Christmas in London – it's the twinkliest time of the year in the capital – when whole areas put up streams of glittering lights, shops deck out storefronts with Christmas trees and grand decorations, and you can find a joyous amount of pigs-in-blankets in the best restaurants and cafés. But there is also a string of pop-up events happening in the run-up to the big day, from festive-themed street food markets to kitsch bars, Willy Wonka-esque candy shops and musical extravaganzas. Here, we round up the 10 best events for a very merry time this Christmas. For a less festive selection, see the best things to do in London this weekend.

1. Henrietta Hotel's 1970s-inspired Miracle Bar

This kitsch festive pop-up is reopening for its fifth year in Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel. Hidden on the hotel’s mezzanine floor, the bar is styled as a nostalgic, retro family living room complete with as many Christmas decorations as you could possibly imagine. Festive-themed cocktails such as the Christmapolitan, vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and an absinthe mist.

Address: The Miracle Bar, Henrietta Hotel, 14-15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH
Website: henriettahotel.com
When: Monday 14 November–Wednesday 23 December 2022

2. The Connaught Village Festive Shopping Evening

Connaught Village – the quaint shopping area next to Hyde Park – is undergoing a Christmassy makeover right now, ready for a very festive evening on Thursday 17 November. The event, which kicks off the countdown to Christmas in the neighbourhood, is a community affair, with shops and restaurants from across the block taking part – think craft workshops, live music, a visit from Santa Paws (as cute as it sounds) and discounts across stores.

Address: Connaught Village, London W2
Website: connaught-village.co.uk
When: Thursday 17 November 2022

3. Covent Garden's Winter Warmer Mulled Wine Festival

The Winter Warmer Mulled Wine Festival is back for the third year running in Covent Garden, with more than 100 takes on hot toddies, hot chocolate, mulled wine and other types of warming tipples. Try variations from big-hitting restaurants such as Frenchie's House Mulled Wine and Cora Pearl’s Spiced Kitty.  

Address: Covent Garden, Long Acre, London WC2E 9JT, United Kingdom
Website: coventgarden.london
When: Until Sunday 20 November 2022

4. Pump Street Chocolate in Shoreditch

Award-winning bakers and chocolate makers Pump Street Chocolate will host a festive candy shop in Shoreditch this December – a practically perfect place to pick up last-minute gifts (and treats for yourself). Grab stocking fillers such as Father Christmas figures made from 60 per cent Ecuadorian dark chocolate and chocolate-covered orange slices for a sugary twist on the classic stocking stuffer. There will also be hot chocolate to warm up with and freshly baked mince pies to fuel further window shopping. 

Address: Pump Street, Calvert Avenue, Shoreditch, United Kingdom
Website: pumpstreetchocolate.com
When: Thursday 15 – Friday 23 December 2022

5. Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carol Service with The Who

Get into the Christmas spirit for a good cause at this star-studded carol service, from which proceeds will go to the UK's largest music therapy charity. In the setting of St Luke's Church, Chelsea, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend from The Who will lead the musical offering with an acoustic set, and classical musicians will also perform. 

Address: St Luke's Church, Sydney St, London SW3 6NH
Website: nordoff-robbins.org.uk
When: Tuesday 13 December 2022

6. London Christmas Beer Festival

Craft beer and festive cheer are the name of the game, as for two days more than 50 of the UK’s best independent breweries will head to Tobacco Dock, including Brick, Signature Brew and Tiny Rebel. As well as being able to sample more than 100 craft beers, there will also be wine, cider and craft cocktails to get the merriment going, as well as a food line up that includes Christmas specials such as Dom's Subs Christmas sandwich and a festive special from Tacos Padre.

Address: London Christmas Beer Festival, Tobacco Dock, Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Website: instagram.com/lcbfestival
When: Friday 16 – Saturday 17 December 2022

7. Christmas Carols at St Pauls

Listening to Christmas carols is one of the most festive feelings you can conjure, but add a backdrop of Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural marvel, St Paul’s Cathedral, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for something really special. The legendary London landmark hosts a series of free, unticketed carol concerts each year, including family-friendly services and a night of organ-led carols curated by French composer Olivier Messiaen.

Address: St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD 
Website: stpauls.co.uk
When: Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 November 2022

8. Get Crafty at Petersham Nurseries

If you’ve ever longed to make your own Christmas wreath and fancy a few hours totally switching off from all things digital, a jolly festive workshop with the pros at Petersham Nurseries (aka London’s most famous garden centre) should be on the cards, using wild flowers, foraged foliage and woodland materials. Your door is set to be the finest on your street. Classes are held in large, spacious greenhouses and participants are socially distanced in line with government guidelines.

Address: Held at both Richmond and Covent Garden stores. Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB and Petersham Nurseries, Floral Court, London WC2E 8JD
Website: petershamnurseries.com
When: Various dates from Monday 28 November – Tuesday 13 December

9. Vinegar Yard’s Winter Domes

London Bridge’s foodie hub Vinegar Yard will transform into a festive wonderland with its skylight domes on the mezzanine. Book your table in one of the six heated igloos overlooking The Shard and kick off the evening with a round of Mistletoes Martinis. Try more of the Christmas-themed cocktails curated by Grey Goose, such as the Ginergoose Martini (made with zesty lime juice and ginger syrup) and exclusive festive dishes from the street food favourites of Vinegar Yard. The Truffle Ho Ho Burger from Nanny Bills and BabaG’s Christmas Tikka Burger served with a mulled wine cranberry chutney should not be missed.

Address: Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QU
Website: vinegaryard.london

10. Christmas at Leadenhall Market

Victorian grande dame Leadenhall Market (you know it from the Harry Potter films) will get a suitably sparkly makeover for the winter, with a giant Christmas tree at the centre of the festooned halls. The lights will be turned on during an event on Thursday 17 November, when the Lord Mayor of London will flip the switch. Every Wednesday until 21 December, festive guided walks will take revellers through the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in the market. 

Address: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London
Website: leadenhallmarket.co.uk

Share this article: