30 Cool Things To Do In London This Weekend: 26-28 December

The summer is well and truly behind us, here are the best things to do in London this winter. 

But what to do in London this weekend? There's seasonal fun to be had at Ham Yard Hotel's winter rooftop pop-up, and if you're looking for family-friendly things to do then check out the Studio Ghibli shop.

Check back each week to uncover the best things to do in London this weekend and book on DesignMyNight, from free things to do in London this weekend to the most luxury and unusual. 

What Are The Best Things Happening In London This Weekend?

1. Cosy Up At The Fire Garden At Ham Yard Hotel

• When: until 30th December 2025
• Location: 4th Floor, Ham Yard Hotel, W1D 7DT
• Price: from £24 (non-alcoholic £24; regular £28)
• We recommend for: cosy date nights, festive catch-ups, rooftop romantics, and anyone who thinks winter tastes better toasted

Hidden high above Soho’s hustle sits one of London’s most enchanting winter hideaways: The Fire Garden, the Ham Yard Hotel’s annual rooftop pop-up, this year in collaboration with the eco-friendly wizards at Sapling Spirits. Think crackling fire pits, twinkling lights, hot cocktails and enough toasted marshmallow vibes to melt even the iciest Londoner.

Your ticket includes a steaming hot G&T on arrival, another drink of your choice, and DIY s’mores. Drinks lean fully into the fireside fantasy: sip a Spirited Mocha (a brownie-infused vodka twist on Irish coffee, finished with rooftop-honey cream), go all-in with a Marshmallow Blazer, or warm your cockles with a smoky Savoury BBQ Vesper.

Book Tickets To The Fire Garden At Ham Yard Hotel Here. 

The Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel.

Enjoy some chocolate drinks with a little twist at Twixmas. 

3. Experience The Guinness Open Gate Brewery London 

• When: Thursday 11th December 2025
• Location: Shelton Street, WC2H 9PU
• Price: TBC
• We recommend for: beer lovers, foodies, and London explorers

London’s Covent Garden is about to get a seriously epic new addition: The Guinness Open Gate Brewery London. Set on the historic Old Brewer’s Yard - where beer has been brewed since 1722 - this 54,000 sq ft hub promises to be an all-around pint lover’s dream.

Head inside for exclusive guided tours led by Master Brewer Hollie, where you can explore Guinness’s heritage, watch a working brewery in action, sample a perfectly poured pint, and even try your hand at the iconic pour yourself. Foodies are equally spoiled: rooftop Gilroy’s Loft serves Britain’s finest seafood with skyline views, while Porter’s Table celebrates locally sourced produce. There’s also a central covered courtyard with a bar and chef Calum Franklin’s handmade pies, plus rotating limited-edition brews from the world-leading microbrewery.

And if shopping’s your thing, two retail stores - Guinness Good Things and The Store - are stacked with memorabilia, fashion collabs, and exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else. 

Discover More About The New Guinness Brewery Here.

A buzzing new attraction is in the works.

4. Visit An Unusual Museum

• When: various dates and times depending on the museum
• Location: museums across the capital
• Price: depends on the museum
• We recommend for: quirky art displays and history

It's no secret that London is home to some of the best museums in the world, but if you're bored of all the usual suspects (though we know you really can't go wrong with the Natural History)? We've got just the thing. 

These seven weird and wonderful museums are a great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday (especially if you're looking for free events in London this weekend). Whether you fancy checking out the Freud Museum in Hampstead or heading to Bethnal Green to discover a collection of curiosities throughout history, this list will sort you out. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Unusual Museums Here.

Experience the whacky and wild collections that London has to offer.

5. Drink And Dine At One Of These Amazing Bottomless Brunches

• When: usually held on Saturdays and Sundays
• Location: locations across London
• Price: prices vary depending on the brunch
• We recommend for: tasty cocktails and delicious dishes

Name something you'd rather do on the weekend that a bottomless brunch...we'll wait. Unlimited drinks are now a weekend staple, and mean you can keep track of your pennies without overspending. 

There's a whole host of bottomless brunches available across the city, with everything from ABBA-themed affairs in Covent Garden to multi award-winning brunches entirely centered around Eastenders star, Pat Butcher. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone.

Book A Bottomless Brunch Here.

London has everything from Taylor Swift bottomless brunches to ABBA.

6. Experience A Spellbinding Trip To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

• When: all weekend
• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Unit 11, Hackney, E2 8GY
  
• Price: tickets from £49.50
  
• We recommend for: immersive experiences and quirky cocktails

The world's first wizarding prison bar is opening its doors this weekend. From the creators of Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon and Avora, this brand-new immersive experience will see you conversing with dark arts wizards and prison guards from the wizarding world. 

