Updated on 11 November 2026
It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas. Even if the sun is still shining, dreaming about the twinkly lights and festive nights is enough to keep us going until December rolls around. The task of bringing the festive spirit to your work function can carry a lot of pressure, but with our recommendations for the best Christmas venues with activities, you’ll be sure to impress even the scroogiest of co-workers.
While there’s nothing wrong with the typical restaurant Christmas party, there’s also nothing overly inspiring about it either. Let's be honest, that hotel function room will not be going down in history as the night to remember. Fortunately, there are a ton of London Christmas party venues with entertainment included to choose from. Who knows, a Christmas party in a private karaoke room might be just the thing to officially secure you the title of office legend. Sometimes, a bit of friendly competition is exactly what a team needs to get into the festive spirit, and Christmas party venues with activities like bowling, mini golf, and simulated racecar driving venues are guaranteed to spark just the right level.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a location that transports you to someplace else, somewhere snowier and cosier than the endless grey of London’s winter, bring the team to try their hand at curling, with drinks and music that will leave you feeling like you’ve just stepped off the slopes. Other venues offer Christmas party activities that let you get hands-on to create your own experience, from how to cook the best festive roast and festive cocktail masterclasses to tutorials on constructing a twinkly wreath for each guest to bring home. One thing's for sure, you won't be bored at these entertainment-packed venues.
1-3 Rivington Street, Hoxton, London, EC2A 3DT
This contemporary hotel puts the focus on art, with its impressive gallery (available for up to 120 guests) which you and your guests can browse before heading for a sit down feast.
Tuck into a fantastic festive meal at Solaya Restaurant post-gallery, complete with bespoke menus and tailored drink packages.
95 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London, E1 6QL
If you're looking for a venue fit for a high-energy Christmas bash, then you need All Star Lanes on your radar. Centred around a fun bowling alley, the venue offers festive packages with options for karaoke, party bites and alcoholic drinks.
Get competitive, sing your heart out and enter the festive season with a bang!
2 Lewis Cubitt Square, King's Cross, London, N1C 4DY
Mare Street Market Kings Cross offers various spaces for Christmas party hire, but it’s the Karaoke Room that draws in groups looking for fun and festivities.
Here, with wireless microphones, premium sound systems, and a big screen, you can belt out your favourite tunes with up to 15 guests.
Unit 6.05, The O2, North Greenwich, London, SE10 0DX
Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2 sidesteps the predictable for a night of immersive dining and non-stop ABBA hits. Book a table for 10, or hire the whole venue for 500.
This f-ABBA-ulous show is perfect for Christmas parties of all sizes, with packages, VIP upgrades and group rate discounts available.
305 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London, W11 2QA
Roast turkey is a classic, pigs in blankets are great, but a premium glass of wine at Christmas time is unbeaten. At Franklin's Wine, you and your guests can take part in a private wine tasting, paired with tasty nibbles like cheese boards, charcuterie and olives.
There's even a hidden private dining room in the basement for an added sense of exclusivity.
12 Bow Lane, City of London, London, EC4M 9AL
It’s Christmas, so why not go the extra mile and bring everyone together to make festive arrangements? Stem + Stem offers several classes from wreath-making workshops to Christmas centrepiece masterclasses.
Vibrant menus curated by a Michelin-trained chef are sure to elevate your festive party to a new level.
12-13 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 4DL
Set behind Soho’s Greek Street, The Little Scarlet Door hosts the coolest house party-inspired festivities. It’s a nostalgic space, with twinkling lights and a basement dedicated to boogieing the night away.
Get everyone involved with a cocktail making class in the ‘kitchen’ before gathering by the fireplace downstairs for a game on their Nintendo 64.
333 Old Street, Shoreditch, London, EC1V 9LE
Get into the swing of things with a game of crazy golf at Shoreditch Balls. Whether it's a Christmas work do or a festive get-together with friends, this place is a guaranteed fun night out.
Sip on delicious cocktails, tuck into wood-fired pizzas and descend into a night of karaoke.
30 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5RE
For a Christmas party that's anything but ordinary, Pitch's new site, a sprawling space in Canary Wharf, brings virtual golf, shuffleboard and plenty more.
Get stuck into the action or sit back and relax with Asian-inspired small plates and a cocktail or two from the on-site bars. Exclusive hire can host up to 400 guests.
The Old Vic Backstage, Waterloo, London, SE1 8UR
Gather friends or colleagues for an exclusive dinner in The Old Vic's beautiful Backstage events space, with capacity for 40 seated or 50 standing guests.
And because Christmas isn't Christmas without a magical show, head downstairs post-dinner to watch this year's production of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'.
The Vaults Theatre, Waterloo, London, SE1 7AD
Make Christmas one to remember with an immersive experience at The Magicians Table. Complete with close up magic, and tableside drink making, an evening here is bound to be full of theatricality.
