Best Winter Pop-Ups In The UK

Summer’s been and gone, but fear not as something very exciting is about to happen all across the country. That’s right, it’s winter pop-up time. They’ll be bringing much-needed festive joy to cities all over with alpine-style interiors, cosy cocktails and fire pits galore. But if you're not sure where to start? Then check out our guide to the best winter pop-ups in the UK for 2024, from a festive cinema event in London to pretty igloos in Manchester.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 5th November 2024




London MMy Wood Wharf

Looking to cosy up in an igloo this winter? Gather your friends and head over to MMy Wood Wharf, where you can snuggle in one of their pods, accommodating up to ten people.

Explore a variety of food vendors serving delicious Middle Eastern dishes, Indian snacks, tasty spring rolls, prawn crackers, and more, all paired with refreshing drinks. Enjoy lunch with a sharing menu for £35 per person, which includes a glass of wine or a cocktail.

London: The Sipping Room

The Sipping Room can be found in London, looking out over the docks at Canary Wharf. This year, their outdoor space has been transformed into an Enchanted Forest Terrace, complete with cosy heated igloos that allow you to drink and dine under the stars.

They're partnering up with Monkey 47 Gin to bring you seasonal cocktails, including the Tanger-lini: a blend of gin, Disaronno, sparkling wine and tangerine puree. That's not all though, as they're offering both canapes and three-course meals - the latter starting from £49.95 per person.

London: The Happenstance

The Happenstance is located close to the iconic St Paul's Cathedral, with a gorgeous outdoor terrace that's transforming for the winter. Their Apres Garden Terrace is in partnership with elderflower liqueur St Germain, resulting in some seriously delicious cocktails like The Ginger Hugo and an Alpine negroni.

Expect lots of beautiful winter foliage and fairy lights, with heated areas that are perfect for those chilly nights. Feeling peckish? You can also get your hands on seasonal dishes such as wild mushroom arancini or an apple and winter berry crumble.

London: Humbug: The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar

@ The Truman Brewery on Various dates from Tuesday 3rd December 2024

This interactive experience is one of the best winter pop-ups in London for 2024 and a great way to celebrate the season unconventionally. Humbug: The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar lets you party with Santa in the aim of restoring his festive spirit, whilst enjoying a cocktail-infused sing along. 

Manchester: NQ64 Northern Quarter

This year, retro games bar NQ64 in the Northern Quarter is having a winter terrace that'll have space for up to 200 people to enjoy its themed cocktails and game consoles.

Snuggle up with your friends under heaters and get stuck into classics like Pac-Man and Mario Kart, all while sipping on mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate. All its regular shindigs will be available too, including Guitar Hero. 

London: The Winter Martini Garden

@ 4th Floor, Ham Yard Hotel on Various dates from Tuesday 3rd December 2024

The Winter Martini Garden returns to the Ham Yard Hotel's rooftop, one of the best Christmas bars in London for 2024, bringing you the chance to sip cocktails across a stunning space. Your first drink included in your ticket is the warm paloma-style martini, which will be followed by a concoction chosen through a fun interactive quiz.

London: The Refinery, Bankside

A beautiful bar and restaurant by Drake and Morgan, The Refinery Bankside is partnering with Sipsmith Origin 1639 Gin to bring you the Botanical Library. Their gorgeous outdoor terrace is covered in lush foliage, where you can enjoy some seasonal blends.

Try a decadent chocolate negroni or the refreshing An Apple A Day, paired with a menu of duck bao buns, burrata and truffle tortellini or a rich chocolate opera cake.

London: Club Curling

@ Coal Drops Yard on Various dates from Tuesday 3rd December 2024

Popping up at Coal Drops Yard in London for another year is Club Curling, the location with six polished lanes ready and waiting for you to try a sustainable take on the sport. This chance to try bowling's cooler cousin is the ultimate winter activity for competitive socialising and each lane can host up to six players.

London: Drake and Morgan at King's Cross

Right in the heart of London's King's Cross, Drake and Morgan is a stylish bar and restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor area. This is transforming into an Alpine Martini Terrace this winter, in collaboration with Grey Goose Vodka.

They're bringing you seasonal sips such as the Posh Spice with chocolate and pistachio, or the fruity Berry Poppins. Pair this with scrumptious dishes - we're talking Marmite mac 'n' cheese or spiced cauliflower bites.

Cardiff: Winter Wonderland

This beaut Cardiff winter pop-up is taking over two city centre locations with its festivities this year. Skate round the picturesque ice walk and take in the pretty lights, before tucking into some seasonal food and drink at the market. 

UK-Wide: The Best UK Christmas Markets For 2024

There's nothing we love more than browsing Christmas markets, possibly the ultimate winter pop-ups. There's good news, because wherever you are in the UK you're bound to have some seasonal stalls nearby, and we've rounded up the 10 best locations for festive shopping. 

Nottingham: Winter Wonderland

Nottingham's Winter Wonderland is home to all sorts of festive fun. Think ice skating round the rink and along the elevated sky path before chilling with a few drinks in the alpine chalet bar. It's a great place to get your Christmas gifts too. 

Glasgow: 1051 GWR

West End venue, 1051 GWR is coming in hot this winter season with stunning igloos. You'll get to dine in style on locally-sourced food as you nestle into their private pods decked out with toasty heaters, speakers and pretty fairy lights.

Manchester: The Oast House

One of the best winter pop-ups in Manchester, The Oast House is a must-visit. Expect the venue to be flaunting blankets, fire pits and Christmas decor all while you snack on a Yorkshire pudding wrap and guzzle down mulled wine.

Bournemouth: 1812 Bar And Restaurant

For something wintry in Bournemouth, 1812 is getting into the Christmas spirit with dining domes on their terrace. Along with seasonal scran in an outdoor hub, you and your pals can settle into the venue for top-notch hot toddies and an evening under the stars.

Leeds: Ice Cube

Situated in Leeds, Ice Cube is returning with a Viking pop-up bar and alpine market. And for those dying to show off a few aerial tricks, the 400 square metre ice rink is perfect. Plus, there will be roaring fires, Canadian-style poutine and a themed ski bar to cuddle up into after.

Manchester: Winter Island

Come the festive season, Escape to Freight Island will be no more. In its place? Winter Island, a heated grotto complete with a twinkling, towering Crimbo tree. There'll be all kinds of entertainment, from cinema to music, as well as wreath-making workshops and more.

Liverpool & Manchester: Bar Hütte

Liverpool and Manchester are set to get their very own snow villages this Christmas. Swaddle up in your cosiest garms then saunter over to their charming après ski-themed huts for hot toddies, eggnog and a cheeky spot of karaoke, all while surrounded by snowflakes and magical fairy lights.

London: Miracle At Henrietta

Decked out with 70s-inspired decor, Henrietta Hotel is presenting its Miracle Christmas pop-up in Covent Garden, complete with kooky cocktails. We recommend trying the Bad Santa for a warming sip of mulled wine, orange liqueur, tawny port and spices.