The immersive theatrical experience combines film-like set designs, three amazing cocktails and magical special effects that are set to blow you away. And you even get your own prison jumpsuit to fully immerse yourself into character. 

Book Tickets To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison Here.

Step inside the magical world of Hexmoor prison for the ultimate immersive cocktail experience.

7. Venture Into London's Cosiest Pubs

• When: various opening times
• Location: pubs across the capital
  
• Price: prices of pints vary
• We recommend for: chilled nights and cold pints

If the cooler evenings have you craving a pint by the fire, London’s cosiest pubs are ready to deliver. From historic haunts to hidden gems, there's plenty of tucked away spots with fireplaces across the capital. Highlights include The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, a 16th-century pub steeped in history; The Mitre in Fulham, serving up hearty British fare beside a roaring hearth; and The Leather Exchange in Bermondsey, where you can tuck into burgers and sweet treats by the flames.

Whether you're after a romantic nook, a Sunday roast with friends, or just a quiet corner to warm up with a mulled wine or a pint of Guinness, these pubs offer the perfect escape from the autumn chill. It’s the ultimate way to toast the weekend in comfort.

Book A Cosy Pub With A Fireplace Here.

Curl up by the fire at one of these amazing pubs this weekend.

8. Book A Saturday Afternoon Winery Tour & Tasting

• When: Saturdays
• Location: Renegade Urban Winery, Unit 7, Lockwood Way, Walthamstow, E17 5RB
• Price: from £25 per ticket
• We recommend for: wine tasting 

With the growing urban winery scene thriving, Renegade Urban Winery in Walthamstow is a fantastic place to spend your Saturday afternoon. For only £25 per person, you'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about how their wine is made, followed by the chance to try four different wines.

They also have a wine bar with a similar name in Bethnal Green, so be sure to double check your route before heading over.

Book A Ticket For Renegade Urban Winery Here.

For just £25 you can get a tour of the winery and a chance to sample four different wines. 

9. Grab A Delicious Roast Dinner

• When: varying opening time across the city
• Location: different locations across the capital
• Price: prices vary depending on the venue
  
• We recommend for: cosy Sunday evenings and hearty meals

With the arrival of autumn, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday than tucking into a roast dinner at one of London’s top spots. From cosy pubs to upscale restaurants, the city is brimming with options that serve up crispy roast potatoes, towering Yorkshire puddings, and rich, velvety gravy. Whether you're after a traditional beef roast or something more adventurous like Indian-inspired lamb shank at The Tamil Crown, there’s something to suit every taste.

Explore The Best Sunday Roasts In London Here.

'Tis the season for a delicious roast dinner.

10. Discover Wes Anderson: The Archives

• When: until 26th July 2026
• Location: The Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG
• Price: adults from £19.69; children (6–15) from £9.84; under 6s free
• We recommend for: film lovers, design geeks, colour-palette obsessives, and anyone who secretly wishes life looked more like a Wes Anderson movie

Visit the perfectly symmetrical, pastel-washed mind of Wes Anderson at Wes Anderson: The Archives, a landmark retrospective giving you unprecedented access to the filmmaker’s personal treasure trove. For the first time in the UK, over 700 objects from Anderson’s private archive - three decades’ worth of storyboards, polaroids, puppets, costumes and miniature sets - are on display at the Design Museum.

Wander past the candy-pink model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, peek at the stop-motion sea creatures from The Life Aquatic, meet Mr Fox in his signature corduroy suit, and get up close to the Isle of Dogs puppets and miniature sets. You’ll also spot the vending machines from Asteroid City, Margot Tenenbaum’s iconic FENDI fur coat, and the beautifully battered Louis Vuitton suitcases from The Darjeeling Limited.

Book Wes Anderson: The Archives Here.

Fan of Wes Anderson? You'll love this exhibition.

11. Catch An Iconic London Theatre Show

• When: matinees and evening performances from Friday to Sunday
• Location: theatres across London and the West End
• Price: prices vary depending on the show
• We recommend for: plays and musicals

London's West End is one of the most famous theatre destinations in the world, showcasing productions such as Matilda The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. One of the most recent shows to hit the theatre scene is Hercules The Musical. 

Whether you're wanting to be transported through a historical masterpiece depicting the magic of Moulin Rouge, or fancy knowing more about Henry VIII's wives in SIX, then definitely book in for a brilliant show. Plenty of them are family-friendly too, like the six-time Olivier Award-winning My Neighbour Totoro. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Theatre Shows Here.

