30 Alternative Christmas Party Ideas in London

30 Alternative & Unusual Christmas Party Ideas in London

Unique Christmas party celebrations in London that go beyond tradition

Our Blog > 30 Alternative Christmas Party Ideas in London

When the usual London Christmas party just won't do it

If you've already explored the usual options for London Christmas party venues and want something genuinely different, you're in the right place.

This is our curated guide to the best alternative, unusual and immersive Christmas party ideas in London. These are the ones that go well beyond the traditional dinner and disco. There are cocktail bars set inside a working prison, dinosaur-filled museum dining, karaoke speakeasies and rooftop carnival games. London has thousands of Christmas party spaces, but these 30 are the ones that will leave your work colleagues guessing until party night.

If you're still weighing up your options and want to see the bigger picture first - shared party nights, private hire venues, landmark spaces and more, then you can browse our complete London Christmas party venues guide and come back here when you're ready to go a little off-piste.

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What is an alternative Christmas party idea?

An alternative Christmas party is simply one that trades the predictable for something more memorable. The traditional format tends to revolve around pub drinks, sit-down dinners, and a DJ spinning decks until midnight. This format works for plenty of teams, but if your group is after an event that is completely different to any other Christmas experience in the capital, this one is for you.

What alternative means and looks like is very different for everyone, because really it's about experiencing something out of what's ordinary for you. For some teams, it means swapping a formal seated dinner for an interactive and social curling tournament followed by cocktails at an Apres ski bar. For others it might be as simple as swapping the same visited venue for your work party for somewhere new. What they all have in common is that people actually talk about them afterwards and are remembered from steering away from the norm.

The 30 ideas below range from the mildly unconventional to the jaw-dropping surprises. Some are shared party nights you can book straight into whilst others are private hire spaces that become whatever you make them with the help of our Christmas party specialists. The party ideas we've suggested in this blog are designed to push beyond the ordinary, offering unique and unusual Christmas party experiences that really stand out from the rest.

Looking for themed options specifically? Our top 10 Christmas party theme ideas is worth a read alongside this guide.

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1) SEALIFE London Aquarium

The SEALIFE London Aquarium provides an enchanting underwater backdrop for your next corporate Christmas party. Submerge your guests beneath the waves for a Great White Christmas. London's Aquarium is a truly versatile event space set under London's busy streets and can cater for private Christmas soirees with both informal standing events, and more traditional seated dinners. As you mingle, drink, dine and dance in the Atlantic Cove, an array of sea creatures dance too, creating a dynamic and ever-changing seascape for you and your guests.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 500 standing, 250 seated | Price from: £157 + VAT per person | View the SEALIFE London Aquarium Christmas Party

2) Bounce Ping Pong

An ever-popular request for Christmas parties is to have some type of interactive element to keep guests entertained. This is where Bounce excels. With 3 central London venues; Battersea, Farringdon, and Old Street, Bounce welcomes all for a ping-pong-tastic Christmas party. They serve up a vibrant mix of fun-fuelled table tennis games with festive bites to eat, and plenty of prosecco and pizza. It's an excellent alternative Christmas party idea in London that doesn't conform to the traditional sit down meal. Get ready to get your ping pong on.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 standing | Price from: £32.00 per person off-peak

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3) Alcotraz London, Prison Cocktail bar

Inspired by Hollywood Movies that have brought to life America’s most infamous prison, Alcotraz is a unique immersive theatrical cocktail bar that offers a Christmas party experience like nothing else. From the orange jumpsuits upon entrance to the real metallic cells, Alcotraz becomes the perfect backdrop to wow guests with a totally unique event. Guests will be immersed into a prison setting where they smuggle alcohol past the guards and the prison officials can create some devilishly good cocktails throughout the evening. Alcotraz is one of London’s most unique, alternative Christmas party venues.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 50 standing | POA | View the Alcotraz London Christmas Party

