Secret rooftop cinema brings cosy Christmas film nights and seasonal dining to Holmes Hotel in Marylebone

A cinema experience offering holiday film screenings and seasonal dining has opened at Holmes Hotel in Marylebone, running throughout December. The Secret Rooftop Festive Cinema allows couples and small groups to enjoy their favourite Christmas films in a private, alpine-inspired setting atop the boutique property. The experience, which is not widely advertised, is designed to offer a quieter, more intimate alternative to the city’s larger-scale events, described as a “Narnia-esque” hideaway.

Located above the hotel on Chiltern Street, the rooftop has been transformed into a winter-themed space complete with individual mini chalets, candlelight and faux fur blankets. Guests can settle in with mulled wine or winter cocktails while watching the films under the open sky. Prior to viewing, there is an option to dine at in-house restaurant The Kitchen at Holmes. A seasonal set menu has been created for the occasion by head chef Stefano Motta, featuring dishes that include Porcini Vol-Au-Vents with Comté béchamel and Gnocchi à la Parisienne with Parmesan and white truffle butter foam.

The screenings take place on select evenings in December, with the first showing – Elf – scheduled for Thursday 4^th and the season rounding off with White Christmas on the 20^th. Complete listings detailed below – there is sure to be something to appeal to any festive cinema-goer, from family fun to rom-coms and older classics.

The full schedule is as follows:

– Elf – Thursday 4^th December
– Love Actually – Friday 5^th December
– The Holiday – Saturday 6^th December
– A Christmas Carol (2009) – Thursday 11^th December
– How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Friday 12^th December
– Love Actually – Saturday 13^th December
– How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Thursday 18^th December
– The Holiday – Friday 19^th December
– White Christmas (1954) – Saturday 20^th December

Screenings are ticketed and spaces are limited due to the small-scale nature of the rooftop venue. 

The editorial unit

The Secret Rooftop Cinema is open from 4^th until 20^th December 2025 at Holmes Hotel London, 83 Chiltern Street, London W1U 6NF. For further information or to book, visit here.