7 Christmas Party Ideas in London to Ring in the Festivities

Finding the right Christmas party ideas in London can be like navigating through a snowstorm of options. Whether you're aiming for something traditional, modern, or completely out-of-the-box, this bustling metropolis offers plenty of ways to celebrate. From life-sized board games to immersive Dickensian feasts that transport you back to Victorian London, there’s no shortage of unique and exciting activities. The key is to strike the right balance between excitement and holiday cheer, ensuring that the event you choose is something everyone will be raving about long after the festive season has passed. After all, you don’t want to settle for the same old Christmas party that is as predictable as a cracker joke. To help you dodge dull activities and avoid venues that are more frostbite than festive, we have shortlisted the 7 most stylish and exciting Christmas party activities in London.
16 May 2023 8 min read
Christmas Party ideas London

7 London Christmas Party Ideas For a Trendy Festive Bash

Wondering how to spend Christmas in London? We’ve gathered the top 7 ideas to help you decide. Whether you’re looking for something stylish, quirky, or classic, these options are guaranteed to bring a touch of holiday magic to your event.

1. The Great Christmas Feast at the Lost Estate

The Great Christmas Feast reviews are always outstanding

Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas at The Lost Estate, where Charles Dickens’s timeless classic comes to life in a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Set in a beautifully recreated Victorian London, this event blends theatre, live music, and a sumptuous dinner.

As the night unfolds, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal inspired by traditional Victorian fare while actors and musicians bring the classic tale of A Christmas Carol to life around you. The atmosphere is rich with festive cheer, high-tech gaslight effects, and even Dickensian mixology, making it a perfect choice for a unique Christmas celebration.

For those looking to secure The Lost Estate tickets, prices start at £135 per person for the standard experience. Additional ticket tiers such as “Charlie’s Circle” and “Charlie’s Circle Royale” offer enhanced dining options and exclusive seating, with prices ranging up to £265 per person.

Highlights

  • Where to go: The Lost Estate, West Kensington.
  • Duration: 8th Nov 2024 to 12th Jan 2025. Approximately 3 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £135 per person.

2. Break the Rules This Season with Christmas at Alcotroz Bar

Grab your Alcotraz London tickets for a prison-themed bar experience

Looking for quirky and fun Christmas party ideas in London? Christmas at Alcotraz Bar offers an unconventional twist to the holiday season. Based on a prison theme, guests become inmates as they are fitted with orange jumpsuits and attempt to smuggle their own liquor past the guards.

Once inside the prison, skilled mixologists whip up bespoke cocktails based on your smuggled spirits while you interact with prison guards and other actors who set the tone for this quirky, theatrical experience. For Christmas, Alcotraz ramps up the festive cheer with holiday decorations and a playful atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a fun and unusual Christmas party.

Whether you’re looking to escape the usual holiday fare or just want a night filled with laughter, Alcotraz brings together the thrill of a secret bar and the fun of an interactive performance. It’s ideal for groups of friends or as a Christmas work party idea in London for colleagues seeking something different this festive season.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Alcotraz Bar, Shoreditch & Covent Garden.
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • Price: Starts from £35 per person (bring your own alcohol).

3. Step into the Magic of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland London dates: 15th Nov2024 to 5th Jan 2025

Wondering about Christmas Eve parties in London? Winter Wonderland is the answer. It is one of London’s most celebrated festive attractions, turning Hyde Park into a sprawling winter paradise. 

The event has many activities, including the UK’s largest outdoor ice skating rink and the Ice Kingdom, where ice sculptures and icy caverns transport you to a winter fantasy world. There are a variety of rides, from traditional carousels to thrilling roller coasters, and the Giant Observation Wheel that provides stunning views of London.

The Christmas Markets feature over 200 charming wooden chalets offering festive gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. Winter Wonderland also hosts live shows, including circus performances and ice skating displays. Once you are done exploring, you can warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine at one of the park’s many festive bars and food stalls.

With Winter Wonderland London opening times from 10 AM to 10 PM daily, including Christmas Eve, you have plenty of time to enjoy all it has to offer.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Hyde Park, London
  • Duration: 15th Nov 2024 to 5th Jan 2025. Plan for at least 3-4 hours.
  • Price: Entry is free, but attractions and activities are ticketed.

4. Roll the Dice on Festive Fun with Life-Size Monopoly in London

Enjoy a game of real-life Monopoly in London this Christmas

This Christmas, swap the board games around the fire for something a little larger at Monopoly Lifesized in London. This immersive experience transforms the classic board game into a full-scale adventure where you and your guests become the game pieces.

During the festive season, the venue is transformed with Christmas decorations, adding an extra layer of seasonal cheer. You can choose to play on one of four themed boards: Classic, City, Luxury, or Own It All, each filled with unique challenges that blend elements of Monopoly with escape-room-style tasks.

