11 Festive Christmas Pubs in London You’ll Want to See

Today I want to share my guide to the best Christmas pubs in London with you. From festive facades to cheerful decorations and seasonal menus, they’re some of the best places to be in the UK capital each winter. Whether you want to cozy up by a fire or immerse yourself in Victorian yuletide splendor, there’s a pub for you. If you’re up for visiting the city’s most exciting ones this year, read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map, too.

Christmas Pubs in London

There are lots of great pubs in London. From east to west, there’s one (or 10) in seemingly every neighborhood. But in the run-up to Christmas, a few stand out above the rest.

That’s because the UK capital comes alive during the festive season. Twinkling lights and decorations spread cheer throughout the city. The pubs are a highlight, not least because they’re places people enjoy spending time warming up and taking in the atmosphere.

Whether you prefer a famous pub, a local one, a pub on the river, or one near an iconic attraction or landmark, there’s a place for you this season.

Tips for Visiting the Pubs

Visiting pubs is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas. If you want to go to one or more of them, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure to book well in advance if you want to have a meal at one of these pubs. That’s particularly true if you’re in a group, but it’s a good idea regardless. Many pubs start taking bookings for the festive season as early as August or September, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Second, make sure to check opening dates before you go, especially if a pub only decorates for a certain period of the Christmas season.

They generally look festive from mid-November to early January, and they usually announce their menus, schedules and/or Christmas lights switch-on dates a month or more in advance.

Third, try to arrive early or go on a weekday afternoon if you want to avoid crowds. This is particularly true if you don’t have a booking and you want to eat. Even if you don’t, a lot of them get very busy on evenings and weekends. Going at the beginning of the season can help as well.

1. The Churchill Arms

When it comes to pubs in London at Christmas, you can’t beat the Churchill Arms. The facade of this famous watering hole in Kensington is covered in flowers all year, but in the run-up to December 25th it gets a festive makeover.

The Churchill Arms dazzles the eyes with its forested frontage, complete with rows of Christmas trees and tens of thousands of lights.

If you’re looking for somewhere fun for a seasonal meal or pint, it’s the perfect spot (just remember they serve Thai food, so don’t expect a traditional British meal).

Each year the Churchill Arms Christmas lights and display illuminate the pub’s facade from mid-November. If you want to see it and more of the city’s famous watering holes in one go, you can follow my pub itinerary.

2. The Horniman at Hays

Next on my list is The Horniman at Hays. This popular riverside pub in London Bridge goes all-out for Christmas every year.

Located inside the iconic Hay’s Galleria, The Horniman at Hays has over 150 years of history. Its atmospheric interior is a draw year-round, what with its friezes, chandeliers, and tiles galore. At Christmas, baubles, garlands, and lights add magic to an already beautiful space.

As if that’s not enough, The Horniman at Hays is right in the heart of the London Bridge Christmas market. Officially called Winter By the River, it’s home to a long row of chalets stretching from Tower Bridge to Hay’s Galleria. It’s one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in London.

3. The Spaniards Inn

Another of my favorite Christmas pubs in London is The Spaniards Inn. Right on the edge of Hampstead Heath, it’s one of the most famous pubs in Hampstead. It’s beautiful at Christmas, too.

The Spaniards Inn dates back to the 16th century. The road narrows around it, and its wood-paneled rooms are dripping with atmosphere (and reputed to be haunted, although I haven’t seen a ghost yet). During the festive season, it’s decked out with garlands, wreaths, trees, and stockings.

The Spaniards is the perfect place to stop for lunch on one of my free self-guided Hampstead Heath walks. It’s a great way to burn off some Christmas calories and soak up the seasonal atmosphere in one of the city’s most historic pubs in one day.

4. The Mayflower

The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is another of my favorite pubs in London during the festive season. With its centuries-old warren of rooms and historic atmosphere, this place is ripe for Christmas cheer.

The Mayflower goes all-out for the festive season. Its yuletide feast is a thing of legends. Think warming soups, filling roasts, and Christmas puddings, and you’ll get the idea.

Add to that dining by candlelight, atmospheric fireplaces, and river views, and this place is the perfect spot to hole up for Sunday roast during the winter months. You can even eat here on Christmas Day (and if you’re a homesick American like me, they have a Thanksgiving menu).