4) Winters of the World at Finsbury Square

After last year's successful launch, Winters of the World returns, offering an alternative Christmas party experience in the heart of London that sets out to redefine your perception of the traditional work party. Celebrate with friends, colleagues and loved ones in a spectacular Apres Ski themed arena that offers a tapestry of global festivities and riveting games. Test your competitive spirit in a game of jingle bowls or Eissock (the German version of curling and shuffleboard). Be spellbound by talented magicians as they astonish with close-up magic, and watch the arena transform into a dance floor with a leading line up of London DJs. You won't go hungry either as you'll be served a bespoke alpine-inspired menu created by three world-class chefs. Say goodbye to boring sit-down parties and hello to something fresh and fun.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 600 seated, 750 standing | Price from: £100+VAT per person | View the Winters of the World Christmas Party

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5) Humbug - Immersive Dive Bar Experience

Humbug at Waterloo Vaults is London’s alternative office Christmas party, combining immersive theatre, live music, games, and outrageous festive fun inside Santa’s favourite dive bar. Expect themed cocktails, award-winning street food from Bang Bang Burgers, beer-can bowling, and a Mariah Carey shrine, all wrapped up in a high-energy, interactive show. It’s a bold, non-traditional celebration designed for teams ready to ditch the formal dinner and dive into something wildly entertaining.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 288 seated and standing | Price from: £70+VAT per person | View the Humbug Christmas Party

6) Murder Mystery Evenings

As news of a murder sweeps across the hall, drama unfolds while you and your guests enjoy a delicious 3-course meal. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and then our actors will take to the stage before dinner and in between each course. If you have a private group the team can incorporate members of your party into the act and then each table will have to decide at the end of the meal who the murderer was! The murder mysteries are a fabulous way of hosting a traditional seated meal with a tongue-in-cheek twist!

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 250 standing, 150 seated | Price from: £129.00 +VAT pp | View our Murder Mystery Christmas Parties

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7) Between the Bridges

In the heart of The City on Southbank lies Between the Bridges, where drinks, music and river flow endlessly. This December Electric Winter returns with endless Christmas cheer. Between the Bridges provides the perfect alternative Christmas party backdrop with stunning riverside views. You don't need to worry about being cold either as there are plenty of heated, covered and winter-proofed spaces, and the mould wine will keep you merry. Ideal for smaller groups that want an energetic atmosphere, or much bigger groups of up to 2000 that want an informal Christmas party to let loose and throw festive shapes.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 2000 | Prices from: £35 per person | View Between the Bridges Christmas parties

8) Four Quarters Arcade Bar

If you, your colleagues and friends love nothing more than battling it out on your favourite video game, then Four Quarters is going to be a treasure trove of retro game goodness for you. Featuring over 30 beautiful vintage arcade machines and a host of console stations, it's the ultimate battleground for an interactive and competitive Christmas party in London. You can even hire a games master to guide you through a carefully curated gaming challenge that will delight noobs and experienced gamers alike. Drink packages - check. Festive nibbles - check. Frantic button mashing, double-check.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 250 standing, 100 seatead | Price from: £40.00 +VAT per person | View Four Quarters Elephant Park and Hackney Wick Christmas parties

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9) The Natural History Museum

Dine with the dinosaurs in London’s most famous museum! Some of the most popular private hire spaces include the iconic Hintze Hall with a magnificent blue whale and Romanesque arches, and The Earth Hall where guests mingle beneath a giant Earth sculpture and next to the famous Stegosaurus Sophie. From seated dinner-dances to fossil-fueled drinks receptions, The Natural History Museum has a range of incredible private hire spaces and is one of the most requested alternative Christmas party venues in London.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 2500 standing, seated 900 | POA | View the Natural History Museum Christmas Parties

10) Cahoots 1940s Cocktail bar

If you're looking for a truly alternative Christmas party experience in London then Cahoots is the place to go. Located in the heart of London's Soho, Cahoots is a 1940's Speakeasy themed bar. It's set inside an abandoned train station and has three authentic historical spaces including The Underground, Ticket Hall Boozer and Signal Station. All three boast a special charm that you won't find anywhere else. From intimate shindigs to a lively knees-up, you can be sure that Cahoots will get you into the festive spirit with their crafty cocktails and delicious Christmas canapes.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 350 standing | POA | View the Cahoots Christmas Parties

