The best Christmas party venues in the South East of England

This Grade-II listed manor house sits right in the heart of Essex, offering everything from exclusive hire celebrations to Glittering Party Nights.

Host up to 200 for a private banquet in the Garden Suite, or enjoy a shared evening of dancing and festive fare. Bedrooms and spa facilities are available for those looking to extend the party.

Want somewhere modern and well-equipped for this year's celebrations?

Bicester Hotel, Golf & Spa offers everything you could need, including event spaces large and small, festive menus and an experienced team.

Perched right on Brighton beach, this striking bi-level venue offers breathtaking views of the West Pier ruins.

Choose the stylish top-floor restaurant for intimate festive dining, or host a vibrant coastal reception on the beachfront level, complete with exposed brickwork and direct access to the promenade.

Set within an 18th-century garden, surrounded by the rolling Chiltern Hills, The Walled Garden is a perfectly picturesque spot for hosting your Christmas party.

Corporate groups can choose exclusive hire for evenings or daytime, complete with food trucks serving up everything from tacos to gourmet burgers.

Crazy Bear Town brings its distinctive five-star style to Christmas parties in the heart of Beaconsfield, with private dining, karaoke and festive dinners. The Cabin offers an intimate setting for up to 20 guests, while the Studio Karaoke Room is made for a livelier celebration.

The hotel can also arrange DJs, decorations, entertainment and overnight accommodation for a more tailored party.

For a festive celebration by the sea, The Walrus in Brighton’s Lanes is a top pick. Spread across four floors, this lively pub boasts a variety of versatile spaces for all sorts of festive gatherings.

Take over the 40-seater Hideaway for a full sit-down dinner, or head to The Tusk Club with its speakeasy vibe for up to 100.

One of Brighton's top restaurants, Furna is perfect if you're looking for a food-focused festive escape on the south coast.

The sleek basement private room seats up to ten lucky guests right next to the impressive walk-in wine cellar. For larger, ultra-premium corporate celebrations, hire the main dining room exclusively for an exceptional multi-course tasting experience.

Just outside Ascot, Royal Berkshire brings a rather magical backdrop complete with twinkling lights and elegant decor.

From stylish party nights to full festive takeovers, here, you can enjoy a rather luxurious celebration - think Champagne, three-course feasts and DJs until dawn. 

Red Dog Saloon is made for big Christmas bashes, with exclusive hire accommodating up to 150 seated or 300 standing.

Expect a lively Texan BBQ-inspired feast, from sharing plates and smoked meats to burgers, alongside welcome drinks and creative cocktails. The team can tailor the celebration to suit, whether you’re planning a drinks reception, relaxed dinner or full-company party.

Penshurst Place brings centuries of history to Christmas parties in the Kent countryside, around 32 miles from central London.

Its medieval Baron's Hall, dating back to 1341, can seat up to 140 guests for dinner or 200 standing, while the Sunderland Room offers a more intimate setting for up to 100. Historic interiors, log fires and candlelit rooms provide the backdrop.

We love Mowgli year-round for its beautiful interiors, delicious Indian street food and relaxed vibes, a combination that works surprisingly well for festive parties. 

Twinkling fairy lights, tree-strung swings and rustic wooden tables make for a cosy backdrop, while sharing menus are perfect for sociable, convivial affairs.

Hotel 1843 Reading brings Christmas parties to the town centre, just a short walk from Reading station. Set in a 29-room boutique hotel dating back to 1843, it offers three private dining spaces, including the intimate Glass Room for 10 to 12 guests and a private Basement Bar for up to 30.

It’s a good choice for smaller celebrations where dinner and drinks can roll into an overnight stay.

Looking to take the celebration coastal? Not only is Rockwater an incredibly stylish spot for this year’s festivities, but it sits right on the beach, boasting idyllic waterfront views.

Host from 15 to 200 guests, with fish-focused menus, or on-site food trucks. 

Set within 350 acres of Surrey countryside, this modern venue is built for seamless festive entertainment.

The largest suite accommodates up to 150 guests, boasting a private bar and panoramic views, Farleigh Golf Club hosts everything from festive afternoon teas to shared Christmas party nights, bringing multiple groups together under one roof for a night of food, fizz and dancing.

Looking for a Christmas party venue with a difference? Thames Lido is an Edwardian outdoor swimming baths, offering a unique spot in the heart of Reading.

