30 December 2025
This Christmas season, we had the pleasure yet again to be invited to experience London’s only Christmas dive bar experience and it certainly did not disappoint. Located in the new venue of Waterloo Vaults, Humbug is an immersive Christmas experience that will transport you to a world of festive cheer. Get ready for a magical three-hour adventure packed with fun, music and laughter.
Running from 28th November to 31st December at the new venue, Waterloo Vaults. It is conveniently located underneath Waterloo Station and is easy to reach via public transport. Humbug brings festive fun throughout the season with two performances daily, an afternoon show and an evening show, making it easy to fit into any holiday plan. Tickets start from just £22, with a range of options to suit every style and budget.
Guests can choose from Barfly standing tickets for a lively, immersive experience; Humbug Hall communal beer hall tables, perfect for groups; or the Cabaret Club, offering cabaret-style seating right by the stage. For those wanting to be closer to the action, Santa’s Inner Circle provides premium seats near the front of the stage. New for 2025, the Naughty or Nice VIP Lounge adds an extra touch of indulgence, delivering an exclusive experience for those looking to celebrate in style.
If you’re seeking a truly adults-only festive experience, your search ends with Humbug! Bursting with humour, lively performances, and a uniquely playful take on the holiday season, it’s the perfect way to celebrate in style. Whether you’re after laughs, music, or a mischievous twist on traditional festive cheer, Humbug delivers an unforgettable holiday outing designed entirely for grown-ups.
As we stepped inside, we were instantly transported into a vibrant world filled with festive cheer. The atmosphere was delightfully immersive, offering a fresh and exciting opening scene that set it apart from last year’s experience. Our afternoon began with a warm welcome from Howard the Postman, whose charm and energy immediately drew us into the one of a kind holiday world that awaited. It was a wonderfully refreshing way to kick off the festivities, promising fun and magic from the very first moment.
As VIP ticket holders, we were treated to a range of exclusive perks that immediately set our experience apart. We sat in Santa’s Inner Circle with a front row view of the stage and the venue itself was a true winter wonderland. Before the show began, there was time to enjoy some food, drinks, interactive games and photo opportunities, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere that perfectly set the mood for the main event.
We were then introduced to the Barfly Band and Santa who kicked off the lively main event that brought the holiday spirit to life and created a truly immersive atmosphere. Humbug is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. With its captivating performances, and festive cheer, it offers a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience that should not be missed.
This Christmas extravaganza kicked off with an introduction to Howard the postman. Being guided to his postal office, the story line began with Howard spending the previous night at Humbug dive bar and he had lost the bag of letters for Santa. After making a ‘die hard’ exit, we were then introduced to Daphne, the singing waitress.
As VIP guests, we were guided to our table with the opportunity to take in the atmosphere and order food and drinks. The immersive nature of the experience encouraged us to explore and appreciate every detail of the venue. From quirky decorations to interactive elements, we had time to fully settle in and enjoy the festive surroundings before the main show began.
When Santa took centre stage, the crowd went wild, and the true spirit of Humbug came alive in full force. Bursting with energy and charisma, Santa led a lively repertoire of festive songs throughout the show and his infectious enthusiasm drew the audience in, encouraging everyone to sing, cheer, and join in the playful antics. The interaction between Santa and the crowd created a dynamic, unforgettable atmosphere, turning the performance into a fully immersive celebration of holiday fun.
Overall, our experience at Humbug was nothing short of unforgettable. The energy and festive spirit were contagious from start to finish, but the absolute highlight of the evening was the interactive sing-along moments. The whole crowd threw themselves into the fun, singing and dancing along to beloved Christmas hits. These moments of shared laughter, music, and holiday cheer left a lasting impression, making Humbug a truly one-of-a-kind festive experience.
The cast throughout the afternoon were nothing short of exceptional, showcasing remarkable talent, energy, and charisma at every turn. Each performer brought their own unique flair, seamlessly blending humour, music, and theatricality to create a captivating and immersive atmosphere. Their dedication to engaging the audience and delivering a flawless performance added depth and vibrancy to the show, making every moment feel lively, dynamic, and truly magical. It was clear that the cast’s passion and skill were central to bringing the world of Humbug to life.
A huge thank you to the team for offering us 3 VIP tickets along with complimentary food and drink vouchers to enjoy during our visit.
Be sure to visit Humbug before the festive season comes to a close. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, offering a truly unique holiday experience that goes beyond the ordinary. With its lively performances, interactive moments, and playful festive atmosphere, Humbug delivers laughter and music for anyone looking to celebrate the season in a fun, unforgettable way. Whether you’re with friends, family, or looking for an adults-only night out, this one-of-a-kind show is the ultimate way to make your Christmas celebrations extra special.
@thrillnation Check out this Christmas dive bar where there's more than meets the eye... do you want to experience the show!? #humbug #london #immersive #show #christmas ♬ I Can Feel It (Christmas Instrumental) - Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria
PHOTO GALLERY
COMPANY WEBSITE
book a visit
BOOK DIRECTLY FOR THE BEST PRICES
More REVIEWS & news
Djurs Sommerland to open Northern Europe’s First Hot Racer Coaster in 2027
Djurs Sommerland will introduce Northern Europe’s first Hot Racer Coaster in 2027, representing...
The Traitors Live Experience Extended Until Late 2026
Following high demand, The Traitors: Live Experience has released a new wave of tickets for the...
Laura Benanti Nobody Cares Review
Direct from an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway...
Thrillnation.net is your ultimate resource for unbiased reviews of thrilling attractions across Europe. You'll find us covering theme parks, escape rooms, water parks and more.
Follow Us
For all of our latest news and up-to-date goings on, make sure you follow us on our social media channels!
WORK WITH US
We can offer a variety of different services from sponsored reviews to video content creation. Get in touch to discuss working with us.
Website lovingly created and managed by INOV8 Marketing