There’s a way to cut down the costs of a Christmas party and keep the quality high. Explore our platform to discover amazing budget venues for holiday dinners, lunches, work events and more. And don’t skip our expert planning advice and tips for a next level celebration. Whether you are planning a traditional Christmas lunch or a modern Christmas Eve dinner, London has the spaces you need, and we have the expertise to make it happen!
- DIY is your friend – Now that you’ve found a cheap Christmas party venue, it’s time to unleash your creative side! You can impress your guests (and save a lot) with original self-made Christmas decorations. Looking for a space that’s ready for your ideas? You’re almost there. We’ve collected a selection of London’s best dry hire Christmas party venues – all of them perfect for self-decorating.
- Look further afield – Who knows, maybe the cool holiday party venues you’re looking for are tucked away in a location you haven’t considered? When it comes to finding hidden gems, we’re in the know. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a Christmas dinner in Central London, a Christmas lunch near Southbank, or you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly Christmas dinner options near London Bridge, we have listings for great and affordable party venues all over London.
- Choose tasty Christmas party meals on a budget – good planning is everything, especially when talking about budget dining. If you want to leave the catering to somebody else, there are a lot of cheap Christmas party caterers that offer amazing holiday dinner deals.
Need More Ideas? Here’s a Short List of our Favourite Types of Cheap Christmas Party Venues:
- Tea rooms – They’re cute, cosy and warm, what’s not to like? Tea rooms are one of our top recommendations for a small company Christmas party. Add some mince pies, gingerbreads, cinnamon tea and vintage china to top it all off. Check out our holiday tea party ideas for some extra inspo!
- Restaurants with special Christmas party menus – These often turn out to be the most affordable Christmas dinners of all! At Tagvenue, we have listings for plenty of cool Christmas party restaurants that offer budget-friendly meals every holiday.
- Gastropubs – These pubs are an excellent idea if you’re keen on a boozy Christmas party. There is a bit more to gastropubs than just countless pints though, they offer an unforgettable Christmas dining experience in a laid-back setting. Time to let your hair down and enjoy the festive season with your colleagues. Cheers!
How to Plan a DIY Christmas Party Without the Stress
Planning a Christmas party can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can host a budget-friendly celebration without unnecessary stress. Here are some practical DIY Christmas party tips to keep things fun and easy.
1. Plan Fun & Interactive Activities
- Secret Santa & White Elephant – A gift exchange is a holiday classic! Set a £20 limit to keep things fair and fun. Secret Santa works well for family or office parties, while White Elephant guarantees laughs with unexpected gifts.
- Santa’s Surprise – Get someone to dress as Santa and hand out small gifts like chocolates, candy canes, or mini bottles of bubbly to keep the festive spirit alive.
2. Lock in Your Guest List Early
- Send invitations & RSVPs at least a month in advance so guests have time to respond.
- Choose a venue that fits your group size before confirming the guest list. Tagvenue’s search filters make it easy to find the right space.
3. Find an Affordable London Venue
- Areas like Shoreditch and Canary Wharf have great Christmas party bars and pubs with budget-friendly options.
- Save on costs by booking venues with minimum spend or BYOB policies for more flexibility.
Hosting a Christmas party doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re planning a work gathering, family celebration, or night out with friends, our Christmas Party Planning Guide can help you nail the details and create a stress-free, memorable event!
Outfit Ideas for a Wallet-Friendly Christmas Party
When hosting a themed Christmas party in London, adding something as simple as coordinating attire can elevate the event without inflating the budget. Here are some imaginative yet budget-friendly outfit ideas that will add sparkle and cheer to your celebration:
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest: Encourage guests to dig out or DIY the most outrageously tacky Christmas sweaters they can find. This theme is not only a great icebreaker but also embraces the festive spirit with a hint of humour. Award prizes for categories like ‘Most Outrageous,’ ‘Funniest,’ and ‘Best DIY.’
- Winter Wonderland Whiteout: Ask attendees to dress in all white to mimic a snowy winter wonderland. This theme creates a stunning visual effect and allows for creativity with accessories in silver, blue, or glitter to mimic the icy beauty of winter. It’s an affordable theme since many people already own white clothing, and it doesn’t require purchasing new outfits.
- Festive Pyjama Party: Who says pyjamas are just for bedtime? Invite guests to wear their favourite festive pyjamas, making for a comfortable and relaxed party atmosphere. This idea is perfect for a laid-back gathering and eliminates the pressure of finding a party outfit. Enhance the theme with cosy blankets, pillows, and Christmas movies playing in the background.
