The annual Christmas bash is a pretty important affair - let's just say that if you leave it too late, you'll be on the receiving end of a lump of coal from your guests come the festive season!
London's best Christmas venues get snapped up early on, and it's often all too clear when an event's been planned last-minute. So, to help make sure the most important party of the year goes smoothly, we've put together a selection of the top locations for festive events and a couple of tips to make sure your event is as fa-la-la-labulous as it can be!
After some venue inspiration?
Here are some of our top picks for this year's festivities, from grand, impressive ballrooms, to quirky, one-of-a-kind spots which are sure to spark the Christmas spirit in any team.
One Moorgate Place
With its original Victorian banking hall, opulent grandeur and rich heritage, One Moorgate Place is a truly unique venue with plenty of festive cheer. Complemented by meticulous service and exquisite catering, this Grade II-listed building is perfect for private parties or corporate events. Whether you’re looking for a formal dinner, canapes and cocktails, or something more relaxed such as a festive afternoon tea with carols in the background - this is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in style.
Location: Bank
Capacity: 200 dining, 400 reception
The Barbican Centre
Christmas parties at The Barbican are enchanting affairs. With a conservatory that brings a tropical environment to events at any time of year, as well as a theatre, cinema, and high-up conservatory terrace for smaller parties, this is a truly spectacular festive venue which is guaranteed to bowl your guests over (and that's before they sample the food provided by in-house caterers, Searcys!). Wherever the celebrations take you, this central London sanctuary is sure to banish the winter blues, and with space for dining and dancing under a glass roof, it's sure to be a night to remember.
Location: Barbican
Capacity: 200 reception
Kia Oval
The Kia Oval offers a stunning venue choice for Christmas parties with its Duchy Suite. Part of the newly renovated Galadari Stand, this impressive space boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing the pitch, accommodating up to 650 guests. With two private terraces and a range of catering options, it's an great location for those seeking a blend of modern elegance and sporting heritage for their festive celebrations.
Location: Vauxhall, Oval
Capacity: 650 Reception
Church House Westminster
Church House Westminster is a remarkable venue in the heart of London - and that counts double at Christmas time! This Grade II* listed building has been modernised to provide a perfect mix of historic charm and contemporary style, making it the ideal setting for a Christmas party. Church House Westminster has something for everyone - from the grandeur of its Great Hall to more intimate options like The Library, there's a stylish setting to fit any type of Christmas vibe!
Location: Westminster
Capacity: 372 dining, 550 reception
The Brewery
The Brewery is an iconic London venue that's sure to make your Christmas party unforgettable. With endless possibilities for your celebration, it's one of the city's most versatile event spaces. Choose from stylish beamed rooms and industrial-style warehouses – all designed for a festive gathering like no other! The Brewery also has its own team of talented chefs who create delicious menus tailored to you and your guests, making it the perfect place to celebrate the festive season in style.
Location: Moorgate
Capacity: 720 dining, 900 reception
Trafalgar St James
Celebrate Christmas at The Rooftop of Trafalgar St James, offering breathtaking city skyline views. This venue is capable of hosting 180 guests and is a perfect choice for those looking for an exclusive yet festive atmosphere. With a selection of carefully curated menus and celebration packages, this venue will be the star topper on your Christmas trees!
Location: Charing Cross
Capacity: 180 Reception
The Science Museum
Perfect for a large-scale Christmas celebration, Making the Modern World at the Science Museum presents an awe-inspiring backdrop with its collection showcasing the industrial revolution to the present day. It can accommodate up to 750 guests for a reception, making it perfect for grand festive gatherings. The venue offers a unique blend of history and modern sophistication, promising an unforgettable Christmas party.
Location: South Kensington
Capacity: 750 Reception
Hijingo
If you're after something out of the ordinary, which no one's likely to forget in a hurry, Hijingo is the answer you've been waiting for. Revolving around hi-tech bingo with a side of delicious cocktails, this stylish, futuristic hang-out is kitted out with LED walls, sociable table layouts, and a hefty dose of robot-managed fun, making it the perfect setting for a team reunion (with some healthy competition thrown in). Ideal for companies looking for a fun festive night out, with great food and drinks, curated playlists, and booths for socialising away from the dart boards, this is the ultimate playground for adults!
