This December, Soho and Carnaby Street are serving up more reasons than ever to celebrate, with sparkling Christmas lights, festive pop-ups, and an irresistible mix of shopping, dining, drinks, and sweet treats. Soho Nights, taking place every Wednesday until 17th December, adds even more excitement with festive dining, exclusive shopping experiences, special discounts, and live performances across Carnaby Street and Soho. From gift-hunting in independent boutiques and global flagship stores to cosy cafés, late-night cocktails, and limited-edition seasonal delights, the neighbourhood is buzzing with winter magic.
This year, visitors can explore new restaurant openings, festive menus, immersive shopping, and Christmas-themed cocktails, all set against All Is Bright – a spectacular new chapter in Carnaby Street’s colour-driven Christmas lights. Stretching through Carnaby Street and beyond, All Is Bright transforms the area with star-shaped gateways and cascading curtains of light in Kingly Court’s alfresco dining hub, creating a warm, intimate backdrop for everything from shopping sprees to indulgent foodie stops.
Whether you’re planning Christmas catch-ups, office parties, last-minute gifting, or an evening of seasonal treats, discover joyful flavours, unique shopping finds, winter warmers, and magical moments that make Soho and Carnaby Street the ultimate destination to shop, eat, drink, and indulge all December long.
Best festive pop-ups to visit
The Bothy Pop-Up, 52-55 Carnaby Street
A limited-time festive hideaway offering seasonal drinks, such as a delicious Baileys Hot Chocolate or a perfect pint of Guinness, in a cosy setting – plus The Bothy’s festive cocktail line-up, including a Terry’s Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini, Winter Old Fashioned, Mince Pie Sour, Spicy Mango Margarita, and Mandarin Sour – a must-visit this Christmas.
ARNE, 5–7 Carnaby Street
Adding to the excitement on Carnaby Street this festive season, British brand ARNE have a new pop-up at 5–7 Carnaby Street. The space showcases the brand’s signature menswear, womenswear and footwear collections, giving shoppers the chance to explore ARNE’s clean, contemporary style in person.
Miffy, 8 Newburgh Street
An official Miffy store has opened just off Carnaby Street, at 8 Newburgh Street. The space brings the beloved character to life with curated merchandise, immersive displays and a surprise gallery. Shoppers can also discover one-of-a-kind gifts exclusive to the Newburgh Street store, including the limited-edition Miffy x Carnaby Street T-shirt (£25) and tote (£10). With £1 from every tote and £2 from every T-shirt donated to Centrepoint until 4 January, it’s the perfect place to pick up festive presents that give back.
OMNES, 37Carnaby Street
Sustainable fashion label OMNES is joining the festive line-up with a seasonal pop-up at 37 Carnaby Street, offering its signature consciously made womenswear, including a curated edit of party pieces and occasion wear for the festive season.
De La Vali, 36 Marshall Street
Bohemian womenswear label De La Vali brings its Ibiza-inspired style to Soho — romantic, free-spirited, and expressive pieces designed to make women feel empowered and stylish.
Cold Culture, 35 Marshall Street
Streetwear label Cold Culture drops into Soho with a pop-up offering genderless, high-quality urban clothing and accessories rooted in global street culture — a perfect stop for contemporary street style this season.
Best places to shop
Missoma, 56b Carnaby Street
A go-to for thoughtful gifting this December, Missoma’s Carnaby Street store offers personalised jewellery, timeless statement pieces, and festive-season exclusives—perfect for elevating your holiday shopping list.
Farm Rio, 1 Carnaby Street
Bursting with bold prints and feel-good energy, Farm Rio brings colour to winter wardrobes. Their Carnaby Street boutique is an essential December stop for festive outfits, standout party looks, and unique gift ideas.
TALA, 3-4 Carnaby Street
For activewear lovers, Tala’s Carnaby Street store offers sustainable, stylish pieces ideal for gifting or upgrading your winter workout wardrobe. A great spot to find functional, fashion-forward presents this December.
Pureseoul, 12 Carnaby Street
Pureseoul brings calm to the Christmas rush with ethically crafted jewellery and accessories. Their Soho space is ideal for picking up meaningful, feel-good gifts during a day of festive shopping.
Pangaia, 57 Carnaby Street
Pangaia’s eco-innovative designs make it a must-visit for conscious shoppers this December. From cosy winter staples to colourful essentials, it’s the perfect place to find sustainable gifts with impact.
Charlotte Tilbury, 30 – 31 Great Marlborough Street
Charlotte Tilbury’s new Beauty Wonderland boutique is a festive beauty haven this December, offering limited-edition gift sets, expert makeovers, and magical must-haves for party season sparkle.
Autry, 61-63 Beak Street
Autry’s Soho store is the ultimate stop for premium trainers with retro flair. Whether you’re gift-hunting or treating yourself, its signature styles bring a stylish lift to any winter wardrobe.
