London's best igloos and winter pop-ups to dine at this Christmas

Eating in an igloo in London might sound like a foreign idea, but stay with us. Here at SquareMeal, we are big proponents of the belief that it is impossible to be bored in London. That is because in this great diverse city, there is always something happening, somewhere to be and someone to see. Each and every day of the year, London is a land of opportunity - fancy bottomless brunch in an adult ball pit? You can do that. How about a tasting menu in one of the poshest joints in town? London’s got you covered there, too.

One of the most popular London trends of recent years though is dining inside an outdoor igloo (see, we told you we'd get there), an experience first triumphed by the folk over at Coppa Club in London Bridge. Nowadays, a whole host of other restaurants and bars are getting in on the bubble action, so if you’re looking for a Christmas igloo in London, you’re in luck, with everything from rooftop spots with signature serves, to multi-course set menus in cosy pods.

Some London igloos are only available to dine in seasonally, while others stick around all year long. Typically though, igloos are most popular during the winter season. There is much to dislike about winter in London - the days are shorter, it’s dark when you wake up and it's unreasonably cold. Sure, all those things are true, but we shouldn’t let winter get us down, because this is when London gears up to host diners in snug outdoor igloos or at festive winter pop-ups and experiences.

From cosy glass domes overlooking the Thames, to heated rooftop food markets, London's best igloos and winter pop-ups are bound to get you in the festive spirit. Whoever said you can’t enjoy London in the winter has clearly never managed to get a booking at one of these epic winter warmers. Speaking of bookings, igloos in London get snapped up extremely quickly, so alongside our pick of the best igloos London has to offer, we have also included a few alternative winter pop-ups and terraces to try out. Enjoy!

 The best igloos in London

For when only picture-perfect will do, booking one of these fancy igloo bars or restaurants in London is the ideal way to impress. They feel like a properly posh private dining experience that will definitely give you a change from the everyday.

1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, Oxford Street

What: Get in the festive spirit this Christmas at 1864, a rooftop bar and kitchen found on the 6th floor of the flagship John Lewis store. Festive riverside igloos have space for up to 40 guests, offering a feasting menu that starts with sharing plates such as samphire and kale fritters, crispy fried chicken, or lamb skewers with jalapeno cream, before moving on to mains of pumpkin and sage rigatoni or pan-fried sea bream. Drinks packages ensure a lavish celebration, with bespoke, seasonal sips and plenty of fizz to see you through until Christmas, including a delightful sounding Orange Gold Ginger cocktail.
Where: 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
Book now: 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

Igloos at the Coppa Club, Tower Bridge

What: It would be silly to complete this list without mentioning the PVC domes London originally went crazy for a few years back at Coppa Club Tower Bridge. Now also available to book at many Coppa Club venues around the UK, each venue offers Winter Wonderland interiors with white furs and hanging, snow-tipped foliage. Unbeatable views and indulgently, festive menus make this one a must, but be quick, because the igloos always book up fast.
When: Available from 18 November
Where: Three Quays Walk, EC3R 6AH
Book now: Coppa Club Tower Bridge

Circe’s Rooftop Party Pods, Waterloo

What: When it comes to igloo dining in London, Circe’s could be the spot this winter with its ‘Aurora Nights’. Each pod can seat up to nine, complete with soft blankets, ambient lighting and blue-tooth speakers, so you can really get the party going. Tuck into seasonal small plates such as spiced lamb koftes, seared scallops and padron peppers, with Spritzes, plenty of wines, and a signature Spiced Winter Margarita. Throw in sweeping city views, and you’ve got quite the festive celebration.
When: 30 September to 31 March
Where: 117 Waterloo Rd, SE1 8UL
Book now: Circe's Rooftop

London Secret Garden, Kensington

What: Favourites in the summer, London Secret Garden boasts igloos all year round, tucked away in this tranquil haven in Kensington. Decked out with twinkling lights, these five domes are a site to behold and will almost certainly get you in the festive spirit. Seating up to 10 guests per dome, here you can tuck into three-tiered stands of cakes and sarnies from the afternoon tea menu, or explore one of the Asian-inspired tasting menus for a festive feast with a twist.
Where: 100 Cromwell Road, SW7 4ER
Book now: London Secret Garden

Igloo-style Chalets, Westfield White City

What: Last year, guests could book an igloo-style winter chalet for up to six people at Westfield London. Each was kitted out with classic board games and Bluetooth speakers to blast your favourite Christmas tunes, while the food was of the warm and comforting variety - think cheese and chocolate fondue (not at the same time, of course). From the drinks menu, guests could sip on a collection of Slingsby Gin cocktails including a chocolate orange martini, marmalade negroni and winter berry sparkling goblet. 
Where: Ariel Way, W12 7HB

Aviary, The City

What: Aviary has combined London’s two favourite things, winter igloos and summer rooftops to create rooftop igloos – rather genius we think. This year's Winter Wonderland igloos have been transformed into a woodland-inspired alpine retreat, complete with sheepskin throws, twinkling lights, and rustic pine decor. Three-course festive set menus are on the cards - think slow-cooked beef cheek and dark chocolate Biscoff swiss roll -  whilst Tequila cocktails are the order of the day courtesy of sponsors Patron. Expect handcrafted tipples, including signature drinks such as the Holy Berry Margarita and the Spicy Tommy's.
Where: 22 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Book now: Aviary

The best winter pop-ups in London

If you fancy getting cosy but aren’t fussed on an igloo per se, why not head for one of London’s many winter pop-ups? These guarantee some feel-good vibes and a whole host of cheese and wine. Ideal.