Now in its 26th year of running, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is perfect for you and the kids.

12. Join An Illicit Smuggling Gang At Moonshine Saloon

• When: selected times from Friday to Sunday
• Where: Moonshine Saloon, 28-30, Houndsditch, EC3A 7DB
• Price: from £39.60 per person
• Perfect for: immersive game nights and quirky cocktails

Out of all the things on in London this weekend, we bet you didn't think you'd see an illicit moonshine smuggling operation taking place. Grab your mates and be a part of the story from £39.60 per person, as you step into an immersive experience that requires you to don your best cowboy hat and sneak your own bottles of liquor in.

Join wanted man Clyde Cassidy and rub shoulders with locals, play a few dice games and enjoy four bespoke tipples whipped up with your own illegal spirits. Just be careful not to go spilling the beans when the Sheriff comes knocking at Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience. - Kiera Chapman

Book Moonshine Saloon Here.

Dress like a cowboy and drink bespoke cocktails at this immersive western-style bar.

13. Catch The First Sunrise After Boxing Day At Sky Garden

• When: various dates from the 27th of December 2025
• Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, City of London, EC3M 8AF
• Price: from £7.15 per person
• We recommend for: serene mornings, city views, and a cosy breakfast

If you’re still buzzing from Boxing Day and fancy a calmer start to the weekend, head 155 metres above the city for a Twixmas sunrise at Sky Garden.

Nestled atop the iconic Walkie-Talkie building, the Sky Garden offers panoramic Thames views and a peaceful escape from the post-holiday chaos. Grab a freshly brewed coffee or tea and a pastry from the daily selection, then wander the lush landscaped gardens before the crowds arrive. Bar tables are first-come, first-served, so dress warmly, sip slowly, and let the city wake up beneath you.

Book Tickets For Sunrise At Sky Garden Here.

Catch the sunrise with epic views of London landmarks.

14. Indulge With TOD's Festive Feast 

• When: until 28th December 2025
• Location: Outernet, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 8LH
• Price: varies by vendor
• We recommend for: street-food obsessives, TikTok snack hunters, and anyone who plans their weekends around what they’re eating next

If your perfect December activity involves eating your body weight in viral bites, TOD’s Festive Feast is the foodie wonderland you’ve been manifesting. Curated by social media’s resident flavour king @eatingwithtod, this winter blowout brings together Britain’s hottest street-food heroes, cult favourites and trending dishes, all under one deliciously festive roof.

It's a hand-picked lineup of London’s most iconic vendors, each chosen for one thing: pure, unapologetic flavour. Expect outrageous truffle-loaded goodness from Truffle London, gooey raclette-style indulgence from Jumi Cheese London, sky-high stuffed sandwiches from Rubens, and the kind of crispy-chewy churros Salvador Churros makes you think Santa should deliver instead of presents.

Visit TOD's Festive Feast Here.

Feast with @eatingwithtod this weekend.

15. Head To The Ballet With The Nutcracker 

• When: various dates from 11th to 31st December 2025
• Location: London Coliseum, 33 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES
• Price: from £22
• We recommend for: families, ballet lovers and anyone who wants maximum festive magic

One of London’s most enchanting Christmas traditions is back: The Nutcracker returns to the legendary London Coliseum this December, bringing glittering snowflakes, dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to the West End. 

Set in Edwardian London, this heartwarming tale follows young Clara, who discovers a mysterious Nutcracker doll during a Christmas Eve trip to Drosselmeyer’s Sweets and Delights Emporium. After returning home with sugarplums, marzipan and more seasonal treats, the party shifts into magic mode: Clara is whisked into a dreamlike adventure where she bravely faces the Rat King before journeying to an icy kingdom ruled by a shimmering Snow Queen.

Book Tickets To The Nutcracker Here.

The Nutcracker can be a festive tradition. 

16. Sip Cocktails In One Of Circe's Cloud 9 Pods

• When: until 29th March 2026
• Location: 117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL
  
• Price: from £200 per pod
• We recommend for: intimate group gatherings, private dining, and winter drinks

Escape the winter chill and secure one of Circe’s Cloud 9 Pods, where warmth, comfort, and spectacular views await high above the city streets. Each heated pod is designed for private and cosy drinking or dining, complete with plush seating, soft blankets, ambient lighting, and Bluetooth speakers so you can set your own soundtrack. 

You'll receive a complimentary Patron Paloma on arrival, and the specially curated winter menus promise seasonal indulgence. With space for up to nine people, these pods are highly sought after, so reservations are a must for a magical winter escape in the clouds.

