Tis 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 are transforming with heated roofs, cozy blankets, fires and of course, festive cocktails prepared to warm you up from the inside out. Even though I wasn’t born for this season, these rooftop bars help make it shine.
So whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, here are 11 of my favorite and best winter rooftop bars in London. Packaged and ready with tinsel, Christmas trees and DJs. You just have to choose between a classic cocktail or a Christmas cocktail – but when the snowball comes around, I know what I’m drinking! And for anyone who wants to stay warm and fit… some of these roofs come with stairs. Lots of stairs. So no need to count calories this Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Oxo Tower
Where is the winter rooftop bar? South Bank
What is this Oxo Tower bring to the festivities? Oxo Tower is a great choice for Christmas meals that deserve to be a little elevated. You’ll likely find yourself inside, but the floor-to-ceiling glass keeps the winter chill at bay, but the view remains pure London magic. The outdoor winter terrace is a perfect place to end, they even have a penicillin cocktail which suited me last year. Think fancy soft drinks, iconic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and a festive covered rooftop terrace: it’s London rooftop season at its most classic.
Is the roof heated/covered? No. And this is a disadvantage because the wind can blow! But blankets are provided.
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? End of November
Learn more about Roof of the Oxo Towerop
Roof of London Bridge – Après-ski
Where is the winter rooftop bar? London Bridge
What is this Roof of London Bridge bring to the festivities? Renamed Après Bar for the season, it’s your après-ski experience, without the skiing! Be careful, after climbing these stairs you will definitely feel like you deserve a drink. Hot pots of tea are back with a winter spiced negroni and the Snowball with a touch of brandy – a definite 2025 favorite. It’s ideal for large groups, fans of festive brunches and anyone looking to hone their skills after the afternoon.
Is the roof heated/covered? Fortunately! I braved this roof before it was – always worth it for those sensational views of the fragments
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? They are ready for you on the roof!
Learn more about Roof of London Bridge
Queen of Hoxton
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Shoreditch
What is this Queen of Hoxton bring to the festivities? Queen of rooftop pop ups, this rooftop bar always brings a new winter theme: this year, it’s the golden tent and roasted marshmallows that are in the spotlight, perfect for a festive evening. Their creative cocktail menu shines, with the Biscotti Sour stealing the show for me! Yum.
Is the roof heated/covered? There is a heated tent that covers a large part but the rest is open to the elements. However, if you’re roasting marshmallows outside, you’re going to sweat!
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? They are shiny and ready.
Learn more about Hoxton Queen’s Roof
Circuses on the roofs
Where is the winter rooftop bar? London Waterloo
What is this circuses bring to the festivities? Famous for its festive atmosphere and rooftop pods, this lively London rooftop bar is decked out in festive style, with a Christmas tree (too early for me!) and a winter cocktail menu. There’s always something going on at Circe, but the Christmas season only elevates it even more, with plenty of ways to soak up the celebrations.
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? They’re on, the party modules are ready!
Learn more about Circuses on the roofs And party pods.
Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Soho
What is this Fire Garden bring to the festivities? This annual winter rooftop pop-up is per ticket only (£28, or £24 for a non-alcoholic option), which includes the house cocktail and another of your choice. I’ve had it for a few years now, and it’s one of my favorites for a festive night out or when you just need a really good Christmas catch-up with friends.
Is the roof heated and covered? Yes, although some of it isn’t, so you’ll also find fires dotted around to keep you warm.
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? November 29 – December 31
Learn more about Roof of the Ham Yard Hotel
1864 Roof
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Oxford Street
What is this 1864 A roof for the festivities? Over the years this London rooftop has offered plenty of festive treats, but now it’s all about igloos, cozy cabins and Christmas trees, as well as a carefully crafted festive menu. The cocktail menu features festive favorites like the “Winter Queen” which will suit a lot of people I know! Cheers!
Is the roof heated/covered? No, but if you book an igloo or cabin, you will stay warm.
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? They are beating the street above which they sit and already sparkling!
Learn more about 1864 Rooftop and their Igloos
Rooster Of Money
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Bank
What does the Silver Rooster bring to the festivities? Every year, this London rooftop restaurant extends onto its winter terrace, complete with sheepskin rugs and fires, and serves a festive menu. Ideally located in the city, it is ideal for Christmas meals at work or a festive drink in 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 roof heated/covered? No but there are radiators
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? To be confirmed
Learn more about Cock of the Money Rooftop
Enjoy the slopes at the Berkeley Hotel
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Knightsbridge
What is this Feast Off-Piste bring to the festivities? With time slots and tickets at your fingertips, this exclusive London rooftop has been transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Santa’s red ski gondolas. At £85 per person, this festive hideaway includes a glass of mulled wine and an après-ski feast of Swiss raclette, chocolate fondue and gingerbread men. The only downside: UPDATE: They are booked through January now.
Is the roof heated/covered? You will be in a gondala
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? November 13, 2025 – January 13, 2026
Learn more about The roof of Berkeley
Ice rink on the Bussey roof
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Peckham
What is this Bussey bring to the festivities? Firstly, this Peckham favorite remains open! Normally hidden away until spring, this year you can enjoy a rooftop ice rink with stunning views. Made from synthetic ice rather than glacial ice, it sits next to their rooftop bar (which usually hosts the summer cinema). Tickets cost £14 per adult and £9 per child (Snow Bear optional for children or small adults) for an hour of next-level fun! For those (like me who don’t trust blades or just prefer a less active roof), their rooftop bar is fully decorated for the season, complete with winter events – although the boozy hot chocolate alone is reason enough to visit!
Is the roof heated/covered? The bar is, the ice rink is not 😉
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? Skate away, it is open until the end of the year.
Learn more about Roof of Bussey
Wagtail
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Monument
What does Wagtail bring to the festivities? As well as some of the best views in London – yes, it’s one of my favourites, they covered part of the roof but retained external access. Ideal for those who like to bundle up and enjoy being outside, even in winter! Note that there is no igloo this year, but you will find a tempting range of Christmas cocktails and winter warmers. Think boozy orange liquid chocolate served in a glass – oh yes, please! The champagne cocktails match the color of Santa’s outfit – well, ho ho hello!
Is the roof heated/covered? Part
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? They are lit!
Learn more about Wagtail roof
Bubba Oasis
Where is the winter rooftop bar? Islington
What does Bubba Oasis bring to the festivities? Bubba Oasis is a comfortable covered winter rooftop converted into an après-ski lodge. All the fun without effort or risk of falling on the slopes! Friendly family atmosphere from the staff, £6 margins during the week and a DJ at the weekend, with their signature disco ball for dancing all night long.
Is the roof heated/covered? Yes!
When do they turn on their Christmas lights? They are lit!
Learn more about Bubba’s Oasis.
