It’s that time of year again. There’s a chill in the air, the evenings are drawing in, and, if you’re anything like us, that festive feeling is already starting to kindle… Too early? We’re firmly of the opinion it’s never, ever too early to start thinking about decking the halls!
Sure, you could stick to a tried-and-tested choice of venue for your Christmas party. There’s no shame in tradition. However, if you’re looking to inject a little extra excitement into your seasonal celebrations this year – something to be remembered for many Decembers to come – it might be time to think outside the box. Here at eve, our job sees us picking out some of the best, the boldest and often quirky London Christmas party venues available. If you’re imagining something a little bit classier than crazy golf or office ping-pong, we’ve got you: from the historic to the modern to the downright royal, here are our favourite quirky Christmas party ideas in London.
So, put down the tinsel – unique parties mean ripping up the rule-book, and we’re all for it!
Take a trip back in time
Transport guests to Christmas Past at the Tower of London’s Pavilion. The venue makes for a sophisticated soirée reminiscent of cigar smoke and jazz music: think velvet drapes and crystal chandeliers, textured wallpaper, and a stand-out feature wall of vintage mirrors. It’s an exclusive venue perfect for private hire, providing a breathtaking backdrop for seated dinners and drinks receptions. Situated in one of London’s most iconic historic landmarks – and with stunning, panoramic views over Tower Bridge – you can be sure this quirky, vintage space will leave guests longing for a bygone age.
Make an entrance: arrive by boat
Why not make the journey part and parcel of the occasion itself? Forget cramped carpools and tube trips – at the Old Royal Naval College, you have the option to rock up to your Christmas party by boat. The riverboat service runs along the Thames all the way to Greenwich pier, giving guests the chance to take in London’s famous skyline en route (the 40-minute trip also allows plenty of time for festive cocktails pre-party). What’s more, the ORNC itself makes for a striking venue with its palatial Painted Hall. If you’re going to throw a quirky Christmas party, we say go big or go home!
Party like the Queen
Ever wondered how Queen Liz celebrates the festive season? Probably in opulence (we’re willing to bet the Windsors do Christmas with all the trimmings). And the good news? At Goldsmith’s Hall, you can party like her too. The venue is fit for kings and queens with its Corinthian columns, gold-leaf detailing, stained glass windows, walnut panelling and spectacular chandeliers. We wouldn’t blame you if you thought it was Buckingham Palace – in fact, Goldsmith’s Hall was used as the setting for Netflix’s The Crown. The office Christmas party just got a uniquely royal makeover.
Hire a festive fairground
If it’s quirky you’re after, look no further than City Central at the HAC for Christmas party inspiration. London’s largest outdoor event space – we’re talking five acres of lawn! – means the Artillery Garden can be used for everything from festive street food stations to entire fairgrounds. Create your very own Winter Wonderland, complete with rides and stalls and candy floss aplenty. Did we mention you can hire a hot air balloon? No, we’re not joking! Wrap up warm and go up, up, and away for the ultimate Christmas experience.
Head underground…
At RSA House, you can take your Christmas party underground to the Vaults, the venue’s modern brick-lined party space. Originally designed as warehouse storage, for years the Vaults were used as wine cellars; these days, the space is a contemporary backdrop ideal for quirky, subterranean celebrations. With built-in sound systems, atmospheric lighting and its own private entrance, the space is self-contained, so you can turn up the volume and party to your heart’s content. Plus, with a late licence available, you can make the most of the merry-making – no need for clock-watching.
…or take to the skies
If partying under London’s streets doesn’t take your fancy, you can shift your celebrations skyward at 58VE. This modern riverside venue provides some pretty unbeatable sights. Stay indoors, and the views from the sixth floor span the Capital’s skyline: the Shard, London Eye, and OXO tower will form part of your party backdrop. Step outside to the roof terrace, and the Thames panorama is something else altogether. With its sleek spaces and show-stopping vistas, 58VE is a quirky Christmas party venue that will appease Bond-fans and city-lovers alike.
Handle the finest gold
All that glitters is gold at this next venue. The Goldsmith’s Centre is home to the UK’s leading charity for goldsmiths, and offers immersive jewellery handling sessions for Christmas parties. Guests will have exclusive, up-close-and-personal access to some of the country’s most exquisite silverwork. The venue fuses modern glass architecture with the 700-year-old craft: a dazzling setting for throwing a Christmas party with a unique twist. Moreover, by hiring the space, your booking fee will be contributing to the training of future craftsmen and women. ‘Tis the season of goodwill, after all!
Throw a magical banquet
On the topic of themes – banish boring Christmas dinners and dine like witches and wizards at The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Come December, the Inn undergoes its own bit of shapeshifting: the main Hall transforms into a candlelit banquet space reminiscent of a certain, famous wizarding school. We’d even go as far as to say Hogwarts has never looked so good! The oak-panelled walls, lofty ceilings, large portraits and long tables (complete with silver candelabras) fuse elegance with the fantastical; the venue takes festive feasting seriously with its in-house banqueting team, guaranteeing a magical occasion all-round.
Looking for more quirky Christmas Party ideas? Leave it to eve
It’s fair to say that when it comes to Christmas parties, we know our stuff. We work alongside all kinds of unconventionally show-stopping venues, matching spaces to perfectly suit even the wackiest of festive briefs.
From capacity to entertainment, catering to A/V, we’ll tailor a shortlist of London party venues based on your requirements, leaving you free to focus on throwing an unforgettable event. For more information, just ask eve.