to 23rd December 2025
• Price: free entry - although booking is required
• Why we recommend: Miracle at Henrietta is a mainstay of the festive period in London, and this year it's bigger than ever - taking over the former home of Mrs Riot with all things OTT and Christmassy. We can't make it through the season without a visit here for an indulgent Hot Buttered Rum

Covent Garden's kitsch Christmas bar is in its eighth year, with Miracle popping up time and time again in Covent Garden over the festive period. For just six weeks from the 10th November, you'll experience a display of yuletide cheer inspired by the USA - think too much tinsel, lights galore and trees too.

A big draw, aside from the interiors, are the cocktails here. Sip your way through a Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r or Hot Buttered Rum with a warming blend of spices, all served in equally gaudy glasses.

• Locations: Southbank, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Spitalfields, King's Cross and more
• When: often from November through to end of December
• Price: usually free entry

An absolute must when Christmas rolls around is making your way to a festive market (or many, if you're really into the spirit of things). Battle your way through the crowds at Covent Garden, Leicester Square, South Bank, Greenwich Christmas markets, where you'll find a heap of treasure to buy, eat and drink.

Grab your loved ones a Christmas gift from the artisans, find new ornaments for your tree at home, glide around ice rinks, and fill up on all kinds of treats - we're talking mulled wine, loaded hot chocolates and bratwursts aplenty.

• Locations: various indoor and outdoor rinks across London
• When: some are permanent but winter pop-ups often from November through to January or February
• Price: varies
• Highlights we recommend: our favourite for a permanent ice rink has to be the iconic Alexandra Palace, where they pop up a Christmas tree for you to rock around over the festive season. For outdoor ice skating, there are countless stunning options, with Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace among the top contenders

Undoubtedly one of the most popular Christmas activities in London? Ice skating, of course. There's nothing quite like taking to the ice in a manner that rivals Torvill and Dean (or Bambi, if your skills are far less than Olympics-worthy).

You'll find numerous ice skating rinks across London this winter, including at GLIDE Battersea Power Station, QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl, and more. There's even a new ice rink in Leicester Square this year.

• Locations: neighbourhoods across London
• When: varies, but often from November through to early January
• Price: free if visiting self-guided, any tours have varied cost
• Highlights we recommend: Immersive Entertainments' London Christmas lights tour by open-top vintage bus sees you cruise past Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, gaze up at the legendary Oxford Street lights, and take in the glamour of Harrods - all the best bits covered in one fell swoop

A top pick of free things to do in London at Christmas? Creating your very own Christmas light trail by touring around the very best the capital has to offer this season. Featuring 40ft Christmas trees and even high-tech light displays projected onto heritage buildings, it's the ultimate festive activity.

You'll find the very best illuminations and spectacular lights switch-ons across Leadenhall Market, The Shard, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and even more besides.

• Locations: winter pop-ups across London
• When: varies, but often from November through to early January
• Price: depends on the event
• Highlights we recommend: for eating fondue in an outdoor (but covered and heated) cabana by the Thames, check out Fire & Fromage at Jimmy's - our recommendation for pairing a cosy, festive setting with even better grub

Don't fancy the crowds at Winter Wonderland this year? There are plenty of alternative things to do to get into the festive spirit, without having to brave the Hyde Park fair. 

From popping along to Fire & Fromage, a brilliant pop-up on Southbank where you can enjoy vats of cheese by the river, to a stunning festive Ski Lodge pop-up at The Montague On The Gardens Hotel, there's loads to get stuck into.

• Locations: 5, Clipstone Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 6BB
• When: 20th November, 7pm - 11pm 
• Price: £33 
• Why we recommend: festive fun isn't often synonymous with immersive murder mystery events in cocktail bars – but now it is. And with a chance to win a prize for Best Dressed, it's the perfect excuse to get dolled up

If you're tired of winter outings where mulled wine and minced pies are the highlight, A Very Bonkshire Christmas is the event for you; The Lucky Pig is Fitzrovia is hosting a murder mystery night with questionable characters and wild storytelling, where only you can solve the crime. 