5. The Holly Bush

If you’ve been reading my blog since the beginning, you’ll know that my favorite pub in London has always been The Holly Bush in Hampstead. It used to be my local, and I still go back every chance I get.

Christmas is no exception. This beloved watering hole takes the occasion seriously. With garlands, pine cones, lights, and reindeer, its warren of rooms gets a festive spruce in the run-up to December 25th.

Add to that open fireplaces with warming glows and historic atmosphere that’s perfect for the winter months, and you can’t go wrong with The Holly Bush at Christmas. There’s even a special Christmas menu with roasts and all the trimmings. You can eat here on Christmas Day, too.

6. The Flask

Just across Hampstead Heath, The Flask in Highgate is another great pub in London at Christmas. Like The Holly Bush, it’s bursting with charm and has a series of historic dining rooms to tuck into.

The Flask is known for its Christmas offerings, too. From its festive menu to decorations that add special cheer and cozy fireplaces, this place has a lot going for it during the season.

The Flask is open on Christmas Day, and it’s also a popular place for parties and events in the weeks preceding December 25th. Just reserve well in advance, as it books up quickly.

7. The Cadogan Arms

The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea is another great Christmas pub in London. Right on the King’s Road, this place boasts of an elegant ground floor bar, an opulent dining room, and a private event space.

The Cadogan Arms is a great place to be at Christmas because it takes the task of decorating seriously. Lights and garlands compliment the Victorian interior decor, making the place fit for a feast for Dickens. There are special seasonal menus starting in mid-November, too.

Like some of the previous pubs on my list, this one is open on Christmas Day. It’s a great place to enjoy a festive feast with family and friends. They do a New Year’s Eve celebration, too.

8. The Argyll Arms

Another pub that deserves a place on my list is The Argyll Arms in Mayfair. This Grade II-listed beauty from the 19th century is ripe for getting into the Christmas spirit.

Decorated with lights and garlands that bring its stunning etched-glass “snob screens” to life, The Argyll Arms is a great place to soak up the Victorian atmosphere and enjoy seasonal food and drinks.

This pub has a special festive menu and a Christmas Day menu, too. You can indulge in a multi-course meal featuring everything from hearty soups to roast turkey and seasonal puddings.

If you need to burn off some calories afterwards, my free self-guided Christmas lights walk in London is just the ticket. The route goes right near the pub.

9. The Gun

The Gun is another Grade II-listed pub that’s perfect for visiting at Christmas. Right on the Thames, this place is steeped in history and charm for the season.

The Gun benefits from Victorian-inspired Christmas decorations throughout its interiors. The covered riverside terrace becomes a magical wonderland during the run-up to December 25th, too.

Add to that a range of festive menus and a New Year’s Eve menu, and it’s worth a special trip to the Docklands to see this place in all its seasonal splendor.

10. The Grazing Goat

The Grazing Goat in Marylebone is another of my favorite pubs in London at Christmas. From food to decorations, it’s hard to beat.

Nestled in the heart of New Quebec Street, The Grazing Goat has great modern-meets-classic vibes. At Christmastime, its upstairs and downstairs dining rooms are decked in wreaths, lights, candles, and pine cones.

Uniquely, this pub also has rooms. If you want to complete your festive experience, you can book a room upstairs and call this place home-away-from-home for a night (or three).

11. Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Right in the heart of Covent Garden, Mr Fogg’s Tavern is another of my favorite watering holes in London during the festive season. This Victorian-style pub on St Martin’s Lane is a treat at any time of year, but it truly delights at Christmas.

That’s because of the seasonal decorations here. The pub is full of knickknacks that cover the walls and hang from the ceiling. At Christmas they’re augmented by wreaths, garlands, and baubles.

And that’s to say nothing of the doorway, which is decorated with festive lights and pine boughs. It welcomes locals and visitors alike for winter cheer. Top tip: go on a Thursday night for live piano music and an old-fashioned cockney singalong.

Christmas Pub Map

Best Pubs in London at Christmas

I hope my blog post has inspired you to go to one or more of these pubs this season. Visiting them is one of my favorite things to do in London in winter, and I hope the same is true for you.

There are a lot more festive pubs dotted throughout the city, too. Seasonal decorations shine at places like The Prince Blucher in Twickenham, the rooftop of The Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, and The Lass O’Richmond Hill and The White Cross in Richmond.

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