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11) Fairgame Canary Wharf

For a quirky and nostalgic Christmas party experience in London, roll on up to Fairgame. This new innovative venue in Canary Wharf combines classic carnival games with modern flair, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for festive fun. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional fairground attractions, from ring toss and whack-a-mole to high-striker games, all with a digital twist. Beyond the games, Fairgame offers an array of delicious street food and craft cocktails, making it an all-around hit for a memorable Christmas celebration.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 600 standing, 500 seated | Price from: £35.00+VAT pp

12) Lucky Voice Karaoke Bar

Get ready to belt out your favourite tunes and embrace the festive spirit at Lucky Voice, the ultimate karaoke destination in London. This vibrant venue offers private rooms where you and your friends can sing your hearts out to a massive selection of hits, from classic anthems to the latest chart-toppers. With festive playlists and party props at your fingertips, every moment at Lucky Voice feels like a mini pop concert. Add in their delicious cocktails and friendly vibe, and you've got the perfect recipe for a Christmas party that’s bursting with laughter, energy, and plenty of off-key singing.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 standing | POA | View Lucky Voice Islington and Holborn Parties

13) Skyball James Bond themed Christmas parties

Step into a world of high-stakes elegance and thrilling intrigue as you and your guests are transported to a glamorous Bond-esque evening. With a sophisticated atmosphere inspired by the iconic world of 007, this party features a dazzling live band that will set the perfect mood for a night of sophistication and style. From the suave décor to the exquisite entertainment, every detail of this James Bond-themed celebration is designed to make you feel like you're part of a classic spy adventure. It’s a night where sophistication meets excitement, offering an excellent alternative to traditional Christmas themed parties.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 200 standing, 200 seated | Price from: £125.00 +VAT pp | View Skyball James Bond themed Christmas parties

14) The London Dungeons

There aren’t many more Christmas parties that are more alternative than The London Dungeons! Telling the story of some of London’s most infamous moments in history, the London Dungeon is a themed, scarily fun, unique & intimate dinner venue that will leave you with shivers down your spine and a wicked grin. Starting off, you’ll be welcomed into the Palace to enjoy a delicious welcome drink with a cast of talented actors taking you on an immersive theatre tour of 40 minutes through London’s darkest history. You’ll meet infamous characters such as Jack the Ripper, Mrs Lovett in her Pie shop and Sweeny Todd for a cheeky haircut! After making it our of the depths of the dungeon, you’ll be welcomed into our 18th century themed Tavern, for some traditional pub grub, cheerful drinks and our resident DJ playing the ultimate party tunes!

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 150 | POA | View the London Dungeon Christmas Parties

16) Sixes Social Cricket

Looking for a sporty and active alternative Christmas party idea in the big city? Sixes Social Cricket blends sporty fun and festive cheer for smaller groups of 16 friends, up to 300 for entire venue takeovers. From November 18th to December 31st, their state-of-the-art cricket nets will be alive with the sounds of friendly competition and holiday beats. Let's not forget a tasty selection of festive meals and Christmas tipples. And with the return of everyone's favourite Santa Bowler, you can expect plenty of festive surprises as you and your team swing for glory. Get ready to make your Christmas party a smashing hit at Sixes!

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 300 | Price from: £57.50 +VAT pp

16) Tower Bridge Walkways

Tower Bridge Walkways is simply one of the most gorgeous and unique Christmas party venues in London. Just imagine dining on the walkways as boats glide below you through the Thames, and the capital is ablaze with lights in the night sky. For the ultimate Christmas party night that stands out from the crowd, you can hire one walkway to dine in and use the second as a drinks reception and disco area. If you've got a large budget to spend and celebrate the end of the year in style then Tower Bridge Walkways is an incredible choice.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 250 standing, 120 seated | POA | View Tower Bridge Walkways Christmas Parties

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Looking for a more traditional London Christmas party instead? Browse our full range of London Christmas party venues - shared and private hire options for all group sizes.