Guests will also be treated to tasty canapés and a welcome cocktails to get their brain in gear before attempting to crack the case. Classic and signature mixes from the menu will also be available to order, and the live DJ will be spinning 80s classics to really get you in the mood. 

Learn how to make this fan-favourite pub class at home by attending The Albert's Festive Scotch Egg Masterclass in Kingston.

For just £15 you'll receive a mulled wine on arrival, followed by a guided tutorial on how to make a pub-worthy Scotch egg. You'll then get to tuck into your creation alongside a pint or two from this tradition Victorian watering hole. 

• Location: Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EP
• When: 19th and 23rd December 2026
• Price: from £19.80 per person
• Why we recommend: you'll be treated to an atmospheric evening of music, literature, and holiday cheer

Light up your December with A Dickensian Christmas by candlelight, playing at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church. 

The program pairs the soaring voices of the Covent Garden Carollers Vocal Quartet with gripping literary readings from actor Don Gallagher. Featuring beloved communal carols like O Come! All ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing powered by a majestic Willis pipe organ, this candlelight concert is a must-attend West End holiday tradition.

• Location: The Clapton Country Club, 38-40, Upper Clapton Road, London, E5 8BQ
• When: 28th November, 10am - 5pm
• Price: from £5.50 per person
• Why we recommend: complete with festive tunes, classic mulled wine, and a special visit to Santa's Grotto, it's a delightful way to spend a winter's day in Clapton

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Clapton Christmas Bazaar, taking over The Clapton Country Club and The Department of Life on Saturday the 28th of November 2026. 

Browse through stalls from 30 talented independent designers to find one-of-a-kind holiday presents, all while soaking up the historic Victorian backdrop.

• Location: 33 Celtic House, John's Mews, Holborn, WC1N 2NA
• When: Fridays 
• Price: £255 per person 
• Why we recommend: accommodating a variety of dietary requirements with advance notice and offering private group bookings, it offers a sophisticated, fascinating, and delicious way to celebrate the season

Elevate your festive season with The Science of Christmas Sensory Lunch Experience, hosted by the innovative team at Kitchen Theory. Running from 12.30pm to 3.3pm on Friday, 6th November 2026, and select dates following, tickets start at £255 per person.

This immersive six-course lunch event skips traditional holiday tropes to investigate the science of seasonal nostalgia, testing how our senses shape our favorite festive traditions. 

• Locations: 3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8PS
• When: 12th November 2026
• Price: from £43.20
• Highlights we recommend: this whole experience will have you feeling ultra-festive, from the seasonal eats and mulled wine to the fantastic views of the lights switch-on

Head to Pivot British Bar & Bistro in Covent Garden for front row seats to the Christmas lights switch-on. This place overlooks the huge tree, so you can see all the action without having to enter the crowd.

Your ticket includes either a two or three-course festive meal, featuring the likes of turkey ballotine, mushroom and onion pie or smoked salmon and horseradish on toast. Plus, they're throwing in a free glass of prosecco, wine or mulled wine.

Making the eyes light up of anyone who enters, Chelsea Winter Village is a magical destination with family-friendly amusements, games, seasonal treats and an illuminations light trail that's sure to leave you dazzled. 

For a visit that's more grown up, head to the festive covered tipi bar for drinks in an après ski bar-style setting – including mulled wine. 

• Location: a Central London pier
• When: multiple dates in November and December
• Price: from £38.50 per person
• Why we recommend: this award-winning party captures London at its best - you'll get to dance the night away on a boat while seeing the city lit up for Christmas

An award-winning night out, London's Original Christmas Boat Party is back for 2026. Board their four-hour cruise along the Thames for a festive bash, complete with a top DJ, a licensed bar and a light buffet meal.