ALOHAS, 45 Beak Street
Spanish footwear retailer ALOHAS has opened its first UK store in the heart of Soho. In line with ALOHAS’ on-demand model, the concept invites customers to try footwear in-store, with purchases shipped to them directly to minimise overproduction and maximise sustainability.
Best places to dine
ALTA, Kingly Court
Recently opened in the renowned dining hub of Kingly Court, ALTA is a must-visit this December, serving Northern Spanish–inspired sharing dishes cooked over an open fire. With two floors and a private dining room for 10, it’s an ideal spot for festive gatherings, seasonal feasting, and warming winter catch-ups in the heart of Soho.
Heard, 31 Foubert’s Place
The first West End location for Heard brings two-Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey’s take on elevated, comforting favourites to Soho – making it a standout stop this December. With creative twists on classic dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to refuel between Christmas shopping, festive meet-ups, and wintry strolls around Carnaby Street.
Ria’s, 29 Foubert’s Place
Following its successful Notting Hill debut, Ria’s brings its cult Detroit-style pizza and natural wines to Soho. The open kitchen and playful interiors make this two-storey space ideal for laid-back festive dining.
The Shaston Arms, 4–6 Ganton Street
An iconic Soho pub reborn under the award-winning team behind The Waterman’s Arms, blending traditional pub charm with a refined menu of elevated classics – perfect for escaping the winter chill.
Dishoom, 22 Kingly Street
Dishoom’s Christmas bookings are now open, with festive dishes like Parsnip & Kale Chaat, a Turkey Platter with Gravy and Chilli Sprouts, plus seasonal Naan Rolls. This year also brings Seema Pankhania’s Merry Breakfast Naan Rolls – two limited-edition twists on the classic, including a Pigs-in-Blankets Naan Roll and a vegan Christmas Stuffing Naan Roll, available daily for breakfast until 24th December.
Marjorie’s, 26 Foubert’s Place
A new neighbourhood favourite, Marjorie’s is known for its refined comfort dishes, thoughtful cooking, and genuinely warm hospitality. This elegant spot is an ideal choice for festive lunches and intimate seasonal dinners, where guests can enjoy hearty, flavour-led plates crafted with care. With a well-curated wine list featuring both classic and emerging producers, it’s the perfect place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the spirit of the season.
Rita’s, 49 Lexington Street
Rita’s warm, neighbourhood feel, comforting food and great cocktails, make it an ideal place to settle in for holiday catch-ups and end-of-year celebrations.
Mountain, 16-18 Beak Street
With its cosy wood-fired cooking and excellent Spanish-leaning wine list, Mountain is a welcoming place to settle in for warming meal – perfect for groups wanting something atmospheric and hearty during the festive season.
Sweet Treats & Festive Indulgence
Donutelier, 50 Carnaby Street
“A Sweet Spin on The Nutcracker at Donutelier”, this limited-edition range celebrates the artistry of pastry with festive creations inspired by The Nutcracker. To make the season even sweeter, Donutelier will host a 12 Days of Christmas giveaway featuring delicious prizes and tickets to The Nutcracker ballet.
Big Kid Ice Cream, 1 Kingly Street
Big Kid Ice Cream’s festive menu includes playful new flavours such as Peppermint Candy Cane, Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding, Mince Pie Caramello, and Baileys Cookies & Cream. Their “Christmas With Friends” capsule – a collaborative series of seasonal flavours – will also arrive in-store by scoop and tub over the festive period.
Best Places to Drink
Cahoots, Kingly Court
This Christmas, step back in time with “Cahoots – Letters Home for Christmas”, inspired by wartime letters sent home during the holidays. Guests can raise a glass, write a note, and toast togetherness with nostalgic cocktails and 1940s flair.
The Little Violet Door, 14–16 Kingly Street
The ultimate festive house party venue – offering group and private hire options across its quirky “flat” spaces. Choose from canapé and bowl food packages (£36–£49 per person), festive cocktail menus including “A Fizz-mas Carol” and “Wake the Elf Up”, and lunchtime party offers with complimentary Christmas cocktails. Expect weekend bottomless brunches and house parties throughout the season.
Bar Crispin, 19 Kingly Street
Known for its natural wines and small plates, Bar Crispin offers a cosy space for festive sipping and seasonal bites.
The Mulwray, 28 Rupert Street
An intimate wine bar above The Blue Posts, The Mulwray is the perfect escape for a refined winter evening with curated wines and elegant cocktails.
Disrepute, 4 Kingly Street
A glamorous hideaway steeped in Soho history, serving inventive cocktails in an intimate, speakeasy-style setting – perfect for celebratory drinks.
Antidote, 12A Newburgh Street
Until 20th December, Antidote will host Saturday wine tastings (11am–4pm) featuring festive bottles and an opportunity to try before you buy – ideal for finding the perfect Christmas pairing.
SOMA, 14 Denman Street
Sleek, low-lit and open late, SOMA is a polished place for festive cocktails – ideal if you’re after well-made drinks, a moody atmosphere and a stylish setting for end-of-year celebrations.