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17) The Piano Works West End

The Piano Works delivers a ridiculously good alternative to the classic sit-down Christmas party with a host of non-stop music and entertainment. Your night begins with talented singing piano players, setting the stage for an interactive atmosphere where the audience picks the tunes. As the night progresses, a full band complete with guitarists, drummer, bass, and horn players joins in, creating a high-energy live performance that will keep everyone singing and dancing. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Once the band wraps up, our DJ takes over, spinning the hottest tracks from the 90s onwards, alongside your requests, keeping the dance floor packed until 3am. With a choice of festive menus, including a 2 or 3-course meal and buffet options, Piano Works offers everything you need for a lively festive celebration.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 | Price from: £40 +VAT pp | View The Piano Works West End and Farringdon parties

18) Hijingo

Never heard of Hijingo before? Simply put, it's the most electrifying and exhilarating game of bingo you've ever experienced. Combining live entertainment, vibrant lights, and high-energy music with chances to win big cash jackpots and even holidays, this is the perfect celebration for those bored of the usual trip to the pub. Throw in a prosecco reception plus a tasty selection of festive nibbles and you've got yourself a serious contender for the ultimate alternative Christmas party in London.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 200 standing | Prices from: £31.50 + VAT per person

19) ZSL London Zoo

If you want something completely out-of-the-ordinary then ZSL London Zoo can throw a wacky Christmas party like no other! Your lavish evening begins at our fairy-lit entrance, prosecco is served whilst admiring the animals in our fascinating Animal Houses and you can even experience a close encounter with one of our friendliest residents (and their keeper). Then treat your guests with a choice of creative, festive menus in one of our beautifully decorated rooms.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 700 | Price from £120+VAT per person

20) Madame Tussauds

If you are searching for an alternative Christmas party, look no further than the iconic Madame Tussauds. Arrive for your Christmas Party at one of the most famous venues in the world. Just picture mingling with A-List celebs including the Beckhams, Beyonce, J-Lo, the Kardashians, Brad Pitt and even the Royal family at this star-studded event. Whilst enjoying drinks, you can pose for a few pictures with your favourite celebrities. As the party gets going the incredibly life-like waxworks seem to come alive and catch you by surprise as you notice more and more famous faces. The illusion is complete, you are at a party for the rich and famous!

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 350 | Price from: £82.50 +VAT pp | View Madame Tussauds Christmas parties

21) All Star Lanes Bowling Alleys

For a Christmas party that combines retro fun with festive flair, All Star Lanes is your go-to destination. Offering a unique blend of bowling, karaoke, and delicious holiday treats, their venues guarantee a legendary good time. The main event is challenging your friends and colleagues to a game or two of bowling, whilst also indulging in 2 or 3 courses and a few too many Christmas cocktails. With 4 All Star Lane venues in London including Brick Lane, Holborn, Stratford and Westfield, you're never far from some classic bowling alley action.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 500 standing | Price from: £45 +VAT per person

22) Moonshine Saloon

Moonshine Saloon, combining immersive theatre with a world-class cocktail drinking experience, transports all guests to the rugged American West on the promise of making a fortune in an illicit moonshine smuggling operation at the top of its game. Outlaws must bring their own liquor to join the gang and enter the multi-room environment of Cold Water.

First stop is a visit to the local tailor to ensure you look the part and don’t attract the wrong type of attention from the local Sheriff. With the right togs and Stetson, you’re ready to handover your hidden liquor to Clyde and enjoy bespoke, delicious cocktails that are expertly prepared by a world-class team of barkeeps. While in the West, outlaws can try their luck at card or dice games, visit the General Store or perhaps be lucky enough to be invited into the notorious Moonshine Distillery.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 80| POA

23) Clays - Virtual Target Shooting

For those of you outside of London you may not be familiar with Clays, but it's a revolutionary take on the traditional sport of clay shooting, brining virtual clay shooting to a beautiful bar. With two gorgeous bars in Canary Wharf and The City, Clays offers smaller private spaces and full venue takeovers to entertain your guests with premium catering options, extraordinary cocktails, a boogie on the dancefloor and of course, a chance to test your aim in your very own private shooting rooms with exclusive entertainment.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 400 standing | POA

