Pop-ups and Christmas: two things London is very good at. We’ve picked out some of the best festive, foody and fir tree-y winter pop-ups to get you in the Christmas mood. Too early you say? No such thing.
1. Little Feast
Dates for your diary: 4th November – 23rd December
Little Feast are returning to Shepherds Bush Yard with a beautiful English Winter Garden theme for the lead up to Christmas. Expect giant fir trees, twinkly lights, mulled wine, wintery cocktails and of course an all-star line up of grub. There’ll be a churrasco BBQ, burgers, toasties, etc etc. For the full line up of food vendors and to find out more visit their website. Psst! If you register online, you’ll get a free drink.
Shepherds Bush Yard, Goldhawk Road
2. Enchanted Woodland
This one’s a bit further out, but if it was ever worth leaving zone 3, it’s for this. Follow the mile-long (ish) route through the Enchanted Forest, taking in the spectacular lights amongst the trees and reflecting on the lake. Tickets cost £9 (children £3) and you can buy them here.
Syon Park, Brentford, TW7 6AZ
3. John Lewis’ Gardening Society
We all owe it to John Lewis for bringing us yet another great Chrimbo ad, but the festivities don’t end there. This December they’re bringing a magical rooftop forest to their Oxford Street store. They have teamed up with Mac & Wild and Background Bars to supply delicious food and seasonal cocktails. The rooftop will be kitted out with a rooftop restaurant, as well as a bunch of private dining lodges for groups of 4-8. Inside the lodges (better described as adult-sized Wendy houses) you’ll have top-class service, a ‘hot toddy bell’ to call for a winter warmer or a festive cocktail, and a sound system that you can plug your phone into and listen to your own festive playlists. On top of all this, there’ll also be a selection of masterclasses where you can learn all about whiskey, chocolate, and how to make haggis (because that’s a very important life skill). For more info and to book, see their website.
You can also explore Buster’s garden from the John Lewis Christmas advert through virtual reality at their Oxford Street store. Read more about it here.
4. Christmas at Seven Dials
Seven Dials is bringing a festive extravaganza to central London. On the 17th, they will be unveiling their stunning Christmas light installations, including geometric forest animals such as foxes, stags and owls. The night will also have live music from the Old Dirty Brasstards, S’mores, an opportunity to make your own wreaths, a winter BBQ from Cure and Cut, and a pop-up enchanted bar. There will also be great discounts available in local stores for those who register online for tickets (you’ll also get a free drink!), so it’s a great excuse to start your Christmas shopping.
Seven Dials, WC2H 9HD
5. Snow Days at Merchant Square
Since the chances of us having a white Christmas are pretty slim, Merchant Square thought they’d give us a couple of snow days anyway. They’re bringing 15 cubic metres of real snow to Paddington, where they’ll be hosting snowball throwing and snowman building competitions. As well as frosty fun, there will also be mulled cider from KuPP, wreath making with Clifton Nurseries, snowball doughballs from Pizza Express and chocolate peanut pizza from Heist. The event is free and lasts from 10am-6pm.
6. Bloom & Wild’s ‘Tiny Tree’ Pop-Up
Bloom and Wild are holding a ‘Tiny Tree’ pop-up for us Londoners who can’t fit regular ones into our tiny London flats. The adorable little trees will be accompanied by a selection of beautiful ornaments from UK makers. So if you were thinking that you couldn’t deck your (miniature London) halls, then think again!
Boxpark, 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6GY
Feature image: John Lewis’ Winter Rooftop (Credit: Pretty Green)