London's best Christmas film screenings, 2018
The CW round-up of the best Christmas film screenings and immersive experiences in London: find the ultimate night in when you're going out this festive season
Have yourself a merry little Christmas at the Berkeley rooftop cinema
The nights having long begun to draw in, cinemas are popping up all over London to offer cosy, festive experiences in unusual settings. From forest cinema on Clapham Common to one-night-only festivities at The View from the Shard, we've scouted out the city's most exciting locations so you don't have to.
And as temperatures drop, what better way to explore fresh corners of London than in new places that feel just as comfortable as home? And, in some cases, even more comfortable...
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas: Backyard Cinema's Christmas Labyrinth at Winterville, Clapham Common
Forest cinema returns this year from 15 November – 1 January with two screens and an extensive programme of festive screenings with Backyard Cinema. Hunker down under the twinkling labyrinth amidst giant bean bags with mulled wine in hand, and enjoy one of the many Christmas films on offer – there is something for everything on the bill from It’s a Wonderful Life to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Why not stick around after the film, too, and sample the retro Christmas cocktail bar. This year the Christmas Labyrinth features a 3000 square foot maze, where children can enjoy seeking out hidden rooms and singing statues, whilst parents may prefer stumbling upon a secret tequila bar.
Click here for more information
The Snowman Experience at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the universally-adored classic, this Christmas The Snowman steps into the 21st century with Backyard Cinema and Penguin Ventures. Love it or hate it, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will give the walk-through adventure a home. The 45-minute immersive experience includes a walk through multi-sensory rooms, replica sets and simulated flying. Book early to avoid missing out on the magic.
Click here for more information
Quote-along Elf screenings: Christmas at the Prince Charles Cinema
Returning in full festive force this Christmas, the Prince Charles Cinema has helpfully divided its listings into ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’, with both edgier festive classics like Bad Santa and Edward Scissorhands as well as wholesome sing-along screenings of The Muppet Christmas Carol. For die-hard fans of Elf, there are quote-along screenings throughout the month, complete with a pre-show and costume contest. And if just one hint of Christmas isn't enough, you could always goall-out with the PC Christmas Pyjama Party: 6 films, one ticket. Go on, we dare you.
Click here for more information
Home Alone: the Rivoli Ballroom Christmas Pop-Up Cinema
Did you know that the Rivoli Ballroom is the only intact 1950s ballroom remaining in London? With regal reds and glittering golds, it sets the perfect scene for a one-off festive film screening this Christmas period. With a select number of classics, from Home Alone to Die Hard, the space is offering extremely affordable (tickets start at just £5) pop-up events on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 December. It's some kind of Christmas miracle.
Click here for more information
Love Actually: film with live orchestra, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Love Actually, so why not kick off December with a particularly classy viewing of the festive rom-com. Back due to popular demand after last year's magic, the film is touring the UK again for live screenings in sumptuous settings. On Sunday 2 December, Richard Curtis’s 2003 classic will be accompanied by live orchestra, amidst the gorgeous Georgian interiors of the Theatre Royal. Tickets are already running low, but you can get ahead of the game now for a Christmas to remember.
Click here for more information
It's A Wonderful Life: Festive Film & Fizz with Curzon, One Aldwych
Film & Fizz graces One Aldwych all year round, but come November and December the luxurious experience complete with a three-course dinner at Indigo is given a festive twist too. Booking now, from the feelgood factor of The Holiday to the timeless magic of It's A Wonderful Life, there's sure to be something to add a bit of sparkle to your festive season this year.
Click here for more information
The Nutcracker: The Berkeley Rooftop Winter Cinema
Festive favourite the Berkley is back with its magical rooftop cinema this Winter. Transforming the hotel's Health Club, heated velvet and fleece blankets welcome film fans in for screenings of Christmas classics including Miracle on 34th Street and The Nutcracker. Tuck into their homemade hot chocolate and gaze at the twinkling lates all throughout this December.
Click here for more information
The Greatest Showman sing-along: Neighbourhood Cinema Frozen Island, Covent Garden
When a winter wonderland meets an islander's paradise: Neighbourhood Cinema has transformed a hub in Covent Garden to accommodate the perfect Christmassy escape with their Frozen Island. Frosted palm trees, falling snowflakes and gourmet Christmas sliders set the mood while you settle in for any one of their festive screenings running across the three-month residency. From a boozy Greatest Showman sing-along to a wholesome family trip to Polar Express, there's something for everyone in this immersive delight.
Click here for more information
The Muppet Christmas Carol: Christmas Floating Film Festival, St Katharine Docks
Transforming the marina and office spaces next to the Tower Bridge in London, St Katharine Docks Floating Film Festivals is back for the festive period with a special Christmas edition. Beanbags, blankets and hot chocolate are on offer to make you feel at home on the pontoon, while rewatching some of your favourite Christmas films. The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Holiday and Arthur Christmas are all on offer – make the most of it before it floats away.