The Alpine Lodge at Vicinity, Tower Bridge

What: Vicinity’s Alpine Lodge is back for another year, bringing gorgeous, snow-dusted lodge vibes to this pop-up at the foot of Tower Bridge. That means the views are second to none - panoramic vistas of the bridge and The City, all from your own toasty little pop-up chalet. Inside the menu covers alpine favourites, from chicken schnitzel burgers and loaded rosti potato bites to tartiflette.
When: 27 October to 31 December
Where: St Katherine's Way, E1W 1LD
Book now: Vicinity

Montague Ski Lodge, Bloomsbury

What: Embrace the winter magic at Montague Ski Lodge, an alpine getaway that is bound to give that festive feeling. Each Christmas, the Wood Deck at the Montague is transformed with pine trees, ski racks and an array of twinkling lights, where you can cuddle up with mulled wine, festive punch and spiced cider. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to host a Christmas party, or just grab a few friends for a festive night out in Bloomsbury. The festivities don't stop at Christmas. From January, guests can opt for the gourmet fondue experience, available daily.
When: Ski Lodge from 30 September to 31 December, Fondue Experience from 8 November to 31 March
Where: 15 Montague Street, WC1 5BJ
Book now: Montague Ski Lodge

Sushisamba, Covent Garden

Why: A staple of Covent Garden, Sushisamba will once again be transforming their Piazza Terrace this Christmas to bring you a winter extravaganza full of dazzling decorations and twinkling lights. Partnering up with Belvedere for 2025, there’ll be a variety of unique cocktails - such as a Tipsy Cocoa, Cherry Manhattan, or Mulled Wine - alongside tasty bites that will immerse you in their classic taste of Samba, whilst still delivering that festive spirit.
Where: 35 The Market Building, WC2E 8RF
Book now: Sushisamba Covent Garden

Snowday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill and Marylebone

What: Bringing a touch of festive magic this winter, Sunday in Brooklyn is set to undergo a dramatic transformation with its Festive Wonderland pop-up ‘Snowaday in Brooklyn’ which is hosted every evening. Both sites are sure to be fully decked out with Christmas decor, with a selection of carefully crafted cocktails that are bound to keep you in good spirits. Last year saw festive creations such as Snowman’s Land (gin, cachaca and passion fruit), and the iconic Partridge in a Pear Tree (tequila, sherry and pear).
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU; 10-12 James Street, W1U 1EE
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn Notting Hill; Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone

Tipis on the Green, Fulham

What: Transport yourself to a cosy ski chalet this Christmas season at Tipis on the Green - London's first sustainable pop up. Boasting zero emissions generators, upcycled furniture and a commitment to reducing waste through compostable containers, so you can enjoy that traditional alpine experience without worrying about the environmental impact - it's a win-win. Finish your day around the fires with delicious apres ski dishes, such as tartiflette, and warm up with Bailey's hot chocolates or a steaming cup of mulled wine.
When: 17 November to 22 December
Where: Parsons Green, SW6 4UL
Book now: Tipis on the Green

Wick Wonderland at Barge East, Hackney Wick

What: Popular Hackney Wick hotspot Barge East is right at the heart of popular festive market Wick Wonderland, providing an excellent place to stop for food and drink whilst you tour a host of local businesses, artists and traders who pitch up with stalls in the Barge East garden. You'll find everything from a riverside rooftop to cosy winter cabins, a Christmas market and Christmas trees available to buy, as well as Barge East's festive menus which are available throughout December.
Where: White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

Tattu, Soho

What: One of London’s favourite fine-dining establishments, Tattu is beloved for its seasonally changing decor that make it a rather magical dining experience. It’s not long now until it will be all set up for winter, the heated outdoor terrace boasts eye-catching city views to bring a bit of festive cheer. Last year, the theme was all about the snow capped mountains of China with icy cherry blossoms and an Aurora Borealis-style lightshow. Enjoy this fusion of flavours, blending traditional Chinese cuisine to bring you festive food with a twist.
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu

Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton

What: As one of Shoreditch’s most popular rooftop bars, head to the Queen of Hoxton during the winter months to experience the new winter theme which changes each year. Previous years have seen the construction of a giant wigwam to keep warm in, a super Instagrammable Moulin Rouge loveseat and a giant apres-ski chalet. Expect an evening complete with hot cocktails and cosy fires, with German market-style cuisine, which can be enjoyed in the heated yurt. Once you’re done taking in the moonlit views head down to the basement club to dance the rest of the night away.
Where: 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
Book now: Queen of Hoxton

Peckham Arches, Peckham

What: This summertime favourite invites you to join them as they transform into a vibrant winter escape! Peckham Arches, located underneath Peckham Rye Station is one of the largest outdoor terraces in South East London - with capacity for up to 600 people - making it the perfect place to celebrate this winter. Last year, visitors could cosy up in the heated garden, fully decked out with Christmas trees and fairy lights. We’re expecting something similar for 2025, so you’ll still be able to grab yourself a steaming cup of mulled wine and enjoy some tandoor specials.
Where: Blenheim Grove, SE15 4QN
Book now: Peckham Arches

Looking to keep celebrating right up to the big day itself? Check out our guide of things to do on Christmas Eve in London.