30 Alternative Christmas Party Ideas in London

Alternative and Unusual Christmas Party Ideas in London

Unique Christmas party celebrations in London that go beyond tradition

Our Blog > 30 Alternative Christmas Party Ideas in London

London venues that do things very differently at Xmas [UPDATED 2026]

Planning the Christmas party is exciting, but it comes with pressure too. You want this year to feel different from the last few and finding something that will genuinely surprise your team, takes more than a quick search.

We've pulled together the best alternative, unusual and immersive Christmas party ideas in London, the ones that go beyond a dinner and a disco. Here you'll find a cocktail bar set inside a working prison, dinner among dinosaurs, karaoke speakeasies and rooftop carnival games. These are Christmas party ideas for those who've done the traditional office do before and want something more.

If you haven’t found what you’re really looking for, have a browse through our complete portfolio of London Christmas party venues for shared party nights, private hire venues and landmark spaces across the city.

"This year, we’ve had a huge amount of organisers who want something more interactive: live entertainment, hands-on games or a fully themed evening," says Georgia, Party Specialist at Office Christmas. “There’s a shift from a traditional sit-down Christmas meal to a fun, relaxed, subtle team-building Christmas party.”

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What is an alternative Christmas party idea?

An alternative Christmas party swaps the predictable for something more unusual. The traditional format is pub drinks, a sit-down dinner and a DJ until midnight, and that works for plenty of teams. But if you want an event that stands out from every other Christmas party in London, this blog was written for you.

What counts as alternative differs by team. It might mean swapping a formal dinner for a curling tournament and cocktails at an apres-ski bar. It might simply mean picking a venue you've never used before. Either way, these are the parties people bring up again well into the next year.

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1) Bounce Ping Pong

Bounce brings table tennis, festive food and plenty of prosecco to three central London venues: Battersea, Farringdon and Old Street. It's a hands-on alternative to the traditional sit-down meal, built for groups who'd rather play than sit still.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 300 standing | Price from: £38pp (+VAT)

2) SEALIFE London Aquarium

SEALIFE London Aquarium turns a corporate Christmas party into an underwater event, set beneath London's streets in the Atlantic Cove. Guests eat, drink and dance surrounded by sea life, with space for both informal standing parties and seated dinners.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 750 seated & standing | POA

3) Alcotraz London, Prison Cocktail Bar

Alcotraz recreates a working prison inside a cocktail bar, complete with orange jumpsuits and real metal cells. Guests smuggle in their own drinks and the prison guards mix cocktails throughout the evening for a genuinely unique, theatrical party.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 165 seated & standing | POA

4) The Winters of the World

The Winters of the World turns Finsbury Square into an apres-ski arena with festive games from around the world, including jingle bowls and Eissock, a German take on curling. Expect close-up magic, a live DJ line-up and an alpine-inspired menu from three chefs.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 600 seated, 750 standing | Price from: £174pp (inc VAT)

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5) The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon turns Christmas into a themed, theatrical evening built around London's darkest history. After an immersive tour meeting characters like Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, guests move into an 18th-century tavern for pub food, drinks and a resident DJ.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 100 seated & standing | Price from £125pp (inc VAT)

6) Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery

Murder Mystery Evenings pair a three-course dinner with a live, interactive whodunnit. Actors weave the story through each course and, for private groups, can pull guests into the plot before everyone votes on the culprit.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✘ | Capacity: 150 seated, 250 standing | Price from: £149pp (+VAT)

7) BOOM Battle Bar

BOOM Battle Bar swaps dinner and dance for axe throwing, e-darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, pool, beer pong and mini-golf. Games depend on availability, so earlier bookings get the widest choice for a genuinely interactive Christmas party. There are 5 locations to choose from: Ealing, Liverpool Street, Oxford Street, The O2 and Wandsworth.

Shared parties: ✔ (reserved table/area) | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: varies on location | Prices from: £45pp (+VAT)

8) Between the Bridges

Between the Bridges sits on the Southbank with views over the river, running its Electric Winter takeover through December. Covered, heated spaces mean groups of up to 2000 can enjoy an informal, high-energy party outdoors.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 1000 seated, 2000 standing | POA

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What our team says...

"Interactive games are one of the biggest requests we get for Christmas parties now," says Josh, Party Planning Specialist at Office Christmas. "Groups want to be doing something together, not just watching a DJ and dancing together."