Click here for more information
White Christmas: Silent cinema with The Nomad at Citypoint
You dreamed it, The Nomad achieved it. The Bing Crosby classic White Christmas is screening as part of The Nomad's Christmas season with deckchairs galore in the heart of the City at Citypoint. The unique pop-up experience offers headphones for a silent cinema event, as festive films like Gremlins and Bad Santa, both iconic and unorthodox, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Click here for more information
And as temperatures drop, what better way to explore fresh corners of London than in new places that feel just as comfortable as home? And, in some cases, even more comfortable...
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas: Backyard Cinema's Christmas Labyrinth at Winterville, Clapham Common
Forest cinema returns this year from 15 November – 1 January with two screens and an extensive programme of festive screenings with Backyard Cinema. Hunker down under the twinkling labyrinth amidst giant bean bags with mulled wine in hand, and enjoy one of the many Christmas films on offer – there is something for everything on the bill from It’s a Wonderful Life to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Why not stick around after the film, too, and sample the retro Christmas cocktail bar. This year the Christmas Labyrinth features a 3000 square foot maze, where children can enjoy seeking out hidden rooms and singing statues, whilst parents may prefer stumbling upon a secret tequila bar.
Click here for more information
The Snowman Experience at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the universally-adored classic, this Christmas The Snowman steps into the 21st century with Backyard Cinema and Penguin Ventures. Love it or hate it, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will give the walk-through adventure a home. The 45-minute immersive experience includes a walk through multi-sensory rooms, replica sets and simulated flying. Book early to avoid missing out on the magic.
Click here for more information
Quote-along Elf screenings: Christmas at the Prince Charles Cinema
Returning in full festive force this Christmas, the Prince Charles Cinema has helpfully divided its listings into ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’, with both edgier festive classics like Bad Santa and Edward Scissorhands as well as wholesome sing-along screenings of The Muppet Christmas Carol. For die-hard fans of Elf, there are quote-along screenings throughout the month, complete with a pre-show and costume contest. And if just one hint of Christmas isn't enough, you could always goall-out with the PC Christmas Pyjama Party: 6 films, one ticket. Go on, we dare you.
Click here for more information
Home Alone: the Rivoli Ballroom Christmas Pop-Up Cinema
Did you know that the Rivoli Ballroom is the only intact 1950s ballroom remaining in London? With regal reds and glittering golds, it sets the perfect scene for a one-off festive film screening this Christmas period. With a select number of classics, from Home Alone to Die Hard, the space is offering extremely affordable (tickets start at just £5) pop-up events on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 December. It's some kind of Christmas miracle.
Click here for more information
Love Actually: film with live orchestra, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Love Actually, so why not kick off December with a particularly classy viewing of the festive rom-com. Back due to popular demand after last year's magic, the film is touring the UK again for live screenings in sumptuous settings. On Sunday 2 December, Richard Curtis’s 2003 classic will be accompanied by live orchestra, amidst the gorgeous Georgian interiors of the Theatre Royal. Tickets are already running low, but you can get ahead of the game now for a Christmas to remember.
Click here for more information
It's A Wonderful Life: Festive Film & Fizz with Curzon, One Aldwych
Film & Fizz graces One Aldwych all year round, but come November and December the luxurious experience complete with a three-course dinner at Indigo is given a festive twist too. Booking now, from the feelgood factor of The Holiday to the timeless magic of It's A Wonderful Life, there's sure to be something to add a bit of sparkle to your festive season this year.
Click here for more information
The Nutcracker: The Berkeley Rooftop Winter Cinema
Festive favourite the Berkley is back with its magical rooftop cinema this Winter. Transforming the hotel's Health Club, heated velvet and fleece blankets welcome film fans in for screenings of Christmas classics including Miracle on 34th Street and The Nutcracker. Tuck into their homemade hot chocolate and gaze at the twinkling lates all throughout this December.
Click here for more information
The Greatest Showman sing-along: Neighbourhood Cinema Frozen Island, Covent Garden
When a winter wonderland meets an islander's paradise: Neighbourhood Cinema has transformed a hub in Covent Garden to accommodate the perfect Christmassy escape with their Frozen Island. Frosted palm trees, falling snowflakes and gourmet Christmas sliders set the mood while you settle in for any one of their festive screenings running across the three-month residency. From a boozy Greatest Showman sing-along to a wholesome family trip to Polar Express, there's something for everyone in this immersive delight.
Click here for more information
The Muppet Christmas Carol: Christmas Floating Film Festival, St Katharine Docks
Transforming the marina and office spaces next to the Tower Bridge in London, St Katharine Docks Floating Film Festivals is back for the festive period with a special Christmas edition. Beanbags, blankets and hot chocolate are on offer to make you feel at home on the pontoon, while rewatching some of your favourite Christmas films. The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Holiday and Arthur Christmas are all on offer – make the most of it before it floats away.
Click here for more information
White Christmas: Silent cinema with The Nomad at Citypoint
You dreamed it, The Nomad achieved it. The Bing Crosby classic White Christmas is screening as part of The Nomad's Christmas season with deckchairs galore in the heart of the City at Citypoint. The unique pop-up experience offers headphones for a silent cinema event, as festive films like Gremlins and Bad Santa, both iconic and unorthodox, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Click here for more information
