ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS
UNUSUAL WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS YOUR EMPLOYEES WILL LOVE
Looking to celebrate your office Christmas party but want something a little different? We’ve compiled a list of our favourite alternative venues in London that you can celebrate your Christmas-do at. From weird and wacky bars to stand-alone event spaces with unusual themes, London is the home to 1000’s of Christmas party spaces so we’ve listed just a few that really stand out this year.
1) LONDON AQUARIUM
The Aquarium is one of London’s most popular venues and they are now hosting a party under the sea! As you walk into the Sea Life Centre you will be greeted with a glass of fizz and some interactive divers that can communicate with your guests with special boards! You can then venture through the experience and then dine with the fishes in the main hall.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: | Price from: £80+VAT pp
2) BAT & BALL
Located at Westfield Stratford, Bat & Ball is a quirky bar filled with ping pong tables which is ideal for groups looking for a more casual event than a formal sit-down dinner. The catering team at Bat & Ball can serve buffet dinners for groups up to 550 and the open space serves as an ideal place for a speech, award ceremony and toasts. As the night progresses the team can create space for a dance floor and the tables can be transformed into beer-pong arenas!
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 550 | Price from: £20.00+VAT pp
3) ALCOTRAZ
Inspired by Hollywood Movies that have brought to life America’s most infamous prison, Alcotraz is London’s first immersive theatrical cocktail bar. From the orange jumpsuits upon entrance, to the real metallic cells, Alcotraz becomes the perfect backdrop to enjoy a drink within an epic yet intimate environment. Guests will be immersed into a prison setting where they smuggle alcohol past the guards and the prison officials can create some devishly good cocktails throughout the evening. Alcotraz is one of London’s most unique Christmas parties this year!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 50 | POA
4) WINTERVILLE
If a traditional seated meal is what you are after then Winterville is not for you! Located on Clapham Common the Winterville Street Feast will be celebrating Christmas throughout December with a variety of different entertainment! From American whiskey bars, skating rinks and fairground rides this Winter Wonderland serves as an ideal setting for a unique Christmas party. You can hire private tents within the park that will have a private bar and heaters (of course) inside which serves as a base for the evening. Guests will then be given food tokens to spend on different street food stalls throughout the evening.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 4000 | POA
5) THE GREAT BRITISH BAKERY OFF
The Great British bakery off is a stunning corporate activity that can host smaller groups in true Bake Off fashion. You will be split into teams and given a couple of recipes to follow and once the bakes are out of the office the judging commences! Typically our kitchens will provide free-flowing alcohol throughout the event and can also provide light lunches and dinners to enjoy whilst the bakes are in the oven.
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 4000 | POA
6) MURDER MYSTERY EVENINGS
As news of a murder sweeps across the hall drama unfolds while you and your guests enjoy a delicious 3 course meal. Upon arrival you will be greeted with a welcome drink and then our actors will take to the stage before dinner and in between each course. If you have a private group the team can incorporate members of your party into the act and then each table will have to decide at the end of the meal who the murderer was! The murder mysteries are a fabulous way of hosting a traditional seated meal with a tongue & cheek twist!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 200| Price from: £65.00+VAT pp
7) LONDON ZOO
If you want something completely out-of-the-ordinary then ZSL London Zoo can throw a wacky Christmas party like no other! Your lavish evening begins at our fairy-lit entrance, prosecco is served whilst admiring the animals in our fascinating Animal Houses and you can even experience a close encounter with one of our friendliest residents (and their keeper). Then treat your guests with a choice of creative, festive menus in one of our beautifully decorated rooms.
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 700 | POA
8) SWINGERS
Swingers is a private crazy golf course located in London’s West End or City Central. You can hire the venue as a whole or just certain areas for a truly competitive Christmas party idea. The kitchens can supply mouth-watering street food and the bar staff can supply unique cocktails to enjoy whilst out on the course! Whilst guests are waiting for their tee-off they can relax in one of the lounge areas or cocktail bars! The venue also has nightly DJ’s for when the competition is over!
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 500 | POA
9) THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Dine with the dinosaurs in London’s most famous museum! Made up of multiple spaces and reception areas the Natural History Museum can play host to all sorts of Christmas parties, from seated dinner-dances to fossil-fueled drinks receptions! Hintze Hall is the highlight area which can be transformed into a great dining hall under the skeleton of a magnificent blue whale.
