Best London Christmas Events 2023: Festive What's On Guide
Feeling festive? Damn right you are. Launch yourself into all things baubles and beverages at one of the many seasonal pop-ups or things to do taking over the city. From snowy cocktail menus and immersive experiences to themed brunches with Santa, there really is something for everyone at these Christmas events in London for 2023 - even if you're after somewhere to host your yuletide party.
Hosting one of the best events of the year has to be this dazzling central London venue. With tickets starting from £120, the Big Winter Christmas Party At 26 Leake Street is one you won't want to miss. Expect resident Bandeoke entertainment, where you can sing along to anthems, as well as a mouthwatering three-course meal.
The Bat & Ball Christmas Eve Bash is making sure you get your fix of activities, festive tunes and snacks galore right on the eve of the big day itself. Expect a jug of beer or bottle of wine per ticket on 24th December, alongside one hour of playtime too.
This is a Christmas movie screening unlike any other. Hot Tub Film Club will see you cosying up in a steamy hot tub boat surrounded by cool skyscrapers, all while you enjoy your festive flick of choice and chomp on popcorn. They'll be screening Elf, Home Alone and Muppets Christmas Carol.
The Office Christmas Party is a cool festive experience from Jury Games - a chance to try your hand at solving a mystery at Theatre Deli. Expect live actors, questioning witnesses, looking at CCTV evidence and more across the event.
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Evening Christmas Bauble Decorating Workshop
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What better way to get in the festive spirit than by crafting your own unique ornaments? The Christmas Bauble Decorating Workshop at Art Social Club promises an afternoon of creative seasonal fun, complete with hot drinks and the option to bring along snacks or booze.
Whether you're looking to adorn your front door in the season's finest fir or simply learn something new, these Christmas activities in London see you crack on with some of the best wreath-making workshops. Think bubbles, mulled wine and binding going hand-in-hand.
Get ready for the ultimate festive bash from Smart Christmas Parties at Magazine London. Make your way inside this slick venue, where you'll be met with panoramic scenes of the city, followed by tasty food and a live band. We'll be there with jingle bells on.
Winterland are giving it some serious welly in the festive department this winter. Join the cosy winter pop-up for a roster of unmissable things to do, from chowing down on fondue in their igloos to sipping hot mulled wine or having brunch.
Fire and Fromage is bringing the ultimate Christmas experience to Southbank with a bunch of adorable pop-up snow globes. Snap one up to enjoy a cosy dining experience, delving into fondue, steak, Champagne and mulled wine, with beaut views of the river as your backdrop.
Both the North Pole Olympics and Christmas bottomless brunches are coming to Bounce venues across London. The former boasts plenty of ping pong-based challenges alongside prizes for the podium places, while the latter involves unlimited drinks and a drag extravaganza.
Offering some of the best Christmas festivities, Electric Shuffle's venues are sure to hit the spot when it comes to fun activities. Their festive brunch is the place for shuffle board, pizza and a bottle of prosecco each to celebrate the season.
It's the season to be jolly, so get your pals together and down to Flight Club. Venues in Victoria, Islington, Shoreditch and Bloomsbury are celebrating with a special brunch social featuring Christmas jumpers, festive cocktails on arrival and bottomless pizza, as well as a bottle of prosecco each.
While Southbank Centre's markets are usually a top choice of free things to do at Christmas 2023 in London, you can also add on this singles' bar crawl afterwards. Feel like the romantic protagonist out of your favourite festive flick, joining 40 others to enjoy a magical evening exploring the area's pop-up bars, rooftop terraces and beer gardens, with plenty of ice breaker games to get involved with.
One of the most exciting Christmas events of the year, The Luna Cinema, makes it's way to Battersea Arts Centre and Kensington Palace. Pull up a chair, sit back and relax as you enjoy festive favourites such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Holiday and Love Actually.
A Winter Wonderland and giant ball pit all rolled into one? Yes please. If you're looking for unusual things to do in London at Christmas, Ballie Ballerson will see you chow down on a themed brunch and party until the early hours, all in groovy setting decked out with baubles.
All The Jingle Ladies is Tonight Josephine's answer to getting festive in our city, promising the all-singing, all-dancing bottomless brunch event in Clapham, Shoreditch and Waterloo. Expect 90 minutes of booze, three drag queens, food and prizes.