- Christmas Characters Come Alive: Challenge your guests to dress as their favourite Christmas movie or book character. From classic figures like Ebenezer Scrooge or The Grinch to modern favourites from Christmas movies, this theme allows guests to get creative without spending too much. It's also a great conversation starter as people guess each other's characters.
- Sparkle and Shine: Inspire your guests to add some sparkle to their outfits with a glitter and glam theme. This can be as simple as adding a glittery accessory, sequined top, or metallic shoes to their ensemble. It’s a fun way to make the party feel more festive without requiring a specific costume or outfit purchase.
- Vintage Christmas: Encourage a step back in time with a vintage-themed dress code. Guests can explore thrift stores or their own wardrobes for retro Christmas attire, such as 1950s cocktail dresses or 1980s Christmas sweaters. This theme adds a fascinating twist to the party and is a budget-friendly option that promotes sustainable fashion!
- Christmas Hat Party: Simplify the theme with a focus on festive headwear. From Santa hats and elf ears to reindeer antlers and snowflake crowns, a Christmas hat party is an easy and inexpensive way for everyone to participate in the theme. It also makes for great photo opportunities.
Each of these ideas encourages creativity, embraces the festive spirit, and ensures that your affordable Christmas party in London is memorable and enjoyable for all guests, without the stress of overspending on attire.
Entertainment Options for a Low-Cost Christmas Party
Hosting an affordable Christmas dinner or event in London doesn't mean you have to skimp on entertainment. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that can make your celebration festive and memorable. Here are some creative and cost-effective entertainment ideas to consider:
- DIY Photo Booth: Create a DIY photo booth with a smartphone or a camera on a tripod. Set up a background using festive fabric, a Christmas tree, or a simple wall decorated with tinsel and lights. Provide props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and holiday-themed signs for guests to pose with. This setup encourages guests to capture fun memories without the cost of hiring a professional photo booth. If you aren’t sure about building a backdrop, unique or unusual Christmas party venues can also work as amazing backdrops for fun photos.
- Karaoke with a Holiday Twist: Karaoke is a fantastic way to get everyone involved and sing their hearts out. Create a playlist of classic Christmas carols and contemporary holiday hits. Use a karaoke app or YouTube for backing tracks to keep costs down. Challenge guests to perform in duets or groups for a more inclusive and engaging experience.
- Christmas Quiz or Trivia Night: Organise a Christmas-themed quiz or trivia night with questions about holiday movies, traditions, and music. Divide guests into teams for a bit of friendly competition. You can easily find trivia questions online or create your own. Prizes for the winning team can be simple, like homemade cookies or small festive ornaments.
- Craft Corner for DIY Ornaments: Set up a craft corner where guests can create their own Christmas ornaments or decorations. Provide basic supplies like clear baubles, paint, glitter, and ribbons. This activity not only serves as entertainment but also allows guests to take home a personalised keepsake from the party.
- Secret Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchange: A gift exchange is a classic holiday activity that doesn't have to break the bank. Set a modest price limit for gifts and choose between a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange. Both options bring laughter and joy as gifts are opened and, in the case of White Elephant, stolen from each other.
- Festive Playlist and Dance Floor: Nothing gets a party started like music and dancing. Create a festive playlist with holiday favourites and upbeat tunes to encourage guests to hit the dance floor. A simple speaker setup is all you need to keep the party lively and entertaining.
- Winter Wonderland Walk: If your venue is near a park or scenic area adorned with Christmas lights, organise a brief winter wonderland walk. This can be a magical experience, especially if you time it for the evening when the lights are most splendid. It's a wonderful way to enjoy London's festive decorations and get some fresh air. London dazzles during the festive season, but the most enchanting Christmas decorations can be found at Oxford Street with its iconic lights, Regent Street for its angelic displays, Covent Garden's charming decorations and giant Christmas tree, and the magical light trail at Kew Gardens. Each location offers a magical experience, so the choice of a spot to soak in the holiday cheer is up to you!
- Cookie Decorating Contest: Provide plain cookies, icing, and decorations, and challenge your guests to create the most festively decorated cookie. This activity is fun, engaging, and delicious. Plus, it doubles as a sweet treat for everyone to enjoy.
Implementing one or more of these affordable entertainment options can ensure your Christmas party is filled with festive fun, without overspending. If you’d like to explore more creative options, check out 19 Unique Christmas Party Ideas for Large Groups and 15 Christmas Party Activities for Adults to Light Up the Festive Season!