Host up to 48 for a dinner, or 80 standing, and celebrate with an indulgent festive feast or a boogie and a couple of cocktails.

Set between Newbury and Thatcham, Regency Park Hotel is a go-to for Christmas celebrations in Berkshire.

Choose from nine spaces, including the glamorous Parkland Suite for 200 guests, and feast on bespoke menus and fizz before hitting the stylish bar. With 108 rooms, you can keep the party going until late.

Every year, this grand Victorian venue in Surrey transforms into a winter wonderland for the festive season.

Large groups can hire the Clubhouse for 180, or there are a wealth of smaller private dining spaces for more intimate affairs. The latter includes an arrival drink and three-course meal, while Clubhouse groups can dance the night away to a DJ, too. 

Set within the Oxfordshire countryside, Venue Henley is housed in a magnificent Grade-II listed building overlooking the River Thames. The Heyworth Suite hosts up to 120 guests, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the riverside setting. Christmas packages include a three-course festive feast, welcome drink and wines, while on-site accommodation makes it easy to turn the party into a weekend stay.

Just outside of Old Windsor, The Loch and The Tyne brings a gastropub feel to your festivities. Tuck into indulgent tasting menus whilst cuddling up against roaring fires.

Throw in mulled cider, the chance to toast marshmallows, as well as on-site accommodation, and you’ve got quite the venue.

Nestled in the East Sussex countryside, Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club has everything going on this winter, whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch with all the family, or a dazzling evening at a themed party night.

Expect seasonal menus, crackers, and plenty of mince pies, followed by an evening of dancing until late.

Located in the West Sussex countryside, The Rubbing House makes for the perfect retreat, complete with sweeping views over the South Downs.

This Georgian-style home is only available for exclusive hire, making it ideal for larger groups. Plus, you get trusted caterers, a late licence, and onsite accommodation.

When it comes to Christmas party venues, you can’t beat your own private island. Found within the River Thames, this Berkshire estate brings an idyllic spot for a lavish celebration.

The Marlborough Ballroom is a particularly grand space for 50 guests, with seasonal French-inspired menus to seal the deal.

The Old Kent Barn offers exclusive Christmas parties in a spacious, modern setting in the Kent countryside, with accommodation available on site.

The New Barn can seat up to 150 guests or accommodate 250 standing, while the venue also offers a garden and outside area. Its light, contemporary style and exclusive atmosphere make it a strong option for larger celebrations.

This Edwardian mansion offers a rather luxurious backdrop in Reading, with several versatile spaces for this year’s festivities.

The Reading Room is ideal for large-scale events for up to 105, whilst smaller groups will be better suited in the intimate Whiskey Room or Cellar.

For a Christmas party with serious scale, Ascot Racecourse offers everything from intimate suites to grand ballrooms, with both shared and exclusive celebrations available. The Pavilion can host up to 1,375 guests, while private parties accommodate between 50 and 600.

Festive packages include dinner, drinks, entertainment and dancing, with the option to tailor menus, theming and entertainment for exclusive events.

Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this lovely 16th-century barn is a beautiful backdrop to a festive party.

Available for exclusive hire, Ruffynes Barn accommodates up to 200 guests standing, complete with a built-in bar, a dancefloor and a giant mirror ball. Choose from various packages, with options for classic turkey dinners, casual canapes and drinks receptions.

Celebrate Christmas in style at Kent’s Lympne Castle. The 12th-century Great Hall is particularly striking, complete with gothic arched windows, wooden beams and space for 120.

Add in indulgent feasts, and cosy cottages for overnight stays, or head to one of the Christmas party nights for a magical escape this winter.

Poole’s popular pan-Asian hotspot brings a touch of drama to the festive season with its glowing blossom tree and hanging lantern decor.

Ideal for more eclectic Christmas parties, you can hire the private dining room for up to 24 guests, or secure the entire, moodily lit restaurant for an exclusive buyout of 90. The 10-seat Opium Den is also worth a look, complete with its Champagne press bell.

Accommodating up to 150 guests, Maidens Barn is a stunning choice for a festive celebration. This rustic, beautifully restored 18th century barn always provides memorable moments under its magnificent oak beams and a vaulted ceiling.

It comes fully equipped with a modern sound system too, as well as a large dancefloor, and exceptional, locally sourced seasonal catering. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy festive stands of scones and sarnies, or a traditional three-course Christmas feast, Easthampstead Park has it all this winter.

