Our list of the most popular Christmas party restaurants in London is sure to come in handy, no matter if you're planning an end-of-year work party, a Christmas drinks reception or a festive family-friendly get-together. London has many wonderful spots to offer and we listed the best ones all in one place. All you have to do now is pick your favourite Christmas dinner venue. From traditional hotel dining rooms and cosy pubs to affordable restaurant venues and the city’s hottest eateries, we’ve got you covered this silly season. So what are you waiting for? See how fast you can book the perfect venue for your Christmas dinner in London today.
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The holiday season is here again and everyone is looking for a way to celebrate! The best Christmas dinners are all about fantastic feasting. The act of enjoying a communal meal naturally gets people together, whether you’re knocking back a mulled wine or two, gobbling up a golden roasted turkey or tucking into some good old Christmas pud.
Christmas parties are fun and festive occasions, but the planning process may seem like a daunting task. To help you out we’ve prepared some tips and tricks for planning an enjoyable Christmas party stress-free:
Plan ahead - With the year end and big Christmas festivities ahead, December is a really busy time of the year. You don't want to be rushing around at the last minute trying to find decorations or invitations for your guests, so plan your Christmas party well ahead of time. By starting early, you will have the benefit of choosing from a vast number of festive restaurants in London to find the ones you like the most, and not choose from what’s left available. If you’re planning to hire a venue or other outside vendor, you may also get early-bird discounts.
Send out invitations - Do it early enough for people to RSVP before their calendars fill up for December. Once you know how many people will attend your Christmas gathering you will be able to decide how much food and drink needs to be ordered as well as what kind of additional entertainment you may need. If you’re organising an office party, make sure all members of your team or organisation are invited and you don’t leave anyone out by accident.
Pick the right venue - Decide on a Christmas party restaurant that will work well for everyone attending. If you’re hosting a corporate party, look for a venue near your office, so that everyone will already know the area. For a friendly get-together look for a spot that each of your friends can reach easily. Make sure the venue is accessible to those who may have mobility issues.
Decide on the menu - Christmas time calls for some classics like a Christmas pudding or stuffed turkey and you can never go wrong if you decide on a menu like that. But if you would like to change things up a little bit you can search for Christmas dining venues that offer special menus, or organise the dinner in a restaurant serving non-British food. If you’re organising a large party, instead of serving everyone the same meal, a buffet-style meal would be more suitable, as everyone can choose what they like. They can also start eating as they arrive, and not wait on everyone to start.
Choose the decorations - Decorations can really set the tone for any event and if yours is going to be during the festive season then there are plenty of options available which you can choose from! You'll find everything from wreaths and garlands, lights and tinsel and even Christmas trees! If you’re throwing a themed party (which might be a great idea!) choose decorations according to the decided theme.
There are lots of ways you can celebrate the festive season, but here are some of our favourite party ideas!
Murder Mystery - Discover your inner Agatha Christie and organise a murder mystery night. It’s a fun game that can start right as the guests arrive at the party restaurant and can continue through the meal. While being fun it’s a great mental exercise and if you decide on playing it for a corporate party it can serve as a great team-bonding experience (even if one of you is ‘murdered’!).
Secret Santa - Once you know who will come to your party, you can start organising a Secret Santa. Agree on the amount of money each participant has to spend on the gift. You can either select who will gift who (secretly), or decide on neutral gifts that you will fight over during various games at the Christmas dinner. As the host of the party, it’s smart to remember about preparing an extra gift for that one person who decides to attend at the last minute.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition - Nothing beats this modern, but already classic party. You may see the idea as too silly for a corporate party, but actually, it’s a great way to set its tone to a more relaxed one. Imagine seeing your CEO in an ugly Christmas sweater! You can organise secret voting for the ugliest, but in this case - the best outfit.
Awards Ceremony - Giving away prices for “the best of” is a fun way to celebrate people, either in your friend group or in an office. The awards don’t have to highlight work performance, but rather focus on the positive attributes of the person that has been of help throughout the year. Try to come up with categories like “the warmest smile” or “the cheesiest jokes” to add a heartwarming touch to the party.
Christmas Karaoke - Carol singing is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions. Add some modern twist to it and organise a Christmas karaoke party. Add traditional carols to the playlist, as well as popular Christmas songs for everyone to be able to join the fun. Karaoke is a great option for a laid back party that will work for office parties or friendly get-togethers, as well as family functions, as people of all ages can sing along. Many Christmas party restaurants can provide the equipment needed for karaoke sessions!
During the festive season, restaurants across London transform into enchanting venues, catering to every imaginable type of celebration. From intimate gatherings to grand festive banquets, London's Christmas party restaurants offer many opportunities to elevate your holiday events. Follow along as we delve into the top 10 Christmas party themes for London restaurants.