You'll get to see the sights along the river as you boogie, while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Plus, there's an option for guest list entrance to a nightclub after the cruise, subject to availability.

• Location: 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, SW11 8BJ
• When: from 19th November
• Price: from £79.50 per person
• Why we recommend: combining two of everyone's favourite things – Christmas films and food – this is a pop-up that will put you straight in the festive spirit

JOIA's rooftop is transforming into a magical twinkling paradise for lovers of film and food. Their Rooftop Christmas Movie Pop Up & Dinner brings a series of festive flicks to their projector screen set against dazzling views of London.

Grab a blanket, some complimentary popcorn and get cosy for a viewing that will make you feel extra Christmassy. Tickets also include a meal, with three courses and various options for each – think slow-cooked lamb shank, grilled leeks and basque cheesecake. 

• Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX
• When: from 26th November  
• Price: from £16 for adult admission
• Why we recommend: if you've always wondered how to take for Christmas calendar to the next level – this is it. Bringing a whole lot of magic under one roof, everyone who visits in guaranteed to find something they adore – whether that's a gift, workshop or tasty treat

The Ideal Christmas Show is London's answer to a Christmas heaven, with a sea of activities, entertainment, shopping and artisan treats spread across the sprawling Olympia London. There's a spectacle around every corner, with the option of attending paid-for workshops for a more hands-on experience – like truffle-making or cocktail-shaking classes. 

But if you're just there for the shopping, you won't be disappointed – there's over 300 brands selling incredible products and decorations for you to adorn your home with. Families can also pay extra to attend Santa's Grotto and make a lasting memory for parents and children alike.

• Location: 28-30 Houndsditch, City of London, EC3A 7DB
• When: Tuesday 24th November – Sunday 3rd January
• Price: from £38 per person
• Why we recommend: you get an incredible, high-value night out in Central London where bringing your own single bottle of liquor covers custom cocktails for up to four people, all set inside an atmospheric secret saloon with live actors

If you're looking for something beyond ice rinks and festive markets this winter, head to Houndsditch for The Christmas Run at Moonshine Saloon. Bringing immersive theatre to Central London, this seasonal storyline tasks guests with smuggling sealed bottles of spirits past the Sheriff to stock up a snowed-in, dry town in 1904 Kansas.

Once inside the hidden saloon, expert mixologists turn your group's smuggled bottle into custom cocktails made to your exact tastes. Complete with live actors, cowboy attire, festive whisky mince pies, and special holiday storylines to solve, it's easily one of the most exciting group experiences in the capital this season.

• Location: Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS
• When: 13th December 
• Price: from £42.90 per person 
• Why we recommend: you can enjoy pristine acoustics in the prestigious Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

Celebrate Saint Lucia's feast day with an extraordinary evening of choral harmonies and Nordic storytelling in South Kensington. Taking place across afternoon and evening performances, the LondonSwedes Choir delivers a mesmerising lineup of traditional Swedish and English holiday carols.

Set beneath the grand acoustic arches of the Royal College of Music, the performance is elevated by guest headliner Jill Johnson, offering a serene, candlelit escape that captures the true essence of Scandinavian winter magic.

• Location: Sheraton Grand Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX
• When: from 19th December 
• Price: from £64.80 per person 
• Why we recommend: highly reviewed by critics, this reality-bending display is not one to miss 

In it's sensational 12th year, The Magic Hour has been dazzling guests for over a decade – and what better time to experience it than during its Xmas Special run this winter. 

Master of trickery Tony Middleton is making Christmas even more magical with a performance involving sleight of hand, mind-reading and other impossibilities that will leave you speechless. Grab a seat for the show in this opulent drawing room, and opt for a premium ticket if you fancy front row seats and a glass of champagne or cocktail on arrival. 

