By Scarlett Welch
•
Editor, DesignMyNight
Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others.
Last updated on 28th October 2026
It doesn't matter whether you're truly swept up in the feel-good
festive spirit or you're more anti-yuletide than Mr Scrooge
himself, there's definitely something for you in our list
of the best events and things to do in December in London.
Looking for things to do on New Year's Eve in London? Why, do we have the guide for you. From banging bottomless brunches to kick start your celebrations through to swanky restaurants and quirky-as-can-be parties, there's a lot to sink your teeth into.
While it may be frightfully cold out, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy alfresco drinking and dining. Say hello to London's igloo pop-ups that promise of cute and cosy interiors, cracking grub and, of course, killer cocktails to boot.
Perhaps the biggest thing going on in December? Christmas, of course. And if you're after the best things to do and the most fun Christmas events in London, then you'll want to check out our guides to all things yuletide.
From Christmas theatre shows to themed brunches and afternoon teas, as well festive film screenings while floating in a hot tub, there's a jam-packed roster of everything Christmas-related this month.
Perfect for a Christmas get-together, Flight Club offers the ultimate weekend social experience. Head to Victoria where you can take their state-of-the-art interactive darts oches for a test drive alongside bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco each.
One of the best things to do in London this December, head over to Balham where The Exhibit are transforming their venue into a magical winter wonderland. Join them for festive tipples and gorgeous decor throughout the month.
Throughout the festive season, Vinegar Yard will be bringing serious après ski vibes to London Bridge. This yuletide haven now boasts lots of cute and cosy igloos that are decked out with sofas, blankets and more, plus there will be all kinds of delicious Christmas-themed food and cocktails.
If you're a fan of immersive theatre, be sure to check out Mr Fogg's Christmas Murder Mystery this month. Taking place at Mr Fogg's Residence in Mayfair, this interactive event will have you working as detectives to solve a crime, teaming up with Inspector Fix.
There'll be plenty of festive elements thrown in, as you crack clues and narrow down suspects. And the best part? Two cocktails are included with every ticket.
Following 10 sold-out dates throughout the year, Silent Sounds are finishing the season off with a bang. Their Silent Disco Christmas special takes place on a two-storey boat complete with bars and live DJs, who'll be playing festive tunes directly into your headphones.
Sing along to Mariah Carey and other Christmas classics, choosing your own channel, while you float past some of London's most iconic landmarks on this four-hour cruise.
Get ready for a Christmas Silent Disco at Battersea Power Station's iconic Control Room B. Every ticket comes with a headset and a welcome cocktail, plus champagne upgrades for those who love bubbles.
Dance under twinkling lights to live DJs, show off your best jumper for the chance of winning a Moët & Chandon prize and soak up the charm of the 1950s Christmas-themed space.
If you're searching for a fantastic festive brunch in Covent Garden or Clapham Junction, Blame Gloria has you covered. Its themed events centre around either the music of ABBA or beloved chart-toppers from the 80s, 90s and 00s, led by a drag host.
Expect plenty of glamour and hilarious entertainment, as well as plenty of opportunities for a singalong. Alongside the show, you can tuck into a delicious burger of your choice and make the most of 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails.
This festive season, Xmas Bingo Voyage takes Christmas celebrations to the next level. Enjoy a playful evening of bingo, challenges, and prizes, paired with burgers, drinks, and boozy Shuck Shack treats.
Choose from three packages to suit your party style, whether it's a casual night with prosecco and fries or a three-course festive feast with cocktails. Doors open at 6.30pm for a lively, interactive show that's as merry as it is competitive.
Taking place throughout the month, Dirty Martini are hosting a festive brunch at their Bishopsgate venue. This comes with 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails or mocktails, from an Aperol spritz to the pornstar martini.
These come alongside a festive birdcage sharer, either classic or vegetarian. Expect lots of delicious bites inside, from mushroom arancini to tandoor bhajis and pigs under blankets sliders.
