The office Christmas is something you either love or hate, but it doesn’t have to be. Planning a decent party in a standout location can be just the ticket to making people feel excited about the evening ahead. If you’re in charge of sourcing the location, check out our choice of the unique London venues that are perfect for getting the office party started.
Our choice of quirkiest Christmas party locations in London
Venue: The Pavilion at the Tower of London.
Location: Tower of London, EC3N 4AB.
Where to book: www.christmasconnections.co.uk
What makes it special: The sumptuous Pavilion springs up each Christmas, nestled within the North Moat at the Tower of London. Transformed into a midnight garden, with an interior matching the splendour of its iconic surroundings, this is definitely a Christmas party venue with the wow factor. Subtle lighting creates the perfect party atmosphere, while entertainment comes from a live jazz band. After dinner, guests can head to the dance floor until the early hours.
Venue: Madame Tussauds.
Location: Marylebone Road, NW1 5LR.
Where to book: www.officechristmas.co.uk
What makes it special: Celebrate with the stars at one of the capital’s top attractions. Enter via the Spirit of London Ride which takes you through 400 years of London history, then enjoy dining with a difference among the gathered A-listers, world leaders and sporting greats. The museum’s World Stage will then be taken over by a DJ playing music from the 60s through to the present day with a liberal sprinkling of Christmas hits to get you in the spirit. End the evening with a trip to the spine-chilling Chamber of Horrors – if you dare.
Venue: Cirque Extraordinaire.
Location: Bloomsbury, WC1N 1DN.
Where to book: awesome-christmas.co.uk
What makes it special: Housed under a giant big top, get ready to be immersed in a dazzling festive circus show complete with acrobats, fire dancers and other awesome performers. Marvel at the amazing entertainment overhead while feasting on a delicious three-course meal or tucking into tasty bowl food. Later on it’s time to take to the dance floor or try your luck at the roulette and Blackjack tables. This spectacular extravaganza promises a night to remember.
Venue: Skyball.
Location: Bloomsbury, WC1B 3QD.
Where to book: www.westendevents.co.uk
What makes it special: This James Bond-inspired evening features roulette and Blackjack tables and even a laser shooting range so you can show off your marksmanship skills. The soundtrack to your four-course dinner? The world-famous Bond theme of course. Enjoy some frozen fun with the vodka ice luge – where your drink shoots its way through an 007-themed ice sculpture – and then take the party to the dancefloor in the ballroom until 1am for a bash that’s guaranteed to leave you shaken, not stirred.
Venue: Earth Halls at the Natural History Museum.
Location: Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD.
Where to book: www.weareultimate.co.uk
What makes it special: The Earth Halls provide an out of this world backdrop for your Christmas party. This celestial space features precious artefacts from moon rock to fluorescent minerals, while the 18-metre high slate walls etched with images of the night sky create a truly magical atmosphere. You can even check out new addition Sophie the Stegosaurus – the most intact Stegosaurus fossil skeleton ever found. All in all, Earth Halls offer a seasonal setting like no other.
Venue: Wellington Arch.
Location: Hyde Park Corner, WIJ 7JZ.
Where to book: www.english-heritage.org.uk
What makes it special: One of the capital’s best kept secrets, few realise this 19th century landmark also doubles as a chic party venue. Set in the heart of royal London, Wellington Arch was built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later becoming a victory arch marking the Duke of Wellington’s defeat of Napoleon. Crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, this spectacular spot boasts glorious views over the city. A perfect choice for those looking for a location with a difference this festive season.
Venue: Tower Bridge.
Location: Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP.
Where to book: www.christmasconnections.co.uk
What makes it special: How about taking your Christmas party to new heights by soaring 42 metres above the Thames for a night to remember on one of the world’s most iconic structures? You can dine and dance on the historic walkway overlooking the famous river, all the while taking in truly breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy gin cocktails and a disco until midnight at a unique party venue that brings a real touch of London glamour to your office festivities.
Venue: London Transport Museum.
Location: Covent Garden, WC2E 7BB.
Where to book: www.squaremeal.co.uk
What makes it special: Located on Covent Garden piazza, the museum and its galleries provide a quirky backdrop to any Christmas shindig, mixing old and new with displays of iconic posters, vintage public transport vehicles and exhibitions looking at the future of London transport. Guests are free to mingle among the exhibits, there are canapés and bowl food, while extra entertainment in the shape of museum actors and jazz trios can also be arranged.
Venue: Old Truman Brewery.
Location: Brick Lane, E1 6QL.
Where to book: www.christmas-party-venue.co.uk
What make it special: Once home to what was one of the largest breweries in the world at the end of the 19th century, this East End site is now a thriving arts and media quarter spread across 10 acres. Ideal for larger companies looking for the wow factor, Old Truman Brewery is this year playing host to a Christmas Disco through the Decades that’s sure to make for the perfect festive party.
Venue: Montague’s Ski Lodge.
Location: Montague Street, WC1B 5BJ.
Where to book: www.christmas-party-venue.co.uk
What makes it special: What better way to truly get into the Christmas spirit than by indulging in some Après Ski at London’s famous pop up alpine bar? Attached to the luxury Montague on the Gardens hotel – which hosts a range of Christmas parties – get a group ski pass and enjoy a spell in the snow complete with bratwurst and Schnapps as you slalom your way into the season.
