Christmas Party Restaurants London

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 party well ahead of time. By starting early, you will have the benefit of choosing from a vast number of businesses 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 the party 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 venue 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 venues that offer unique Christmas 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 Christmas 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 venue 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 aspopular 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.

Christmas Party Restaurants in London FAQ

Which types of venues are the most popular for Christmas dinners?

Restaurants are definitely first on the list when it comes to finding a spot for a Christmas party dinner. 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.

What is included in a Christmas dinner package?

A Christmas dinner package will vary according to price and your taste, however, do expect to be charged per person for the package. 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. Some Christmas dinner packages will also offer private rooms use, while others may provide decorations or entertainment.

When should I book a space for Christmas dinner?

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 a spot at your first choice, book early and secure it now.

Which areas of London are best for Christmas party restaurants?

London is full of wonderful places for Christmas party restaurants, but here are some of our favourite locations:

• The City of London – If you are looking for the perfect space for your corporate Christmas lunch or dinner, the City of London is your best bet. This historical financial district is home to not only office buildings and business quarters, but also restaurants with a professional atmosphere.
• Covent Garden – On the lookout for a spot perfect for a laid-back Christmas meal with your colleagues or friends and family? Look no further than Covent Garden! It's filled with restaurants with a relaxed and intimate feel.
• Carnaby – Carnaby is a district full of diverse and versatile restaurants suitable for both private and corporate Christmas parties. You can pick from small and intimate venues or spacious rooms, depending on the length of your guest list.