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 3000| POA
10) STEAM DREAMS
Looking for something different to do for your office Christmas party this year then look no further. Steam Dreams Rail Co are offering unique packages on one of 8 different Christmas Steam trains travelling from various destinations in London and the South East to some of the most exciting Christmas markets with an eclectic array of gifts to inspire even the most hardened shopper! Alternatively you can visit a selection of stunning Churches and Cathedrals which will host some beautiful Carol services exclusively for Steam Dreams passengers. With various price brackets and choices of dining or non-dining there is something for everyone as you are whisked away for magical day out by steam train. You can book a whole carriage or just a table for 4.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 64 | Price from: £109.00+VAT pp
11) CITY TREASURE HUNTS
If you need a great idea for a day out where everyone has an active role in the activities success, then an organised treasure hunt is perfect! London treasure hunts offer a wealth of opportunities, with so many landmarks, unique and historic buildings and quirky avenues, a London Treasure Hunt is not only great fun but an excellent team builder. A treasure hunt is the ideal way to get the team out of the office in the day and bonding, we can tailor the hunt to end in a bar or restaurant where you can enjoy a dinner or a few drinks afterwards.
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: N/A | Price from: £20.00+VAT pp
12) LUCKY VOICE
Lucky Voice can host private events where you take over the entire venue or semi-private parties where you have private rooms but share a communal area with other groups. Each room is fitted with a state of the art karaoke machine and seating area so your group can enjoy the show with some drinks and nibbles!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 150 | POA
13) CUTTY SARK
The Cutty Sark is one of the world’s most famous ships and is the last surviving tea clipper, the fastest and greatest of her time. She stands as a glorious monument to the age of sail and to all those who lost their lives in the merchant service. Situated on the shore of the mighty Thames River the ship provides commanding views over Canary Wharf and the City of London. Underneath the dry berth is one of London’s most versatile dining areas, whilst you dine and dance you will be forever dropping your jaw at the shear amazement of the venue!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 | Price from: £95.83 +VAT pp
14) LONDON DUNGEONS
There aren’t many more Christmas parties that are more alternative than the London Dungeons! Telling the story of some of London’s most infamous moments in history, the London Dungeon is a themed, scarily fun, unique & intimate dinner venue. Starting off, you’ll be welcomed into the Palace to enjoy a delicious welcome drink with a cast of talented actors taking you on an immersive theatre tour of 40 minutes through London’s darkest history. You’ll meet infamous characters such as Jack the Ripper, Mrs Lovett in her Pie shop and Sweeny Todd for a cheeky haircut! Afterwards, you’ll be welcomed into our 18th century themed pub, The Tavern, for some traditional pub grub, cheerful drinks and our resident DJ playing the ultimate party tunes!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 150 | Price from: £80.00 +VAT pp
15) THE GREATEST SHOW!
This year in Bloomsbury, London a spectacular extravaganza of circus wonders comes to town! Marvel as the mesmerizing entertainment performs overhead whilst you feast on a delicious 3 course meal, before enjoying all that The Greatest Show has to offer – a sparkling reception, amazing acts and a party to remember.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 800 | Price from: £65 +VAT pp
16) THE TOWER OF LONDON
There are only a few more buildings in the world more famous than the Tower of London. In the grounds is a temporary pavilion that is created each year to play home to fabulous Christmas parties throughout December. An exclusive destination within the North Moat, The Pavilion is ideal for those looking for a touch of glamour and sparkle to their party.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 700 | Price from: £115.00 +VAT pp
17) MEDIEVAL BANQUET
Located just 5 minutes from the Tower of London are the Ivory Vaults, based in the cellars of St Katharine’s Docks. This evening will take you on a journey complete with minstrels and jesters, acrobats and dragons. Shout for your Wench or dance with a unicorn but come ready to eat a five course banquet with drinks to finish the event with dancing till late.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 | Price from: £41.67 +VAT pp
18) THE APPRENTICE TASKS
If you are trying to steer completely away from the traditional Christmas party and would rather organise a team-building event instead then the Apprentice games is the perfect alternative! As guests enter the ‘Boardroom’ they know that only high performance teams will succeed! For the next few hours their feet will not touch the ground as back to back assignments test their ambition, business flair and wits to the full! Fluttering eyelids and flattering remarks won’t impress our business tycoon, who will rage against shoddy workmanship,
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: N/A | POA
19) DINERAMA
Winter at Dinerama becomes full of Christmas market and festival vibes; the venue is roofed and winter-proofed so is toasty and warm with log-burning fires throughout the festive season. Once a former bullion truck yard, in the heart of Shoreditch Dinerama is a great festive party venue split over two-levels, has a 1,000 capacity, creating the ultimate Christmas party playground.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 1000 | POA
20) MADAME TUSSAUDS
If you are searching for an alternative Christmas party, look no further than Madame Tussauds. Arrive for your Xmas Party at one of the most famous venues in the world. Mingle with A-List celebs including the Beckhams, Beyonce, J-Lo, the Kardashians and Brad Pitt at this star-studded event. Whilst enjoying drinks, you can pose for a few pictures with your favourite celebrities. As the party gets going the incredibly life-like waxworks seem to come alive and catch you by surprise as you notice more and more famous faces. The illusion is complete, you are at a party for the rich and famous!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 350 | Price from: £82.50 +VAT pp
21) SHAKA ZULU
Shaka Zulu is a themed restaurant, bar and night club in Camden. Its original features are enhanced with its fabulous furnishings to make sure your guests have a “write home about” first impression. Enjoy an excellent meal and then move onto the club for the after party later on in the evening! This venue also hosts themed nights with a collection of entertainment and shows to watch throughout the evening.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 350 | Price from: £82.50 +VAT pp
22) MOONSHINE SALOON
Moonshine Saloon, combining immersive theatre with a world-class cocktail drinking experience, transports all guests to the rugged American West on the promise of making a fortune in an illicit moonshine smuggling operation at the top of its game. Outlaws must bring their own liquor to join the gang and enter the multi-room environment of Cold Water.