• Location: 4th Floor, Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT
• When: from 12th November 
• Price: from £15.80 per person 
• Why we recommend: you can't get cosier than curling up on a sofa with a blanket by a fire pit – and this is what The Fire Garden is all about, with incredible cocktails thrown into the mix as a serious boozy bonus

From 12th November, the Ham Yard Hotel's roof terrace will become a vision in twinkly lights and alpine foliage as The Fire Garden takes over for a winter of cosy date nights and cocktail-infused gatherings. All tickets include a smoky gimlet and ingredients to toast s'mores over the fire pit – but that's just the beginning. 

They've curated a fire-inspired food menu featuring wood-fired skillets and cheesy flatbreads, alongside a collection of indulgent drinks like the Spirited Mocha – a rich Irish coffee-style sip blending brownie infused Sapling vodka, cold brew andtopped with a cream. 

• Location: 1 Marylebone Road, London, London, NW14AQ
• When: from 21st November 
• Price: from £110 per person 
• Why we recommend: it's not often you get to enjoy a craft workshop and afternoon tea all in one – let alone when there's a festive theme involved. Create something beautiful to take home or give to a loved one as the perfect holiday gift 

Nestled inside the historic One Marylebone, The Greenhouses hosts private dining experiences in stunningly elegant surrounds, with the festive season bringing Afternoons in Bloom's Christmas series combining seasonal crafts with delicious tiered treats. 

With three sessions on the agenda, you could be enjoying finger food and unlimited teas alongside a workshop centred around Christmas card calligraphy, festive flower arranging or bauble painting. All guests will also receive a glass of bubbles on arrival to really get the creative juices flowing. 

• Location: 203 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8ZD
• When: Saturday 12th December
• Price: from £33 per person
• Why we recommend: this all-inclusive event has got everything you want at Christmas - food, drink, music and games in a party setting

An all-inclusive event that's perfect for anyone who likes a boozy Christmas, Simmons on Oxford Street is hosting a Winter Wonderland day party this December. It includes three hours of bottomless drinks, including prosecco, spirits, beer and soft drinks.

Live MCs and DJs will keep the party going, with games, prizes and plenty of surprises along the way. There's also an optional two-course Caribbean meal from M's Kitchen, as well as unlimited soft serve ice cream.

• Location: 118 The Lane, 118, Brick Lane, London, E1 6RL
• When: from 10th November
• Price: from £16.50 per person
• Why we recommend: make something special to hang on your tree with pizza and booze thrown into the mix – making for an Xmas experience that's a total all-rounder

Want to build up a collection of homemade Christmas decorations? This Pizza & Xmas Bauble Painting workshop at Brick Lane craft haven 118 The Lane is a great place to start. 

Get inspired by the expressive graffiti covering the walls of their workshop and paint a bauble reflects your style, all while eating stone-baked pizza topped with anything from creamy Burrata to spiced nduja sausage. Tickets also include a boozy drink, including beer, prosecco or Aperol spritz.

• Location: Mayfair
• When: from 19th November
• Price: TBC
• Why we recommend: if your favourite Christmas song is the Mariah Carey chart-topper, visiting this pop-up is pretty much an essential festive outing

Mariah Carey's Holiday Bar is coming to London to celebrate the diva herself, with is limited-time experience featuring Christmas-themed cocktails and outrageous decorations dedicated to the singer. 

Unleash your love for nostalgic festivities and make the most of your time here by singing alongside a Carey cardboard cut-out – with photo opportunities aplenty. 

• Location: PLATFORM Store London, 49, Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NT
• When: 24th November
• Price: from £16.50
• Why we recommend: get stuck into the world of fashion while getting in the Christmas spirit as you shop, sip and boogie to DJ tracks 

Attend A PLATFORM Christmas Party at their store in Marylebone this November for a celebration of music, fashion and festive drinks as you peruse their latest collections and hear the stories behind them from the designers themselves. 

There will be a tasty charcuterie and cheese grazing station out to play, accompanied by a DJ-led playlist and flowing prosecco. Spot a garment you like? You can take it home for 10% off thanks to the exclusive event-only deal.