Get ready to sing your heart out this Christmas season across two unique festive brunch experiences. Throw on a Santa hat for the Ho Ho Hoedown Bottomless Brunch, where fierce drag stars, country line dancing, and ringtoss games take centre stage.
If vintage Christmas jams are more your speed, the Festive Throwback Bottomless Bingo Brunch treats guests to classic 90s pop, tinsel-covered nostalgia, and high-stakes holiday bingo. Both events include unlimited margaritas, pornstar martinis, or mocktails paired with tasty pizza.
Looking for a boozy, festive event that will have you up and dancing? Then head to the Winter Wonderland day party at Simmons on Oxford Street. This is an all-inclusive event where you'll enjoy three hours of bottomless drinks, as well as free-flowing soft serve ice cream.
You can add on a tasty two-course meal from M's Kitchen, featuring Caribbean favourites like jerk chicken and barbecue salmon. Throughout, DJs will be playing, and MCs will be bringing you games, prizes and more.
Channel your inner Dancing Queen at Tonight Josephine's Mamma Mia Christmas Brunch. London's famous pink cocktail palace is decking the halls with 70s nostalgia and high-energy performances hosted by a West End drag star.
For £49, you'll get a tasty main dish (including buttermilk chicken and halloumi burgers) alongside bottomless cocktails, bubbles, and beer while singing your heart out to ABBA all afternoon.
While Piano Works is known as London's live jukebox bar – where song requests are required to keep the party going – its also a great venue for a bottomless brunch – especially one of the festive kind. For £50 you can secure bottomless spritz cocktails, prosecco or beer for 90 mintues, alongside two brunch plates including an irresistible dessert.
You can go ahead and request any Christmas tune you can think of for the live band to play out to the crowds – making this an unmissable event for all lovers of festive cheer.
Go back in time this holiday season as A Dickensian Christmas by candlelight returns to the West End for its fifth consecutive year at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church.
You'll enjoy authentic Victorian carols performed by the Covent Garden Carollers Vocal Quartet, alongside dramatic readings from A Christmas Carol brought to life by acting legend Don Gallagher. The evening also invites the audience to raise the roof in traditional carols accompanied by the historic Willis pipe organ, making it a truly magical holiday tradition.
JOIA's Rooftop Christmas Movie Pop Up & Dinner is the perfect excuse to settle in for your favourite festive film surrounded by fairy light-festooned trees with a backdrop of Battersea Power Station in the distance.
Cosy up with a blanket as you enjoy the festive flick on a comfy sofa, with popcorn included. Your ticket will also entitle you to three dishes from a special set menu, with options spanning octopus salad, lamb shank and basque cheesecake.
Whether you're feeling worse after too much festive cheer or looking to get well and truly into the holiday spirit, the Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch has got just what you need. Think non-stop anthems spanning hip hop, afrobeats and RnB from live DJs and the incredible Re:Imagined Orchestra.
To keep you dancing from the first minute to the last, there's fuel in the form of burgers and BBQ, plus 90 minutes of bottomless booze. Tickets to this epic afternoon start from just £16.50.
Having won an Award of Excellence at the Afternoon Tea Awards for their outstanding service, it's safe to say that The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel knows what they're doing when it comes to this quintessential pastime. This month, they're hosting a special Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea that'll get you in the festive spirit, with warming hot drinks and dainty seasonal treats to enjoy. This experience will set you back £75 per person, or why not add on a glass of Champagne for £10 extra?
One of the best places to go this December in London, Biscuiteers are offering a range of winter-themed workshops that are ideal for escaping the seasonal chill. Treat yourself to a day of making tree decorations, gift hampers or expertly decorated biscuits at their sites in Notting Hill, Belgravia and Northcote Road.
By now, Jimmy Garcia's Fire & Fromage has cemented itself as a South Bank winter tradition. Back once again, the pop-up combines comfort food, Alpine nostalgia and festive sparkle, all wrapped up in one riverside setting.
