Christmas Party Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Christmas Party Venues in London

Christmas trees are on almost every street corner, and the sweet sound of carol singers and chestnuts are roasting on an open fire – the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year! Are you on the hunt for an event space for a London Christmas party but aren’t quite sure where to start? Don’t stress. Our platform offers curated listings for a range of fabulously festive venues, from cosy private bars in the City of London for a holiday drinks party to traditional hotel ballrooms in Mayfair and Park Lane for an end-of-year corporate Christmas party your employees will never forget.

Hiring a venue for a Christmas party in London can be easy

Just scroll through your options on our platform and let our smart search engines do the work for you! Perhaps you’re dreaming of a cosy dining room where you can sit down to a private traditional English Christmas dinner. Or maybe you’re looking for a hip eatery for a Christmas lunch where you can serve festive fare and set up a make-it-yourself hot cocoa bar. Or perhaps you are planning a casual night out at one of London’s best bars and clubs for the holiday season. No matter what you have in mind, our smart filters can help you find a party space with everything you need, from the perfect ambience to the tastiest menu.

Are you celebrating the festive season with a very merry get-together? Don’t leave your London Christmas party planning to the last minute. The lead-up to Christmas is always busy, with calendars jam-packed with seasonal events, end-of-year parties and holiday plans. And if you’re organising a party for the office, remember that employees need lots of advance notice, especially if you are searching for Christmas party venues for large groups. Most popular festive party venues book out as early as October, so booking a venue as early as possible is essential.

Why throw a work Christmas party anyway?

End-of-year Christmas parties allow employers to recognise their employees’ hard work throughout the year. They’re also fantastic for boosting morale and improving staff relations. In the case of a B2B event, Christmas work functions are an opportunity for companies to thank their customers and encourage networking.

Are you a little worried about the cost of exclusive Christmas party venues?

Why not host a shared Christmas party in London? This concept began with smaller firms that couldn’t afford all the costs of holding a corporate Christmas function. However, joint staff holiday parties have been growing in popularity over the last few years, as splitting the costs between companies makes it possible to host much more extravagant private events at exclusive Christmas party venues in London that might otherwise be out of reach. From masquerade balls and murder mystery nights to The Amazing Race-style scavenger hunts and Winter Wonderland-themed parties at large halls and ballrooms, getting into the Christmas spirit has never been so fun. And the best part? These work Christmas parties are an excellent way to foster collaboration and networking.

Are you short on Christmas party ideas?

Don’t worry; here at Tagvenue, we’re experts when it comes to festive entertaining and private events. What are you waiting for? It’s time to kick off the Xmas party planning process. Seasonal private shindigs are about so much more than fashionably unfashionable paper hats and terrible Christmas cracker jokes. With a little bit of planning and a touch of creativity, you can pull off a jolly get-together that your guests will remember long after the next festive period rolls around.

So what are the hottest Christmas party trends for 2024?

Whether you’re planning a private party for family, friends or colleagues this season, consider hosting a festive gathering with a twist. Christmas craft parties (think DIY decorations and hand-sewn Christmas stockings), gingerbread house decorating, Christmas dinner and dance parties, and Christmas movie nights are all popular options.

While Secret Santas and ugly Christmas sweater parties are forever popular, corporates are shaking up the staff party season with creative Christmas party activities for adults, like Christmas carol karaoke nights, very merry brekkies and feel-good charitable events. Many are also hiring unusual and quirky Christmas party venues that reflect their brand and help them stand out from the crowd. And if you don’t mind doing something really different, why not postpone your Christmas party and embrace the festive February trend? Planning a private event in the new year is much easier (and cheaper!) than organising something during the hectic months of November or December.

