Christmas Party Venues London

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Ultimate Checklist for Planning a Christmas Party in London

Planning a Christmas party in London can be magical—but also a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re organizing a festive corporate gathering or a cosy get-together with friends, the key to a successful event lies in the details. From securing the perfect venue to choosing the right entertainment, this ultimate checklist will help ensure your Christmas celebration is memorable for all the right reasons.

✅ 1. Set the Date Early

London venues get booked fast in the festive season. Aim to confirm your party date by late summer or early autumn to secure the best options. Midweek dates often offer better availability and rates than weekends.

Tip: Consider a late November party for better deals and fewer calendar conflicts.

✅ 2. Define Your Budget

Be clear on how much you’re willing to spend. Break it down by category:

  • Venue hire
  • Catering
  • Drinks packages
  • Entertainment
  • Decorations
  • Transport or accommodation (if needed)

Bonus: Some London venues offer all-inclusive Christmas packages that can save time and money.

✅ 3. Choose the Right Venue

London is packed with amazing spaces—from historic halls and rooftop bars to quirky pop-ups and elegant ballrooms. Choose a venue that reflects the vibe you’re going for, whether it’s traditional, luxurious, or something a bit more unconventional.

Considerations:

  • Capacity
  • Location & transport links
  • Accessibility
  • Style/theme
  • On-site catering & bar options

Need help? A venue finding agency like Christmas Venues London can help you secure the ideal venue—fast and free.

✅ 4. Decide on a Theme or Dress Code

Adding a theme gives your party a cohesive look and feel. Some popular Christmas party themes include:

  • Winter Wonderland
  • 1920s Speakeasy
  • Après Ski Lodge
  • Great British Christmas
  • Masquerade Ball

Don’t forget to communicate the dress code clearly on invites.

✅ 5. Organise Food & Drink

Options range from formal sit-down dinners to trendy food trucks or festive buffets. Think about dietary requirements, and always offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Popular choices:

  • Mulled wine on arrival
  • Festive canapés
  • Christmas roast with all the trimmings
  • Dessert stations (mince pies, yule logs, etc.)

✅ 6. Book Entertainment Early

Whether it’s a DJ, live band, magician, or photobooth, entertainment adds energy and keeps the party going. Consider festive extras like:

  • Christmas carol singers
  • Casino tables
  • Ice sculpting or cocktail masterclasses

✅ 7. Plan Transport & Accommodation (if needed)

If your venue is outside Central London or guests are coming from afar, consider:

  • Booking a block of hotel rooms
  • Organising group transport
  • Providing cab vouchers or travel info

✅ 8. Send Invites & Track RSVPs

Go digital with tools like Eventbrite or Paperless Post, or opt for traditional printed invites for an extra festive touch. Include:

  • Date & time
  • Location
  • Dress code or theme
  • RSVP deadline

✅ 9. Finalise Decorations & Party Favours

Make your venue sparkle with fairy lights, garlands, wreaths, and table centrepieces. Add personal touches with branded party favours or small Christmas gifts for guests.

✅ 10. Do a Final Walkthrough

In the week leading up to the party:

  • Confirm final numbers with the venue
  • Double-check tech needs (AV, mics, lighting)
  • Print out a timeline or running order
  • Have emergency contacts for vendors and suppliers

🎁 Bonus Tip: Book Through a Venue Finder

Planning takes time—and that’s where a venue finding expert can help. Companies like Christmas Venues London know the London scene inside out and can recommend vetted venues based on your budget, group size, and style. Best of all, their service is completely free.

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Christmas at Old Billingsgate

Old Billingsgate, one of London’s most iconic and versatile event spaces, is set to host two spectacular Christmas party themes for 2024, each promising to deliver an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re part of a large corporation or a smaller team, these carefully thought out themes are designed to captivate and entertain, offering something unique for every guest. Here’s a closer look at the exciting themes on offer:

1. Bright Lights, Big City: A Dazzling Celebration for Companies of All Sizes

“Bright Lights, Big City” is the ultimate Christmas party theme for those looking to immerse themselves in the glamour and energy of a cosmopolitan metropolis. This theme is perfect for companies of all sizes, offering a vibrant and dynamic setting that reflects the hustle and bustle of the world’s most famous cities.

As guests arrive at Old Billingsgate, they are greeted by a striking urban landscape brought to life with cutting-edge lighting, giant digital displays, and towering skyscrapers. The venue is transformed into a cityscape filled with neon signs, bustling streets, and chic cocktail bars reminiscent of New York, Tokyo, or London itself.

The evening kicks off with a sparkling reception where guests can enjoy a range of creative cocktails, each inspired by a different global city. As the night progresses, they will be treated to a sumptuous dinner featuring an international menu that takes them on a culinary journey across the globe.

Entertainment is a key feature of this theme, with live performances, street-style acts, and a DJ spinning a mix of global hits to keep the party atmosphere alive. The “Bright Lights, Big City” theme is all about high-energy fun, making it ideal for companies that want to celebrate their successes in a big way.

christmas at old billingsgate

2. Speakeasy: A Journey Back to the Glamorous 1920s

For those seeking a more intimate and mysterious experience, the “Speakeasy” theme at Old Billingsgate transports guests back to the Roaring Twenties, a time of hidden bars, jazz music, and unbridled glamour. This 1920s-inspired Christmas party offers an immersive experience that combines the allure of prohibition-era speakeasies with the sophistication of a bygone era.

