All You Want for Christmas; Cracking Christmas Party Ideas

Organising the office Christmas party can fill you with dismay and delight in equal measure; sure you get to choose where and when, but you also have to try and keep everyone happy, and within budget, which is not always the easiest of tasks!

It might seem strange to be talking about Christmas parties in April, but trust us, if you want the pick of the best, now’s the time to start the thought process. Our fantastic venue finding experts have made a few recommendations for you to consider for your party, no matter how big or small…

10 + guests…

If you’re seeking a festive experience with lots of atmosphere, it can be hard to cater for the smaller group. Shared parties or ‘joiner’ parties give you the option of booking a table at a larger event without having to pay a hefty cost for all the festive trimmings. Best Parties Ever are a leading Christmas party supplier and entertained over 200,000 guests in 2017 in 22 spectacularly styled venues. For the first time, in 2018 they are bringing a Dream Circus theme to the Airfield Estate in Dublin and in Belfast, a Masquerade Ball hosted at S13. They also cater privately for over 300 guests, but it’s a good place to start if you have a small group.

Another wintery option is to book a dinner at the Ice Bar London. Book a table in their restaurant for a delicious seasonal meal and then enjoy a 40 minute session in the ice bar with a personal ice glass to mark the occasion. Not London Based? Revolution Bars have a Cuban Inspired Christmas buffet this year available or a three course meal option; with over 50 bars across the UK, there is bound to be one near you. North of the border there are a number of wonderful places that can provide a stylish setting to your festivities; Ghillie Dhu, Hummingbird and The Corinthian Club all come highly recommended.

If you would prefer not to sit and eat, why not do something completely different like Bounce. The home of Ping Pong, Bounce provides the ultimate events venues, in both Farringdon and Old Street London, with tailored spaces and custom options for all corporate, social and private requirements – who says Christmas has to just be crackers and turkey?! In the same vein, Namco Fun Scape provides fun for all ages; Pac-man, dodgems cars, American Pool and ten-pin bowling in nine locations across the UK.

100 guests and over…

The Slate at Warwick Conferences

For the first time, Warwick Conferences are open for Christmas in and around their newest venue, The Slate, creating the ultimate ‘winterful’ party. You’ll enter the extravaganza through a forest of fir trees to be welcomed by an arrival drink, a festive three course meal, followed by an evening of entertainment. Offering an exclusive experience, guests can spend their night chilling out in the igloo bar, or dancing the night away on the ‘ice’ dancefloor. The Slate will be dressed in Christmas magic to ensure guests become lost in their very own winter wonderland for the evening.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

From the end of November, The Making of Harry Potter will be dressed and ready for Christmas. Enjoy unforgettable festive experiences at the studios where all eight Harry Potter films were produced with special packages from 200 guests to 1000 which have been carefully created to shape your celebration around these iconic film sets. All packages include exclusive access to the Studio Tour, allowing guests to explore the authentic sets, props and costumes after it closes to visitors for the day. Christmas at Hogwarts will certainly be an experience your guests are unlikely to forget! Packages are available from 200 guests to 1000.

The SSE SWALEC

Join the beautiful people at the most exclusive ski resort in Cardiff! Shake the snow off your sallopettes, snuggle up against the roaring fire or take a selfie by the ski lifts at the Après Ski Christmas Ball. Available as either tables at mixed parties on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or exclusively for private parties of 250+ guests, this promises to be the best party in town.

Glasgow Science Centre

In 2018 the Glasgow Science Centre are promising to change your perception of what a Christmas party is. Designed to be very much extraordinary, their private parties can cater for between 80 – 160 guests and the stunning Atrium provides a fun, modern and exciting setting that’s a million miles from cheesy clichés. If the party itself wasn’t enough each guest also receives a free Science Mall pass so they can return with the family to play and discover something new about the world we live in.

500 guests or more…

Arena MK

For 2018, Arena MK are offering the ultimate festive Après-Ski experience; Festive’L 2018. Entering a themed Alpine Village the chalet team will welcome you with a glass of glass of Glühwein or schnapps from one of the log cabins, followed by a delicious three-course dinner. Throughout the night there will be live acts including fire and ice performers, aerial acrobats, alpine activities, DJ, and a live band. Round off the evening with late night Bratwursts, and an on-piste bedroom at the DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes. Arena MK is available either as a join a party, or privately for over 500 guests.

The Brewery

This year The Brewery has created The Golden Palms lounge & casino. Offering exclusive packages from 350 – 1000 guests, if your party requires the full works this is the option for you! Organisers of Christmas parties are even invited to attend their annual tasting event where you can try their menu, taste the wine and see table layouts so you get a sneak preview of the event ahead of time. Perfect if you’re trying to please the masses.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museums Scotland offer a stunning range of spaces. The Grand Gallery at the heart of the National Museum is a magnificent setting and requires no gilding of the lily to impress your guests, it can seat 950 guests for dinner and 700 for a dinner dance. Equally Hawthornden Court and the Early People Gallery also offer stunning contemporary options for up to 700 if you don’t want to do the traditional turkey dinner

Christmas in a nutshell. Get ahead of the rest and give our expert team a call on 02476 369720 or email us. Not only will we find you something right for you, we can take all the stress out of the planning process so you can look forward to the festivities!