Book a table for ten, or take over the entire space for up to 100 guests.
Victoria House, Holborn, London, WC1B 4DA
From cheesy karaoke tunes to festive cocktails and tasty nibbles, there's all sorts of fun stuff going down at this retro bowling alley.
For that cosy Christmas feeling, The Lodge is a private area styled like a Canadian hunting cabin, complete with two exclusive bowling alleys and a private bar. At Christmas time, the venue also offers various big group packages.
1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, London, E17 6AL
Big Penny Social’s Walthamstow studio becomes a four-lane, ice-free curling club from 20 November to 1 February 2027, while its Flukes games hall has interactive darts, shuffleboard, pool and private karaoke booths.
A £55 per person package bundles an hour of play with a two-course festive meal and drinks.
ABBA Arena, Stratford, London, E15 2RU
Watch ABBA - well, their digital avatars - take to the stage at London's most immersive music concert, which combines cutting edge technology with spectacular lighting and the band's greatest hits.
That's the entertainment sorted. Discover a wealth of private event spaces for your festive bash, from private booths to the Winter Bar and Oceanbird Lounge.
1 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9FA
This new state-of-the-art venue in Covent Garden offers Guinness masterclasses and beer tastings in its intimate Brewer's Room.
To elevate your Christmas party, the brewing team can assemble unique beer pairings especially for your event, whether it's a party for 300 in the Guinness Vaults or a cosy dinner in the private dining room.
1 Bread Street, City of London, London, EC4M 9BE
This City-based games bar is tailor-made for corporate festive parties, serving up excellent cocktails, cold pints, street food and games galore.
We're talking darts, shuffleboard, air hockey, pool and karaoke, with two game zones tailored specifically to suit events.
The Post Building, Holborn, London, WC1A 1PB
Interact with your mates or colleagues in virtual worlds - just like you would in real life! Step into your favourite TV shows, from Squid Game to Stranger Things, or journey into new worlds and experience the thrill of a zombie apocalypse, amongst other immersive games.
VIP social spaces, an upstairs mezzanine and exclusive hire options cater to groups of all sizes.
Criterion Building, Soho, London, W1J 9HR
Piccadilly Circus’ Hard Rock Cafe promises a Christmas party to be remembered. Choose from their Legends Room, the stage, or rent out their entire venue for a night full of dancing.
No idea is too big for the Hard Rock, so let your imagination run free and ask their team to help you design your dream party.
Coram's Fields, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 1DN
As well as taking the title of one of London's largest Christmas party venues, The Bloomsbury Big Top's circus-style backdrop makes for an action-packed fiesta.
Expect multi-course feasts with live entertainment including stilt walkers, fire breathers and aerial gymnasts, before trying your luck at one of the casino tables.
14-16 Ganton Street, Carnaby, London, W1F 7BT
For groups of eight or more, Vagabond Carnaby is hosting interactive wine sessions this Christmas led by their expert team.
Groups large and small are hosted in their own private space, and sessions can be tailored to suit your team, from high-energy tastings to relaxed drop-in set-ups.
77 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4NX
Entertainment at Benihana Chelsea comes in the form of its live Teppan cooking stations - large, flat iron grills where guests sit directly in front of the chef and watch their dinner being made to order.
Marvel at the chefs' rapid knife work and precision-led cooking for an immersive Christmas dinner like no other.
15 John Prince's Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AB
Tucked away behind the bright lights of Oxford Street is London’s self-proclaimed coolest mini golf spot. With three different food vendors and frozen margaritas on tap, we are inclined to agree with them.
Swingers West End is designed to emulate a 1920s British seaside town, complete with carnival games and plenty of prizes to be won.
150-162 Edgware Road, Marylebone, London, W2 2DT
Lean into the glamour of the festive season with a grand Christmas party at Grosvenor Casino The Victoria. Kick off the evening with a leisurely dinner featuring dishes like pan-roasted halibut, roasted poussin, and Wagyu steak.
Then make your way to the gaming floor to try your luck on the casino games and keep the good times rolling all night long.
Chiswell Street, Moorgate, London, EC1Y 4TW
Shared party nights at City Central at the HAC are the perfect way to celebrate with a small group, and come with entertainment, theming and even complimentary drinks packages.
The team has been known to organise everything from dodgems and traditional carousel rides to live performances over the years, and you can guarantee the offering to be just as thrilling this year!
1 New Change, City of London, London, EC4M 9AF
A truly unique experience, Christmas parties at F1 Arcade offer over 60 state-of-the-art racing simulators, allowing you to rip down the famed F1 tracks with a cocktail in hand.
Foster some team bonding with the option to team up, or embrace the spirit of competition and go head-to-head.
