London’s best bars in London this Christmas are calling—when December’s chill hits 5-10°C, this city’s a festive booze bash where twinkly lights meet mulled wine magic. Think rooftop gin with skyline sparkle, speakeasies dripping with holiday cheer, and pubs roaring with Yuletide vibes. Ready for a Sunset Weekly hitlist of the top 10 spots to sip through the season? Let’s dive into this holiday bar crawl—your glass is begging!
1. Best Bars in London: Skylight Tobacco Dock’s Rooftop Rink
Skylight in Wapping (~£8/~EUR 9 drinks) turns winter into a rooftop riot—ice rink, mulled gin, and East End skyline glow. Hit it at 5 PM—perfect for dusk skating (£10/~EUR 11) and festive buzz. Google Reviews (4.4/5, 1,800+ reviews) rave, “Rooftop vibes are unreal—gin’s a winter hug!” Locals say book ahead—Christmas slots vanish fast.
2. The Churchill Arms’ Festive Flood
The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill (~£6/~EUR 7 pints) drowns in Christmas—10,000 lights, 100 trees, and Fuller’s ale warmth. Pop in at 6 PM—perfect when the glow peaks. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 3,200+ reviews) cheer, “Lights are insane—coziest pub ever!” Locals dodge peak—midweek’s snugger.
3. Scarfes Bar’s Plush Pour
Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London (~£18/~EUR 21 cocktails) is a velvet den—mulled wine and jazz under holiday garlands. Book for 7 PM—perfect for a luxe sip by the fire. Google Reviews (4.7/5, 1,500+ reviews) gush, “Cocktails are magic—fireplace seals it!” Locals say nab a couch early—tables fill fast.
4. The Alchemist’s Cocktail Crackle
The Alchemist in Shoreditch (~£12/~EUR 14 cocktails) fizzles with Christmas—smoking peppermint mojitos and theatrical flair. Hit it at 8 PM—perfect for holiday party vibes. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 2,900+ reviews) say, “Drinks are a show—festive fun!” Locals love weekends—book for buzz.
5. Dandelyan’s Riverside Revelry
Dandelyan at Sea Containers (~£15/~EUR 17 cocktails) shakes up South Bank—spiced negronis with Thames twinkles. Sunset at 6 PM—perfect for festive river views. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,200+ reviews) rave, “Negronis are ace—views are unreal!” Locals dodge peak—midweek’s chill.
6. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese’s Pub Past
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street (~£5/~EUR 6 pints) oozes 1667 charm—dark beams, Sam Smith’s ale, and Christmas roars. Pop in at 5 PM—perfect for a cozy pint by the fire. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 3,800+ reviews) cheer, “History in every sip—fire’s a dream!” Locals nab nooks—go early.
7. Mr Fogg’s Residence’s Victorian Vibe
Mr Fogg’s in Mayfair (~£14/~EUR 16 cocktails) is a Dickensian dive—gin punch and holiday trinkets galore. Book for 7 PM—perfect for a festive tipple in Victorian plush. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,000+ reviews) say, “Gin’s a blast—vibes are spot-on!” Locals dress up—tables fly.
8. The George’s Festive Fireplace
The George in Southwark (~£6/~EUR 7 pints) is a 17th-century inn—roaring fires, mulled cider, and Christmas cheer. Hit it at 6 PM—perfect for a Dickens vibe near Borough. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,900+ reviews) gush, “Cider’s cozy—fire’s a winner!” Locals dodge peak—midweek’s snug.
9. Nightjar’s Speakeasy Sparkle
Nightjar in Shoreditch (~£12/~EUR 14 cocktails) hides behind a door—jazz, spiced rum, and holiday glitz. Book for 8 PM—perfect for a secret sip under fairy lights. Google Reviews (4.7/5, 2,500+ reviews) rave, “Rum’s divine—vibe’s electric!” Locals say slots go quick—plan ahead.
10. The Spaniard’s Inn’s Hampstead Haunt
The Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead (~£6/~EUR 7 pints) is a 1585 pub—mulled wine, roaring logs, and heath views. Pop in at 5 PM—perfect for a festive pint post-walk. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,300+ reviews) cheer, “Wine’s warm—pub’s a gem!” Locals nab fireside—hit it early.
When’s London Lit?
Winter (Dec)—5-10°C, lights blaze, and Christmas hums. Spring’s milder—skip if you crave festive chill.
Snap Your London Sip
London’s best bars in Christmas deserve more than a snap—those mulled mugs and rooftop rinks are frame-worthy. Snapfish’s got you with code XGQ125—30% off photo gifts and mugs ‘til March 31 at snapfish.co.uk (valid ‘til 31/3/2025). Jet in with Etihad Airways—flights from Chicago kick off at USD 719 (etihad.com)—and dive into this holiday bar hop. More Sunset Weekly adventures await—pack your bags!
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Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.