When hosting a family-friendly event, keep the kids happy by hiring a Santa Claus, a magician or Christmas carolers. Fun Christmas games are also a wonderful way to break the ice and encourage guests to mingle. The trick is to pick the right games for your group. Christmas movie trivia, funniest Christmas presents (describe three of the funniest Christmas presents you’ve ever received – two should be true and one should be made up, and have guests guess which is which) and Santa limbo (have guests do the limbo but make a ‘Santa belly’ under their shirt with a pillow) are all good options.

And don’t forget, ‘tis the season to party! So make your holiday guests feel special with great entertainment, like a DJ who’ll amp up the festivities, winter stilt walkers who’ll provide a magical Winter Wonderland feel, or a walkabout Ebenezer Scrooge who’ll give your guests something to talk about. Alternatively, book an ice sculptor who’ll amaze your guests with Christmas-themed creations – unique private entertainment like this is guaranteed to be a fantastic icebreaker at your Christmas do in London (if you’ll excuse the pun!).

Christmas party planning tips and tricks

• Secure your party venue early, as the top locations in London book out fast, especially corporate Christmas party venues. After booking your private space, send out invitations as soon as possible, as diaries fill up quickly at this time of year.

• Ask for a menu tasting. This step is especially important for planning a private Christmas dinner or hosting a large party. 

• Check whether the venue is willing to clean up afterwards or if there are additional fees for that service.

• Consider throwing a themed private party (like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Nightmare Before Christmas, or Christmas Around the World) or holding a festive competition (like best Christmas jumper or best achievement of the year). You can even consider organising a party with unique Christmas Party themes.

Read more about Christmas private party planning in our ultimate step-by-step guide. 

What to know when booking a Christmas party venue

• Your budget - figure out if you’re looking for a cheap Christmas party venue or something more upscale, like a fine-dining holiday experience.
• Your guest list - whether you’re planning a Christmas party for 50 or 500 guests, your chosen private venue should be just the right size for the number of guests you anticipate. Getting this right will help create a buzzing atmosphere that’ll make your event more lively!
• The atmosphere - do you need something casual, like a local Christmas restaurant or pub, or something a little more upscale, like a wine bar or private members’ club? There are plenty of different venues in London to pick from! 
• The sound system - don’t forget to create a Christmas party playlist before the day to make the atmosphere pop!
• Entertainment options - remember to speak to the venue manager about what you have in mind, whether it’s setting up a festive photo booth, hiring a live band or having Father Christmas come to visit.
• Additional fees - check if any cancellation fees or other extra costs apply and make sure you can fit them into your budget.

Before making a booking, check out our list of essential questions to ask the venue manager!

Christmas party mistakes to avoid

• Party planning at the last minute. The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year, so make sure you start at least a couple of months in advance!
• Holding the Christmas party in the office. An office is still an office, even if it’s decorated with tinsel and fairy lights, so choose a festive corporate venue for your Christmas party where everyone can relax, enjoy themselves and forget about work for a while. You're sure to find something that suits you, as we have listings for venues all over London, from Battersea to  Barnet.
• Booking the wrong Christmas party venue. Booking an elegant restaurant for a boozy Christmas night out or hiring a private hall for an intimate family get-together is probably not the best choice, so make sure the space fits the occasion.
• Serving the wrong drinks. A simple open bar can be an okay choice, but you should go for something more specific to really wow your guests! Consider sparkling wine at a drinks reception, craft beer or wine at dinner, and creative Christmas-themed cocktails at the after party. And don’t forget to add some non-alcoholic beverages for the non-drinkers!
• Not serving enough food. Are you planning a Christmas buffet or a seated dinner? Both can work, just make sure everyone can grab a bite! And if you’re holding a company Christmas party straight after work, expect everyone to be hungry.

Fun festive feast ideas on a budget

Whether it's a corporate bash or a private Christmas party with your friends, the clinking of glasses and the aroma of delicious food are essential ingredients (but pricey) to any magical holiday celebration. This year, why not take your festive feast to the next level while saving some money? Let's explore some fun and budget-friendly ideas!