Vinegar Yard, London Bridge , London, SE1 3QU
Nothing screams Christmas quite like a snow-covered peak, but if you can’t get your team an apres-ski, The Curling Club is the next best thing.
Start with an hour of exclusive access to your own curling sheet, before treating yourself to some ski-inspired snacks and drinks, with great music and live entertainment all night long.
91-93 Great Eastern, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3HZ
Head straight to the Games Room upstairs at this cool and quirky venue in Shoreditch, where you and your guests can unleash your inner gamer with Nintendo 64, ping pong, table football and classic board games.
Or head next door to the karaoke dressing room for a singalong, which can be reserved privately for your festive bash.
12 Meard Street, Soho, London, W1F 0EQ
With live music, an Asian restaurant and a chic bar, this indoor golfing venue is so much more than just a putter's playground.
Pitch offers the opportunity for activities while allowing the less competitive employees the chance to relax and make the most of the sprawling lounge and extensive cocktail menu.
39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB
For a Christmas party to be remembered, rent out the London Transport Museum's iconic Museum Galleries.
Set across two floors, your guests can experience a personalised stamper trail, exploring the exhibitions while looking out for stamps to collect. Or, take your turn in the driver's seat with their Elizabeth Line driver experience.
25 - 35 Fisherman's Walk, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4DH
Bring the feeling of a festive funfair indoors at carnival-themed Fairgame Canary Wharf. You and your guests can play retro arcade games and fairground classics until you’re ready to rest - then choose something to eat from the on-site street food vendors.
Feel like a kid on Christmas day with a party that includes rounds of Roll-A-Ball Derby and Whack-A-Mole.
96 Druid Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1 2HQ
Celebrate the festive season by gathering your guests for a baking workshop at Comptoir Bakery School, and learn how to craft seasonal treats such as cinnamon buns and mince pies.
Led by professional pastry chefs, you'll learn the basics of baking in a warm and friendly environment, complemented by in-house catering, drinks packages and a buzzy atmosphere.
Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf, London, E14 9QG
Do outdoor igloos count as entertainment? We think so, especially when they come with cosy lighting, views of the waterfront and food and drink menus from a variety of global food traders.
Planning a bigger bash? The Function Room downstairs features a private bar, DJ set-up and karaoke! Perfect for an all-out celebration with a longer guest list.
871-873 Fulham Road, Fulham, London, SW6 5HP
This Fulham bar is serving up all the nostalgic house party vibes, complete with a dance floor and pool table. The space turns into a cosy and festive home, perfect for hosting work Christmas parties.
Begin with a traditional Christmas dinner in the ‘living room’, before taking it to the ‘kitchen’ for beer pong and holiday tunes.
61 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4HG
Organise a festive together with friends, family, or colleagues at this award-winning Asian cookery school.
It's available for exclusive or shared hire, and offers a signature three-hour Christmas party package, so food, drink and entertainment is taken care of all under one roof.
Feeling spoilt for choice? Activity-led Christmas parties in London cover competitive gaming, golf and curling to karaoke, immersive theatre, live performances, museum experiences and creative workshops. We have no doubt you'll find the perfect place to entertain your guests this year with SquareMeal's list.
However, if you're still on the hunt for more action-packed options, check out these quirky and unusual Christmas party venues in London, or hop on board an existing party night at London's best shared Christmas party venues. Want a venue all to yourself? Be sure to browse our selection of exclusive hire Christmas party venues, so you can opt for a private celebration for just you and your guests.
An activity-led Christmas party is one where a game, performance, experience or hands-on activity forms a meaningful part of the event. Examples include golf, racing simulators, curling, karaoke, interactive gaming, immersive theatre, magic, creative workshops and chef-led dining experiences.
Not necessarily. Some activities work as a shared group experience, while others can be played in smaller teams with guests socialising between turns. If participation levels are likely to vary, look for venues with adjacent dining, bar or lounge space so guests don't have to take part continuously if they don't want to.
Absolutely. Activity-based Christmas parties are perfect for corporate groups, provided the activity suits the group and the format is clear. Team games are great for bringing everyone together, while experiences such as magic, immersive theatre and interactive dining provide entertainment without requiring everyone to compete. For larger companies, check how the activity is divided into groups and how the event flows between activities, food and drinks.
There is no single booking window that applies to every activity, but organisers should allow more time when they need a particular December date, exclusive hire or a large event format. Activity-led venues can have limited gaming areas, performance schedules or workshop dates, so checking the activity timetable alongside the Christmas package is sensible before confirming the event.
Check exactly what is included in the current Christmas package, how long the activity lasts, whether guests participate simultaneously or in rotations, and what happens around the activity itself. It is also worth confirming food and drink arrangements, private or shared-use conditions, accessibility requirements and any age restrictions that apply.
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