Silly season has officially arrived, which means it's time to channel your inner Buddy the Elf and embrace the holiday cheer. Lucky for you, we've scoured the city for the cocktail-soaked parties, events and pop-ups that'll get you feelin' festive faster than you can say "cotton-headed ninny muggins", from a groovy wine garage sale to a dazzling disco brunch. Bring it on!
When: Throughout winter
Where: Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX
What: The hottest place to celebrate the return of Mariah Carey to the radio? In an igloo, of course. This epic pop-up in London Bridge features four heated winter igloos decked out with cosy blankets, twinkling lights and all the wintry vibes - boosted by a sick menu of Grey Goose cocktails and food from Vinegar Yard's resident street food traders, natch. Each 'gloo fits you and up to five of your besties, so round up your merriest mates and get festive.
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When: Through the holidays
Where: Silverleaf, 3rd Floor, Devonshire House, 3 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4JX
What: The Snowball just got SEXY, y'all. Pan Pacific London's standalone bar is one of the sleekest drinking dens in the game, and their take on this creamy, kitsch Christmas classic is just as swish as you'd expect. Silverleaf's version is made with Nikka Days whisky, salted egg yolk, oolong and white choc. Get it while ya can...
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When: Tuesdays throughout winter
Where: Callooh Callay, 65 Rivington St, London EC2A 3AY
What: While we've made a solemn vow not to consume anything except mince pies and Twiglets for the next month, we'll make an exception for tacos - especially since the kick-ass team at Callooh Callay have launched their very own Taco Tuesday. Choose from one of six wicked Margaritas (we're eyeing the Strawberry & Coriander number) and get a free taco with your first Marg. BOOM.
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When: 7 December, 6.30-7.30pm; 20 December, 6.30-7.30pm
Where: L’Art Du Café, 4 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8PS
What: POV: It's the busiest time of the year and you're running on Celebrations and oversteeped Twinings, but you still wanna rally and raise a glass with some lush Christmas cocktails. Enter: L'Or's Christmas cocktail masterclasses. Hosted by TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and World of Zing founder (and our mate) Pritesh Mody, these sessions will teach you how to make coffee-laced holiday-worthy serves like a Mince Pie Espresso Martini and Mulled Coffee Wine, so you can get buzzed in more ways than one. Bonus: each drink is matched to a coffee dessert (hello, coffee cheesecake!). Yum.
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When: 17 December, 12-4pm
Where: Specialist Cellars, Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PQ
What: Joy to the (New) World, baby! Yup, Specialist Cellars is hosting its annual Wine Garage Sale tasting with more than 60 bangin' New World wines. Stock up on bottles for your holiday bash and groove to DJ sets all afternoon long - 'cos what's the festive season without a cheeky midday glass of vino?
When: 18 December, 12-6pm
Where: 100 Wardour St, London W1F 0TL
What: Oh yes sir, we like to boogie, but we don't need a certain song - we just need a giant disco ball and some lush Absolut Elyx cocktails at 100 Wardour St. For £30, this festive two-course brunch features delish dishes like tuna tostadas and churros with cinnamon sugar, with free-flowing bubbly or vodka cocktails for an extra £25. Brb, practicing our best Louis Theroux falsetto.
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When: 31 December
Where: Oriole, E Poultry Ave, London EC1A 9LH
What: As the cherry on top of this sh*tshow sundae of a year, legendary bar Oriole is closing its doors on 1 January. But we've got good news, 'cos not only do the Oriole team plan on opening in a new site in 2023 - they're also seeing out 2022 with an extravagant knees up. This party is all about celebrating the end of an era with pure opulence, so come dressed in your finest and get ready to sip the bar's signature over-the-top serves and cut loose to some swingin' live music. £120 tickets include a Champagne Cocktail and small bites, while £150 will get ya a Champagne Cocktail, a three-course meal and a cocktail from their menu. F*ck yeah!
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