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11 lovely pop-ups you won't want to miss this December

Isabelle Aron
Written by
Isabelle Aron
Features Editor, Time Out London
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Whether you fancy a festive film screening, going back in time for an '80s-themed office party or sipping on hot cocktails, we've got you covered with the best pop-ups this month.

Pop Up Screens: Cinema in the Snow

One of the best parts about Christmas is the excuse to cosy up on the sofa for a festive movie marathon. But, because you should probably leave the house at some point, Pop Up Screens is hosting a series of Christmassy screenings in a snow-covered cinema. Expect all the classics – 'Elf', 'Love Actually', 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 'White Christmas' and 'Home Alone' – and seasonal snacks of hot chocolate, brownies, popcorn and mulled wine to keep hunger at bay throughout the film. 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA. £10–20.

The Poundshop presents The Garage Sale

Struggling to find a Christmas present for the person who has everything? Head to The Garage Sale to get your hands on discounted designer wares from past seasons, as well as prototypes, work in progress and samples, which aren't available anywhere else. Products on sale include one-off scarves designed by Malika Favre, animation stills by Johnny Kelly, prints by HelloVon and illustrated cards and mugs by Lisa Jones Studio – and with prices starting from £1, you can avoid putting too much of a dent in your bank balance. The Lancaster Rooms, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA.

The London Gap featuring the beers of Redwell Brewery

If you prefer grain to grape then you'll appreciate this this five-course supper club, where each course is paired with a specially chosen craft beer from Redwell Brewery. Two chefs from Angela Hartnett's Murano are behind the venture, so you can expect to leave well-fed and watered. Pillbox, Bethnal Green, E2 6GG. December 6, 6pm. £50.

The Art of Dining: The 80's Office Christmas Party

If one office Christmas party wasn't enough for you, the folks at The Art of Dining are transforming The Pickle Factory into a working environment you can play in for their ultimate '80s office Christmas Party, which will be decked out with overhead projectors, pinboards, filing cabinets, and, er, a well-stocked photocopier. It kicks off with a five-course meal by Moro-trained chef Ellen Parr with 'elevenses' and 'packed lunch' courses. Dig out your best shoulder-padded power suit and expect a whole lot of backcombed 'dos. The Pickle Factory, 13-14 The Oval, E2 9DU. December 9–16. 7.30pm–11.00pm.

Christmas under the Canopy 

Ahead of its opening next year, new pub and restaurant The Lighterman is hosting a pop-up Christmas festival with carol singing, a fir tree forest and plenty of festive fare. Stuff your face with venison burgers topped with cranberry compote, slow-cooked pork baps with spiced apple sauce - and make sure you've got room for one of St John's doughnuts for dessert. Plus, all proceeds will go to Farms for City Children. Granary Square, West Handyside Canopy, N1C 4AA. December 3–13.

Hiver & Friends

This pop-up should satisfy both beer and bee enthusiasts, as honey-beer specialists Hiver will be giving folks the chance to try their original blonde beer as well as a honey ale. You'll also get to meet their beekeepers who produce the honey that it's been brewed with. Arch 56, Stanworth St, SE1 3NY. December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20.

Kraken Rum's Think Ink festive pine shop

It probably won't snow on Christmas Day, so abandon all hopes of a white Christmas and have a black one at Kraken Rum's Think Ink festive pine shop, where they'll be bucking the alpine trend and selling black Christmas trees. The not-so-festive firs come in four sizes, priced £15–£50, and you can also pick up some blackened mistletoe, holly and wreaths to deck your halls with. And decorations aren't the only thing getting dark and stormy, as they'll be serving up five Christmas cocktails made from Kraken rum. Think Ink Pine Shop, 186 Hackney Road, E2 7QL. December 9–13.

Hot Booze

This festive pop-up does exactly what it says on the tin, with a whole menu of cockle-warming cocktails including peanut butter rum, bloody marias, eggnog and plenty of mulled wine and cider too. They're also hosting themed events, including a Christmas jumper showdown, an alternative carol service and a shit secret Santa evening, where you can swap last year's crappy present for something slightly less useless (or not). And there's a two-for-one happy hour deal 5pm-7pm every damn day. Hot stuff. 93 Kingsland Road, E2 8AG. December 4–20.

Soak

© Jason Moon

Getting into your swimmers and taking the plunge in an outside pool might not sound hugely appealing on a winter's evening, but Soak's outdoor, wood-fired Hackney Wick hot tubs (formerly known as Supper Tub) should keep you feeling pretty darn cosy. Plus, you won't even have to get out if you get thirsty as you can order boozy hot chocolate and other drinks directly to the tub. 90 Main Yard, Wallis Road, E9 5LN. December 4–26. 

kikki.K stationery pop-up

If you know someone who can't get enough of well-crafted notepads or perfectly formed pens, Swedish brand kikki.K's stationery pop-up should be the perfect spot to pick up some last-minute prezzies. Or if the stationery enthusiast in your life is you, pick up a 'present' for yourself and you'll just about feel like you're making some headway with your Christmas shopping. 8 Royal Opera House, North Piazza, Covent Garden.

Pimp My Tree

Sure, you could decorate your tree with boring old baubles, but if you fancy mixing things up, head to Pimp My Tree where they'll be giving you all the tools you need to do just that. Pick out your Christmas tree, which start from £25, and then get ready to pimp it out with the shiniest and sparkliest of decorations you can get your hands on, with everything from flamingo lights to purple LED disco baubles. 1–2 Mirabelle Gardens, East Village, E20 1BX. Until December 20.

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