Plus, if you’re planning a large-scale event in the South East, you’ll have more than enough space, with the custom-built King Suite which can host a whopping 480 guests for dinner.

For a Christmas party with a touch of countryside charm, Highden Estate brings acres of outdoor space where you and your group can gather around crackling fire pits, against a backdrop of twinkling lights and the rolling South Downs.

The Walled Garden boasts space for a festive feast for up to 200, complete with heated marquees and lanterns - so there’s no need to worry about the cold.

This 17th-century Grade II listed country pub in the village of Marsh Gibbon brings plenty of traditional character to Christmas celebrations, with exposed beams, low ceilings and rustic wooden furniture.

Exclusive hire accommodates up to 80 guests indoors, with outdoor capacity for 100, while bespoke packages can include rotisserie-style meals, a grilling station and drinks receptions.

Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, The Barns at Redcoats is a quaint 15th-century farmhouse accommodating up to 120 guests seated or 200 standing.

When it comes to festive food, choose from seasonal plates, a five-course tasting menu or casual Farmhouse cheeseboards, with plenty of Port and digestifs to go around. 

Forget dry turkey and sad Brussels sprouts - this stylish Petworth spot delivers charcoal-grilled meats alongside a seriously impressive wine cellar.

Tuck yourself away in the 30-seat Stag Room for an intimate feast under wood-beamed ceilings and antique chandeliers, or take over the whole 70-capacity venue for a moody, candlelit blowout.

Perfect for eco-conscious teams, this unique Sussex estate serves up sustainable, wild-range estate produce in a beautifully converted barn.

Hosting up to 60 guests, it delivers an intimate, fire-cooked festive feast focusing on regenerative farming, making it a highly memorable choice for foodies and nature lovers alike.

This elegant, modern barn venue in Essex offers an abundance of rustic charm alongside sleek, contemporary design features.

Flooded with natural light, the versatile spaces can easily host up to 150 guests for a lively Christmas dinner and dance, complete with a cosy log burner and overnight farmhouse accommodation.

This elegant Broadstairs mansion brings timeless Georgian grandeur to the festive season, with spectacular, light-filled chambers that can accommodate up to 100 guests for glamorous Christmas drinks receptions or formal sit-down dining.

Plus, private hire comes with direct access into Pierremont Park itself, and you’re just a short walk from Kent’s Louisa Bay.

For a show-stopping venue in the South East it has to be Leeds Castle. This fairytale venue brings 900 years of history, as well as some serious festive decor.

Enjoy seasonal party nights, or private events for 180, complete with carefully-curated packages, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

This stunning Jacobean mansion in Hertfordshire effortlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary party style.

From atmospheric, original wood-panelled rooms for intimate festive dinners to the expansive Great Hall hosting up to 130 guests, it offers a dramatic, photogenic backdrop alongside bespoke seasonal menus and gorgeous overnight bedrooms.

Set within Kent’s award-winning Curious Brewery, the Curious Taproom is, obviously, a perfect choice if you’re arranging a festive get-together with some beer-obsessed mates.

That said, it’s a slick operation in its own right - the glass-fronted restaurant and taproom offers excellent food, and there are multiple modern spaces for various group sizes.

Sitting on the outskirts of Henfield in West Sussex, Tottington Manor brings a rich history to your Christmas party.

Blending 17th-century charm with contemporary touches, the South Downs Suite is particularly well suited to large events, and can accommodate up to 180 for two- or three-course dinners.

This hidden Essex gem offers a picturesque, timber-framed setting complete with a stunning bridge and brook.

The beautifully converted barn accommodates up to 150 guests for a festive dinner and dance, or up to 250 for a big drinks party, with ample room across the Minstrels Gallery and Secret Garden. A full AV suite and top-tier catering makes Old Brook Barn suitable for any festive occasion.

This award-winning gastropub impresses guests with beautiful party spaces, set in this charming historic town in Hertfordshire.

The team offers flexibility for everything from decor to bespoke menus, so you can really make the event your own. The airy Barn and Garden space can accommodate between 40 and 100 guests, who you can be sure to keep merry with available drinks packages.

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar offers a contemporary alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner, with festive menus built around the bold flavours of North India.

Expect dishes including seekh kebab, achari chicken tikka, butter chicken, lamb roganjosh and chana masala, alongside a lighter festive lunch menu. Its central Milton Keynes location also puts guests close to other restaurants, bars and hotels.

