The loveliest winter pop-ups London has to offer

Light Up the Night, Wembley Park

Following the success of its inaugural Light Up the Night festival last year, Wembley Park is staging another this autumn on Sunday 10 November. The multicultural event is a celebration of both Bonfire Night and Diwali, and will see the park come to life with fireworks, a light parade, and a range of different music acts – including a performance from Bollywood Brass Band.

Truffle Hut, Le Pont de la Tour

Those keen to get into the spirit of all things warm and snugly early this year should book at table at Le Pont de la Tour’s Truffle Hut. Seating just two diners – and with views overlooking the Thames – the intimate cabin is an ideal location for a romantic meal. Cosy up amongst the faux fur-smothered, greenery-scattered space and pop a bottle of Moët & Chandon, before tucking into a five-course truffle tasting menu. With the likes of ‘breast of Poulet noir with baby leeks, suprême sauce and black truffle’ on offer, what’s not to like?

Skylight winter season, Tobacco Dock

Wapping's highest party playground is being frozen over once again this winter as Skylight brings back its rooftop ice rink and becomes an 'urban après skate bar'. Bust a groove with guest DJs, get competitive in an ice hockey shoot-out, or snuggle up under the heated pergola or with a blanket in the Snug bar (on level 9) – all while soaking up the best festive view in town.

The Emerald City, Queen of Hoxton

This winter, the Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop is going green. Follow the yellow brick road (a journey up several flights of stairs) until you reach the top, where a cosy WigWam den awaits. Fuel up on hearty, Kansas-style food (with decent vegan options) before continuing your journey to the Emerald Garden. Here, you’ll find fire pits to toast marshmallows on and a hidden bar serving hot and cold winter cocktails.

The Emerald City is not just green by name (or appearance – the walls glisten with emerald-coloured jewels), the pop-up is hosting a number of ‘green’ events throughout its run, including a clothes swap and pickling workshops where you’ll make Christmas gifts from kitchen scraps. It’s also celebrating the season of the witch, running witch academy classes in which you’ll learn Pxssy magic and how to cast spells. Finally, for something a little more down to earth, there's feminist storytelling nights around the fire pit.

Christmas at London Zoo, Regent’s Park

London Zoo is hosting its very own Christmas grotto, in the heart of the animal kingdom. In this rare opportunity to experience the zoo after dark and jazzed up for Christmas, guests will stroll along a one-mile long illuminated pathway. The Light Vortex will take you past dancing fountains in the penguin pool, an old-fashioned carousel and plenty of seasonal culinary treats. Although the zoo's resident animals will be fast asleep by the time you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to see a series of illuminated wild animal sculptures towering above you as you explore the enchanted land. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled along the way for Father Christmas and his elves.

Jimmy Garcia’s winter pop-up, Southbank

Once again, London's Southbank becomes home to its very own Alpine themed ski lodge this winter, courtesy of pop-up entrepreneur Jimmy Garcia. Situated on the river along the Queen's Walk, the lodge boasts an upstairs dining room called The Refuge, a wooden cabin overlooking the river with a fondue and steak-heavy set menu. Downstairs, the Alpine Bar is serving up winter warmer cocktails and mulled wine, alongside the Chalet Snack Bar, where visitors can sample festive street food including Raclette Burgers and Venison Hot Dogs. The Lodge also boasts its own hireable Igloos, kitted out in full Alpine fashion, in which diners can enjoy their own playlist and breathtaking views of the Thames.

Winter Wonderland 2019, Hyde Park

Some pop-ups return year after year for a reason. One such seasonal attraction is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, which has been welcoming millions of visitors through its frosty gates each year for over a decade. From stomach-dropping fairground rides to a glittering ice rink, circus shows to Christmas markets, there’s plenty here for the whole family to enjoy. Our top tip? Go midweek when it’s far less busy and you won’t have to shoulder barge tourists to get your hands on a warming mug of mulled wine or a hearty bratwurst.

Jimmy Garcia’s Roof East pop-up, Stratford

New for 2019, Jimmy Garcia is launching a second winter pop-up at Roof East, which itself is a melting pot of winter sports and festive fun. Expect a relaxed menu – raclette burgers, wild boar hot dogs and camembert bites – served up in one of Jimmy's signature Alpine-themed lodges.