11
Dec,2025
London doesn’t sleep - and neither should you if you want to catch the best events this month. From underground raves in warehouse districts to soulful jazz sets in hidden basement bars, December 2025 is packed with moments you’ll actually remember. Forget the usual tourist traps. This is where the real scene is.
Live Gigs You Can’t Miss
London’s live music scene is still one of the most diverse in the world. This month, head to the O2 Academy Brixton for a rare performance by Arlo Parks on December 18. She’s not just playing songs - she’s telling stories. Tickets sold out in under 20 minutes last time, but keep checking resale sites like Viagogo. There’s also a surprise pop-up show by the band Wet Leg at the Village Underground on December 12. No announcement. No website. Just a cryptic Instagram post that dropped at 3 a.m. on December 8. If you’re in Shoreditch that night, walk around with headphones on. You’ll hear the bass before you see the crowd.
For something quieter but just as powerful, book a seat at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club for the London Soul Collective on December 20. It’s not a concert. It’s a conversation between saxophones, pianos, and voices that have been singing together for 15 years. You’ll leave feeling like you were part of something older than the city itself.
Raves That Actually Feel Like Raves
If you’re looking for a real rave - not a club night with flashing lights and overpriced cocktails - you need to know where to look. The warehouse scene in East London is alive. On December 6, Decay Collective throws their annual Blackout event in a disused tube station near Hackney Wick. No flyers. No Instagram ads. You get the location via encrypted WhatsApp message after you RSVP on their website. The sound system? Custom-built by a guy who used to work for Ministry of Sound. The crowd? Mostly people in their 30s who still remember the early 2000s rave days. Bring a jacket. It’s cold underground.
On December 14, Soundwave takes over a former printing factory in Peckham. This one’s all techno, no filters. Doors open at 11 p.m., but the first track doesn’t drop until 1 a.m. That’s intentional. You’re meant to wander the space, find the hidden bar made of reclaimed wood, talk to strangers, and then lose yourself when the beat hits. Tickets are £18. No VIP. No bottle service. Just sound and sweat.
Brunches That Aren’t Just Eggs and Avocado
Brunch in London isn’t about Instagrammable plates anymore. It’s about the experience. On December 7, The Good Egg in Notting Hill hosts a Brunch & Vinyl event. You get a three-course meal - think smoked salmon pancakes and espresso-infused custard tart - while a DJ spins rare 70s funk and soul records. No phones on the table. No photos allowed until after dessert. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up talking to the person next to you about their trip to Jamaica or why they quit their job in finance.
For something wilder, try Midnight Brunch at The Standard Hotel in King’s Cross. It starts at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. You eat breakfast food - waffles with maple bacon, scrambled eggs with truffle oil - while the DJ plays disco, house, and old-school hip-hop. The lights stay low. The music gets louder. By 2 a.m., you’re dancing in your pajamas. Reservations open at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Set an alarm. They only take 60 people.
Where to Find the Hidden Ones
Most of the best events aren’t on Eventbrite. They’re on Discord. Or Telegram. Or a Reddit thread you stumbled on at 2 a.m. Join London Underground Events on Discord. It’s got 12,000 members. No bots. No ads. Just people sharing secret gigs, pop-up art shows, and midnight poetry slams. One person posted a link to a rooftop cinema in Camden last week. You paid £5. You got a blanket, a hot chocolate, and a screening of Blade Runner 2049 under the stars.
Follow @london.nightlife.secret on Instagram. It’s run by a former club promoter who’s been in the game since 2003. She posts cryptic clues - a photo of a door, a street sign, a time - and if you show up, you’re in. Last week, it led to a jazz trio playing inside a library’s rare book room. No one knew it was happening until 15 people showed up.
What to Wear (Seriously)
London’s weather doesn’t care if you’re going to a rave or a brunch. December nights are wet and cold. Wear waterproof boots. Bring a foldable coat. Don’t wear heels unless you’re going to a venue with a proper entrance. You’ll regret it if you’re walking through a muddy alley at 1 a.m.
