Christmas in London is a sight to behold. With the city lit with twinkly lights and covered in decorations, store windows dressed for the occasion and warm jumpers donned, there is no better time to visit the capital. As such, it’s a time that should be celebrated with a party.
Whether you are planning an office Christmas party in London, or a get together with a few friends to exchange gifts, there are some truly unique and exciting locations dotted around the capital that can provide an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we explore the best and most unique London Christmas party ideas that go hand-in-hand with a river cruise.
Thames Christmas Party Boat Cruise
Departs from Westminster Pier
What better way to see the beautiful city in the festive season than from the river? Watch, as the sun sets over landmarks around you and raise a glass to the season. Wind down the Thames past iconic sights whilst being served a 3-course Christmas meal alongside some fizz! As well as Christmas dinner on a boat, during the Lunch Christmas Party Boat Cruise there will be relaxed live music and during the Dinner Cruise a DJ.
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A Christmas boat ride in London is a wonderful affair, and the stunning view alongside the delicious food (and brilliant company) will create an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to go with your office team, your friends or your family, this is a Christmas meal you’re sure to enjoy.
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For those who are looking for a little bit more room, or just a private affair, our Bespoke Events team can help you organise a night to remember while cruising the River Thames.
With private hire available across the full City Cruises fleet, you can be sure to throw a bash that’ll impress all and have the office talking for months after. Erasmus, the newest member of our fleet, is ideal for parties of up to 250 people and offers a fantastic and unique space that can accommodate your guests. Split across three decks, there is plenty of space for mingling, dancing and fun!
Erasmus is not the only the ship we are able to provide. With a variety of entertainment options available for all our ships, you can spend the night dancing to a live jazz band or being tricked by an illusionist and more. Additionally, we offer a range of dining packages from formal sit-down meals to light canapes.
With a range of vessel, menu and entertainment options to choose from, you’ll be sure to organise a fantastic day (or night!) Craft your perfect private Christmas party on the Thames and experience the city from its best angle whilst you celebrate with friends, family and colleagues.
Where to go after
But once you disembark, if you want to keep the party going where should you go? We look at some of the most unique locations in London for a Christmas party.
R.S. Hispaniola
Closest pier: Westminster Pier
Moored on the Victoria Embankment with views of the London Eye, R.S. Hispaniola offers a fantastic river experience and their events are second to none. With a range of immersive experiences and shows, a night here is sure to be fun for all.
A landmark of the Thames for over 30 years, R.S. Hispaniola is known for its high-quality meals and of course, the view it bestows upon its visitors. Focusing on seasonal British cuisine, the kitchen makes brilliant dishes and an evening meal here is perfect for large or small parties.
Visit The Garrison on a Peaky Blinded event and journey back to the 1920s, experience live-action roleplay as the Lees come to join the party. Spend the night being entertained by Billy Kimber, leader of the Birmingham Boys and Polly Shelby whilst you enjoy delicious food, drinks and even a flutter on the horses.
Another onboard event sees you delve into a Murder Mystery Night, playing whodunnit whilst enjoying a delicious dinner and the chance to get involved with the story and win prizes. Start the night with pre-dinner drinks and a bar quiz before getting into the main event, donning your magnifying glass and trying to solve the big mystery.
If live music is more of your scene, then the R.S. Hispaniola’s Tina Turner Tribute evening is sure to impress. Enjoy a 3-course meal whilst singing along to iconic tunes like ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and ‘Simply The Best’.
Handel & Hendrix
Closest pier: Westminster Pier
Tucked away in Mayfair behind two unassuming doors is a real gem of a museum and party location, perfect to continuing the celebrations once you’ve disembarked. Handel & Hendrix combines the former London homes of two music legends to create a walkthrough exhibition and completely unique party location.
George Handel and Jimi Hendrix were two of the greatest musicians in their respective fields and spending a night here will certainly be something to discuss at the water cooler the next day! Sit in Jimi Hendrix’s bedroom or talk around the piano in Handel’s music room whilst you enjoy cocktails.
The team at Handel & Hendrix told us some more about the space: “In a single street in London, separated by a wall, are the homes of two of history’s most significant musical artists and a totally unique Christmas party venue.
“25 Brook Street is the house that belonged to George Frederic Handel and the place where he composed some of the world’s most enduring Baroque music, including Messiah. On the top floor of 23 Brook Street is the flat where, two centuries later, Jimi Hendrix lived with his girlfriend, record player and guitar.
“23 & 25 Brook Street now co-exist together as a museum space that celebrates these two iconic musicians. The building is composed of a series of atmospheric rooms, each reconstructed to feel as if the famous residents have just left, providing an unforgettable backdrop for events and parties.”
Bounce
Closest Pier: Tower Pier
Image Credit: Bounce
With two locations in London, Bounce offers a fantastic venue to have fun and get a little bit competitive! With full-size ping pong tables, funky interior design, a karaoke system, plugin and play iPhone docking and a cocktail bar, there is plenty of fun to be had here. After all, there is nothing better after a Christmas meal to get everyone’s competitive sides flowing!