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9) Clays, Virtual Target Shooting

Clays brings virtual clay shooting to a bar setting, with venues in Canary Wharf, Soho and The City. Guests test their aim in shooting areas, or book a private shooting room, then move on to premium catering, cocktails and the dancefloor.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 400 standing | Prices from: £68pp (inc VAT) | Minimum 15 pax

10) Albert's Schloss Soho

Albert's Schloss runs a full Bavarian Christmas theme through its Bier Halle, with brass bands, marching bands, choirs and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus. Reserved high-top tables and standing space sit right in front of the stage for groups alongside the venue's regular nightly live show.

Shared parties: ✔ (reserved area within the venue) | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 55 seated & standing | Price from: £30.83pp (+VAT)

11) Cahoots - 1940s Cocktail Bar

Cahoots recreates a 1940s London Underground station in the heart of Soho, spread across three themed spaces: The Underground, Ticket Hall Boozer and The Control Room. Expect period cocktails and festive canapés in a setting built entirely around its theme.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 130 standing | POA

12) The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum turns Hintze Hall and the Earth Hall into private party spaces beneath a blue whale skeleton and next to Sophie the Stegosaurus. It's one of London's most requested venues for a seated dinner-dance or a drinks reception with a difference.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 650 seated, 1200 standing | POA

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13) Fairgame

Fairgame is one of the quirkier Christmas party ideas on this list, bringing classic fairground games into a Canary Wharf and City venue, from ring toss to whack-a-mole with a digital twist. Street food and craft cocktails round out a party built for guests who want to play, not just sit.

Shared parties: ✔ (reserved table/area) | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 600 seated & standing | POA

14) Lucky Voice Karaoke Bar

Lucky Voice offers private karaoke rooms across London, with festive playlists and party props for groups who'd rather sing than sit through speeches. It's a high-energy option for teams who like to perform. There are 3 locations: Islington, Holborn and Soho.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: varies on location | POA

15) James Bond inspired Skyball

Skyball transforms the evening into a Bond-themed party, with a live band setting the tone for a sophisticated, spy-inspired night. It suits groups after a more polished alternative to a standard Christmas do. It is running at The InterContinental London O2, and at The Hilton Syon Park this year with one date each, so don’t wait!

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: varies on location | Price from: £129pp (+VAT)

16) The 99 Club

The 99 Club pairs festive dining with award-winning stand-up comedy in the heart of Leicester Square. Guests start with a glass of wine and a two-course Christmas dinner before the room turns over to a night of live comedy from some of the UK's top comedians.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 200 seated & standing | Price from: £60pp (+VAT)

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17) Sixes Social Cricket

Sixes Social Cricket pairs festive cheer with cricket nets, for groups of 16 up to full venue takeovers of 300, making it one of the more active Christmas party activities in London Bridge this December. Running from mid-November to New Year's Eve, it includes festive food, Christmas drinks and the return of Santa Bowler.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 400 | Price from: £45pp (inc VAT)

18) Tower Bridge Walkways

Tower Bridge Walkways puts your Christmas party above the Thames, with boats passing below and the city lit up around you. Hire one walkway for dining and the second as a drinks and disco space, for a party set inside one of London's most recognisable landmarks.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 250 standing, 120 seated | POA

19) The Piano Works

The Piano Works replaces a sit-down meal with non-stop live music and Christmas party entertainment, starting with singing piano players who take requests from the crowd. A full band follows, then a DJ plays until 3am across a choice of festive dining options. There are two locations: Covent Garden and Farringdon.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 400 | Price from: £40pp (inc VAT)

20) Hijingo

Hijingo turns bingo into a high-energy show, with live entertainment, lighting and cash and holiday prizes up for grabs. A prosecco reception and festive nibbles complete a party built for groups bored of the usual pub trip.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 200 seated | Prices from: £44pp (inc VAT)

21) ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo opens its Animal Houses for an evening among the animals, with the chance to meet one of the zoo's residents and their keeper. Guests arrive through a fairy-lit entrance before dinner in one of the decorated party rooms, for one of the more unusual Christmas activities in London.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 700 | Price from: £155pp (+VAT)

22) Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds sets your Christmas party among its waxwork celebrities, from the Beckhams to the Kardashians. Guests can pose for photos and drink among the figures for a party with a genuine celebrity feel.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 seated, 1000 standing | POA

23) All Star Lanes Bowling Alleys

All Star Lanes pairs bowling with karaoke and festive dining across four London venues: Brick Lane, Holborn, Stratford and Westfield. Guests bowl a few games between courses and Christmas cocktails.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✘ | Capacity: 200 | POA

24) Moonshine Saloon

Moonshine Saloon sets the evening in the American West, with guests smuggling in their own liquor to trade with a bootlegger inside a multi-room speakeasy. Along the way there's tailoring, card and dice games and cocktails from a team of expert barkeeps.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 50 | POA

25) Four Quarters Arcade Bar

Four Quarters fills its bars with more than 30 vintage arcade machines and console stations, for a Christmas party built around retro gaming. Located in two locations: Hackney Wick and Elephant Park, a games master can run a curated challenge for groups who want some competition with their drinks.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 100 seated, 250 standing | POA

26) Tobacco Dock

Tobacco Dock transforms into Cirque de Noel, alive with colour, energy, and theatrical moments at every turn. A three-course meal is broken up with bursts of live entertainment from the venue's cast, for one of the most fully themed Christmas events in London.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 900 seated, 1500 standing | Price from: £95.50pp (+VAT) per person

27) Somerset House

Somerset House greets guests through stone arches to its ice rink and Christmas tree. Exclusive hire of the East Wing includes access to the ice rink before dinner in a venue with ties back to 1776.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 110 seated, 350 standing | POA

28) Billingsgate Vaults

Billingsgate Vaults is hosting a dazzling retro Disco Nights Christmas party this year, inspired by 70s disco and Studio 54. Enjoy the neon lights, glitter and LED dance floor. Enjoy the photo pod with props, retro styling, disco scene and soulful soundtrack of the night.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 550 seated, 900 standing | Price from: £125pp (+VAT)

29) Swingers Crazy Golf

Swingers turns crazy golf into a private Christmas party, with full or partial hire across its West End venues. Street food, cocktails and nightly DJs run alongside the course for groups who want a competitive night out.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 800 | POA

30) HMS Belfast

HMS Belfastsets your Christmas party inside a historic warship, with the Ship's Company Dining Hall showing off its exposed steel hull and original naval features. Dinner comes with a festive drink on arrival, a three-course set menu and half a bottle of house wine, with guests free to explore the ship's decks afterwards.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 144 seated, 180 standing | POA

What our team says....

"Guests love a venue with a story attached to it," says Georgia, Office Christmas Party Specialist. "Historical venues in London are in demand because it gives the party a sense of occasion and it’s so unique!"

FAQs

What makes a Christmas party "alternative"?

An alternative Christmas party swaps the traditional sit-down dinner and disco for something more unusual: an immersive theme, an interactive activity or an unexpected venue. It's less about ticking a box and more about giving your team an evening they wouldn't get anywhere else.

How much does a shared Christmas party cost in London?

Shared Christmas parties, where you join other companies at the same event, typically start from around £40 per person depending on the venue and inclusions. Prices usually cover a drink on arrival, food and entertainment, with drinks packages available as an add-on. These vary for each venue, so do get in touch if you are interested in a party we have.

We also have parties that are not necessarily shared, but you can book a reserved table or space for your team, like BOOM Battle Bar, Hijingo and more.

How much does an exclusive Christmas party cost in London?

Exclusive or private hire parties vary more widely, from around £100 per person, up to bespoke pricing for landmark spaces such as Tower Bridge Walkways or Somerset House. Cost depends on the venue, catering and how much of the space you take over. Send us your Christmas party brief and we can give you some venue recommendations that fit your brief.

Let our Christmas party specialists take it from here

Choosing from 30 alternative Christmas party ideas is a good problem to have, but we know it can still feel like a lot. We've been planning Christmas parties in London for over 25 years, and our team of Christmas party specialists know these venues inside out.

Get in touch and we'll talk through your group size, budget and the kind of evening you're after. From corporate Christmas party ideas for large teams to something more intimate, we can suggest venues, arrange site visits or put together a fully exclusive party if a shared night out isn't the right fit.

Call us on 0203 967 6967 or email [email protected], or fill in our enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.

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