Festive Hangouts You Might Not Have Heard Off in London This Christmas 2019

Don’t you just love Christmas? The lights, the decorations, the markets, the food. Nowhere else does Christmas quite like London.

Sure you know about Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the ice rink at Somerset House, but have you heard of the winter carnival above Oxford Street or the winter lawn at the Tower Hotel? There are so many cool things you’ve not heard of, so here’s my guide to some of the cool winter hangout in London this Christmas 2019.

Christmas at Brixton Market

Does Brixton Market need any introduction? This diverse and vibrant market has been at the heart of the community for years and they’ve gotten into the Christmas spirit with an awesome lineup of food, drinks, and events. Expect festive performances, a New Orleans themed evening, and foodie pop-up the incredible Street Food Union and so much more. Easy to reach from Brixton tube station, check out how they do Christmas in this hip side of London.

📍 Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8PS

Rooftop Brew Stop in Big Chill

Big Chill’s in King’s Cross is ringing in the festive season with their “Rooftop Brew Stop” that transports you to an alpine lodge. Indulge in gooey raclette burgers and plenty of festive cocktails and refreshing Camden Town Brewery beers to keep the festivities merry and bright. Casual and festive, “Rooftop Brew Stop” is the great spot to hang out with mates.

📍 Big Chill, King’s Cross, 257-259 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL

Tower Hotel Winter Lawn

There aren’t many festive venues that can boast majestic views to their winter hangout, but that’s exactly what you get at The Tower Hotel Winner Lawn, and more. Mulled wine, festive cocktails, heartwarming wintry dishes from the Christmas menu with Tower Bridge in the backdrop will keep your festive evening going into the night. A little secret that not many Londoners know about.

📍 St Katharine’s Way, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 1LD

The Gun Gingerbread Chalet

To celebrate Christmas, The Gun has launched its very own winter interiors and menu in the form of a giant gingerbread house. Expect a delightful selection of festive drinks and food (the burger is a must) but makes this chalet it has resigned walls. Yep, really! You can take a piece of gingerbread of the walls and indulge. It’s cosy, festive and perfect for a private part.

The Lock Tavern

Nothing quite beats a roaring fire pit to warm you up. The Lock Tavern has opened up the Lock Lodge to celebrate and it’s bringing with it, a festive menu and plenty of mulled wine. The sweet roasted pork belly is one of the best finger food I tried and this being Camden, there’s plenty of the good stuff to keep things merry. There’s plenty of seating and if you find yourself unable to get close to the fire pit, the heated green seatings will keep you warm. Another secret hangout secreted in a pub to discover.

John Lewis & Partners: Rooftop Winter Carnival

I don’t know about you, but I love a venue that’s based around a theme, and one of London’s largest rooftop has been given an Americana makeover. Set high above the bustling streets of Oxford Circus, the John Lewis Winter Carnival rooftop, in collaboration with Phillips Hue and tech giants Google is brimming with things to do. Expect perfect Insta-moments from fairground horses to waltzer panels and bumper cars to pose in, to brightly-coloured smart lights powered by Philips Hue, plus Popcorn Shrimp, Loaded Fries, Corn Dogs, Turkey Drummers, Oreo Cheesecake Bites, Hot Toffee Apples and more to keep those bellies warm and full.

📍 John Lewis Rooftop, Oxford Street, Marylebone, London W1C 1DX

Aviary Igloo

There’s aren’t many igloo venues that can boast views across London’s skyline like City-based restaurant and bar, Aviary. In partnership with award-winning spirit distillery, Talisker, Aviary has recreated the winter wonderland of the Isle of Skye, inspired by its Scottish partner’s homeland. You can expect a bespoke cocktail menu featuring Talisker (obvs), and a specially curated menu to enjoy under the stars. As good as it gets for a fancy festive do.

📍 Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX

Know any festive hangouts this Christmas that should be in this list? Let me know in the comments below or hit me on social media: Facebook or Twitter.