Upon entering the venue, guests step into a world of secrecy and style. The entrance, designed to resemble an inconspicuous door in a dark alley, leads to a luxurious underground bar where dim lighting, plush seating, and vintage decor set the stage. The atmosphere is enhanced by the sounds of smooth jazz, played by a live band, and the soft clinking of cocktail glasses.

The evening features a range of 1920s-inspired cocktails, such as the classic Martini and the French 75, served by bartenders dressed in period attire. A gourmet dinner is served in an elegant setting, with dishes that nod to the lavish feasts of the era. Throughout the night, guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment, from flapper dancers and swing bands to casino tables and fortune tellers, all adding to the theme’s sense of intrigue and excitement.

The “Speakeasy” theme is perfect for those looking to host a more refined and sophisticated event, where every detail is carefully crafted to transport guests to a hidden world of glamour and mystery.

speakeasy at old billingsgate

To sum up

Old Billingsgate’s 2024 Christmas party themes, “Bright Lights, Big City” and “Speakeasy,” offer two distinct yet equally captivating experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for the fast-paced excitement of a city-inspired celebration or the clandestine allure of a 1920s speakeasy, these themes are designed to make your Christmas party a standout event. With its historical charm and versatile spaces, Old Billingsgate is the perfect venue to bring these themes to life, ensuring a memorable party for all.

For more details, get in touch today.

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Reasons for Throwing a Company Party


Hosting a Christmas party for staff is a tradition that many companies choose to adopt, but whether it’s considered necessary or beneficial can vary based on the company’s culture, resources, and goals. Here are some reasons why companies might consider holding a party for their staff:

Employee Morale and Engagement:

A Christmas party can boost employee morale and foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. It gives employees an opportunity to relax, socialise, and connect with colleagues in a more informal setting, which can contribute to better teamwork and collaboration.

Recognition and Appreciation:

An end of year party is a chance for companies to express gratitude and appreciation for their employees’ hard work and dedication throughout the year. This recognition can go a long way in making employees feel valued and motivated to continue performing well.

Building Relationships:

The company party can be a platform for employees to interact with members of the company they may not regularly work with. This can help to encourage cross-functional relationships, ultimately benefiting the company’s overall dynamics.

Strengthening Company Culture:

A festive celebration can help reinforce the company’s culture and values. It’s an opportunity for employees to experience firsthand the company’s commitment to creating a positive and enjoyable work environment.

Boosting Employee Retention:

Employees who feel appreciated and connected to their company are more likely to stay on board. A Christmas party can contribute to higher employee satisfaction and, in turn, reduce turnover rates.

Recharging and Relaxation:

The holiday season can be stressful, both personally and professionally. A well-organised party can provide employees with a break from their usual tasks and offer a chance to unwind and recharge before the new year begins.

Promoting Team Building:

Many company parties incorporate team-building activities or games that encourage collaboration and teamwork. These activities can be both fun and beneficial for improving communication and problem-solving skills.

Positive Public Image:

Hosting a Christmas party for employees can showcase the company’s commitment to its staff’s well-being and happiness. This positive image can enhance the company’s reputation both within the industry and among potential job seekers.

Networking Opportunities:

Depending on the company’s industry, a company party could also serve as a networking opportunity for employees to connect with clients, partners, or other stakeholders in a more relaxed environment.

Boosting Productivity:

Providing employees with a chance to socialise and have fun can lead to increased job satisfaction, which can, in turn, have a positive impact on productivity.

However, it’s important to note that not all companies have the resources, cultural fit, or inclination to host a Christmas party. Some organisations might opt for different ways of recognising and appreciating their employees, such as year-end bonuses, extra time off, or team-building activities throughout the year.

Ultimately, the decision to hold a Christmas party should align with the company’s values, goals, and budget, and it’s crucial to consider the preferences and needs of the employees when making this decision. If you do decide to have a party, contact us today for help and advice.

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Finding the right Christmas Party Venue

Choosing a venue for the company Christmas Party can sometimes be a real challenge.

For those looking for unique and unconventional Christmas party venues, London has plenty of options to choose from. Venues such as Village Underground, Studio 9294, and Cutty Sark offer a more unconventional setting for Christmas parties. These venues are perfect for those who want to try something different and create a memorable experience for their guests. Other unusual venues in London include the London Transport Museum, Museum of London, and University of Arts London. These venues offer a unique setting for Christmas parties and can cater to a variety of budgets.

Image courtesy of Smart Parties

London has a range of affordable Christmas party venues that are perfect for those on a budget. The Bloomsbury Big Top, SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden, and Flesh & Buns Oxford Circus are just a few of the affordable Christmas party venues in London. These venues offer great value for money while still providing a festive atmosphere and delicious food. Other affordable venues include The Big Bakes, Alcotraz, and Signature Brew Blackhorse Road.

bloomsbury big top

Image courtesy of Awesome Parties

Then there are venues who go all out with their theming such as The Brewery, Freemasons Hall and 8 Northumberland to name but a few. All you have to do is turn up! Everything is included, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

In conclusion, London has a variety of Christmas party venues to suit every taste and budget, from traditional to unique and affordable options. Get in touch with us today to find your Christmas Party Venue.