Christmas Party Venues for Hire in London

Christmas trees on almost every street corner, the sweet sound of carol singers, chestnuts roasting on an open fire – Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year! On the hunt for a special space for a London Christmas party, but aren’t quite sure where to start? Don’t stress. Here at Tagvenue, we list a range of fabulously festive venues, from cosy bars for a modern cocktail party to traditional hotel ballrooms for an end-of-year corporate blowout your employees will never forget.

Seasonal celebrations are a whole lot easier with our smart venue search engine

Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll do the legwork for you. Perhaps you’re dreaming of a private dining room where you can sit down to a traditional English Christmas dinner. Or maybe you’re on the lookout for a hip eatery for a Xmas morning brunch where you can serve festive fare and set up a make-it-yourself hot cocoa bar. No matter what you have in mind, our venue gurus can recommend something to fit your specific requirements.

Celebrating the festive season with a very merry get-together? Don’t leave your party planning to the last minute. The lead-up to Christmas is always a busy time, with calendars jam-packed with seasonal events, end-of-year parties and holiday plans. If you’re organising a Christmas office party, remember that employees need lots of advance notice, especially if their spouses are invited, too. Keep in mind that the most popular Xmas party venues book out as early as October, so aim to secure your space as soon as possible.

But why throw a work Christmas party anyway?

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

A little worried about the price tag of Christmas Party Packages?

Why not host a shared Christmas party? This concept began with smaller firms that couldn’t afford all the costs associated with holding a corporate Christmas function. Joint 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 events at exclusive Christmas party venues 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, getting into the Christmas spirit has never been so fun. And the best part? Shared Christmas parties are a wonderful way to foster collaboration and networking.

Short on Christmas party ideas?

Don’t worry, here at Tagvenue, we’re experts when it comes to festive entertaining and events. What are you waiting for? It’s time to kick off the Xmas party planning process. Seasonal shindigs are about so much more than fashionably unfashionable paper hats and the worst of the worst 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 2022?

If you’re planning a party for family or friends this season, perhaps you’d like to host a festive gathering with a twist. Christmas craft parties (think DIY decorations and hand-sewn Christmas stockings), gingerbread house decorating parties and Christmas movie nights are all popular options.

While Secret Santas and ugly Christmas sweater parties are forever popular, corporates are shaking up staff party season with creative ideas, like Christmas carol karaoke nights, very merry Christmas brekkies and feel-good charitable events. They're also hiring unique 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 an event in the new year is much easier (and cheaper!) than organising something during hectic November.

When hosting a family-friendly event, keep the kids happy by hiring a Santas Claus, magician or Christmas carolers. Fun 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 entertainment like this is guaranteed to be a fantastic icebreaker at your Christmas do (if you’ll excuse the pun!).

Company Christmas party planning tips and tricks:

• Secure your Christmas party venue early as the best locations book out fast (this is especially true for corporate Christmas party venues). After booking your venue, send out invitations as soon as possible as diaries fill up quickly at this time of year.
• Ask for a menu tasting. This is especially important if you’re booking for a large group.
• Check whether your venue is willing to clear up afterwards.
• Consider throwing a themed party (like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Nightmare Before Christmas or Christmas around the world) or holding a competition (like best Christmas jumper or best achievement of the year). You can find more inspiration in this article about unique Christmas Party themes.

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

When hiring a Christmas party venue, remember to keep in mind:

• Your budget (know where you can splash out and where you can make savings).
• Your guest list - whether you’re planning a Christmas party for 50 or 500, your chosen venue should be just the right size for the number of guests you anticipate. Getting this right will help create a ‘buzzed’ atmosphere that’ll make your event more lively.
• The atmosphere - do you need something casual, like a local restaurant or pub, or something a little more upscale, like a wine bar or private members’ club? 
• The sound system - don’t forget to create a Christmas party playlist before the day!
• Entertainment options - remember to speak to the venue manager about what you have in mind, whether it’s setting up a photo booth, hiring a live band or having Father Christmas come to visit.
• Cancellation fees - ask the venue manager if any cancellation fees apply. 
• Essential questions to ask the venue manager before you book the venue.

Xmas party mistakes to avoid:

• Leaving party planning to the last minute. The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year, after all.
• Holding the party in the office. An office is still an office, even if it’s decorated with tinsel and fairy lights, so choose a festive office party Christmas venue where everyone can relax, enjoy themselves and forget about work for a while. You're sure to find something that suits you, as we've listed places located all over London, from Battersea Christmas party venues to spaces in Barnet.
• Booking the wrong venue. Hiring a small Christmas party venue for a large party, or a huge Christmas function venue for an intimate get-together.
• Having an open bar. Instead, provide drinks that people really enjoy, such as sparkling wine at the drinks reception, wine or beer at dinner and Christmas-themed cocktails at the party afterwards.
• Not providing enough food. If you’re holding an office Christmas party straight after work, then expect everyone to be hungry.
• Serving beer and wine. Don’t forget about designated drivers and non-drinkers.
• Not thanking employees for all their hard work throughout the year.

Christmas Party Venues in London FAQ

Where can you host a Christmas Party in London?

London is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities to host parties in. 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 Sweet at The Dickens Inn - This is a picturesque pub located in the heart of St. Katherine Docs with amazing food and beverage to match the ambiance

Cocktail Cabinet at Dirty Martini Monument - The Cocktail Cabinet is offers a chill atmosphere where you, friends, and associates can welcome in the Christmas spirit with a few cocktails and excellent cuisine.

The Hall at Kindred - This is a large room perfect for company Christmas parties with an unforgettably elegant atmosphere and space for the whole office.

How much does a Christmas Party package cost?

You can find many excellent options for Christmas Party packages for less than £75 per person. On average, Christmas Party packages 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.com)

What do you do for Christmas at work?

Christmas with your associates can be an absolutely great time. While you're at the office, have an ugly sweater contest, decorate your desks, and have a gift exchange. When your day comes to a close, find a space and go out with your colleagues and embrace the Christmas spirit. Browse through Tagvenue's curated list of venues for your company Christmas outing! 

What do you do at an office Christmas party?

Office Christmas 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 venue. Be sure and check traditional spaces such as bars, pubs and clubs, but also check out studios, escape rooms, cooking classes or cocktail masterclasses. Tagvenue has a space for every kind of party you can think of.