With fondue feasts, street food, roaring fires and flowing mulled wine, it's an experience Londoners flock to every year, and with good reason to. Grab your tickets now from £35 per person.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club is a must-visit in Farringdon, serving up delicious Chocotinis, drinks served in edible reindeers and other tasty creations. This quirky bar is the ideal location for a hen do, birthday, or even just a treat for you chocolate lovers out there. You can also treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea here for as little as £25, as well as 90-minute cocktail making masterclasses.
On the hunt for cool rooftop events in Central London? Sky Garden is making sure your agenda is well and truly packed with a whole host of exciting goings-on. Whether you fancy live music nights (plus the chance to upgrade to a VIP experience perfect for special occasions), sunrise entry, yoga sessions or breakfasts, this place has plenty to do while admiring those views from the top of 20 Fenchurch Street.
December 2026 in London boasts not one or two, but three The Candlelight Club events for you to choose between. Not only can you expect live jazz, dancefloor antics and a Gatsby-inspired night of 20s glitz and glam, but you can also add on a meal before you bust a move.
Mark the festive season with the most wholesome activity of all: baking. At The Big Bakes in Tooting or Haggerston, you'll pair up in the hopes of whisking, folding and rolling your way to a winning bake.
Love yourself a beer from Camden Town? Head down to the brewery this December and you'll find a tour full of treats in store for you. Get all the goss on how your favourite pints are brewed, including plenty of tastings along the way. Cheers.
Party with some of the fiercest queens around at Bougie Drag Events, who host bottomless brunches and dinners across venues in Vauxhall and Embankment. Each session promises four hours of fantastic entertainment, including lip-syncing, catwalk contests and more.
Get involved in fun competitions for the chance to win over £200 worth of prizes. While you're here, you'll also get to enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited drinks and a delicious dish to top it off.
if you're after fun and unique events this month, then be sure to check out Mr Fogg's This weird and wonderful venue is found in Soho, home to a regular lineup of quirky happenings. Their botanical brunches are always a hit, or try out some boozy sessions with their gin tasting and cocktail masterclasses.
They also host a number of immersive events, including a Victorian Murder Mystery where you'll work as a team to narrow down the culprit. They also offer a treasure hunt experience, using your puzzle-solving skills to crack the clues.
Celebrate the festive season above it all at Circe's Rooftop, where London's skyline sparkles just for you. Whether you're planning a pre-Christmas catch-up or an end-of-year bash, this spot blends mythological elegance with full-on winter magic.
For the ultimate December celebration, gather your crew and reserve a Cloud 9 Pod. These heated, star-lit igloos are made for festive fun, complete with curated menus, fairy lights, Grey Goose cocktails, and private music. December in London doesn't get cosier (or cooler) than this.
Looking for something different to do this December? Then head on over to one of the top attractions in London, The Magic Hour, an exclusive magic show at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane and Andaz in Shoreditch, and expect an evening full of surprise and illusion.
Dance on into the holiday season at Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk night. Under the iconic domes of the Rivoli Ballroom, you'll boogie to the defining tunes of the decades.
In charge of the soundtrack, DJ Kobayashi will keep the dancefloor full all the way through to 2am. Grab your tickets to get down from just £17.60.
Perched on their rooftop terrace, Soho venue Ham Yard Hotel are hosting The Fire Garden this winter. This is a seasonal pop-up themed around the joys of an open fire, promising DIY s'mores and a welcome cocktail or mocktail with every ticket.
Expect warm, cosy decor and plenty of comfy seating. In collaboration with Sapling Spirits, they're whipping up special cocktails like the Marshmallow Blazer or a Smoked BBQ Vesper, alongside wood-fired dishes such as pumpkin and gorgonzola flatbreads and roast scallops with chicken butter.
Treat yo' self to the best December events in London when you head to venues across the city for hip hop, RnB and 90s hits from Supa Dupa Fly. There's weekly club nights with the very best DJs and even a New Year's Eve special at All Star Lanes, keeping you dancing the whole month long.
Looking for a quirky date idea this month, or a fun outing with a friend? Then check out The Ultimate Baking Challenge, hosted by Bake Master. This is an 80-minute session, where you'll get the chance to bake and decorate your very own three-tier cake.
