It’s the season for Rudolf, red wine and winter rooftop bars in London. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean rooftop bars can’t adapt to winter – many of them transform with heated rooftops, cosy blankets, fires and of course, crafted festive cocktails to warm you from the inside out. Whilst I am not born for this season, these rooftop bars do help make it sparkle.
So, whether you have been naughty or nice this year, here’s 11 of my favourite and best winter rooftop bars in London. Wrapped up and ready with tinsel, Christmas trees and DJs. You just need to choose whether a classic cocktail or Christmas cocktail – but when the snowball is back I know what I am drinking! And for anyone who wants to stay warm and fit… some of these rooftops come with stairs. A lot of stairs. So no need to count calories this Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Oxo Tower
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Southbank
What’s Oxo Tower bringing to the festivities? Oxo Tower is a brilliant choice for those Christmas meals that deserve to feel a little elevated. You’ll probably find yourself indoors but the floor-to-ceiling glass keeps the winter chill at bay however the views are still pure London magic. The outdoor winter terrace is perfect for wrapping up on, they even have a Penicillin cocktail which sorted me out last year. Think fancy fizz, an iconic view of St Paul’s Cathedral, and a festive covered rooftop terrace – it’s London rooftop season at its most classic.
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? No. And this is a downside as the wind can whip up! But blankets are provided.
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? End of November
Read more about Oxo Tower Rooftop
London Bridge Rooftop – Apres Ski
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? London Bridge
What’s London Bridge Rooftop bringing to the festivities? Renamed Après Bar for the season, this is your après ski experience, without the skiing! Mind you, after climbing those stairs, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve earned a drink. Mulled teapots are back with a winter-spiced negroni, and the Snowball with a brandy twist – a definite 2025 favourite. It’s ideal for big groups, festive brunch fans, and anyone looking to perfect their après skills
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? Thankfully! I have braved this rooftop before it was – always worth it for those sensational Shard views
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They are up and rooftop ready for you!
Read more about London Bridge Rooftop
Queen of Hoxton
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Shoreditch
What’s Queen of Hoxton bringing to the festivities? Queen of the rooftop pop ups, this rooftop bar always brings a new winter theme – this year, it’s all about the golden tent and toasting marshmallows, perfect for a festive evening. Their creative cocktail menu shines, with the Biscotti Sour stealing the show for me! Yum.
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? There is a heated tent covering a huge proportion but the rest is open for the elements. However if you are toasting marshmellows outside you will get a sweat on!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They are glowing and ready.
Read more about Queen of Hoxton Rooftop
Circes Rooftop
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? London Waterloo
What’s Circes bringing to the festivities? Famed for its party vibes and rooftop pods, this lively London rooftop bar decks out in full festive style- complete with a Christmas tree (too soon for me!) and winter cocktail menu. There’s always something going on at Circe’s, but the Christmas season just elevates it even further, with plenty of ways to soak up the celebrations
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They are on, party pods ready!
Read more about Circes Rooftop and party pods.
Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Soho
What’s Fire Garden bringing to the festivities? This annual winter rooftop pop-up is by ticket only (£28, or £24 for a non-alcoholic option), which includes the house cocktail and one other of your choice. I’ve been a few years now, and it’s one of my favourites for a festive date night or when you just need a really good Christmas catch-up with friends.
Is the rooftop heated and covered? Yes – though part of it isn’t, so you’ll also find fires dotted around to keep you warm.
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? 29th November – 31st December
Read more about Ham Yard Hotel Rooftop
1864 Rooftop
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Oxford Street
What’s 1864 Rooftop bringing to the festivities? Over the years, this London rooftop has offered many festive treats, but now it’s all about igloos, cosy cabins, and Christmas trees alongside a carefully curated festive menu. The cocktail menu features festive favourites like the ‘Winter Queen’ fit for many I know! Cheers!
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? No but if you book an igloo or cabin, you’ll stay warm and cosy.
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They beat the street they sit above and already sparkling!
Read more about 1864 Rooftop and their Igloos
Coq Du Argent
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Bank
What’s Coq du Argent bringing to the festivities? Each year, this London rooftop restaurant extends onto its winter terrace, complete with sheepskin rugs and fires, and serves a festive menu. Perfectly located in the city, it’s ideal for work Christmas meals or a festive drink at the bar. One thing to note: the iconic view isn’t visible from the patio, but the cozy atmosphere more than makes up for it
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? No but has heaters
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? TBC
Read more about Coq du Argent Rooftop
Feast on the Piste at The Berkeley Hotel
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Knightsbridge
What’s Feast Off-Piste bringing to the festivities? With time slots and tickets at the ready, this exclusive London rooftop has transformed into a winter wonderland with Santa-red ski gondolas. At £85 per person this festive hideway includes a glass of mulled wine and an après-ski feast featuring Swiss raclette, chocolate fondue, and gingerbread men. The only downside: UPDATE: They are booked up to January now.
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? You will be in a gondala
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? 13 November 2025 – 13 January 2026
Read more about The Berkeley Rooftop
Bussey Rooftop Ice Rink
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Peckham
What’s Bussey bringing to the festivities? Firstly it is that this Peckham favourite is staying open! Normally hidden away until spring, this year you can enjoy a rooftop ice rink with sky high views. Made of synthetic ice rather that the freezing variety it sits adjacebnt to their rooftop bar (That usually hosts the summer cinema) Tickets are £14 per adult and £9 per child (optional Snow Bear for the kids or small adults) for an hour of fun on a higher level! For those (like me not trusted in blades or just prfere a less active rooftop then their rooftop bar is fully tinstled for the season, with winter events on – though the boozy hot chocolate alone is reason enough to visit!
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? The bar is, the rink is not 😉
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? Skate away it is open now until the end of the year.
Read more about Bussey Rooftop
Wagtail
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Monument
What’s Wagtail bringing to the festivities? Aside some of the best views in London – yes this is one of my favourites, they have covered up part of the rooftop but kept some outdoor access. Good for those who like to wrap up warm and enjoy being outside, even in winter! Note, there’s no igloo this year, but you’ll find a tempting array of Christmas cocktails and winter warmers. Think boozy liquid chocolate orange served in a glass – oh yes, please! Champagne cocktails match the colour of Santa’s outfit – well, ho ho hello!
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? Some of it
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They are on!
Read more about Wagtail Rooftop
Bubba Oasis
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Islington
What’s Bubba Oasis bringing to the festivities? Bubba Oasis is a cosy covered winter rooftop, decked out as an après ski lodge. All the fun without the effort or risk of falling on slopes! Friendly family feel from the staff, £6 margs in the week and DJs on the weekends, complete with their signature disco ball to dance the night away under.
Is the rooftop heated/covered? Yes!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They are on!
Read more about Bubba Oasis.