10 Alternative Christmas Party Ideas in London
Looking for something more creative than turkey, trivia, and a DJ? These ideas lean into immersive experiences, design-led spaces, and playful formats that actually work for teams and clients.
1) Book an immersive Christmas feast
Host your party inside a theatrical dining world where performers, set design, and a seasonal menu surround your guests. The Great Christmas Feast by The Lost Estate runs mid-Nov to early Jan and is purpose-built for groups. visitlondon.com+1
2) Create a lights-night itinerary with a post-party reception
Plan an early evening walking route under the city’s biggest displays, then finish with drinks and bites nearby. Time Out and Visit London keep their guides and dates up to date for Oxford Street, Carnaby, Covent Garden, and more. Time Out Worldwide+1
3) Private after-hours trail at Christmas at Kew
Invite guests to stroll the illuminated botanical trail, then warm up with a private mulled-wine station or dessert bar. It is one of London’s most loved winter experiences and a stunning photo backdrop. Time Out Worldwide+2Time Out Worldwide+2
4) Host a “quirky night out” in a themed venue
Swap the usual office party for ping-pong clubs, prison-themed cocktail bars, or experiential spaces curated for the festive season. DesignMyNight and Hire Space both maintain large, filterable lists. DesignMyNight+1
5) Run a creative workshop party
Think wreath making with prosecco, pottery and cocktails, or film-your-own-trailer nights. These formats break the ice fast and give guests something to take home. Roundups from reputable event platforms can jump-start planning. gotoevents.co.uk+2Quiz Coconut London+2
6) Do a “hidden gems” crawl
Build a route that pairs lesser-known festive pop-ups, indie markets, and small venues. Visit London’s “quirky Christmas” editorials, which surface off-beat ideas that feel fresh and highly Instagrammable. visitlondon.com
7) Book a shared spectacle night
Tie your celebration to a large seasonal attraction for built-in entertainment and big-energy photos. Winter Wonderland is a classic; 2025 also sees Winter Funland make its London debut with unlimited rides and an elf circus. Time Out Worldwide+1
8) Karaoke, games, and competitive socialising mash-up
Mix private karaoke rooms with tech-mini-golf, shuffleboard, or arcade bars so guests can roam. Time Out and DesignMyNight keep reliable, high-traffic lists of the best spots by area. Time Out Worldwide+1
9) Curate an immersive theatre night
Lean into London’s booming experiential scene for a party that feels like a premiere. Think IP-driven, multi-room shows and mixed-reality installs, then add a private bar or floral photo-moment nearby. The FT has covered how immersive productions are reshaping nights out. Financial Times
10) “Pub-but-make-it-iconic”
Reserve space at one of London’s storied pubs that go all-in on Christmas décor. The Churchill Arms in Kensington is famed for spectacular seasonal displays and a buzzy switch-on. Pair with a streetside lights tour. thescottishsun.co.uk