For something different this December, grab tickets to Benny's Festive Package II: A Traditionally Alternative Christmas Cabaret at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club. With prices starting from a fiver, you can expect a mix of burlesque, drag and circus acts to raise funds for charities thanks to Cabaret vs Cancer.
Celebrate Christmas Day at Joia, a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant in Battersea. They're dishing out three sumptuous courses with a Spanish theme, such as Iberico ham, seabass crudo and patatas bravas on the side, with tickets costing £150 per person.
Swap your standard London Christmas market in 2023 for something all the more fun with Harlots, Strumpets and Tarts. Oh My! Festive Special!. Think immersive comedy theatre that delves into the steamy underworld of Georgian sex workers, alongside a seasonal twist.
Gin House Burlesque is putting on a Christmas show to remember. Housed within a taxidermy-filled private members' club, you'll enjoy luxe drinks and luxe entertainment combined, all with a festive twist.
If you're a fan of Hugh Grant bumbling about, then grab tickets to the Love Actually Drink-A-Long Movie Night at The Grand. There will be prizes for the best fancy-dressed, plus plenty of games involving prosecco. Food more your thing? Check out the themed brunch, too.
Celebrate Christmas in style, by cruising down the river on one of the Thames Luxury Charters. Hop on the Dixie Queen for festive three-course feast, complete with wine or a selection of beers, followed by a DJ set to get the party started.
If you're after 2023 Christmas events in Central London, then hop aboard the Dutch Master for the Silent Disco Christmas Special. So, what's in store? On this two-storey boat, you'll get to dance to yuletide bangers, all while overlooking the stunning city.
When it comes to Christmas events in London with 2023 dates aplenty, this London Festive Boat Party has your back. You'll set sail along the Thames, spreading yuletide joy while bopping to classics, nibbling on a seasonal buffet and taking in unparalleled views of the city.
The Very Merry Shuffle Brunch returns this festive season, promising to jingle your bells with a Christmas bellini on arrival followed by unlimited pizza and prosecco. But that's not all, as you'll get your go at gaming on the lanes too.
Colliers Wood pub The Charles Holden is putting on a The Game Show: Festive Brunch Edition, where you can enjoy bottomless booze alongside TV-style entertainment. Take part in fun competitions inspired by 90s shows, with the chance to win big.
This festive season, The London Cabaret Club is bringing you Christmas Royale - a stunning, James Bond-themed extravaganza. Think immersive performances while you dine on a multi-course luxury menu. It's gonna be one of the best Christmas party events.
In the mood to do something a little different this Christmas? Join Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events for their jam-packed schedule of festive happenings. From bottomless brunches boasting butlers in the buff to unmissable dinners with drag queens, there's plenty to explore.
For singalong cheer and immersive festive fun, make your way to Covent Garden for Bunga Bunga's Christmas Lunch Live Show. Feast on antipasti and metre-long pizzas, then get involved with interactive games and very merry singalongs. It'll be hard to walk away without a big grin on your face.
Whether you want to unleash your inner Mariah or Buble, Lucky Voice's Xmas 2023 Karaoke Brunches are not to be missed. Chow down on tasty pizzas washed down with free-flowing booze (including Rudolph punch) and sing to your heart's content.
Head to The Prince in West Brompton this December for Famous First Words: Festive Edition. This high-energy live music event involves remembering the lyrics to all your favourite Christmas songs and competing for the chance to win prizes.
Christmas things to do in London for 2023 don't get much better than a festive edition of Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours. Here, you'll be grooving through the city to all your favourite hits with an energetic guide.
Take a leaf out of Bad Santa's book and be sure to attend one of Sexquisite Event's festive shows this Christmas. Popping up in locations across the UK, this sex worker-led arts company will be spreading joy in the form of cabaret acts and bear-all panel talks with people from the adult industry.
Taking place on Fridays and Saturdays December in the City of London, Dabbers' Xmas social bingo specials and festive brunches are sure to hit the spot. Not only will you have the chance to bag brilliant prizes (such as trips away), but there also themed packages up for grabs and food too.
This December, why not inject some rhythm into your life with the Jazz Cafe's Sunday Soul Christmas Soulstice? With tickets at only £12, you can experience a night full of hits, courtesy of the Atlantic Soul Orchestra covering the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Etta James.
Get ready for Bar Elba's brilliant, Christmas-themed brunch, Bad Santa Rides Again. As you chow down on a mouthwatering meal paired with 90 minutes of bottomless bubbles or beer, enjoy outrageous entertainment, games and bingo.