They can cater to all dietary requirements, and you can choose whatever toppings you like. There's tie for photos included, as well as a cocktail or mocktail making section, with other drinks available to purchase throughout.
Swap your Christmas jumper for double denim at the 90's VS 00's Bottomless Brunch. The faded circus glamour of Trapeze's main bar is coming alive with all the biggest hits and best-loved remixes of the past two decades.
The resident ringmaster will lead you through three hours of live singalongs, lip sync battles, conga lines and epic dance offs. Tickets start from just from £43.94 and include 90 minutes of bottomless booze.
Experience one of London's most cherished international holiday traditions as LondonSwedes marks the return of their signature Lucia concert.
Headlining this year's milestone event is Swedish royalty Jill Johnson, renowned for her decades of platinum-selling hits and TV show Jill's Veranda. Alongside the ethereal harmonies of The LondonSwedes Choir, guests will be immersed in a glowing atmosphere of candlelight, timeless carols, and Nordic hospitality.
Shoreditch's iconic club Ballie Ballerson may be best known for its Instagrammable ball pit, but did you know that they also host all kinds of events? They've got a lineup of weekly goings-on, from bottomless brunches to huge Saturday parties and even nights dedicated to girl band classics.
There are also some special events for this month, including Christmas mass karaoke, where drag queens will be hosting sing-along fun on stage. Plus, there's a cracking New Year's Eve party to check out.
The Kino Show invites you to step into a world of feathers, sequins, smoke-filled cabarets and brilliant burlesque. This sensational performance celebrates iconic showgirls from over the years - from the artistry of Sally Rand and Josephine Baker to the allure of Golden Age icons like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth.
Expect plenty of cracking tunes along the way, from the likes of Chicago, The Last Showgirl and Moulin Rouge, among others. Grab your tickets from just £17.60.
Looking for something totally unique to spice up your December plans? On 21st December, our world and the fantasy realm turn under the same sun to mark the longest night of the year. To honour this solstice tradition, east London's immersive venue Hexmoor: The Longest Night offers a specialised Winter Enchanter experience package.
Alongside entry to the live-actor prison show and three smuggled cocktail potions, you'll receive an additional festive drink and a physical Hexmoor tin candle to take home. Designed around the narrative lore of keeping a flame lit against dark winter evenings, it offers a tangible, physical keepsake that extends the magic of the show long after you step back out onto Hackney Road.
For a seriously camp and outrageous Saturday afternoon, don't miss out on Ginger's Big Drag Bottomless Brunch. Found at Balls Brothers, it'll feature cracking entertainment, from games and challenges to DJs, not to mention tasty food and free-flowing bubbles.
Taking place at top-notch venues across the capital in December, Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events London is a great choice for those of you after a little fun. Whether you're heading to a Britney, Gaga or Buff Bingo bottomless brunch, expect there to plenty of live entertainment. Plus, there are plenty of Christmas options too.
Escape the winter chill and take part in the hottest music quiz in town. The Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is an event unlike any other, with questions spanning genres and decades, a plethora of quirky activities and an unbeatable party vibe.
The Christmas edition promises festive tunes aplenty, as well as a vibrant atmosphere. Tickets start from just £20, and groups of all sizes are welcome. Find them in the West End, Islington and beyond.
For brilliant live entertainment seven days a week, check out Albert's Schloss in the West End. This bustling Bavarian-themed bar is all about fantastic live music and cabaret shows, from DJs and dancing on Saturday nights to pianists taking requests on Wednesdays. You can also enjoy a delicious Sunday roast paired with a musical performance here, and there's tasty German fare and brilliant beer available all week long.
Kick off the festive season with a trip to the theatre. The Rosemary Branch in Islington has all manner of plays, comedy, puppetry, burlesque, cabaret and more lined up for you, whether you're looking for a wholesome evening out with the family or a raucous night of fun.
