Savour the Holidays: 5 Christmas Dinner Venues in Cambridge

Cambridge is a fantastic destination for Christmas dinners, offering diverse dining options. From traditional British fare to international cuisine, there are venues that cater to every taste. However, with popular venues booking up quickly, it can be hard to find the right venue in time, especially if you’re booking last-minute. From accommodating dietary preferences to navigating parking and decor, you have to consider various factors when picking the perfect Christmas venue. To lessen your burden, we’ve curated a list of the top 5 Christmas dinner venues in Cambridge, ensuring a festive celebration without the hassle.
30 September 2024 5 min read
Christmas dinner venues in Cambridge

Top 5 Christmas Dinner venues for festive fun in Cambridge

From private dining rooms to various cuisines, our list of the top 5 Cambridge Christmas dinner venues for your celebrations. 

1. The Punter

The Punter is a cosy, welcoming spot perfect for a relaxed pub Christmas dinner in Cambridge. Known for its friendly owners and warm, homely atmosphere, this venue is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the festive season with a Christmas-themed party. Here, you’ll find a menu full of hearty, comforting dishes, whether a classic Chicken Schnitzel or a flavorful Baked Sweet Potato with Feta.

 You can also add a glass of old wine from their cellar, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a relaxed, memorable Christmas dinner with good company. What makes The Punter even better is that it’s dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind.

The Punter as a Christmas dinner venue in Cambridge

Highlights

  • Address: 3 Pound Hill, Cambridge CB3 0AE
  • Guests: Accommodates up to 12 guests 
  • Cuisines: British pub fare
  • Price: Menu price starts at £70

2. The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill

The River Bar Steakhouse and Grill is perfect for a memorable Christmas Day dinner in Cambridge. The Restaurant has two distinct areas designed to accommodate various group sizes. You can enjoy private dining for smaller groups, or a semi-private dining experience for Christmas dinners for a large group. This allows guests to dine in privacy without the disturbance of other customers. 

Their menu features classic Christmas British meals, including Cajun-spiced chicken Breast and Pork Belly. If you’re interested in international cuisine, you can try their Indian menu, which includes dishes such as Lahore Chicken Curry, all made from locally sourced ingredients. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of beers, cocktails, and wines to enhance your meal. 

The River Bar can be hired for exclusive use, ensuring you and your guests enjoy the privacy needed to embrace the holiday spirit.

The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill for a Christmas dinner venue in Cambridge

 

Highlights

  • Address:  3 Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ
  • Guests: Accommodates up to 130 guests 
  • Cuisines: British and Indian 
  • Price: Starts from £50-£60 per person

3. The Boat Room

Located at The Ivy Brasserie, The Boat Room blends tradition with a modern touch, making it one of the best Christmas dinner venues in Cambridge. The room is centred around a long table surrounded by festive decorations such as the classic Christmas tree and jingle bells adorned all around. 

The Boat room is a Christmas party venue in Cambridge ideal for intimate dinners and more significant festive celebrations. The venue offers flexibility with three different menu options to suit various budgets. You’ll enjoy dishes like Robata Grilled Chicken Skewers, Artichoke and Sweet Potato Stew, and Sirloin Steak, all served in a setting that feels both cosy and grand. 

Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a work event, The Boat Room is perfect for a private and memorable Christmas celebration.

The Boat Room for a Christmas dinner venue in Cambridge

Highlights

  • Address: City Centre, 16 Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB
  • Guests: Accommodates up to 12 guests 
  • Cuisines: British
  • Price: Menu price starts at £70

4. Market House 

Market House is an excellent choice if you’re after a unique Christmas dinner in Cambridge. Spread across five floors, the venue offers a fine-dining restaurant that serves modern British cuisine, perfect for a festive meal. Dishes like Squash Gnocchi, Ceviche Sardines, and Suffolk Pork Trio showcase their carefully designed British menu, paired with an exciting selection of wines, gins, and locally roasted coffee to complement your Christmas dinner.

If you’re looking to experiment with a different Christmas cuisine, you can head to their private rooms, where they serve delectable Asian fusion food. The menu features flavorful dishes like Miso Soup, Tteokbokki, and Braised Pork Belly. You can also enjoy the cosy wine bar, explore their Food Lab, where they experiment with blends of British and Asian flavours, or participate in their Cambridge cooking classes

With its warm, homey atmosphere and diverse offerings, Market House promises a memorable Christmas celebration.

The Market House as a Christmas dinner venue in Cambridge

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Highlights

  • Address: 12 Market Hill, Cambridge CB2 3NJ
  • Guests: Accommodates up to 23 guests 
  • Cuisines: South Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and British 
  • Price: Starts from £25.00 – £52.00

5. De Luca Cucina & Bar

De Luca Cucina & Bar is an excellent pick for your Christmas dinner in Cambridge. The restaurant is beautifully decorated for the season with a Christmas tree, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. For guests searching for a more intimate setting, their private function room offers a quiet escape, perfect for a peaceful dinner with family and friends. The private room allows self-catering, so you can hire a private chef for your Christmas dinner and indulge in diverse cuisines.

For those who want to add a touch of excitement to their evening, The Piano Bar features live music where you can sing along or request your favourite songs, elevating the Christmas mood. To top it all off, their seasonal Christmas menu includes homely dishes like Stuffed Turkey Breast, Classic Homemade Lasagna, and Tiramisu, ensuring a delightful dining experience perfect for celebrating the season.

De Luca Cucina & Bar for a Christmas Dinner venue in Cambridge

Highlights

  • Address: 83 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AW
  • Guests: Accommodates up to 28 guests 
  • Catsines: Italian
  • Price: Menu prices start from £30

Elevate Your  Christmas Party Dinner in Cambridge 

From diverse cuisines to beautiful views, these venues are fantastic options for Christmas party dinners in Cambridge However, one common issue with these venues is that they may not always provide the personalised catering you need. Be it dietary restrictions or cuisine differences, each restaurant has a set menu that cannot be altered. That’s where hiring a private chef can come in handy. 
Platforms like Yhangry connect you with private chefs in Cambridge who can create a customised menu tailored to your preferences and dietary needs. The platform ensures you have a secure and seamless booking experience with 24/7 customer support. You can leave catering to them while you enjoy your Christmas dinner in Cambridge.

FAQs

On Christmas Day, most shops and restaurants in Cambridge are closed, but some hotels and pubs may offer special festive meals for guests. Additionally, certain attractions like parks and churches might be open for visitors who want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere after a hearty Cambridge Christmas dinner.

Yes, Cambridge hosts a charming Christmas market, typically set up in the city centre. It features a variety of stalls selling festive goods, crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. It’s a lovely place to soak up the holiday spirit and find unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

Absolutely! Cambridge is beautifully adorned with festive lights and decorations, and the atmosphere is magical during the holiday season, making it a delightful place to explore. From the Christmas market to seasonal events and cosy cafes, there’s plenty to enjoy and experience!