It’s the most wonderful time of the year... and nothing screams Christmas like a merry 'ol pint. Whether you’re planning on staying home or travelling round’ the country, we’ve got you covered with the perfect boozy backdrop for seasonal joy - after all, what’s December without a festive drink or two? From traditional boozers with roaring fires to gastropubs serving up mulled magic, get into the seasonal spirit with our guide to the most Christmassy pubs in the UK.
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The Churchill Arms, London
Some say it isn’t Christmas until the grand switch-on of The Churchill Arms’ Christmas lights... and we couldn't agree more. An awe-inspiring feast for the eyes since 1824, the Kensington boozer covers its exterior with around 80 Christmas trees and a whopping 22,000 twinkles. Whether you're looking to warm up after a long day or just seeking a little respite from the cold, nothing screams Christmas like sipping on the iconic pub's festive pints and lounging below its ceiling laden with wartime memorabilia and cheery garlands. Plus, you can wolf down an epic Thai feast while you bask in its illuminations.
This pub will go down inn history.
The Queen Victoria Inn, Somerset
Transforming into a magical Hansel and Gretel-esque gingerbread house every Christmas, The Queen Victoria Inn puts up a stunning display featuring thousands of lights, massive candy canes, and a giant snowman made up of wine bottles. Situated in the Mendip Hills near Wells, this year, the fairytale pub will light up for the public at 6pm on 7th December. Dubbed Britain's most festive pub, the landlord, Mark Walton, raises thousands every year for children's hospice with the unique display.
The Queen Victoria Inn in Somerset is covered in sweets and 60,000 bulbs every Christmas.
The Crown & Punchbowl, Cambridge
Wolf down a feast at this rural country pub retaining an old-world charm with crackling fires and exposed beams. You'll get your pick of classic Crimbo mains like slow-cooked pork belly and roast turkey breast, topped off with bread and butter pudding with brandy custard and a locally brewed ale to wash it all down - we can't imagine a festive lunch without them. A classically best-of-British pub experience starting at £32 for two courses.
The Crown & Punchbowl is pouring holiday cheer one festive pint at a time.
The Marine, Eastbourne
A popular watering hole and the most festive pub in Eastbourne, The Marine Pub is decked out into an absolutely brew-tiful sparkling grotto adorned with thousands of Christmas lights each festive season. If you're on the hunt for a traditional real ale pub serving homemade grub and a wide range of quenchers, tottle over to The Marine for a taste and sight of Christmas.
The Marine is pulling out all the stops this Christmas.
The Summer House, Dudley
Bringing a taste of Disneyland to Dudley, The Summer House is a quaint, family-friendly pub right off Gospel End Road Sedgley, getting locals their festive fill of food, around 20,000 lightbulbs and bundles of Christmas cheer. A christmassy tradition that goes back 13 years, the pub is one of Britain's best-lit boozers and our top winter favourites.
The Summer House celebrates the festive season with an impressive display of decorations.
Holly Bush, London
Make the most of the festive season at this historic Hampstead haunt, offering warmth, hearty British fare and the best local ales in town. Inside, you'll find toasty open fires, dark wood furnishings, and a real cosy atmosphere to remind you of Christmas's past. When it comes to grub, The Holly Bush serves up a cracking Crimbo roast and the yummiest sticky toffee pud you'll find in all of London. Beautifully understated.
This cosy pub effortlessly blends the old and the festive.
The Mayflower, London
A cushy cubbie hole tucked into the cobbled streets of Rotherhithe, this ancient ale house is your new go-to pub for mulled boozing and a candlelit Christmas to remember. Offering stunning views of the River Thames and an impressively massive collection of craft beers and fine wines, The Mayflower is cooking up a seasonal storm this Xmas, offering Crimbo classics like roast turkey, seared salmon, brandy-covered pud and much more.
The perfect South-London boozer where every pint feels like a Christmas delight.
Looking for more festive winter sights? Read our round-up of the best Christmas events in the UK or sign up for our newsletter here to stay in the know.
