The traditional office Christmas party can feel a little tired… So, why not try something different this year with our alternative Christmas party ideas?

Gone are the days of bland three-course meals and cheesy after-dinner dad-dancing. Of course there are some pretty spectacular Christmas party venues in the UK but it doesn’t have to be big to be memorable. The office Christmas party should be an event to remember, and not just because of a big budget, glamorous location, or dazzling decor. Your team will relish the opportunity to do things a bit differently, so why not think outside the box? A low budget doesn’t have to mean low expectations, so these suggestions are perfect for startups and those of you feeling the pinch. Nobody will bemoan the absence of a traditional turkey roast after attending an alternative Christmas party, we promise!

The Top 10 Alternative Christmas Party Activities in London

London really is the perfect spot for a banging Christmas Party and here are our top ten favourites. We can guarantee you’ll have a good time if you book one of these cool spaces and activities.

1. Team trip to Neverland or Winter Wonderland

Number one this year is the totally alternative idea of a fun-filled team trip to either Winter Wonderland or Neverland. These Christmas party venues in London are all you’ll really want when it comes to Xmas spirit. Why did this steal the top spot, you ask? Well, it’s our own chosen party idea this year and (obviously) therefore, the best option! Supplying your employees with a few food and ride tokens, getting in the beers at the Spiegeltent and enjoying some outdoor festive fun, you’ll have a ready-made party without breaking the bank. Winter Wonderland and Neverland both even offer party packages. Go to Winter Wonderland for the scale and Neverland for the food.

2. Cook up a storm at Enrica Rocca Cookery School

Enrica Rocca provides a Christmas party unlike any other. Gather your team in their fully-equipped professional kitchen and get ready to cook up a festive storm. Everything you make will can then be devoured as a team Xmas dinner. They offer classes and workshops as well as dry-hire events, so it’s the perfect alternative option, whatever your budget.

3. Escape from reality together

Escape rooms can be a lot of fun and they certainly provide an alternative to the traditional Christmas party. Take a look at this fun-filled round-up from our friends at Secret London for some alternative Christmas party inspiration. Follow it up with a few rounds of drinks in a local pub to debrief after some nail-biting fun.

4. Make some noise at Lucky Voice

Karaoke will probably go down in history as one of the most embarrassing but best-loved team bonding activities. Find out who really is the Beyoncé of the group and who just thinks they’re the Beyoncé of the group. Rent a private space at Lucky Voice Islington or Lucky Voice Soho with your group of friends or your workmates for an alternative Christmas party filled with fun, cocktails and terrible singing.

5. Engage in some competitive fun at Flight Club

Think darts is an old man sport? Think again. With private hire options available in the Bloomsbury and Shoreditch branches of Flight Club, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to organising your alternative Christmas party.

6. Share a meal (and a show) at Cinnamon Kitchen

Set adjacent to the restaurant’s kitchen, Cinnamon Kitchen’s secluded private dining room gives you a mesmerising view of its chefs in action. Enjoy an evening of world-class modern Indian cuisine in this 16 seat private room.

7. Get sloshed at Berry Bros and Rudd

Enjoy an intimate, alternative Christmas party private meal in this 19th-century cellar. Expect an (unsurprisingly) outstanding selection of wine from the company that has been getting the royal family sloshed since the reign of King George III.  Find out more here.

8. Get into the swing of the season at Swingers

Book a private space at Swingers West End or Swingers City for a guaranteed good time. Enjoy cocktails as you meander around the stylish mini-golf course (that’s not a sentence we thought we’d ever utter) engaging in a little friendly competition. Try Swingers for £13 per person per round of golf or £10 off-peak (Monday – Wednesday before 5pm). 

9. DIY it

If you’re a bit lost for ideas, why not rent out one of our fantastic blank canvas spaces before transforming it a la our easy decorating guide? Think low-cost, high-impact decorations for an alternative Christmas party on a shoestring.

10. Go digital clay bird shooting at Clays

One of the VenueScanner team’s favourite activity bars in London is Clays, a digital take on classic clay bird shooting. You might not think this sounds like your cup of tea but from our experience all team members enjoy this unique experience. Clays don’t only offer a great activity to socialise around, the food is to-die-for and worth a visit just that.

None of these suggestions floating your boat? Take a look at our activity-packed venue search result pages. Click here for London, here for Manchester, here for Birmingham, here for Bristol, and here for Edinburgh. We’re sure you’ll be able to find something to suit your dates and budget if you get enquiring today, even this late in the year!