December is the time to throw yourself into some festive frivolity and these wondrous winter pop-ups in London will certainly get you into the swing of things. From Christmas movie screenings to enjoying a mulled wine in an Alpine-inspired wonderland, here’s our selection of the best winter pop-ups in London this Christmas.
Rooftop cinema at The Berkeley
If you love nothing more than a festive movie under the stars to get you in the mood, then head to The Berkeley. For another year, the Belgravia hotel has transformed its rooftop into a winter-themed outdoor cinema. Snuggle up in blankets with mulled wine and mince pies as you watch one of two seasonal classics, Home Alone or The Holiday. The Home Alone screening is family friendly and begins at 5:15pm, with mini burgers, brownies and hot chocolate on tap for kids, while the 7:45pm showing of The Holiday is adults only. Head to this winter pop-up ahead of time and enjoy a special winter menu of the likes of truffle macaroni cheese, confit duck croquettes and tartiflette.
Daily until 26 December. To make a reservation, call 020 7201 1654. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL, berkeley.com
Ski lodge at Montague on the Gardens
Snow sports fans who can’t escape to the mountains this side of Christmas will appreciate this Bloomsbury’s hotel’s Ski Lodge pop-up, replete with ski racks, piste maps, falling snow, and some fairy lights and lanterns for good measure. At the centre of the outdoor deck is a bar serving the likes of Schnapps, flavoured vodkas, mulled wine, hot spiced apple cider and hot chocolate cocktails. For something a little more sophisticated, there’s also the separate Lanson champagne Winter Lodge.
Until 5 January. Montague on the Gardens, 15 Montague St, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BJ, montaguehotel.com
Winter igloos at Coppa Club
Settle into a woodland-themed winter wonderland with views of London’s iconic Tower Bridge and The Shard in one of Coppa Club’s Winter Igloos. The chic rooftop dining pods are decorated with cruelty-free sheepskin blankets and recycled wool blankets as well as being festooned in fairy lights and lit with candles — and you can enjoy the likes of a Winter Mojito or Bramble spritz cocktail alongside the usual Coppa Club menu of brasserie-style favourites. The tables book up fast, but there are a limited number held back for walk-ins every day. Keep an eye on the website too, as any cancellations will show up online.
Until 31 January. Coppa Club, 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AH, coppaclub.co.uk
The Secret Forest bar & pocket cinema at Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols has pulled out all the stops in the creation of its festive pop-up on the fifth floor of the Knightsbridge store. The Secret Forest is inspired by mystical woodlands with a show-stopping ceiling depicting the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis, making it one of the best winter pop-ups in London this December. Functioning as a bar for the most-part — with Christmas-themed cocktails and a Nordic menu of mushroom and Gruyère toasties, meatballs and cinnamon buns — it will also host cinema screenings on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Films include classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street as well as Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral, and tickets are priced at £20 per adult and £10 per child.
Until 5 January. Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, harveynichols.com
Chromotherapy Christmas at Eccleston Yards
For an illuminating winter pop-up in London, head to Eccleston Yards in Belgravia. Artists Squidsoup have created an interactive light and voice experience inspired by the concept of Chromotherapy, which uses light and colour to balance energy in the body and mind. Named ‘Wave‘, 500 multicoloured orbs emit a different sound, playing in harmony as you walk underneath. The vibrations projected by the different orbs are said to energise the body, stimulate happiness and calm the heart rate. Open from 4pm to 10pm daily and there is a pop-up bar serving Christmas drinks and snacks too.
Until 11 January. Eccleston Yards, off Eccleston Place, Belgravia, mayfairandbelgravia.com
Winterland London’s Alpine Club
This Fulham pop-up by Winterland London is no small affair, boasting a 400-person capacity. As well as a number of different spots in which to drink and dine, from Alpine-inspired cabins to a heated pergola, there are games on offer — skittles, table tennis, arcade games and beer pong — street food vendors, and even a hot tub you can book. If you really want to throw yourself into the Alpine spirit with an après-party, there’s also a DJ that plays until midnight.
Until 22 December. Winterland Alpine Club, Albert Wharf, Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY, winterlandlondon.com