• A potluck is a classic choice for a cost-effective and exciting dining experience. Encourage your guests to bring their favourite holiday dish or dessert, and create a festive atmosphere by setting up a table with themed decorations and holiday music! For more inspirations on potluck themes, check our 10 Christmas Potluck Party Ideas!
• Buffets are also a great way to save money while still offering a variety of delicious options for your guests. London boasts plenty of event venues like Lumiere London Shoreditch Loft near Hoxton Square and Christmas restaurants such as The Lady Ottoline in Bloomsbury, where you can choose a holiday buffet option.
• Instead of serving a full meal, consider opting for a selection of finger foods like mini sliders, stuffed mushrooms, or bruschetta. These bite-sized treats are not only budget-friendly, but they also encourage mingling and socialising among your guests. Little Bat Bar & Kitchen in quaint Islington and Morso London near vibrant Camden Town are examples of Xmas party venues that offer a variety of festive finger foods.
• If you're hosting a large-scale event, consider creating food stations with a Christmas market atmosphere! Setting up stalls of traditional holiday treats like hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies can be a unique and exciting choice. By hiring a spacious warehouse such as plantroom in Hackney Wick or an outdoor venue with ample space like The Derby Rooftop near King's Cross Station, you can organise an unconventional Christmas party that is lots of fun!
• Get your team involved! Host a gingerbread house decorating competition, where teams can showcase their creativity and bond over the holiday spirit. Prepare a range of decorative materials and icing for participants to use, and let the friendly competition begin! It may not be a filling meal, but everyone's hearts will be filled with joy and laughter!

Remember, the merriment is in the details, not the price tag. With a little planning and creativity, you can throw a truly festive London Christmas party that fits your budget perfectly. So raise a glass (of budget-friendly mulled wine, of course!), and get ready to celebrate in style!

FAQs about Christmas Party Venues in London

What are some of the best Christmas party venues in London?

London is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities for Christmas party venue hire. With loads of elegant restaurants, pubs, and ballrooms to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Function Suite at The Dickens Inn - This is a picturesque pub located in St. Katherine Docks with amazing food and beverages to match the holiday ambience.
• Andrea Adam's Court - This is a perfect bar near Liverpool Street Station, where you and your friends or associates can enjoy the Christmas spirit with delectable cocktails and excellent cuisine.
• The Hall at Kindred - This is a large private room for Christmas parties in West London, offering an unforgettably elegant atmosphere and space for the whole office or family! You’ll find it in Hammersmith.

How much does a Christmas party package cost?

You can find many excellent options for all-inclusive Christmas party packages for less than £75 per person. On average, holiday deals start from around £15 per person and range upwards to £120 per person. Minimum spend options can be found starting around £500 per session. The price of the package will depend upon the venue as well as the standard of the offer, for example, a sit down meal will cost more than a buffet. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Where in London can I host my Christmas party?

The entire city is filled with fantastic spaces and function rooms for your Christmas party! Central London has much to offer for corporate customers, with sophisticated restaurants and cocktail bars spanning from Covent Garden to the City of London and beyond. You can also go for a celebration with a view in the city's riverside spaces in Battersea, Southwark, and Greenwich. If you’re looking for an unusual Christmas locations in London, look in North London. You'll love the selection from lively lounges in Camden to quirky spots in Hackney Wick. Large and affordable Christmas party venues can also be hired in Twickenham, Richmond, and Ealing, where there are many suites and halls that are perfect for Christmas parties for large groups.

How do I make a corporate Christmas party in London exciting?

Corporate holiday parties are a great time for colleagues to let their hair down and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year together. Start your hunt for an unforgettable experience with the right Christmas party venue. Be sure and check traditional spaces such as bars, pubs and clubs, but also consider booking a studio, escape room, cooking class or event-themed cocktail masterclass to keep things interesting. Enjoying the festive season with your associates does not have to cause any stress. Simply browse through our curated list of the best Christmas party venues in London for corporate celebrations and book your favourite!