West End Drag Brunch are coming in hot with Christmas specials on 26th November and 17th December. Think performances from Ruby Murray, Paige Three and Ruby Sinclair alongside two courses of twists on festive fare (buttermilk turkey burger with Brussels slaw or a full roast with trimmings) washed down by bottomless booze.
Located in the heart of Acton, The Aeronaut is one of West London's most popular boozers. This festive season, they're pulling out all the stops, hosting some of the best Christmas events including a fabulous circus show with a mouthwatering menu to match.
Want to get into the seasonal spirit with some spiffing Christmas events this 2023? In December, The Bloomsbury Big Top is pulling out all the stops with its festive drag event. There will be three amazing headliners and dancers, as well as a token for street food and a mini bottle of Bottega of Gold.
One of the most recognisable Christmas displays can be found at Churchill Arms on 119 Kensington Church Street - just a stone's throw from the palace. Expect over 90 conifer trees and an OTT amount of nights at Notting Hill, which has been a beacon of festivities for more than 30 years.
Throw on your themed jumper and warm up your vocals. Whether you head to Hampstead, Hammersmith and Dulwich this December, Impossible Things Entertainment has an All I Want For Christmas Is Brunch event where you get live performances, Mariah lip-syncing and more.
After a run of successful pop-ups, The Chocolate Cocktail Club has found a permanent home in Farringdon. This Christmas, it's serving some seriously delicious cocktails. On the menu are edible reindeers filled with liquor, plus drinks like the Cosnowpolitan. What's more, tickets include two mocktails on the house. Chocotini, anyone?
Head to Islington's Rosemary Branch Theatre for a slice of Christmas performance. They're hosting two fantastic seasonal cabaret shows where artists can showcase their new work, as well as a family-friendly Desperately Seeking Santa show.
The Four Thieves in Battersea are holding a festive edition of their weekly event, The Big Quiffy Christmas Quiz. Hosted by Boogaloo Stu and his 80s soundtrack, you can expect music, picture and guess the voice rounds, with great prizes up for grabs. And the best part? Tickets are just £2.50.
Head to Phoenix Arts Club for this All I Want For Christmas Is Cabaret bonanza. The festive theatrical performance will showcase a range of variety acts flaunting their drag, musical, comedic and burlesque talents, complete with themed cocktails and mulled wine.
Taking family Christmas events in London for 2023 up a notch? With cute cafes in both Notting Hill and Belgravia, you can find several fun and arty happenings at Biscuiteers. They've got kids holidays-timed classes to keep them entertained, otherwise head here as a couple or with friends for the adults-only cookie decorating sessions.
While prison might not be the ideal destination this festive season, Alcotraz is whipping up an experience you won't forget in a hurry. From entertaining immersive costumes down to fittingly-themed cocktails, this is one of the best Christmas team events.
One of the best Christmas events in London for families, Thames Rockets is pulling out all the stops with its themed speedboat experience. You'll get to enjoy everything from twinkling lights to festive firesides and a killer seasonal soundtrack.
Fancy taking your celebrations up a gear by hosting them on a boat? Then nab tickets to this Christmas party cruise or festive lunch. With London's iconic landmarks as your backdrop, enjoy fabulous live DJs, buffets and plenty of delish tipples too.
Archer Street's bars in Notting Hill, Soho and SW11 have Christmas brunches in store for your festivities this year, promising everything from 90 minutes of bottomless booze to pros serenading you for entertainment. They're sure to jingle your bells.
Peculiar London is hosting an immersive walking tour, What The Dickens?, themed after A Christmas Carol, one of the writer's most famous novels. You'll explore the streets that inspired the book, including visiting his favourite pub and the room he lived in above it.
House of Burlesque: SnowBall is coming to Hippodrome Casino in the heart of the West End this December, promising a full cabaret show plus an afterparty for your festive celebrations. You'll definitely be on Santa's naughty list after attending this one.
The Breakfast Club are hosting a top pick of quirky London events in December 2023 for making Christmas special, complete with games, prizes and free shots. Jingle Balls Boozy Drag Bingo is hosted by Sheila Simmonds and is bound to be both naughty and nice.
To top off Christmas in London? Book into Rivoli Pop-Up Cinema, where you can enjoy a whole host of festive flicks on the big screen while basking in the gorgeous surrounds. Think everything from Elf to Die Hard and Love Actually.
