It’s already the season for Rudolph, red wine and the best winter rooftop bars in London this 2026/7. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean rooftop bars can’t adapt to winter – many 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 a lot brighter.
So, whether you have been naughty or nice this year, here are some of my favourite and best winter rooftop bars in London for 2026/7. All personally tried and tested over many winters and all wrapped up and ready with tinsel, mistletoe and festive fun. You just need to choose your Christmas cocktail! 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! Sadly I will as I am still on crutches! Happy Holidays! Happy rooftopping!
Let’s find the right winter rooftop for you:
Wagtail
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Monument
What’s Wagtail bringing to the festivities? With some of the best views in London – yes this is one of my favourite London rooftop bars, they have covered up part of the rooftop whilst keeping some outdoor access. Good for those who like to wrap up warm and enjoy being outside, even in winter! Note, there’s no igloo again this year, but you’ll find a tempting array of Christmas cocktails and winter warmers. Think boozy liquid chocolate served in a glass – oh yes, please!
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? Some of it
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? 3rd November 2026 – open from 11am.
Read my review of Wagtail Rooftop or book direct.
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 Shoreditch rooftop bar always loves a theme and this year, following on the success of last, it is all about that golden tent or ‘yurt’ as it’s called. Their creative cocktail menu shines, with the £12 ‘Almond Picante’ stealing the show for me! But there’s plenty for all tastes including a throwback to 2020 with the ‘Banana Bread Daiquiri’ or a £10 ‘Clean Rhubarb Spritz’ for those not wanting alcohol.
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? There is a heated tent/ yurt covering a huge proportion of the rooftop but the rest is open for the elements.
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? 14th October 2026 – open from Wed – Sat late afternoon (only bookings taken on a Saturday for a parties of 4+).
Read my review about Queen of Hoxton Rooftop or book directly.
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 in Waterloo 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 Circes, but the Christmas season just elevates it even further, with plenty of ways to soak up the celebrations. As it’s by Waterloo Station, this is go to of mine as I can then just hop on the train home – so if you live out West and love a young crowd this is for you. They also offer party pods aka igloos! See my igloo round up for more if you want a cosy evening or have a group to cater for.
Is the rooftop heated and covered? Yes
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? They are on and the party pods ready!
Read my review of Circes Rooftop and party pods. or book direct.
Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Soho
What’s Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel bringing to the festivities? This annual winter rooftop pop-up in Soho is as usual by ticket only (£19, or £15 for a non-alcoholic option), which includes the house cocktail. 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. Cosy sofas and chilled vibes, with food options and cocktails such as the ‘Marshmallow Warmer’ gotta love the creativity! Quite pricey but this is Soho!
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? 12th November – 23rd December (Thursday – Saturday in November and Tuesday – Saturday in December)
Read my review about Ham Yard Hotel Rooftop or buy tickets directly.
1864 Rooftop
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Oxford Street
What’s 1864 Rooftop bringing to the festivities? Over the years, this London rooftop bar and restaurant 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 £14 ‘Red Winter Sour’ a 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 are already sparkling this November!
Read my review on 1864 Rooftop and their Igloos or book direct.
Coq D’Argent
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Bank
What’s Coq d’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 of London, 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 cosy atmosphere more than makes up for it. Coming as a group then they are offering their Lodge d’Argent chalet experience for up to 8 people, for a £350 hire which is redeemable against your bill.
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? No but there are heaters, yes the lodges do!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? 2nd November open from 12pm
Read my review about Coq d’Argent Rooftop or book directly.
Rooftop Cabins at The Berkeley Hotel
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Knightsbridge
What’s The Berkeley’s Rooftop cabins bringing to the festivities? With a backdrop of Winter Wonderland and Knightsbridge these rooftop cabins are the perfect place to refuel after Christmas shopping! With time slots and tickets at the ready, this exclusive London rooftop has transformed into a winter wonderland with Santa-red ski gondolas. At £90 per person, this festive hideaway includes a glass of mulled wine and a feast featuring Swiss raclette, chocolate fondue, and gingerbread men, view the menu – all included in the price.
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? You will be in a rooftop cabin – snug and warm!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? 13 November 2026 – 30 January 2027
Read my review for The Berkeley Rooftop or book direct.
Apres Ski at 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 in Islington, decked out as an après ski lodge. All the fun without the effort or risk of falling on the slopes! (My kind of safe skiing!) They’re bringing Alpine bottomless brunch on Saturdays for £55 per person for 90 minutes. Included is Whispering Angel and Guinness as well as the usual prosecco and spriz complete with DJs on the weekends and their signature disco ball to dance the night away under. Might not bring the views but it brings the vibe!
Is the rooftop heated/covered? Yes!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? Already on November 2026!
Read my review on Bubba Oasis. or book direct.
The following rooftops, which usually turn festive, have yet to confirm their plans this season, so stay tuned!
Oxo Tower – TBC
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? South Bank
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 – TBC
Read more about Oxo Tower Rooftop or book direct.
Apres Ski at London Bridge Rooftop: TBC it’s return!
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? London Bridge
What’s London Bridge Rooftop bringing to the festivities? TBC 2026/7
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? Thankfully it is! (I have braved this rooftop before it was and in the rain – rooftop dedication!) But now it is still open at the sides in some places so jumpers needed but otherwise pretty cosy, warm and dry!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? TBC they are transforming this year!
Read my review on London Bridge Rooftop or book direct when it’s confirmed.
Jin Bo Law – details coming mid November
Where’s the Winter Rooftop Bar? Aldgate
What’s Jin Bo Law bringing to the festivities? TBC
Is the rooftop heated/ covered? No but the terrace is small and with floor to ceiling window/ doors you can still enjoy the view and be warm!
When do they turn their Christmas lights on? TBC
Read my review about :Jin Bo Law or book direct.