Ease into the festive season with some low-key laughs. Head over to Bethnal Green where the Backyard Comedy Club is showing you the lighter side of life with a top-notch line-up of fresh talent and established names giving you the giggles.
Have you ever wanted to be a West-End sensation? Well, you can now sing your heart out with the stars from the likes of Wicked and Hamilton whilst enjoying a bottomless brunch with top-notch prosecco and cocktails.
At the Queen of Hoxton, you'll be able to experience one of the best brunches in the city. The event comes complete with live performances, games, free-flowing mimosas and delicious waffles to chow down on.
It wouldn't be Christmas without a little karaoke. This December, head to a secret location in London and celebrate Hip Hop Brunch LDN's event. They're bringing three course meals, free flowing drinks and a whole lot of dancing and music throughout the evening.
Trying to find a killer party in December? Spend an afternoon in style at Garage Brunch's event in a secret London location. You will get the chance to sing and dance, all while enjoying a two course meal and bottomless cocktails.
When the December cold sets in, step back in time to 1904 and duck into Coldwater, Kansas - a snowed-in frontier town where alcohol is strictly forbidden and the Sheriff is always watching. In this special seasonal edition of London's wildly popular immersive show, Moonshine: The Christmas Run, your mission as an out-of-town bootlegger is simple: bring a sealed bottle of your favourite spirit to tally on the saloon board and help the covert town locals throw a proper festive celebration.
Upon arrival, you'll be fitted with your own poncho and Stetson before being ushered through a secret bookshelf distillery into the hidden saloon. While live actors weave a story of holiday secrets, cold-case murder mysteries, and anti-drink sermons around you, world-class bartenders get to work using your group's bottle to craft three bespoke cocktails tailored to your taste profile.
Add a little mystery to your festive celebrations this year with a ticket to The Murdér Express. Climb aboard an old-school train carriage (at your own risk) and embark on an immersive dinner set in the early 20th century, where you'll be watching a crime investigation unfold between courses - and even joining in some sleuthing yourselves.
Spice up your December event schedule with a trip to Proud Cabaret City, where Rock the Belles will be taking over for a bottomless brunch to remember. The all-female crew will be blasting RnB hits while you drink and dance your way into the weekend.
Offering up one of the most unique drinking experiences in the capital, a visit to one of Alcotraz's prison-themed cocktail bars is certainly one for the bucket list. Part immersive event, part big old booze up, you'll be tasked with smuggling, sipping and avoiding the watchful eye of the warden.
They're running their first ever Christmas show this year, The Christmas Pardon. Everyone brings in a Christmas present for the warden to judge personally, and the best one grants the giver a pardon - perfect for getting rid of any unwanted Secret Santa gifts too. Plus, there'll be festive decorations made from contraband items.
Old School R&B Brunch is back in London this December, giving you the chance to enjoy a slice of tropical paradise to escape the winter chill. Expect to find a buzzing atmosphere, fuelled with soul food, bottomless punch and party tunes.
Round up your crew and get ready for an unforgettable night at the Forbidden Nights Male Strip Show. This December, catch these dazzling performers (and their impressive abs) live and in action - if you loved them on Britain's Got Talent, now's your chance to see the magic up close.
Tickets start from just £25, which not only gets you a front-row seat to the show but also entry to the sizzling after-party at Infernos London. Expect hot moves, belly laughs, photo ops, and endless fun. Grab your tickets now and prepare for a night that gets your heart racing.
Leave the stress of the festive season at the door and leave with a whole new perspective as you embark on a journey kundalini energy, breathwork, somatic awareness and shamanic practice.
Natalia Bareikis, a leading somatic practitioner, will be guiding you through a series of thoughtful movements and mindfulness exercises in a tranquil studio in East London. Expect to feel more present and aware in the weeks following the class, as your shown tools to manage inner voices and release emotional, physical and energetic blocks.
Though it may be more than a little chilly this month, you can still get outside in December. Skuna Boats run a Floating Hot Tub Tour of London's Docklands every Wednesday, where you'll soak up views of the area while relaxing in a toasty 38-degree hot tub.
