Your Guide to Hiring Affordable Christmas Party Venues in London
There’s a way to cut down the costs of a Christmas party and keep the quality high. Keep the quality of your event high and the costs low with the best Christmas party venues in London. Explore our platform to discover amazing budget venues for holiday events and 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 venues 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 London’s best dry hire Christmas party venues – all of them perfect for self-decorating.
- Look further afield – Who knows, maybe the cool Christmas 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 a cheap restaurant 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. Catering choices can make or break your Christmas party, as it’s one of the main aspects of the event. If you want to leave that task 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 affordable Christmas Party venues:
- Tea rooms – They’re cute, cosy and warm, what’s not to like? We love tea rooms and we know the best ones in London. It’s one of our top ideas for a small business Christmas party. Add some mince pies, gingerbreads, cinnamon tea and vintage china to top it all off.
- Restaurants with special Christmas party menus – These often turn out to be the most affordable Christmas Party venues 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!
Planning a party can be stressful, here are some great tips for a great DIY Christmas party:
‘Tis the season for some gift exchanges. Events like a Secret Santa gift exchange or a White Elephant party are always a big hit for every holiday party. Setting a spending limit of £20 is a great way to ensure equality and quality in everyone’s presents. Secret Santa gift exchanges are great for family and company parties where people know each other a little better. White Elephant parties are also always good for a laugh, and you will always be surprised with what you bring home! And it’s always a good time to get someone in a Santa Claus costume and hand out some party favours or small gifts like chocolate, candy canes, or small bottles of bubbly.
An accurate headcount for your party is important for great party planning, so before your party starts, you should know who will be attending. Whether it is an office party, a family event, or a night out with friends, you should give everyone a timely notification to save the date for your party. The best way to ensure that everyone will have enough time to respond and for you to make the proper arrangements is by sending out a digital invitation and RSVP about a month or two in advance. Before sending these out, you should find a venue that is large enough to accommodate your guests.This is easily managed with Tagvenue’s convenient filtering options.
London has plenty of great spaces to choose from when it comes to inexpensive party venues. Locations like Shoreditch and Canary Wharf have some excellent Christmas party bars and pubs. These areas are easily accessed by means of the London Underground from any part of the city. You might be thinking that a centrally located venue would come at a significant cost, but with a variety of hiring options like minimum spend and BYOB, there are plenty of ways to keep costs low and still have an elegant, memorable party.
You don’t need to blow your budget to have a great Christmas party, and London is one of the best places to find an amazing venue on a budget. Tagvenue helps take some of the stress out of finding the perfect venue to hire, with plenty of options suitable for parties of all sizes.
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 themed outfit 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 party 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!
FAQs about Affordable Christmas Party Venues in London
How can I find an affordable Christmas Party venue in London?
Start your search in some unexpected venues if you are hunting down cheap Christmas Party venues – check out tea rooms, gastropubs and restaurants with Christmas Party packages. These venues can all offer a sumptuous experience without breaking the bank. Also, use your imagination to explore your options in unusual venues such as coffee shops, workshops or studio and gallery venues. With a touch of the right decor and some catered sharing plates, these unique venues are perfect for fun Christmas parties in London.
What is included in a Christmas Party package?
Christmas Party packages will vary according to the venue and the price you pay. However, most packages are paid for on a per person basis. Expect the following to be included in your offer: a sit-down service or buffet including a starter, main, and pudding (with coffee or tea) and a free aperitif or cocktail. Some packages may include access to games and other activities in the event space. You may also enquire if the space will be decorated for the occasion, however, you may be required to do it yourself to avoid an extra charge.
How can I save on a Christmas Party in London?
Christmas Party packages are generally charged per person so it may be tempting to base your decision on the price point alone. However, it is wise to always compare the packages, as some venues can propose a more generous party offer, more food, games, etc., in exchange for a small increase in the cost. Also, depending on the venue, there may be different pricing models according to the time you choose for your event. Generally, a lunchtime Christmas Party will be cheaper than an evening event. You may also check with the venue to see if any BYOB policies are in place, as even with a corkage fee, you can save money if you provide the alcohol yourself.
Which are the best affordable Christmas party venues in London?
Some of our favourite inexpensive London venues are:
- The Dickens Inn – This is a lovely, classically styled banquet venue/pub at Marble Quay that is perfect for larger events and company parties. It is great for a Christmas dinner and dance to celebrate the holiday season.
- The Kings Head Pub – Located in beautiful Mayfair, this is a quaint and affordable venue with a in a comfortable setting that your guests are sure to love.
- The Last Talisman – This is an elegant cocktail lounge near London Bridge Station that is adorned with exposed brick and luxurious leather furniture, all for an unbeatable price point.