Book Circe's Cloud 9 Pods Here. 

Book your winter drinks at Circe's Rooftop in Waterloo.

17. Visit An Immersive Art Exhibition

• When: selected times depending on the venue
• Location: varying locations across the capital
• Price: from free
• We recommend for: immersive art and family-friendly days out

Step into a world where art meets experience with London’s immersive exhibitions. From digital dreamscapes to multi-sensory installations, the city is bursting with creative spaces that invite you to walk through, touch, and even become part of the artwork. Think glowing forests, surreal projections, and interactive storytelling that goes far beyond the traditional gallery visit.

Whether you're exploring the futuristic realms of Frameless, diving into Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms, or wandering through the colourful illusions at Dopamine Land, these exhibitions offer a fresh, unforgettable way to engage with art. 

Explore More Immersive Art Exhibitions Here.

The city is bursting full of incredible immersive art exhibitions.

18. Explore The Enchanted World Of Chanel Pop-Up

• When: 6th - 28th December 2025
  
• Location: Covent Garden Piazza, 1-7 Covent Garden, WC2E 8HD
• Price: free
  
• We recommend for: Instagrammable installations

One of the most iconic brands of all time, Chanel is hosting a pop-up on the Covent Garden Piazza this Christmas. This is an immersive light installation that features the iconic No5 fragrance bottle as its centrepiece, as well as five of the House's emblematic symbols.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, they host live music performances every hour from 2pm until 6.30pm - making it all the more magical. 

Read More About The Enchanted World of Chanel Pop-Up Here.

This iconic fashion brand is bringing Covent Garden to life.

19. Check Out London's Best Parks

• When: anytime
• Location: London's most famous green spaces
• Price: from free
• We recommend for: free things to do and wholesome experiences

When the weather's looking good for the weekend ahead, there's nothing better than chilling in a beautiful green space, and it's one of the many free things to do. This city has plenty of parks (and is actually made up of 40% public spaces), which is why it's only natural that we've put together a guide to the very best parks across the capital.

We've got all areas covered, from Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common or Greenwich Park - perfect for picnics, alfresco drinks and soaking up the sun among Grade II-listed buildings or picturesque Japanese gardens. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Parks Here.

Free-roaming deer inhabit Richmond Park.

20. Explore The Newest Restaurant Openings

• When: various opening times
• Location: varying locations across the city
  
• Price: prices of food will vary
  
• We recommend for: incredible food and dining out
  

• When: all weekend
• Location: multiple venues across London
• Price: tickets vary depending on the venue
• We recommend for: partying and late night dancing

When looking for events in London this weekend, make sure to check out what's going on at some of the city's coolest clubs. You'll find that the Tottenham-based Drumsheds is one of the hottest around, hosting epic gigs in a warehouse space that used to be an IKEA.

If techno's your thing, check out fabric in Farringdon, or make your way over to Hackney Wick for Colour Factory, where you'll find a pretty outdoor terrace serving up delicious food (think burgers and Greek goodies) and all-day and night bashes 'til 4am. - Kiera Chapman

Discover And Book More Clubs Here.

London's home to some of the best nightclubs in the world, including fabric, Drumsheds and Colour Factory.

22. Check Out The Capital's Best Cocktail Bars

• When: open now
• Location: 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 6AN
• Price: prices of food and drinks vary
  
• We recommend for: American-Italian dining and date night

Looking for the perfect spot to sip something special this weekend? London’s cocktail scene is overflowing with stylish bars serving up expertly crafted drinks in unforgettable settings. Whether you're into smoky old fashioneds, tropical tiki creations, or something totally experimental, there’s a bar for every taste.

Head to Swift for sleek sophistication, SOMA for minimalist Japanese-inspired mixes, or Nightjar for vintage vibes and live jazz. If you’re after something quirky, try Callooh Callay for playful menus and bold flavours. It’s the ideal way to elevate your weekend plans - one cocktail at a time.

Explore More Of London's Best Cocktail Bars Here.

London is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the UK.

23. Check Out Some Of London's Best Exhibitions

• When: every day on weekends, although each exhibition's opening times are different
• Location: all around London
• Price: price depends on the exhibition
• We recommend for: art buffs and wholesome things to do

If you're wondering what to do in London this weekend, allow us to point you to one of the thousands of exhibitions in the city - some of which are entirely free to enter.

It's a great idea for couples or even a little bit of alone time - just take your pick of everything from the iconic David Bowie Centre to Yoshitomo Nara at the Hayward Gallery and an exhibition on Wes Anderson at The Design Museum. There's also an immersive Titanic experience too.

