The Best Christmas Bars and Festive Spaces of 2021

The halls are decked, the bells are ringing out and the big man is on his way to town! Here we have selected some of our favourite Christmas venues to get you in the festive spirit, the cosiest spots to duck into after a long day’s shopping and party places to continue into the night.

Appearing alongside the Christmas Markets in mayor cities across the UK, we find pop-up alpine style bars, tipi tents and winter villages. Kitted out with a festive décor, cosy fabrics and twinkling lights, you’ll be sure to feel all fuzzy inside. Mulled wine & hot chocolate can be expected, with roaring fires and dancefloors at YurtBar, a DJ booth at Mysabar and even exclusive karaoke cabins at Bar Hütte.

Seasonal igloos have also proven to be a popular extension to many businesses, offering your own private space to cosy up in, dine in or just to simply take in your surroundings. Whether you have a view down the Thames at Coppa Club, overlooking Birmingham’s canals from Gas Street Social or are high up above in the Aviary, you will feel like you are in your own little snow globe.

Snug wooden cabins, to a similar effect, are great for small group bookings too. From beach hut hideouts at Brighton Music Hall, to dancing on the rooftop at Liberté in Liverpool or Black Forest lodges in the city centre at The Club House.

If you prefer to soak up the atmosphere and get involved with a crowd, try the laid-back shared tables at Junkyard Market or Pergola Paddington, both surrounded by an array of food stalls to choose from, with live music and DJs. For true party vibes, outrageous bingo and BBQ delights, try a book club with a difference at Hillhead Bookclub, Glasgow.

With full Christmas transformations into grown-up grottos, these pubs have gone all out! We have Christmas on Pilgrim Street at Market Lane in Newcastle and Miracle on Cross Street hidden within Salt Dog Slim’s in Manchester. Ivy Chelsea Garden in London however, are used to changing the front seasonally, and this year have welcomed what looks like the whole of Whoville to Kings Road with their Miracle on Mount Crumpet.

All about the festive food? Why not try the world’s first café dedicated to pigs in blankets in Bristol, Pigsty, or a private dining experience at Arta, Glasgow. Cold Town House, as well as having an Après ski inspired rooftop bar with the best views of Edinburgh Castle, also has a whole floor dedicated to pizza & prosecco, not to mention their on-site brewhouse!

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