The Best Bars in London at Christmas

Discover the Best Bars in London at Christmas 2025

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

Our Blog / The Best Bars in London at Christmas

🥂 Wondering where to drink in London this December for a festive tipple?

London at Christmas is pure magic – twinkling lights, crisp air, and bars that fully embrace the festive spirit. Whether you're planning after-work drinks with your team, catching up with mates before the holidays, or just fancy sipping mulled wine somewhere sparkly, the capital has plenty of options to get you in the mood. From cosy pubs with roaring fires to pop-up ski chalets and rooftop igloos, there’s a Christmas bar for every kind of gathering.

In this guide, we’re unwrapping the best bars in London at Christmas – the ones worth booking early before they’re packed with party-goers. Think festive cocktails, fairy lights, and plenty of cheer. So, grab your woolly jumper and let’s sleigh this list.

The Best Bars in London at Christmas Blog Post Image Secondary_image_1

🎄Christmas Bars in London Serving Up Serious Traditional Vibes

Mr Fogg’s is a dream for anyone craving classic Christmas charm with a twist of adventure. Think rich mahogany interiors, vintage globes, roaring fireplaces, and staff in full Victorian explorer gear – all decked out with twinkling lights and festive trimmings come December. It’s the perfect spot for groups who want a party that feels both timeless and totally unique. Add in their creative seasonal cocktails and cosy corners for catching up, and you’ve got a seriously Christmassy night out, right in the heart of London. They have several locations (we like the Gin Parlour and Tavern!) throughout Central London.

Miracle at Henrietta is a must-visit for those seeking a nostalgic and festive atmosphere in London. Nestled on the mezzanine of the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden, this pop-up bar transforms into a 1970s-inspired Christmas wonderland, complete with kitschy décor, fairy lights, and a centerpiece Christmas tree. It's the perfect retreat from the bustling streets, offering a cozy setting reminiscent of a chalet living room on Christmas Eve. Guests can indulge in a variety of themed cocktails, such as the Christmapolitan and Jingle Balls Nog. With its over-the-top decorations and festive drinks, Miracle at Henrietta stands out as one of the best Christmas bars in London, ideal for group gatherings and holiday celebrations.

The Best Bars in London at Christmas Blog Post Image Secondary_image_2

🎄 Quirky Christmas Bars in London That Bring the Fun

Looking for a Christmas night out with a twist? London’s got plenty of bars where the drinks are strong and the entertainment’s even stronger. Alcotraz throws you behind bars (literally) in this immersive prison-themed cocktail experience – orange jumpsuits included. Cahoots takes you underground into a 1940s tube station speakeasy, full of retro charm and singalongs.

If your group’s got energy to burn, Boom Battle Bar is packed with axe throwing, beer pong, and festive mayhem – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and they have several venues in Central London. For a wild night, Moonshine Saloon and The Cocktail Club (with several locations in Central London, Liverpool Street is a good shout) deliver theatrics, secret bars, and a party-hard atmosphere. Over at Fairgame, you can relive your favourite fairground games with a festive twist, all while sipping winter warmers. Fancy something competitive? Swingers Crazy Golf and Flight Club bring crazy golf and social darts together with seasonal snacks and Christmassy cocktails.

The Best Bars in London at Christmas Blog Post Image Paragraph_image

🎄 Nice Festive Bars in London with a Magical Twist

The Alchemist is where Christmas meets chemistry – and the results are seriously delicious. Known for their theatrical cocktails, this bar transforms into a moody, twinkling escape in December, complete with festive drinks that bubble, smoke, and sparkle. It’s perfect for groups who want more than your average mulled wine – think seasonal mixes served in test tubes and potion-style glassware. With locations across London, The Alchemist is one of the nicest bars in London at Christmas for those craving something bold, playful, and a little bit magical.

The Escapologist in Covent Garden is the kind of bar where mischief meets mixology – and Christmas gets a cheeky twist. Styled like a Victorian-era secret society hideout, this underground cocktail den goes all out for the festive season with twinkling lights, cosy corners, and a menu full of Christmas-themed drinks. Whether you're sipping a boozy hot chocolate or a smoky seasonal concoction, it’s the perfect spot for mates or colleagues looking for something a little more playful than your average pub. Expect bold flavours, fun vibes, and a soundtrack that keeps the party going well into the night

🎄 Rockin’ Around the Christmas Bar: London’s Best Live Music Spots

The Piano Works West End turns up the Christmas cheer with non-stop live music and a party atmosphere that’s hard to beat. The vibe here is all about audience requests, so expect everything from Mariah’s greatest hits to jazzy festive mashups. Whether you're out with mates or planning a work night out, it’s the perfect spot to belt out a Christmas classic with a cocktail in hand. With festive menus, DJs after dark, and plenty of glitter, this is one of the best bars in London at Christmas for live music lovers who want to dance and sing their way into the season.

👉 Check out more live music venues in London!

The Best Bars in London at Christmas Blog Post Image Paragraph_image 2

The Best Bars in London at Christmas Blog Post Image Paragraph_image 3

🎄 Celebrate Christmas High Above: London’s Best Bars with a View

When it comes to Christmas gatherings with a view, London doesn’t disappoint. Aviary, perched atop the Montcalm Royal London Hotel, offers sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot to toast the season while watching London’s festive lights sparkle below.

Over at Wagtail, you’ll find a sleek riverside setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames, creating a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere ideal for catching up over Christmas cocktails.

Meanwhile, Riverside East brings the best of both worlds — stylish interiors paired with stunning river views that set a festive mood for any party. Whether it’s a work do or a friends’ night out, these spots combine great drinks with breathtaking backdrops for a Christmas gathering to remember.

👉 Look at our London Christmas party venues with a view blog for festive inspiration

✅ Tips for Booking a Christmas Bar in London

The best bars in London at Christmas get snapped up faster than a pigs-in-blanket platter—so a little planning goes a long way.

✅ If you're booking for a group, reserve your spot early (ideally by October or November) to secure the best spaces and festive packages.

✅ Many Christmas bars in London offer group menus, cocktail trees, or private areas, so don’t be afraid to ask what’s included.

✅ Got a big office crew or lots of mates? Look for venues with minimum spend options instead of private hire fees—it can often work out better for festive budgets.

✅ Finally, check if the bar does table service or standing space only—there’s nothing worse than juggling a sparkly clutch and a mulled wine without a seat in sight.

🍸 Your Christmas Night Out, Sorted!

Whether you’re into rooftop views, cocktail cabaret, or cosy festive hideaways, London is packed with brilliant places to celebrate the season. From traditional pubs decked out in twinkly lights to wild party bars with Christmas darts, there’s something to suit every kind of gathering.

So now that you’ve got the lowdown on the best bars in London at Christmas, all that’s left to do is rally the group, book your spot, and get ready to raise a glass to the most wonderful time of the year.

👋 Need a hand with booking a Christmas party? We are here to help! With 25 years experience of event planning, we have expert advice on how to make your Christmas party one for the ages! Just give us a ring at 0203 967 6967 or simply fill in our Enquiry Form and our Christmas elves will get back to you.