As the festive season officially begins, Londoners are swapping their summer spritzes for mulled wine and seeking out cosy, heated spots to enjoy the city's winter magic. From luxurious alpine-inspired hideaways to breathtaking sky-high experiences, the capital is brimming with seasonal pop-ups and transformed terraces designed to combat the chill.
Alpine Adventures & Sky-High Celebrations
For those craving après-ski vibes without the flight, several venues have answered the call. At Somerset House, pop-up maestro Jimmy Garcia has installed The Chalet, a snug restaurant serving the classic melted cheese dish, raclette, until the end of the year. Guests can enjoy potatoes, bread, and cornichons while scraping gooey cheese, with a vegan Applewood option available. The spot overlooks the iconic ice rink, completing the winter scene.
Meanwhile, The Garden at Corinthia London has been rebranded as The Alpine Club, a nod to the mountaineers who once used the hotel. With roaring fireplaces, sheepskin covers, and a menu of Swiss fondue and German currywurst, it offers a luxurious escape from Oxford Street's shopping crowds.
For a truly elevated perspective, Up at The O2 has undergone a festive transformation. Staff manually carried trees, benches, and a snow machine to create a snowglobe-themed viewing platform 52 metres above ground. The climb rewards visitors with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and unparalleled views, making it a uniquely surreal Christmas experience.
Cosy Corners & Heated Havens
Not all winter terraces rely on gimmicks; some excel at providing genuine warmth and atmosphere. In Dalston, Acme Fire Cult offers a year-round, weatherproofed outdoor area with heat lamps, blankets, and the radiant warmth from its open kitchen grills. Their festive feasting menu features smoked meats and charred vegetables, ideal for a cold evening.
Over in Kings Cross, The Lighterman's collaboration with Lillet provides a chic, fully heated terrace. Their Winterberry cocktail, blending rosé, cranberry, and spiced tequila, alongside a refined mulled wine, ensures visitors stay warm from the inside out.
Another notable mention is Boundary Shoreditch, where the summer rooftop becomes 'Raclette on the Rooftop'. Enclosed within a glass Orangery with an open-pit fireplace, it serves a signature Cheese Fondue Savoyard and warming cocktails like the Snow Queen.
Festive Feasts & Free Treats
Beyond the terraces, London's festive food scene is thriving with alternatives to the traditional roast. Roti Chai in Marylebone offers a 'not-so-festive festive menu' for £35 per person, featuring lamb roti rolls and butter chicken—a welcome respite for those avoiding turkey.
The city is also offering several free festive treats. On 8 December, the new Pasta Evangelists in Queensway will be giving away free portions of its Pigs in Blankets Ravioli or Squash & Chestnut Agnolotti between 12-2pm and 4-6pm. Additionally, Aperol's Festive Spritz Window at St Christopher's Place will serve complimentary Aperol Spritzes on 2-4 December from 5pm to 9pm.
For a sweet warm-up, the Fitzrovia Quarter mobile bar will be handing out free hot chocolate on 3, 10, and 17 December from 4–7pm.
Seasonal Events & Feel-Good Activities
The festivities extend beyond food and drink. Oxford Street's Big Day of JOY returns on 7 December (12-4pm) in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, featuring live music from gospel and samba bands.
For unique gifts, the UK's first-ever second-hand style department store, Charity Super.Mkt, pops up at Coal Drops Yard from 5-7 December.
Those looking to give back can attend The London Ambulance Charity's first-ever carol service or donate a coat to their winter appeal. Meanwhile, the Dance For Jamaica fundraiser on 18 December, with a line-up including Jamie Rodigan, offers free tickets with donations collected to support hurricane relief.
For sheer, participatory fun, Sophie’s Surprise Party at Underbelly Soho invites audience members to become the birthday girl in a wildly interactive show running until 10 January 2026.
With this mix of culinary delights, heated retreats, and charitable events, London provides countless ways to embrace the festive spirit, no matter how frosty the weather gets.
