The Best Bars in London at Christmas

The Best Bars in London to host your 2026 Christmas party

From traditional pubs to rooftop hideaways for parties big and small.

Our Blog > The Best Bars in London at Christmas

Where to drink in London this Christmas [UPDATED 2026]

If you're planning a Christmas night out for your team, London has the best bars at Christmas. London has plenty of festive bars for everything from relaxed drinks and cocktails to competitive games, live music and rooftop parties. We’ve rounded up some of the best bars in London at Christmas, with options for different group sizes, budgets and party styles.

Georgia, our Party Planning Specialist mentions, “Bars are a great option for smaller teams who want something more relaxed than a formal Christmas dinner. Look for venues offering group packages so you know exactly what’s included before booking.”

So if you’re organising the office Christmas party, booking early to get what you want is key, as popular venues can fill up quickly!

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Traditional Xmas bars in London

Mr Fogg’s

Mr Fogg's brings traditional Christmas charm to Central London with Victorian interiors, fireplaces and festive decorations. Seasonal cocktails and several locations, including the Gin Parlour and Tavern, make it a strong choice for festive team drinks.

Miracle at Henrietta | Covent Garden

Miracle at Henrietta transforms the mezzanine at the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden into a retro Christmas bar. Expect colourful decorations, fairy lights and festive cocktails in a cosy setting that works well for group celebrations.

Quirky Xmas bars in London

Alcotraz | Hoxton

If you want something unique, Alcotraz puts a festive spin on the classic cocktail bar with an immersive prison theme. Orange jumpsuits, cocktails and interactive entertainment make this a fun option for teams looking for something different.

Cahoots | Picadilly Circus

Take your team underground into a 1940s-inspired tube station. Retro décor, cocktails and singalongs give this Christmas bar a distinctly different feel from a standard night out.

BOOM Battle Bar

BOOM Battle Bar is built for groups that want activities alongside their Christmas drinks. Choose from games including axe throwing and beer pong, with several venues across Central London.

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Moonshine Saloon and The Cocktail Club

Moonshine Saloon and The Cocktail Club offer theatrical cocktails and party-focused settings for groups planning a later night. The Cocktail Club also has several Central London locations, including Liverpool Street.

Fairgame, and Flight Club

Fairgame brings fairground games to the Christmas party in Canary Wharf and The City, while Flight Club offer 5 London venues with competitive virtual darts, drinks and festive food. These venues are particularly suited to teams that want an activity built into their Christmas night out.

Festive Cocktail bars in London

The Alchemist

The Alchemist puts a theatrical spin on Christmas cocktails, with drinks that bubble, smoke and sparkle. With 6 locations across London, it’s a good option for corporate groups looking for cocktails and something a little magical.

The Escapologist | Covent Garden

A gorgeous Victorian-inspired setting with festive decorations and seasonal cocktails. Its underground location makes it a fun choice for teams wanting cocktails in a more unusual setting like the Grand Hall or the Vaults.

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Christmas bars with live music

The Piano Works | Covent Garden and Farringdon

The Piano Works is a strong choice for teams who want live music with their Christmas drinks. The house band takes audience requests, creating a singalong party atmosphere with festive menus and DJs later in the evening.

Looking for something centred around live entertainment? Check out our live music venues in London.

Rooftop Christmas bars with views

Aviary | Moorgate

Sitting above the Montcalm Royal London Hotel, the Aviary offers panoramic views across the city,. It’s a smart option for Christmas drinks with a rooftop setting and London’s festive lights as the backdrop.

Wagtail | Monument

Wagtail offers floor-to-ceiling windows and views across the Thames. The stylish setting works well for teams looking for Christmas cocktails with a sparkling Thames-side skyline setting. They even have rooftop igloos during the cold winter months.

Riverside East | Stratford

Riverside East offers river views and 360 views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park alongside a stylish setting for Christmas celebrations. It’s a good option for corporate groups looking for somewhere a little different for festive drinks.

Want even bigger views? Take a look at our London Christmas party venues with a view for more inspiration.

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Tips for booking a Christmas bar in London

Book early: Aim for September or October for the best choice.

Check group packages: Look for food, drinks and entertainment inclusions.

Ask about minimum spend: This can suit larger groups better than private hire.

Check the layout: Confirm whether you’ll have seating or standing space.

Check timings: Make sure the venue works with your preferred start and finish time.

Ask about exclusivity: Check if your group will have a private area.

What our team says: “For corporate Christmas parties, the venue layout matters just as much as the drinks. Always check whether you’ll have a private area, seated tables or standing space before you book.” - Josh, Party Planning Specialist

FAQs About Christmas Bars in London

Do Christmas bars in London get busy in December?

Yes. Most Christmas bars in London get very busy in December, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is peak season for office Christmas parties in London, so the most popular venues and Christmas party bars in Central London often get booked out weeks in advance. Booking early is strongly recommended to secure your preferred date, time and group package.

Can I book a private area in a Christmas bar?

Many Christmas bars in London offer private hire or semi-private areas for Christmas parties. This is ideal if you want a more exclusive experience while still enjoying the atmosphere of a busy festive bar. Options range from private rooms in cocktail bars to dedicated spaces in larger Christmas party venues in London.

Do Christmas bars in London offer food and drinks packages?

Yes. Most Christmas bars and Christmas party venues in London offer food and drinks packages, including set Christmas menus, festive canapés, drinks tokens, and minimum spend options. These Christmas party packages in London make it easier to budget for corporate events, so it’s worth comparing what’s included before booking your Christmas party venue.

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Need a Hand Booking Your Christmas Party?

London has plenty of options for festive drinks, activities, live music and Christmas party venues, so the right choice comes down to your group, budget and plans for the night.

With 25+ years of event planning experience, we can help you find the right venue and package for your team. Give us a call on 0203 967 6967 or fill in our Enquiry Form and our Christmas party specialists will be in touch.