Charge up your brainpower then head on over to The Big Fat Christmas Quiz in The Mezzanine at The Stratford Hotel. As well as plenty of trivia to get the cogs turning, there will be music courtesy of a live three-piece brass band, mulled wine to sip on and pizza to gobble down.
The hottest immersive Christmas experience in London for 2023, Humbug is the OTT festive dive bar where you'll get Santa back in the seasonal spirit of things. This interactive event features rowdy live performances, shrines to Mariah and tunes galore, all while you're sipping on some naughty cocktails.
One of the most fun things to do at Christmas in London? Head back to Mr Claus' for bottomless brunch at The Cocktail Club, of course. There's plenty of chaos on the cards as you'll be treated to carols, beats from DJ Satna along with unlimited drinks, tasty food and the naughtiest (or nicest), fun-filled experience.
London Bridge Rooftop is transforming into a winter paradise this year, complete with festive decorations, DJ sets and heaters. Alongside the great views, you can get your hands on mulled wine, seasonal bites and delicious cocktails, with an option to go for bottomless brunch as well.
Head to Blame Gloria for one of the best festive events in London city this winter: Christmas Icons Bottomless Brunch. Alongside sensational performances, the drag-hosted extravaganza will include the ultimate lip-sync battle, quizzes and 90 minutes of unlimted prosecco and sprtiz cocktails.
If you're looking for Christmas movie screenings, you'll want to check out One Aldwych's offering. At their Film and Fizz with Curzon events, you can enjoy a three-course meal before catching flicks like Elf, Love Actually, White Christmas and more.
From Scrooge to ghoulish encounters and plenty of laughs, the four-person performances of A Christmas Carol taking place at Fuller's pubs aren't to be missed. Expect to enjoy these fun shows while grabbing your favourite drinks from the bar.
Sip some tipples and get crafty at The Heathcote and Star this December with £12 tickets to their Absolut Christmas Cocktail and Bauble Making Class. Grab a welcome drink, before sitting down for a decoration demonstration and enjoying a marvellous martini tutorial.
Taking over venues across the city this season, including in Angel, Brixton and more, Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is sorting you out with tough song trivia and some hilarious festive antics. Head over to your nearest night for some of the best London Christmas activities.
Get crafty this Christmas and head to Shangri-La at The Shard to create your very own wreath. With sky-high city views, you'll be treated to a glass of Champagne and a mince pie on arrival before being taught how to make your very own decoration with the materials provided.
Christmas Light Trails are coming to Eltham Palace and Kenwood House this year, spanning everything from dancing fountains to interactive light launchers, halos and more. Plus, you can enjoy festive food, warming cocktails and hot chocolate packed with marshmallows.
Don't wait for the weather forecast to know if you're going to get your fix of flurries, as this list of places to go for faux snow is a must on your Christmas agenda. There are parties with Santa, rooftops filling your feed with flakes and hourly showers in Covent Garden.
After the coolest places to skate in our capital? From Somerset House to GLIDE Battersea, Ally Pally and more, these are the very best rinks that are making waves across London just in time for Christmas.
Unleash your inner artist with the Christmas Pre Drawn Canvas Sip and Paint at Boxpark. Choose from sexy Santas and other festive images, or if you're feeling brave then create your own picture with no guidelines. All materials are provided, so just turn up and have fun.
Have you ever had an afternoon tea inspired by a painting? At Ochre, you can tuck into a festive edition of mini sandwiches, pastries and Dutch butter cake with a nod to Hendrick Avercamp's A Winters Scene with Skaters Near a Castle, all for £55 per person.
If Winter Wonderland just isn't hitting the spot like it used to, then you'll want to check out our guide on alternative destinations that'll still give you the festive feels. Think Christmas at Kew, riverside or rooftop igloos and snowy ski lodges.
From a Christmas lights hunt to a festive displays trail complete with food and drink along the way, these events are a top pick for your yuletide celebrations. Expect escape room-style puzzles on this self-guided tour.
Wind your way around the capital's wintery walking routes - it's the only logical way to help that turkey go down. Whether strolls along the Thames, cultural trails with public artworks included or parks are more your thing, we've also found a pub to finish up at.
If you're after free Christmas events in London for 2023, many of these festive light trails and displays fit the bill. Expect Covent Garden's finest alongside Oxford and Carnaby Street - plus some paid-for options at Kew Gardens or Kenwood House. This guide has it all.