Ellie Quinn is a travel blogger at The Wandering Quinn. She told us about her recent night at Bounce: “Bounce is such a unique and fun place to visit in London. I went with friends on a cold Saturday evening and it was the best place to escape and play some ping pong, something we hadn’t done for years!
“I love the atmosphere in Bounce, it’s competitive yet chilled and come evening with the music going and the UV lights on it has a real party atmosphere too. They serve good food and drinks and both of their locations – Farringdon and Old Street are perfectly located making it easy for everyone to get to.”
Circus
Closest Pier: Westminster Pier
A night of fantastical acts and awe-inspiring performers, a visit to Circus is a must for anyone in London. After a Christmas party on the Thames, come to land and get transported into a unique world of extravagance and danger. Feel transported to a big top as you watch aerial gymnasts, fire eaters and more on. A luxury feel fills the venue and as well as being close to the action, you can also experience delectable drinks.
Moonshine Saloon
Closest Pier: Tower Pier
Image Credit: Moonshine Saloon
With an old western theme and the King of Moonshiners Clyde Cassidy behind the bar, spend your night learning new tricks from outlaws, rub shoulders with locals and try your hand at card or dice games. Moonshine Saloon is an interactive experience that transports you from London to America and back in time, and is only a short walk from Tower Pier, perfect after disembarking from your river cruise. An amazing experience that will give you memories (and impressions) to last a lifetime!
“Throughout the experience, visitors are served bespoke, delicious cocktails that are expertly prepared by a world-class team of barkeeps who combine your illegally smuggled liquor with bitters, syrups, liqueurs and garnishes to make bespoke, contemporary and classic cocktails.”
Blogger Elizabeth Everywhere spent a night at the Moonshine Saloon and told us about her experience: “Stepping into Moonshine Saloon is like stepping back in time to the old American West. The immersive theming and theatrical interaction from the actors make this experience very unique and entertaining. (And the cocktails were pretty delicious too!) I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable night out in London that goes beyond your typical bar or pub!”
Travel with Pau blogger also shared her experience here: “I have visited lots of immersive cocktail experiences in London, and Moonshine Saloon was one of my favourite ones. You go into a room where the atmosphere is just right out the Wild West and hearing the American accents you immediately forget you are in London! The actors are incredible, and the plot is entertaining, there is some cheeky gambling involved as well and the cocktails’ quality is top-notch. I remember right after it finished, I felt like I wanted to go twice, can’t imagine what a Christmas party would be like here but I’m sure it would be super fun.”
Alcotraz
Closest Pier: Tower Pier
Image Credit: Alcotraz
Brought to you by the same team as Moonshine Saloon, Alcotraz lets you and your group don bright orange jumpsuits and head behind bars. Spend the day partying in luxury on a Thames cruise and the evening dressed as prisoners enjoying fantastical role play and taking some fantastic pictures for the office fridge! Smuggle your alcohol in and spend your evening getting your mug shot taken, developing your criminal persona and sipping on cocktails crafted to your tastes but a professional cocktail master.
We spoke to the team at Alcotraz, who told us: “Inspired by Hollywood Movies and TV that have brought to life America’s most infamous prison, Alcotraz is London’s first immersive theatrical cocktail bar. When convicted to Alcotraz, inmates are taken into an exciting world of mischief as they are instructed by notorious bootlegger Clyde Cassidy to smuggle-in liquor to be used to make delicious, bespoke cocktails.
“You won’t find a set menu of drinks here… after all, it is prison! Alcotraz creates a range of tailored cocktails every night based on the liquor you bring and your tastes. Be as creative as you can with your attempts to smuggle-in liquor. Alternatively, Cassidy has got the guards on your side who have their own system for hiding contraband. Just make sure the Warden doesn’t catch you.”
Holly Da Silva, a lifestyle blogger, recently spent time in Alcotraz and told us about her night: “From wearing bright orange jumpsuits to smuggling in alcohol, Alcotraz was a hoot! I would thoroughly recommend the Alcotraz experience whether there is 2 of you or 10. The prison guards stay true to character the whole time and the cocktails are yummy too. Highly recommend letting loose and getting into character – the more you put into it, the better your experience will be!”
Annmaree, a London-based blogger at Donuts and Detours told us: “If you’re looking for a night to remember, where you’ll laugh till you cry, all whilst sipping amazing cocktails, then do yourself a favour and make a reservation at Alcotraz. One of my most memorable London nights out and a real Orange is the New Black moment as you don orange prison boiler suits, smuggle your spirit of choice into your prison cell, and enjoy the most entertaining night out you could possibly wish for.”
Coppa Club
Closest Pier: Tower Pier
Located right next to Tower Bridge Pier, Coppa Clubs igloos are a fun and festive place to share a drink with friends after a Thames boat ride. With fantastic design and see-through walls offering a view of the Thames, relaxing in an igloo with a cocktail in hand is a wonderful experience.
With this great and varied range of Christmas party ideas, you’ll be sure to find something that’ll suit your group. Whether workmates, friends or family, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable day or night to celebrate the festive season and come away with amazing memories.
Best London Christmas party ideas:
- Thames Christmas Party Boat Cruise
- Handel & Hendrix
- Bounce
- Circus
- Moonshine Saloon
- Alcotraz