Christmas Party Restaurants for Hire in London

How to Plan a Stress-Free Christmas Party in London

The holiday season is here, which means it’s time for festive feasting, mulled wine, and a bit of planning chaos. But don’t worry—with the right prep, your Christmas party can be as smooth as a perfectly poured eggnog. Here’s how to pull it off:

1. Book early or risk the scraps: December is busy, and the best Christmas party venues in London fill up fast. Book your spot early to snag the perfect space (and maybe even an early-bird discount).
2. Send invites before calendars explode: People’s schedules fill up quickly, so get your guest list sorted ASAP. If it’s an office party, double-check no one’s left out. It’s not the season for awkwardness.
3. Pick a venue that works for everyone: For corporate parties, a venue near the office keeps things simple. For a casual get-together, choose somewhere central (or at least easy to get to). Need wheelchair access? Check that in advance.
4. 4. Plan a menu that actually suits your guests: Turkey and pudding are classics, but many London restaurants have festive menus, from international cuisine to buffet-style spreads. Check dietary options—there’s always that guest with a special request.
5. Don’t skip the decorations: Fairy lights, wreaths, and maybe even a themed setup (ugly sweaters, anyone?) make all the difference. If your venue allows it, bring your own decor for extra festive flair.
6. Add some entertainment: Live music, DJs, karaoke—pick something that suits the vibe. Secret Santa or end-of-year awards are great for office parties (especially with a bit of humour).

There are lots of ways you can celebrate the festive season, but here are some of our favourite party ideas!

The best ideas for Christmas parties in London

• Murder Mystery - Add a little suspense and turn your dinner into a crime-solving adventure. Guests step into character as detectives, suspects, or even the unfortunate victim. It’s a great way to break the ice and keep everyone entertained all night..
• Secret Santa - This one never gets old. Set a budget, exchange gifts, and add a little festive drama with a fun swapping game. Keeping the gifts neutral adds an element of surprise, and having a few extras on hand ensures no one is left out.
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition - Nothing sets the tone like a room full of flashing reindeer jumpers and outrageous holiday knitwear. Hand out prizes for the most ridiculously festive outfit and get everyone involved—even the boss.
• Awards Ceremony -A hilarious way to wrap up the year with lighthearted "Best of" awards. Prepare ‘Most Likely to Be Late With a Coffee in Hand’, ‘Office DJ’, or ‘Champion of Christmas Spirit’. It brings good vibes and makes celebrating the people fun.
• Christmas Karaoke - Nothing says festive chaos like belting out All I Want for Christmas Is You with a group of questionable backup singers. Christmas karaoke works for any kind of party, and many London venues have karaoke setups ready to go.

Top Christmas Party Themes for Work Christmas Dinner Parties 

Christmas restaurants across London go all out for the season, making it the perfect time to embrace a theme. Whether it’s a cosy gathering or a full-scale festive bash, a little creativity can make all the difference.

• Traditional British Christmas: A classic Christmas meal done right—think roast turkey, mince pies, and an old-school festive spread. Add some holly, twinkling lights, and maybe a live choir for extra magic.
• Winter Wonderland: Turn the venue into a snowy dream with icy blues, white lights, and sparkling decorations. A frosty theme with warm mulled wine on arrival makes for a perfect winter night.
• Victorian Christmas Market: Bring the charm of old London to life with mini market stalls, mulled wine stations, and traditional Christmas treats. 
• Nutcracker Fantasy: A stunning, ballet-inspired Christmas with rich reds, golds, and elegant decor. Add nutcracker statues, twinkling fairy lights, and maybe even a short performance for extra magic.
• Festive Film Frenzy: Celebrate classic Christmas movies with themed decor and dishes inspired by Home Alone, Elf, or The Grinch. A fun, nostalgic way to bring people together.
• Around the World Christmas: A global take on Christmas with different areas representing festive traditions from across the world. New York glam, German market vibes, or  even a beachy Australian corner—because why not?
• Sustainable Christmas: A thoughtful way to celebrate the season while giving back. Eco-friendly decor, a plant-based menu, and minimal waste make this theme both stylish and meaningful.
• Gatsby Glamour: Go full 1920s with a Great Gatsby-inspired party. Black and gold decor, jazz music, and vintage cocktails set the scene for a glitzy, roaring good time.
• Craft Ale & Food Pairing: Perfect for foodies—a relaxed but stylish party featuring locally brewed ales paired with festive bites. Some London venues even offer guided tasting sessions.
• Fairy Tale Christmas: A whimsical Christmas setting inspired by enchanted forests, Frozen-style winter palaces, or classic holiday storybooks. Twinkling fairy lights and magical decor make this theme feel like stepping into another world.

Gift Ideas and Party Favours for your Group Christmas Dinner in London

Thoughtful party favours show appreciation for your guests and give them something special to add a personal touch to your Christmas event in London.

• Customised christmas ornaments: A personalised ornament makes a perfect keepsake, especially when it has iconic London landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, or Tower Bridge. Add the event’s date or a festive message, and your guests will have a charming reminder of the night every time they decorate their tree.
• Artisan british chocolates: You can’t go wrong with luxury chocolates, and London’s boutique chocolatiers offer some of the best. Elegant Christmas-themed packaging filled with classic milk chocolate, unique flavours like Earl Grey or gin-infused truffles will be a crowd-pleaser.
• Hand-poured festive scented candles: A beautifully crafted candle with scents like mulled wine, gingerbread, or pine and cedarwood creates an instant festive atmosphere. Choosing locally made, eco-friendly options adds a thoughtful touch while supporting London artisans.
• Bespoke cocktail kits: For a more adult-themed Christmas party, bespoke cocktail kits with mini bottles of London’s finest spirits, mixers, and a recipe for a festive drink, like a cranberry gin fizz or spiced rum punch—let guests take the party home.
• London-themed eco-friendly tote bags: A stylish and practical gift, eco-friendly tote bags with festive London illustrations like Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, or twinkling city lights, are a fun and sustainable way to mark the occasion.
• Gourmet hampers with a London twist: For an extra special treat, prepare a hamper filled with gourmet goodies sourced from London’s best food markets. It’s a luxurious way to bring a taste of London to your guests.
• Personalised christmas crackers: Upgrade the classic Christmas cracker by filling it yourself with high-end surprises like miniature perfumes, quality chocolates, or even experience vouchers for exclusive London activities. A little extra thought makes this tradition feel that much more special.

In conclusion, hosting a Christmas party in London offers endless possibilities to create a festive and memorable event for your guests. By selecting a venue that captures the essence of the festive season and offering thoughtful gifts and party favours, you'll ensure your Christmas event is talked about long after the last cracker has been popped. Remember, the key to a successful event lies in the details, so take the time to choose gifts that reflect the spirit of the occasion and the unique character of London.