Christmas Party Venues for Hire in London

Christmas Party Venues Hire Guide

Christmas trees on almost every street corner, the sweet sound of carol singers, chestnuts roasting on an open fire – the holidays really are 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 Christmas drinks party to traditional hotel ballrooms for an end-of-year corporate celebration your employees will never forget.

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

Just let us know what you’re looking for and our smart search engines will 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 Christmas lunch where you can serve festive fare and set up a make-it-yourself hot cocoa bar. You might also be 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 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 London’s most popular Christmas 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, Christmas work functions are an opportunity for companies to thank their customers and encourage networking.

A little worried about the price tag of exclusive Christmas party packages?

Why not host a shared Christmas party in London? This concept began with smaller firms that couldn’t afford all the costs associated with holding a corporate Christmas function. 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 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 at large halls and ballrooms, getting into the Christmas spirit has never been so fun. And the best part? Such 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 2023?

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, 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 ideas, like Christmas carol karaoke nights, very merry Christmas 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 an event in the new year is much easier (and cheaper!) than organising something during the hectic November.

When hosting a family-friendly event, keep the kids happy by hiring a Santa Claus, 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 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 party venue early as the top Christmas locations in London book out fast, especially the corporate Christmas party venues. After booking your space, 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 planning a Christmas dinner or hosting a large party. 
• Check whether the venue is willing to clean up afterwards or and if there are no additional fees for that service.
• 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 booking a Christmas party venue, remember to keep in mind:

• 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 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 private hire Christmas party venues 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 the essential questions to ask the venue manager!

Xmas party mistakes to avoid:

• Leaving party planning to 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 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've listed places located all over London, from Battersea Christmas party venues to unique spaces in Barnet.
• Booking the wrong Christmas party venue. Going for an elegant restaurant for a boozy Christmas night out or hiring a 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 thought-through 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 bash afterwards. And don’t forget to add some non-alcoholic beverages for the non-drinkers!
• Not providing enough food. Christmas buffet or 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.

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 the heart of St. Katherine Docks with amazing food and beverage to match the holiday ambiance.
• Cocktail Cavern at Dirty Martini Monument - The Cocktail Cavern is a perfect Christmas bar in Central London, 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 with plenty of riverside spaces in Battersea, Southwark, and Greenwich. If you’re looking for an unusual Christmas location in London, look in the North - from lively lounges in Camden to quirky spots in Hackney Wick, you’ll love the selection. Large and affordable Christmas party venues can also be hired in Twickenham, Richmond, and Ealing, where you’ll find many suites and halls.

How do I make an office 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. The festive season with your associates can be an absolutely great time, so browse through our curated list of the best rated Christmas party venues for corporate celebrations and embrace the spirit!