The experience is designed to be both competitive and fun and the perfect opportunity for you to don your ‘deck the halls, not your colleagues’ jumper’ and race around this quirky board game. After the game, you can unwind at the Top Hat Bar & Restaurant, which offers themed meals and drinks to complete your festive adventure.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Monopoly Lifesized, Tottenham Court Road.
  • Duration: Approximately 80 minutes.
  • Price: Starts From £69 per person.

5. A Gatsby Christmas at The London Cabaret Club

The Great Gatsby Christmas Cabaret in London

If you’re in the mood for some old-school Christmas cabaret in London, then A Gatsby Christmas at The London Cabaret Club is your golden ticket to the roaring twenties. Set in a stunning 1920s Art Deco ballroom, this event brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel to life with a festive twist.

As you step back into the era of bootleg liquor and red-hot jazz, you will enjoy dazzling performances, vintage glamour, and a gourmet dinner. Different packages are available to suit your needs, and all of them include access to the after-party with DJ music.

The raving London Cabaret Club reviews all but guarantee a perfect evening, adding jazz and glamour to your festive season.

Highlights

  • Where to go: The London Cabaret Club.
  • Duration: 21st November 2024 to 21st December 2024. Approximately 3-4 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £75 per person.

6. Enjoy a Festive Tee Off at Swingers Crazy Golf London

Swingers crazy golf is a great Christmas work party idea in London

Swingers Crazy Golf offers a unique twist on festive fun by combining mini-golf with a lively social atmosphere, perfect for a Christmas gathering. Swingers London golf venues span two locations—one in the City and another in the West End—both of which are decked out with festive decorations during the holiday season. 

Each course is creatively designed with various themes and obstacles that add to the excitement. Alongside the mini-golf, you can enjoy street food from some of London’s top vendors and a variety of drinks and cocktails from the venue’s well-stocked bars. 

Christmas party packages range from basic to premium, offering features like reserved areas, unlimited drinks and food options, ensuring your group has a memorable holiday event. It’s a great way to mix some friendly competition with holiday cheer, ideal as work Christmas party ideas in London or a night out with friends.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Swingers City and Swingers West End.
  • Duration: 18th Nov 2024 to 24th Dec 2024. Approximately 2-3 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £45 per person.

7. Steam Train London Christmas: Nostalgia on the Rails

Hop on to a Christmas steam train nearby for a magical experience

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a magical journey on one of London’s Christmas steam trains. These vintage locomotives, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, remind you of a bygone era.

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As you chug along scenic countryside routes, you’ll be treated to a warm and festive atmosphere with mulled wine, mince pies, and even a visit from Santa Claus on select journeys. Many heritage railways offer this experience, each with its own unique charm.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a romantic winter experience, or a team Christmas party idea in London, a ride on a steam train promises to be a journey filled with joy and nostalgia. 

Highlights

  • Where to go: Epping Ongar Railway, Bluebell Railway, and Mid Hants Railway.
  • Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.
  • Price: Varies by railway.

Crown Your Celebration with a Tasteful Masterstroke

As you put the final touches on your Christmas party ideas in London, you might realise that something crucial is missing. A Christmas feast that brings everyone and everything together. Dining out during the festive season often means battling crowded restaurants and set menus, while cooking yourself can quickly turn stressful and take you away from the fun. Plus, coping with everyone’s festive demands and dietary needs is neither possible for a restaurant nor for you.

This is where the services of a private chef become valuable. By hiring a private chef, you can bring the Christmas dining experience to your venue with a menu tailored to your preferences. Whether you want restaurant-quality dishes or a traditional spread, these chefs come equipped to deliver the best results.

Platforms like yhangry have made it convenient to connect with top-tier private chefs anywhere in the UK. With end-to-end services from shopping to clean-up, you can have a hassle-free dinner. After all, Christmas is the time when you are allowed to have your cake and eat it too.

FAQs

When exploring Christmas party ideas for work in London, select activities that fit your team’s interests. Choose a convenient venue, arrange catering, and include entertainment to ensure everyone has a great time. Make sure the event reflects your company’s culture and offers something for everyone to enjoy.

To host an open house Christmas party, start by setting a timeframe during which guests can drop in at their convenience. Decorate your space festively, and arrange for food and drinks that can be replenished easily. Ensure there’s plenty of seating and create different areas for mingling so guests feel comfortable whether they stay for a short visit or the entire time. A relaxed, come-and-go atmosphere is key to a successful open house party.

Some of the best places for unwinding after a day of team-building in London include Dishoom for its warm, Bombay-inspired cuisine and The Ivy for a classic, luxurious dining experience. For a more personalised touch, consider hiring a private chef through platforms like yhangry to create a bespoke corporate dining experience.