First stop is a visit to the local tailor to ensure you look the part and don’t attract the wrong type of attention from the local Sheriff. With the right togs and Stetson, you’re ready to handover your hidden liquor to Clyde and enjoy bespoke, delicious cocktails that are expertly prepared by a world-class team of barkeeps. While in the West, outlaws can try their luck at card or dice games, visit the General Store or perhaps be lucky enough to be invited into the notorious Moonshine Distillery.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 80| POA
23) GLITTERVAULT
If you would rather get up and dance than have a seated dinner then the Glittervault is the ideal option for your office Christmas party. Take a dive into our world of elite live music, top London DJs and the hottest world class acts on the scene right now. Contemporary laser shows, exclusive dance acts combined with sensational Street Food cuisine. Without doubt Central London’s finest party atmosphere.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 300 | POA
24) HIRE A PRIVATE CINEMA
The Everyman cinema is available for private hire through December for unique Christmas parties! The cinema is full with a mixture of sofas and comfortable arm chairs to relax and watch the movie in and afterwards there is a super chic retro-feel bar serving amazing cocktails!
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 109 | POA
25) SKYLIGHT AT TOBACCO DOCK
Our stunning rooftop bar affords far-reaching views of the city skyline and is home to London’s only rooftop ice rink. Sip on festive cocktails, relax in an igloo, feast on delicious street food and take a spin on the ice!
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | POA
26) SOMERSET HOUSE
Host your Christmas festivity at one of the city’s most spectacular and well-loved venues, Somerset House. On arrival, your guests will be met by the ultimate Christmas backdrop. Entering through the striking stone arches, they will be greeted by Somerset House’s spectacular ice rink and soaring Christmas tree. Hire the ice rink out to kick off your evening and then dine in a beautiful venue with ties leading back to 1776.
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 300| POA
27) BILLINGSGATE VAULTS
Every year, Billingsgate Vaults host a themed Christmas party with award winning caterers and a stunning production set. In 2019 the venue hosted a Christmas night by order of the Peaky Blinders! Head back in time to experience the aftermath of the Great War and doff your caps with live entertainment in an exceptional party venue.
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 600| Price from: £115.00+VAT pp
28) FREEMASONS HALL
Experience at the most iconic art-deco building in the Heart of central London. This amazing grade II listed Venue is available for exclusive events this December and plays host to the Gatsby Club! It’s the roaring twenties – the era of prohibition. A live jazz band will perform in the gallery Suite whilst you and your fellow flappers And dappers dance the Charleston Until the small hours.
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 1450 | POA
29) ESCAPE ROOMS
Looking for a thought-provoking challenge for your special event? Escape rooms are a new form of interactive and intuitive puzzle in which you are locked in some sort of scenario with only your wits to help you escape. You will be split into smaller teams and the team that solves the puzzle the quickest wins!
Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: N/A | Price from: £25.00 +VAT pp
30) HILTON TOWER OF LONDON
Although the a hotel dinner-dance is probably what you are trying to avoid by reading an article on alternative Christmas party ideas, this year the Hilton is throwing a magnificent themed party night! Dance to some Motown classics or experience the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood casino night!
Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: N/A | Price from: £120.00 +VAT pp