15 Spellbinding Christmas Pop-Ups To Visit

New Year’s Eve Spectacular at Southbank Centre

Looking to book the best New Year’s Eve party in London? Early bird tickets are now on sale for Southbank Centre’s legendary annual countdown celebration. 

Now in its tenth year, the world-famous Royal Festival Hall will be dressed to impress. Home to five floors of magic, you can look forward to an evening packed out with music from the 1920s to the present day from live bands, dance classes, fine dining and street food options. And the best part? A front-row seat to London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display.  

There are five ticket options available so you can choose the right option for you and your friends. Pick your decade, dress up for the night and join Southbank Centre for an evening of entertainment and elegance.

Christmas Cinema at Kitchen at Holmes

Who doesn’t love a cinema pop-up? When it looks this good, we can’t resist cosying up and catching a Christmas classic. Kitchen at Holmes has unveiled its new rooftop and it’s packed full of festive feels, from faux fur-lined blankets to lit-up trees and even an ornamental fireplace under the big screen. 

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas, they’ll be showing all the favourites from It’s A Wonderful Life to A Miracle on 34th Street, The Holidays to Love Actually.

They’ve even launched a special tasting menu to complement the package, featuring dishes such as fresh tahini with crushed tomatoes and fresh Jerusalem pita; squash blossom whip with ghosts cheese, pomegranate and walnuts; courgette spaghetti; lamb koftas; and plenty of popcorn to watch with the films too. 

Be quick with this one as dates are already selling out.

The Fabulous World of Dior at Harrods

Celebrating a 70-year friendship, luxury fashion house Dior and Knightsbridge’s Harrods have teamed up to create a mesmerising festive partnership, complete with a new glowing installation, gingerbread exhibition and multi-experience pop-ups. 

Titled ‘The Fabulous World of Dior’, the façade of the Brompton Road luxury department store has been completely transformed. On display until early January, the exteriors nod to iconic Dior moments, reinterpreted by artist Pietro Ruffo for the Dior cruise 2023 collection. 

A compass rose, lucky stars and scintillating flowers will guide you through this stunning display, becoming the building’s largest structure to date. 

The fun doesn’t just stop at the exteriors. Inside Harrods, you’ll find plenty of Dior action to get involved in, including a cafe and two novel pop-up boutiques. The first, designed as an authentic gingerbread house representing Monsieur Dior Atelier, invites you to discover more about the House and its iconic creations over the years. Expect plenty of optical illusions thrown in for good measure. Dior Café will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, so book in to try a biscuit version of your favourites from the brand – we’re keeping our eyes peeled for an edible Lady Dior bag. Find out more here. 

Glide at Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station has unveiled its brand new ice rink, and it’s London’s hottest ticket this Christmas. 

Created in partnership with Jo Malone London, the ice rink has been brought to life by the team behind the Natural History Museum Ice Rink and features a new shape rink never before seen in London. 

Throughout the festive season, Jo Malone London will be offering festive shopping evenings, offering you the chance to discover their Christmas collection of limited-edition gifts. You can even personalise with a name or message to add a perfect finishing touch. The seasonal experience continues with a session of the Glide ice rink where you can expect a 360-degree view of the 30ft Christmas tree decorated with an array of Jo Malone London classic cream boxes. 

Every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas they will be offering calligraphy at their pop-up site, their resident artist will be on hand to personalise your gifts too.

The Bishop at The Berkeley

The Berkeley isn’t one to hold back when it comes to pop-ups but this winter might just be the cosiest yet. Introducing The Bishop, the prestigious hotel’s first-ever pub pop-up. 

Expect the hotel to be taking a more pared-back approach to their usual pristine pop-ups but still with endless amounts of charm. The space will be divided into two, one side is a bar complete with old-school beer taps, church pews and bar stools, and the other is a cosy dining room. 

The menu will be bursting with public house classics, from mammoth Angus beef burgers with fried egg and fries to sumptuous pies and slow braised salt marsh lamb shank with mash. 

Christmas at Backyard Cinema

Fall in love with the magic of cinema once again this Christmas. Backyard Cinema’s magical makeover has commenced. Hop onto the 1920s-inspired steam train, before stepping through the constellation of stars toward the Northern Lights. You’ll find a giant bean bag waiting for you at the finish line, surrounded by snow-topped trees and your favourite festive movies. 

Bookings are now open for the festive season – expect to find all of your favourites, from Elf to The Polar Express, The Grinch to Home Alone

Pergola on the Piste

Following its sell-out success last year, Pergola Paddington has just launched its new festive activation. Named ‘Pergola on the Piste’, the alfresco space will morph into an Alpine-inspired ski lodge. 

Complete with new log walls, mountain scenes, a secluded chairlift, retro ski equipment and Alpine chalets, this is the place to be this winter. Expect plenty of seasonal drinks and menus too, including shot skis, demi-peche and mulled wines and ciders. As well as whole baked camembert, crispy truffle mushrooms and charcuterie.

Lightopia

Lightopia returns this winter, bringing a magical instalment of mesmerising light displays, interesting trails and plenty of family-friendly fun. 

The light display takes over Crystal Palace Park every year, with a brilliant line-up of immersive installations and pretty lights to explore. Perfect for kids, teens and parents, this is the ultimate day out to book this season.

Looking for more light trails? Check out our guide here.

Winterland

Wandsworth’s Neverland has been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with warming mulled wine, fire pits, cosy terrace areas and alpine-inspired dishes. 

The ultimate place to head with a group of friends, whether you’re wanting a private forest-themed igloo or a winter chalet seating up to 35 people. 

Looking for other alpine-inspired bars? Click here to find out where to get your après ski fix.

Ski Lodge at The Montague on the Gardens

Imagine you’re anywhere but London when you step inside this alpine-themed ski lodge at The Montague on the Gardens. This festive space has been transformed with fake snow, skis, piste maps, reindeer and strings of fairy lights and lanterns. 

Helping you combat the cold will be mulled wine, hot spiced cider, mugs of steaming hot chocolate cocktails and big woolly rugs to bundle up in.

Jimmy’s Lodge

The king of pop-ups is returning with another festive season of winter lodges on the Southbank. These always book up quickly so be sure to get your bookings in pronto to experience the best igloos on the Thames. 

There’ll be plenty of feasting on offer, including sharing fondue, steak sharers and cocktails from Ramsbury.

Miracle at Henrietta

Everyone’s favourite Christmas pop-up has returned! Experimental Group, the French-born contemporary hospitality group, is bringing the highly popular Miracle phenomenon from the US to Henrietta Hotel.

Now in its fifth year, it is the first – and only – Miracle partner in the UK. The Christmas-themed bar is gaudy and garish, but wildly fun. Prepare to be transported to Christmas past thanks to its nostalgic decor, twinkling lights, candy canes, giant Nutcrackers and tons of tinsel. 

Expect an array of festive cocktails on offer, designed by Experimental Cocktail Club alumni Nico de Soto, including his newest concoction, the ‘Christmapolitan’, a mix of vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and an absinthe mist.