For raves, layer up. A thermal shirt under a hoodie, jeans, and sturdy shoes. You’ll be standing for hours. For gigs, dress like you’re going to a friend’s house - comfortable but not sloppy. For brunches, it’s whatever you feel like. But if you’re going to Midnight Brunch, bring a change of clothes. You’ll sweat through your first outfit by 1 a.m.
How to Actually Get Tickets
Don’t wait. The big names - Arlo Parks, Wet Leg - sell out in minutes. Use Ticketmaster’s early access if you’re a member. Sign up for newsletters from venues like XOYO, The Windmill, and The Garage. They send out presale codes 48 hours before public sales.
For underground events, don’t rely on apps. Go to the venue’s website. Look for a tiny link that says ‘Join the List’ or ‘Get Access’. That’s your ticket. Some events require you to answer a question: ‘What was the last album you bought?’ or ‘Name a band you saw live in 2019.’ It’s not random. It’s a filter. They want people who care, not people who just want to be seen.
What Not to Do
Don’t show up to a secret rave without confirming the location. You’ll end up outside a locked warehouse with no one around. Don’t try to use your phone to find your way. Batteries die. Networks drop. Bring a printed map or screenshot of the directions.
Don’t assume all brunches are the same. Some are loud. Some are quiet. Some have no alcohol. Check the event description. If it says ‘no phones’, then put yours in your bag. You’ll be happier for it.
Don’t book a ticket and then wait until the day before to plan your transport. Tube strikes happen. Buses get delayed. Use Citymapper. It tells you real-time delays. And always have a backup route.
Final Tip: Go Alone
Yes, really. Go to one of these events by yourself. You’ll meet someone who changes your night. Or your week. Or your year. Last December, a woman went to a jazz brunch alone. She ended up starting a record label with the drummer. Another guy went to a rave and met his future business partner. London’s nightlife isn’t about who you know. It’s about who you become when you let go.
Are London nightlife events still happening in December 2025?
Yes. London’s nightlife is active year-round, and December 2025 is no exception. From underground raves to intimate jazz gigs and themed brunches, events are booked and confirmed. Many venues have added winter-specific programming, like heated outdoor lounges and late-night hot drink bars, to keep the energy high despite the cold.
How do I find secret or underground events in London?
Secret events are rarely advertised publicly. Join Discord servers like "London Underground Events" or follow Instagram accounts like @london.nightlife.secret. These are run by insiders who share locations via private messages, encrypted links, or cryptic clues. RSVPs often require answering a personal question - it’s a filter to keep out casual attendees and build community.
What’s the best way to get tickets for popular gigs?
Set alerts on Ticketmaster and venue websites for presales. Sign up for newsletters from places like XOYO, The Windmill, and O2 Academy. Many artists release presale codes to email subscribers 48 hours before general sale. For sold-out shows, check resale platforms like Viagogo or Seatwave - but avoid third-party bots. Always buy from official sources when possible.
Is it safe to go to underground raves in London?
Yes, if you’re prepared. Most underground raves are organized by experienced collectives who prioritize safety. They have trained stewards, first aid stations, and water points. Always check the event’s social media for updates, bring a charged phone, and let someone know your plans. Avoid going alone if you’re new - bring a friend you trust. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Do I need to dress up for London brunches?
No. Most London brunches are casual. For places like The Good Egg or Midnight Brunch, wear what you’re comfortable in. But if you’re going to a high-end spot like The Wolseley, smart casual works best. The key is to match the vibe - if the event says "no phones," don’t show up in a suit with a selfie stick. It’s about the experience, not the outfit.
What time do London nightlife events usually end?
Most gigs end by midnight or 1 a.m. Raves often run until 4 a.m. or later, especially in warehouses. Brunches typically end by 3 p.m., but Midnight Brunch runs until 3 a.m. Always check the event listing. Some venues have late licenses, especially in central areas like Shoreditch or Soho. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule after 1 a.m., so plan your ride home in advance.