Christmas parties get a competitive twist at Carnival Golf & Games High Wycombe, where tropical crazy golf, digital darts and arcade games provide the entertainment.

There are two 12-hole courses, Club Tropicana and Carnival, plus Electric Darts and a Big Top Arcade filled with fairground-style games. Exclusive hire is available for parties of up to 156 guests.

Updown Farmhouse brings a house-party feel to Christmas celebrations, with a 17th-century farmhouse, restaurant, bar, main house and several cottages.

The whole house can be taken over for up to 22 guests, with a drawing room, library and honesty bar providing space to settle in. Its accommodation also means the celebration can continue into the following morning.

Overlooking 400 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire landscape, Essendon Country Club’s crown jewel is the magnificent 16th-century Grand Barn.

Hosting up to 180 guests, the timber-framed space features stunning high ceilings and a private mezzanine bar, making it an incredibly atmospheric choice for large-scale, rustic-chic winter wonderland themed parties.

With bold interiors and a late-night atmosphere, Blossom Room offers a more contemporary take on the Christmas party.

Groups can book the private dining area for up to 18 guests or hire the whole venue for up to 95, with an outdoor terrace adding extra space. Larger celebrations can move from dinner into an evening of DJs, live music and other entertainment.

The Manor at Bickley combines Victorian character with the convenience of being around 30 minutes from Central London.

Festively decorated interiors provide the setting for everything from intimate dinners in the Billiard Suite or Lounge to larger celebrations in the Garden Suite, which seats up to 120, or the Grand Marquee, which can accommodate up to 500 guests.

The Griffin in Amersham Old Town combines the feel of a neighbourhood restaurant with a more polished dining experience, making it a relaxed alternative to a traditional corporate venue.

The Mezzanine accommodates up to 25 guests beneath exposed wooden beams, while the Assembly Room caters for up to 30 seated or 60 standing. Both spaces can be privately hired for festive celebrations.

Set in the Oxfordshire countryside, Crazy Bear Country is a five-star hotel with a collection of distinctive spaces for Christmas celebrations.

The Glasshouse comes with a private bar, two lounges, dance floor option, private terrace, heated patio and fire pit, while the Log Cabin offers a much cosier setting for 14. The Woodland and Moroccan Lounges provide further options for festive dining and drinks.

Housed inside a historic 17th-century chapel in Stony Stratford, Chapel Chophouse & Bar offers something rather more theatrical than a standard Christmas function room.

Original architectural features sit alongside luxurious booths and a raised bar, with craft cocktails, fine wines and Champagne available alongside a five-course festive menu. Live music and immersive entertainment can add to the evening.

Set within a 1,000-year-old Tudor estate, The Coach House Barn at Dorney Court is a showstopping festive venue for those looking to celebrate in the South East.

Here, you’ll find a flexible blank canvas space complete with rustic touches, ideal for Christmas banquets for up to 120, or a standing reception for 200.

Swap city-centre chaos for sweeping Surrey greenery at Chobham Golf Club. Festive parties here are hosted in the Montgomerie Suite, which comes with its own private bar, a cloakroom, and sparkling views across the course from the balcony.

All inclusive packages include prosecco on arrival, a three-course feast, Christmas crackers, decorations and a DJ.

Offering fantastic value and stress-free planning, this modern hotel is perfect for large-scale corporate festive events.

Flexible, contemporary event suites can comfortably host up to 160 guests for a traditional Christmas dinner and dance, but Holiday Inn is also popular for its shared Christmas party nights, hosted from November through to January.

Badgemore Park offers two main event spaces for hire: the historic Coach House or the purpose-built Fairaway suite.

Enjoy exclusive use of either, or if you're booking for a small group, then check out its shared party nights which include a three-course festive dinner, coffee and mince pies, and dancing until 1am.

Set on Brighton’s seafront in an iconic Grade II listed landmark, Madam Lola’s is the UK’s only artist-led cabaret club.

Ideal for unique festive bashes, this sultry venue offers immersive live shows, late-night DJ sets, and in-house catering for up to 120 seated or 220 standing guests.

Calling all golf fanatics, Clandon Regis Golf Club has a fabulous function room, perfect for Christmas parties. With views over the 18th hole, a fully stocked bar and room for up to 150 guests, this space ticks a lot of boxes.

Plus, there's an in-house catering team, skilled in preparing everything from canapes to buffets and Christmassy feasts.