Embrace the quintessence of a British Christmas with a classic theme that celebrates the rich traditions of the holiday. Think of a Dickensian feast with roast turkey, mince pies, and Christmas pudding. Decorate with holly, ivy, and mistletoe, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere with a roaring fireplace and carolers singing traditional songs. This theme is perfect for those looking for a nostalgic celebration that captures the essence of Christmas in London.
Transform your chosen venue into a magical Winter Wonderland with sparkling snowflakes, icicles, and shimmering white lights. A monochromatic colour scheme of whites and silvers, with hints of blue, creates a striking but elegant setting. Offer guests mulled wine upon arrival to warm them from the winter’s chill. This theme is ideal for creating a mesmerising and sophisticated Christmas party atmosphere.
Inspired by the historical Christmas markets of Victorian London, this theme brings the charm of yesteryear to life. Set up small market stalls within the restaurant, offering traditional crafts, seasonal treats, and perhaps even a mulled wine stand. Entertainment could include Victorian carolers and magicians, with staff dressed in period costumes to complete the immersive experience.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas and the beauty of Tchaikovsky's famous ballet with a Nutcracker-themed party. Decorate with ornate nutcrackers, ballet slippers, and a palette of rich golds, deep reds, and lush greens. Incorporate elements of the ballet into your entertainment with classical music and a short performance. This theme is perfect for a sophisticated, enchanting Christmas celebration.
For a fun and casual party theme, turn your restaurant into a homage to classic Christmas films. Each area could represent a different movie, from the whimsical ‘The Snowman’ to the comedic ‘Home Alone’. Screen snippets of these films as your guests are served dishes inspired by scenes from these films. Encourage guests to dress as their favourite Christmas movie characters.
Celebrate the diversity of Christmas traditions with a global theme. Decorate each restaurant area to represent different countries and their Christmas customs. From the bright lights of a New York Christmas to the festive markets of Germany and the beachside holidays of Australia, this theme offers a unique way to explore global festivities.
With an increasing focus on sustainability, a green Christmas party is both timely and thoughtful. Use recycled materials for decorations, opt for a plant-based menu, and minimise waste wherever possible. This theme not only celebrates the festive season but also embodies the spirit of giving back to the planet.
Transport your guests to the roaring twenties with a Great Gatsby-themed Christmas party. Think opulence and luxury with a black, gold, and white colour scheme, and feathers, pearls, and sparkling lights. Jazz music, flapper dresses, and vintage cocktails will make for a glamorous and festive celebration.
For a more modern take, focus on London's burgeoning craft ale scene. Pair local brews with artisanal dishes, creating a menu highlighting London's best gastronomic offerings. Decorate with hops and barley, and offer a tasting session or brewery tour as part of the event.
Finally, opt for a fairy tale Christmas for a truly magical theme. This theme allows for many interpretations, from a ‘Frozen’ inspired icy kingdom to an ‘Enchanted Forest.’ Use whimsical decorations, fairy lights, and elements from beloved stories to create a dreamlike setting.
Whether you're looking for a traditional celebration or something more unique, these themes provide the inspiration you need to create an unforgettable Christmas event in London.
As the festive season approaches, London transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a joyful spirit that fills the air. It's the perfect time to host a Christmas party, whether it's a corporate celebration, a family gathering, or a festive get-together with friends. London has several options for those seeking the perfect spot to host their Christmas events. From charming historic pubs adorned with festive decorations to luxurious modern spaces offering breathtaking views of the city's skyline, the capital's Christmas party venues tend to suit every taste and budget.
However, hosting a memorable Christmas party doesn't end with selecting the perfect venue. Adding a personal touch through unique and thoughtful gift ideas and party favours for your guests can make your event stand out and show your appreciation for their attendance. Here are some exquisite gift suggestions and treats that will delight your guests and make your Christmas event in London unforgettable.
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.
Restaurants are definitely first on the list when it comes to finding a spot for a Christmas party dinner. London boasts a wide range of restaurants with packages perfect for Christmas dinner for 2, or a family celebration of around 20 guests. However, if you are looking for an office Christmas lunch or an evening holiday feast, it is also a great idea to check out hotels and pubs in your area of choice. They often offer amazing Christmas dinners in a variety of cuisines that are suitable for every budget. Tagvenue has listings of numerous venues ideal for a cosy Christmas gathering in London, so dive into our selection!
A Christmas dinner package will vary according to price and your taste, however, do expect to be charged per person. In terms of the menu, the complexity of the catering will depend upon the price, however sharing boards, multi-course meals, international cuisine options or even a complimentary glass of champagne are quite easily found among Christmas party restaurants. Some Christmas dinner packages will also offer private rooms use, while others may provide decorations or entertainment.
When looking for a Christmas dinner venue, it is always best to book your chosen spot early. Most venues will take bookings even in the idle months of July and August. While this may seem early, if you truly want to secure the best Christmas party restaurant at your first choice, book well in advance and secure it now.
London is full of wonderful Christmas party restaurants, but here are some of our favourite locations: