The Time Out London blog team

December is here, London looks like it’s been dumped in a vat of glitter, and it seems that everyone’s either drinking mulled wine outside a ‘cosy pub’ or watching a seven-year-old Wise Man forget his lines. But you? You’re smarter. You know there’s only so much festivity a person can take.  Avoid a frostbitten trudge through Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, sidestep the aggressively enthusiastic choirs, and swerve the Christmas party where a colleague you barely know will inevitably shout directly into your ear. Instead, let London’s gigs thaw you out. From hyperpop chaos and country-pop firecrackers to futuristic R&B and nostalgic indie madness, these are the gigs actually worth leaving the house for. Consider this your festive survival guide – free from out-of-tune carol singers, sleigh bells and the existential dread of being trapped in a City bar with marketing bros in novelty jumpers.  Georgia is a freelance contributor to Time Out’s music section. She hates winter with a passion and is borderline emotionally attached to her heated blanket right now (yes, it’s weird, and no, we don’t bring it up). She’s only willing to peel herself away from its warm embrace for DeBasement and Snow Strippers’ gigs this month.   The best gigs in London in December 2025 Sarah Doyle 1. CMAT Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, AKA CMAT, is a firecracker blending of country-pop and emotional candour. Following her raucous, politically charged third album Euro-Country (Time Out’s second-best album...

With roaring fires, steaming beverages and patrons sporting thick wooly jumpers, London’s pubs tend to get very cosy this time of year. But there’s one new boozer that’s particularly snug. Measuring less than 8ft squared, the ‘world’s smallest pub’ has arrived in London especially for Christmas.  Three Jingle Bells at Southwark’s Flat Iron Square can fit just one bartender and three punters at a time. And, with a bar so small, there are just two beers on tap, each from Camden Town Brewery.  You can book a 45 minute slot at Three Jingle Bells for yourself and up to two mates from Thursday to Saturday, with a £10 holding fee per person. Photograph: Carla Barber   If you get there and find there’s no room at the inn, you won’t have to go very far for more seating. The wee pub is located at the end of Flat Iron Square’s larger bar and is part of its big festive transformation, which see its entire outdoor terrace turned into ‘Yuletide Yard’. The space has been decked with a Christmas tree, hanging mistletoe and neon fairground signs, with a bar serving up a host of bespoke Christmassy cocktails, including Cinnamon Bun Espresso, Winter Berry Martini and Jameson Irish Coffee. On top of that, visitors can expect live entertainment like a Michael Bublé tribute act, karaoke, DJs and ‘speed-quizzing’ sessions. Hungry? A number Yuletide specials will be on offer, including a pork and fennel sausage pizza with shredded brussel sprouts, southern fried chicken with cranberry sauce,...

Between the Bridges – the eating, drinking, shopping and partying destination on the South Bank – has announced that it will soon close. The Queen’s Walk riverside venue will shut for 2026 while works take place on nearby Jubilee Gardens.   For those not in-the-know, Between the Bridges is next to Hungerford Bridge and boasts food and drink stalls, themed markets and events. The site sits between Waterloo and Westminster bridges, within a short distance of attractions like the London Eye, London Dungeon, Southbank Centre and BFI. While Between the Bridges is closing for 2026, apparently we aren’t saying goodbye to the venue forever. Organisers are expecting the all-seasons area will return after the Jubilee Gardens works are complete. Photograph: Between the Bridges For the time being, the venue is going out with a bang. Between the Bridges is planning a fortnight of parties this month before it shutters, including free after-work live DJ events, Christmas discos, drag brunches and more. The finale will be a huge closing party on December 22. The best markets and food halls in London. Plus: the best London borough has been crowned for 2025. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.