The loveliest winter pop-ups London has to offer

Vignette Wine’s white wine tasting experience, Leyden Gallery

Looking to brush up on your wine knowledge? Vignette Wine is hosting the third part in its ‘The Colour Series: Palette to Palate’ – a fun, multi-sensory wine experience at east London’s Leyden Gallery, offering wine enthusiasts a chance to experiment with new flavours, develop their palate and enhance their sensory skills.

From wearing a blindfold and letting your sense of smell or taste guide you, to learning more about the wines through virtual reality stimuli, the evenings create a social environment where guests can immerse themselves in different wine aromas. And, given each wine you taste has been expertly paired with a different cheese, you won’t go home hungry. Each evening uses colour as a sensory starting point, and this time it’s all about white wines.

Miracle, Henrietta Hotel

Voyaging across the Atlantic for the very first time this winter is Miracle: a Christmas-themed pop-up originally from New York. Hidden away on the mezzanine of the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden, punters will find Miracle decked out in festive décor (stockings hung, fairy lights strung), offering a nostalgia-fuelled space to escape from the hectic world outside. The bar serves an array of festive cocktails; guests can indulge in the likes of the ‘Snowball Old Fashioned’ (a Miracle favourite across the Pond) and newcomer ‘And A Partridge In A Pear Tree’ alongside a selection of Alpine-inspired snacks, including Ibérico ham and truffle Croque Madame and a Chestnut Mont Blanc.

Ruth Rogers of The River Café hosts Chucs Serpentine pop-up

On Tuesday 20 November, Chucs Serpentine is welcoming Ruth Rogers, owner and chef of The River Café, who will be cooking up a feast in Zaha Hadid's landmark extension to the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. For one night only, guests have the opportunity to dine on an exclusive four-course menu created by Ruth and The River Café team. Over the past 30 years, The River Café has built up a reputation as one of London's most recognised Michelin-starred Italian restaurants and has become one of the city’s best-loved destination restaurants.

Tickets cost £150 per person and can be booked by emailing sarah@chucsrestaurants.com

Narnia at Bluebird Chelsea

Those who start to feel the winter chill while shopping on the Kings Road might want to duck into Bluebird Chelsea, where three heated wooden chalets – surrounded by a scene of snow-covered Christmas trees and lanterns – will be waiting to warm their guests. Snuggle up in faux-fur throws amid festive wreaths and twinkling lights, and tuck into a warming menu of fondue, apple pie and boozy hot chocolate. A winter cocktail menu of warming concoctions will be available to those dining in the chalets and in the bar upstairs. Chalets can be rented for groups of up to eight people.

Skyline Skating, John Lewis Oxford Street

John Lewis has launched a brand new Skyline Skating experience on the rooftop of its flagship Oxford Street store, in collaboration with gin brand Sipsmith. With hot gin cocktails, pies courtesy of MYPIE and a chance to glide on ice across one of London’s largest roof gardens, Skyline Skating is taking London’s winter ice skating scene to new levels – literally.

Read more on where to ice skate in London this winter

Coppa Club Igloos, Tower Bridge

After booking up weeks in advance last winter, Coppa Club’s igloos return for 2018, offering a cosy retreat from the cold, harsh winds coming in off the River Thames. With fluffy blankets, sheepskin rugs and an all-day dining menu – not to mention panoramic views of the city – the igloos are a great spot to host a festive meal with family and friends. The downside? You might find yourselves feeling like animals in a zoo, as passersby gaze longingly at your feast from outside. Booking for these highly-anticipated pods is now open.

Winterville 2018, Clapham Common

Winterville offers something a little different from the likes of Hyde Park's more renowned Winter Wonderland. Think street food pop ups rather than hot dog stalls, craft beer instead of watery lager and roller discos over traditional ice sculptures. With an immersive World Beyond the Wardrobe experience, families can even visit Narnia. Test your skills at Plonk Golf's circus-themed indoor golf course before settling in for one of your favourite holiday movies at the Backyard Cinema, which will be showing everything from Elf to The Greatest Showman this holiday season. There's also several new attractions to get excited about, including a showcase of Rabbit Rabbit Comedy's comedians including Kerry Godliman, Fin Taylor and Tony Laws.

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 and a winter 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 2018, 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.

After Dark, Chiswick House and Gardens

The lead up to Christmas is the loveliest time of year to visit Chiswick House and Gardens. A series of modern-yet-classy light installations illuminate the 18th century gardens and architecture, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a very different park after dark. Stroll through the lit grounds with family, friends, loved ones (even dogs are welcome) before heading to the walled garden where food and drink stalls will be waiting to tickle your taste-buds.

Social Fun & Games Club, Roof East

Social Fun & Games Club pops up once again at Roof East, but this year the theme is 'curl runnings', a celebration of 1993 hit film Cool Runnings – which turns 25-years-old this year. Punters can play a round or two of sliders, while enjoying a Jamaican take on Christmas – expect a steel drum band to be the soundtrack to your night and lots of rum cocktails (we've got our eye on the hot buttered rum and boozy hot chocolate).

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.

Rooftop ice rink at Skylight, Tobacco Dock

Wapping's highest party playground has frozen over again. This winter season promises Christmas cocktails, warming mulled wine and cheese-heavy street food from the Raclette Brothers, served until 11pm. Bust a groove with guest DJs, get competitive in an ice hockey shoot-out, or snuggle up with a blanket in one of the new-for-2018 cosy igloos and huts – all while soaking up one of the best festive views in town.

French Winter Village, The Langham

Thanks to Grey Goose vodka, the courtyard Garden of The Langham has been transformed into a French winter village. Guests can sip on hot and cold Grey Goose cocktails underneath a glowing Christmas tree, dine on wood-fired delicacies, or get cosy under blankets in one of the rustic hideaways dotted around the yard. Note: there’s a minimum spend is £30 per person for bookings between 6-60 guests.

The Winter Forest, Broadgate

Broadgate Circle in east London has been transformed into a winter forest with the help of 300 snow-covered pine trees, twinkling lights and Mrs Fogg’s Winter Terrace. Expect Christmas carol singalongs every Wednesday, festive quiz nights, Mrs Fogg’s famous cocktails and an abundance of festive cheer. Oh, and the odd visit from Father Christmas himself.

Alpine Village, Flat Iron Square

South east London gets a new pop-up this winter in the form of Flat Iron Square’s Alpine Village. Nestled among the pines, visitors can make a dash from the cold into its wooden ski chalet, where an array of winter cocktails and a convivial atmosphere are served. In what is typically a foodie haven, expect to find carol singing, wreath-making classes and interactive shop displays here too over the festive period.

Winter Wonderland, Walthamstow

Walthamstow is getting its very own Winter Wonderland this year. North Londoners, here's hoping this becomes your equivalent to Clapham’s Winterville – aka, a less-corporate alternative to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The brand new community event is a celebration of the incredible history and diversity of Waltham Forest. Expect a full array of on-stage entertainment, amusements and an ice rink, all centred around Walthamstow Town Square.