Explore More Exhibitions Here.

London's exhibition scene is full of historical delights, such as Spencer House, as well as installations dedicated to David Bowie.

24. Visit These Stunning Winter Rooftops

• When: throughout winter
• Location: across London
• Price: food and drink prices vary
• We recommend for: winter date ideas

Winter is fast approaching, and we're all on the hunt for cosy things to do. That's where these winter rooftops come in, promising amazing views of the city while you're surrounded by festive decor and sipping themed cocktails.

These cool pop-ups can be found all over the city. Some of our favourites include Jin Bo Law, London Bridge Rooftop's apres ski pop-up and The Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel, to name just a few.

Check Out These Winter Rooftops Here.

Cosy up with a cocktail at these rooftop bars.

25. Climb The O2

• When: until 4th January 2026
• Location: The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX
• Price: from £44
  
• We recommend for: thrill seekers

Climbing The O2 is always a great attraction, but at winter it gets a festive makeover. There's a glowing snow globe on top of the iconic landmark, where you'll be able to enjoy views of the city while surrounded by festive Christmas trees, and their opening is this weekend.

You'll have an extra 20 minutes on the roof after your climb to soak up the atmosphere, great for photo opportunities. Plus, there's prosecco, mulled wine, hot chocolate and soft drinks available to purchase.

Book The Snow Globe Climb Here.

Climb The O2 this winter for great views.

26. Get Creative With Pottery Painting

• When: weekend days, with different opening times for each studio
• Location: all over the capital
• Price: dependent on your chosen venue
• We recommend for: wholesome activities and art

Sometimes, you've got to get a little bit creative (or remind yourself why you either loved or loathed having pottery painting parties when you were a kid). Across London, loads of cool haunts are inviting you to decorate ceramics, from cereal bowls and egg cups to classic mugs to drink your morning coffee out of.

Head to West London to the Pottery Café, pay a £7.95 studio fee, then hit the brushes, or make your way over to Kentish Town for Social Pottery's offering which comes with a BYOB option. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Pottery Painting Places Here.

Head to a pottery painting studio and pay as little as £6 as a studio fee.

27. Visit Lift 109 At Battersea Power Station

• When: Fridays and Saturdays
• Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, SW11 8DD
• Price: from £17 a ticket
• We recommend for: amazing views and quirky things to do

Take the Northern line to one of the most iconic buildings in the city, which is Grade II-listed and has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and leisure destination. Battersea Power Station has been around since 1929, with a steady construction history and plenty of cool pop culture moments (Pink Floyd album cover, anyone?).

Today, you can ascend 109 metres up to the top of Lift 109 and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from £17 per person. And if you're hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch or dinner, including JOIA, run by Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. - Kiera Chapman

Read More About Battersea Power Station Here.

Boasting restaurants and bars such as Searcy's, JOIA and Arcade Food Hall and Bar, Battersea Power Station is a must-visit.

28. See A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story

• When: until 4th January 2026
• Location: Alexandra Palace Theatre
• Price: from £19 per person
• We recommend for: theatre lovers, gothic Christmas fans, and Dickens devotees

If you like your Christmas classics with a touch of the macabre, Mark Gatiss’s haunting adaptation of A Christmas Carol  - A Ghost Story is the winter theatre trip you need on your calendar. After a rave-reviewed run in 2023, this atmospheric retelling returns to the grand, ghostly halls of Alexandria Palace Theatre, a venue so perfectly eerie it feels practically designed for Dickens.

The story is the one you know… but not as you’ve seen it. On a bitter Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the chained, tormented spirit of Jacob Marley, warning him to change his ways before it’s too late. What follows is a night of spectral visitations, Victorian dread, and heart-thumping special effects that bring the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come to life in spine-tingling fashion.

Book Tickets To A Christmas Carol  - A Ghost Story Here.

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story. 

30. Discover The Gingerbread City In King's Cross

• When: 29th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• Location: Unit 5, 79-81 Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ
• Price: £13.50 per adult 
• We recommend for: festive family days out, creative workshops, and architecture lovers

The Gingerbread City® is London’s much-loved festive exhibition at King’s Cross. This year’s theme, The Playful City, imagines a future of cities designed for fun, curiosity, and connection, with skatepark train stations, slides between classrooms, and rooftop gardens filled with candy-coloured climbing walls.

After exploring the magical edible city, you can join a workshop to build your own gingerbread Community Centre to take home. With interactive exhibits, stunning architectural creativity, and hands-on workshops, it’s the perfect festive day out for families, friends, and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Discover what you can really do with gingerbread. 

Need more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in London for more ideas.