24) Boom Battle Bar

Boom Battle Bar is here to flip the script on traditional Christmas parties with a burst of interactive excitement. Forget the usual dinner and dance routine because at Boom Battle Bar, the fun starts with a bang as you dive into your choice of axe throwing, e-darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, pool, beer pong and mini-golf. Which games you can play will be dependent on availability so the sooner you book, the more options you have! These venues turn your holiday celebration into an exhilarating adventure. With a dynamic atmosphere and a range of interactive elements, Boom Battle Bar not only challenges the conventional Christmas party but also promises a night packed with competitive spirit and festive cheer.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 700 standing | POA | View Boom Battle Bar O2 and Oxford Street Christmas parties

25) Tobacco Dock

Next on our alternative Christmas party idea list is the stunning Tobacco Dock, a venue that takes festive celebrations to the next level with its enchanted winter wonderland theming: Festive Forest. The historic archways and expansive interiors create a sense of intrigue as you walk through a winter maze. You'll enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal where each course is interspersed with dramatic bursts of entertainment from a spectacular cast. If you're seeking immersive theming that you won't have experience before, this is the London party for you.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Price from: £125+VAT per person | View the Tobacco Dock Christmas Parties

26) Somerset House

Host your Christmas festivity at one of the city’s most spectacular and well-loved venues, Somerset House. Entering through the striking stone arches, your guests will be greeted by Somerset House’s spectacular ice rink and soaring Christmas tree. If you opt to exclusively hire the East Wing of Somerset House you can also hire the ice rink to kick off your evening and then dine in a beautiful venue with ties leading back to 1776.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 300 standing, 110 seated | POA | View Somerset House Christmas parties

27) Billingsgate Vaults

Every year, Billingsgate Vaults host a themed Christmas party with award-winning caterers and a stunning production set. For 2024 partygoers will step into a Speakeasy evening inside The Vaults. You'll be dazzled by glitz and glamour as you make your way through a spectacular light tunnel into a night of wonder. This party idea pulls out all the stops with a live band, on-site dodgems, and a 360 photobooth to capture those special moments. Renowned for being one of the best shared parties in London, you won't be disappointed with the landmark Vaults festivities.

Shared parties: ✔ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 550 seated, 900 standing | Price from: £125.00+VAT pp | View Billingsgate Vaults Christmas parties

28) Alice in Wonderland at the Underglobe

Step into a wildly imaginative world at the Underglobe this Christmas, as it’s transformed into a darkly whimsical Wonderland inspired by Tim Burton’s take on Alice. Guests are greeted at a private riverside entrance by a curious white rabbit before venturing underground into a fully immersive setting filled with psychedelic projections, oversized décor, and theatrical flair. Expect Mad Hatter-style entertainment, themed dining experiences, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s anything but ordinary. This unique venue promises a festive celebration full of surprises.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 425 standing, 300 seated | POA

29) Swingers Crazy Golf

Swingers is a private crazy golf course located in London’s West End or City Central. You can hire the venue as a whole or just certain areas for a truly competitive Christmas party idea. The kitchens can supply mouth-watering street food and the bar staff can supply unique cocktails to enjoy whilst out on the course! Whilst guests are waiting for their tee-off they can relax in one of the lounge areas or cocktail bars! The venue also has nightly DJ’s for when the competition is over!

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 500 | POA

30) The Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is one of the world’s most famous ships and is the last surviving tea clipper, the fastest and greatest of her time. She stands as a glorious monument to the age of sail and to all those who lost their lives in the merchant service. Situated on the shore of the mighty Thames River the ship provides commanding views over Canary Wharf and the City of London. Underneath the dry berth is one of London’s most versatile dining areas, whilst you dine and dance you will be forever dropping your jaw at the sheer amazement of this distinct and alternative Christmas party venue.

Shared parties: ✘ | Private parties: ✔ | Capacity: 450 | POA | View the Cutty Sark Christmas Parties

Too many alternative Christmas party ideas to choose from?

Our Christmas Party Specialists are here to help!

Simply give us a call on 0203 967 6967 or email [email protected] and we'll discuss and propose a range of Christmas parties that excite and surprise you!

Ready to book? Our full directory of London Christmas party venues with 300+ options, shared and private hire, is the best place to start: London Christmas Party Venues 2026.