This is available for groups of up to seven people at a time, with private hire available too. Sip bubbles as you go, with a tour guide pointing out all the sights and teaching you more about the area.
To those in the know, Presley Carl Timothy, the creative force known as Prezzman, is a fixture of the local scene. Having racked up Phoenix FM radio plays and shared bills with the likes of N-Dubz and JLS via Project Talent UK, he's celebrating his birthday in style at The Phoenix on the 13th of December.
The early afternoon starts with Clash Of The Hits at 4pm, setting the stage for Prezzman's 7pm showcase. Taking the mic for hits like "Don't Throw It Away," "So Much Better," and "Clash That," he'll also drop an extended six-minute spin on "Gotta Get Thru This." To wrap up the celebration, DJ Gootm takes control for a dynamic Smash That Clash session running until 10pm.
Soho Hidden Jazz Club is bringing award-winning musicians to a striking former church for an exclusive, one-night-a-month performance. Led by one of Britain's top jazz stars, the live band delivers rich symphonic sounds in an intimate setting.
For just £20, grab an unallocated theatre seat close to the stage and enjoy a memorable night of world-class live music.
Why settle for one DJ when you can command three? Silent Disco Global builds multi-genre environments inside space-defining landmarks where standard amplified sound systems simply aren't feasible. Over the past ten years, their global presence has spanned everything from Asian cultural hubs to Europe's most recognisable skyline locations.
At The Shard, their party concept comes into its sharpest focus. You put on your custom headsets, pick your preferred live DJ battle line, and dance high above the river, swapping channels on the fly whenever your friends change rhythm.
Located in Shoreditch, Avora is the sci-fi-inspired immersive experience that transports you to a magical, bioluminescent planet. They have written a special Christmas show this year: the planet has frozen over, and not everyone is convinced that it's just seasonal.
You'll enter the story as new recruits of Roscorp, studying the world and its mysterious substance Luminol. Plus, you'll get three cocktails included as part of your ticket price.
Are there any unique or unusual December events in London?
Yes - London's December calendar goes well beyond Christmas markets. Alcotraz is a fully immersive prison-themed cocktail bar where guests smuggle in spirits and mix their own drinks. The Magic Hour is an exclusive close-up magic show hosted at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane and Andaz Shoreditch. For something theatrical, Forbidden Nights Male Strip Show runs this month. The Candlelight Club brings Gatsby-era 1920s jazz nights with dinner add-ons, and Garage Brunch hosts a secret-location afternoon party with a two-course meal and bottomless cocktails.
What December events in London are good for groups or Christmas parties?
Several events on the DesignMyNight December list are ideal for groups. Flight Club in Victoria offers interactive darts oches with bottomless drinks - perfect for a work do. Lodge d'Argent, the ski chalet pop-up at rooftop bar Coq d'Argent, can be hired privately for up to eight people with fondue and Courvoisier cocktails. Proud Cabaret City is hosting Rock the Belles for a bottomless brunch with RnB and dancing. The Sounds Familiar Music Quiz welcomes groups of all sizes from £20pp, and Biscuiteers' festive workshops are a fun hands-on option for smaller parties.
What's on in London between Christmas and New Year?
While specific dates vary year to year, London typically offers continued runs of West End shows, immersive experiences, and festive pop-ups throughout this period. Events featured in the DesignMyNight December guide - including Alcotraz, The Magic Hour, and The Candlelight Club - run across the full month, making them solid options for this quieter window. It's worth checking individual listings for exact dates, as some events pause over Christmas Day itself.
Are there free things to do in London in December?
Yes - not everything in December London requires a ticket. The city's Christmas lights are free to enjoy, with Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden all putting on spectacular displays throughout the month. Many of London's world-class museums remain free year-round, including the British Museum, V&A and Natural History Museum, which often have seasonal programming.
Sort Your Festive Drinks
Mulled wine by a roaring fire and pints in an igloo? Do the group a favour this year and book your Christmas drinks early. Last‑minute plans are SO last season.