Location: Shoreditch
Capacity: 185 dining, 200 reception
Fairgame
Transform your Christmas party into a festive funfair at Fairgame, Canary Wharf. This unique venue offers exclusive hire for up to 600 guests, making it an expansive playground for grown-ups. With an extensive riverside terrace, three bars, fairground games, and a cosy ambience, it promises a night of nostalgia and joy. The setup is perfect for those looking to inject some genuine excitement and playful competition into their holiday celebrations!
Location: Canary Wharf
Capacity: 600 Standing
Searcys at The Gherkin
For an event that's head and shoulders (plus almost 180 metres) above the rest, check out Searcy's event space at the top of the Gherkin. Offering one of the most incredible and exclusive panoramic views in the city, dinner in this sought-after venue is an experience to savour. Opt for sky-high dining for up to 140 people, or open the doors to 260 to enjoy drinks with a view. We're such fans of this venue we hosted our clients here for Christmas in 2018. Just make sure your guests all have a head for heights!
Location: City of London
Capacity: 140 dining, 260 reception
Bounce
For a party that really gets off to a swinging start, look no further than Bounce, a spacious and stylish venue dedicated to the art - and sport - of ping-pong. With an aesthetic somewhere between an art gallery and a state-of-the-art sports hall, the venue can host up to 550 with plenty of room left over to swing a bat at any of its 17 ping-pong tables. With a professional kitchen and gin palace bar, this is a venue for the young at heart and a sure way to score some points with guests (literally, as well as figuratively) this festive season.
Location: Holborn (also at Old Street)
Capacity: 400 reception
Evolution London
With a colossal maximum capacity of 5000, Evolution London provides an incredibly versatile venue for a large-scale event from its privileged position at the heart of Battersea Park. Its blank canvas design allows the venue to be customised entirely, and it can host theatre and cabaret performances alongside a reception. At 5,500m2, this venue is ideal for bringing together teams from across the country to celebrate the end of the year in a seriously show-stopping style.
Location: Battersea
Capacity: 2000 dinner dance, 2000 reception
Top tips for planning your event
1. Don't forget the trimmings!
Having a stunning venue is all well and good, but if you haven't decked it out or brought in any entertainment, it won't be much of a party! Always find out from the venue whether they provide decorations and entertainers themselves (and whether this is included in the fee), or whether you'll need to source these separately. We're talking music, photobooths, and cocktail mixologists mingling with your guests - after all, it's a night everyone's been looking forward to for the whole year!
If you're in the market for some inspiration, check out our trusted suppliers for ideas on all kinds of entertainment, catering, and more. With aerial artists, champagne pourers, and hilariously charming "complimentary drinks" on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to adding some sparkle to your event!
2. Consider virtual options as a fallback
There are plenty of engaging alternatives to the traditional Christmas party, and 'virtual' doesn't have to conjure up images of stuffy Zoom calls. From Broadway Roulette performances and private audiences with comedians and celebrities, to intimate 'cook-alongs and wreath-making socials, our curated selection of festive virtual experiences will ensure any team is catered for.
3. Don't dismiss a shared party
If you've got a relatively small team but you want to go all out for your event, why not consider attending a shared party? These can be great fun, and with a reasonable price per head that includes all the entertainment, food, and drink you could ask for, it takes a lot of the pressure off your hands! Get in touch with us to find out which venues are offering shared parties this year and we'll give you some pointers on the best in the business!
Whether it's a small, intimate event you're planning, or something a bit more extravagant, these venues offer some of London's finest spaces, particularly when decked with boughs of holly for a festive celebration. Just don't miss out on making their nice list: get ahead of the curve and book your perfect venue while there's still room at the inn!
If you need some help planning this year's Christmas party and other events you have up your sleeve, Hire Space 360 is a great solution which offers everything the modern event planner needs to create memorable events, in-person and online.
Author
Gemma Baker
Gemma loves all things social media and keeps busy by creating lots of Hire Space content. When she’s not creating content, you'll find her shopping, exploring or at the gym!
