During the holiday season, London transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with familiar shows, events, and entertainment. While many of these festivities are truly amazing, they can sometimes feel a bit similar. If you’re in search of something unique and a bit quirky beyond the traditional Christmas celebrations, take a look at our selection of alternative Christmas party venues and immersive experiences.
1. HUMBUG – The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar
This has to be the ultimate Christmas grotto for grown-ups!
What could be more enjoyable than gathering with friends in a unique and inviting immersive dive bar tucked away beneath Waterloo Station? Your goal is to lift Santa’s spirits and rescue Christmas, as he’s feeling down and has misplaced his holiday cheer!
Experience a festive wonderland, filled with glittering lights and Christmas memorabilia. Featuring a tribute to the queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, along with a cabaret, live music, festive songs and a unique beer can alley. Enjoy a wide array of alcoholic drinks, including delightful Christmas cocktails and warm mulled wine. Additionally, the Bang Bang burger bar offers mouthwatering street style food to satisfy your cravings.
Prepare for a joyful celebration filled with plenty of surprises, featuring two hours of interactive entertainment, followed by an exciting after party. HUMBUG Promises to be a truly fabulous, festive evening to remember.
HUMBUG has a limited run of 6 weeks, from November 14th until December 31st, 2024.
Nearest tube station: Shoreditch (5 minute walk).
Address: The Truman Brewery, Boiler House 152 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU
Website: humbugchristmas.co.uk
2. Trapeze – Circus themed party bar
Trapeze is a fun and vibrant circus-themed party bar that offers a unique experience. During the Christmas season, the venue transforms into a festive wonderland, making it the perfect spot to celebrate with friends and colleagues.
Situated in Shoreditch the Trapeze bar is set over 3 floors each offering a unique setting for a Christmas party bathed from top to bottom in circus glamour.
Exciting surprises are in store as Trapeze delivers fantastic entertainment throughout the festive period. Enjoy thrilling fire performers, breathtaking aerial acts, hilarious comedy, and live DJs keeping the celebrations alive all night long. With a range of festive food and drink options there is sure to be something to satisfy everyone’s tastes
Nearest tube station: Old Street (5 minute walk).
Address: Trapeze Bar, 89 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HX
Website: trapezebar.co.uk/christmas-2024
3. Phantom Peak – Festive Immersive Adventure
Experience the enchanting winter wonderland of Phantom Peak, where a delightful Christmas adventure awaits you. The canals sparkle with shimmering lights, and the streets are adorned with cheerful holiday decorations. Visitors can wander through this one-of-a-kind, mysterious town, meeting its eccentric residents, including the charming Mayor Pocket.
In Phantom Peak, the unexpected is always around the corner! Spend over four hours unravelling puzzles, uncovering secrets, and indulging in festive fun as you navigate the intricately designed town, complete with immersive sets, cutting-edge technology, and engaging live performances. If you find yourself in need of a little refreshment, take a break at the Wild West-themed Thirsty Frontier Saloon, where you can savor some delightful seasonal treats.
How it works
The game makes use of your mobile phone to lead you on exciting storylines presented as trails. As you discover clues and engage with both the technology and local residents of Phantom Peak, you’ll be able to advance in the game and ultimately complete your trail.
This unique immersive experience offers a chance to embrace something a little out of the ordinary this Christmas.
Nearest tube station: Canada Water (7 minute walk).
Address: Phantom Peak, Canada Street Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 7PJ
Website: phantompeak.com
4. The Great Christmas Feast – The Lost Estate
Be transported back to Victorian London
Step into the enchanting world of Victorian London on Christmas Eve,1843, at the home of Charles Dickens’, for a truly immersive 3-course Christmas Feast. As a guest of Dickens, you’ll indulge in a delightful evening filled with delicious dishes inspired by authentic Victorian recipes. Enjoy live music and captivating performances while being spellbound by Charles Dickens himself as he shares the timeless tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Just be cautious—you might find yourself being drawn into the story!
Experience the spectacular lighting and captivating music that make this Christmas event truly unforgettable. Don’t miss out—make sure to secure your tickets soon, as they tend to sell out fast!
Dates: Friday 8th November 2024 – Sunday 12th January 2025.
Nearest tube station: West Kensington (2 minute walk).
Address: The Lost Estate, 9 Beaumont Ave, London, W14 9LP
Website: christmasfeast.thelostestate.com
5. A Sherlock Carol – A Dickens Festive Mystery
Visit the theatre this Christmas and see this fascinating and critically acclaimed festive production of ‘A Sherlock Carol’.
Experience the magic of the theatre this Christmas by attending the captivating and highly praised production of ‘A Sherlock Carol’. Join Sherlock Holmes as he encounters Tiny Tim Cratchit, who urges him to look into the puzzling death of the transformed Ebenezer Scrooge. Intrigued, the legendary detective embarks on a thrilling and perilous Christmas Eve adventure.
The Marylebone Theatre is a cozy venue that accommodates about 272 guests, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Situated just off the West End, it opened its doors in 2022 and has since received a host of four and five-star accolades.
Dates: 29 November – 5th January 2025.
Nearest tube station: Baker Street (5 minute walk).
Address: Marylebone Theatre, Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Rd, London, NW1 6XT
Website: marylebonetheatre.com
6. Christmas at ballie ballerson
Have a unique and fun Christmas party with friends and colleagues at the ballie ballerson Winter Wonderland ball pit and cocktail bar, nestled in the lively area of Shoreditch.
This vibrant adult playground is a big kids paradise, boasting a ball pit brimming with over a million glowing balls, complemented by smoke machines, DJs, and live music that radiates festive cheer. Let loose and dance the night away to the infectious rhythms of Pop-House and Disco.
To keep your energy up, indulge in a selection of freshly made pizzas and sides, paired with an array of drinks, including specially crafted Christmas cocktails.
Additionally, for those looking to keep the party going, you can step into ballie’s private karaoke room and sing your heart out to all your holiday favourites, with Karaoke packages available for your enjoyment.
With a variety of affordable ticket options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate this Christmas season.
Nearest tube station: Old Street (8 minute walk).
Address: 97/113 Curtain Road, London, EC2A3BS
Website: ballieballerson.com
7. Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers
Experience a unique Christmas afternoon tea at Biscuiteers, Boutique and Icing Café, where you can gather with friends, family, or enjoy a romantic afternoon with your loved one.
Delight in a wonderful afternoon tea that features a range of exquisite, handcrafted pastries, warm, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of finger sandwiches. To elevate your festive celebration, consider sipping on a glass or two of Biscuiteers fizz!
In addition to the Afternoon Tea, the boutiques offer a variety of beautifully crafted items, such as DIY Icing kits, Advent calendars, stocking fillers, themed biscuit tins, and much more. Biscuiteers also hosts delightful Christmas Icing experiences at their Icing Cafes, where you can master the art of icing while creating your own holiday-themed biscuits. These sweet creations are perfect for gifting or simply enjoying a bit of festive cheer for yourself.
There are two Boutique and Icing Cafés to visit: one is located in the vibrant heart of Notting Hill, near Portobello Road, while the other can be found in Belgravia, just off Eccleston Yards.
Website: biscuiteers.com/Christmas-afternoon-tea
8. A Gatsby Christmas – Glitz and glamour at the Cabaret Club
Step into the enchanting world of the 1920s and prepare for an unforgettable night at the Great Gatsby Christmas party. Relive the charm of one of the most celebrated stories of the 20th century in a beautifully crafted Art Deco ballroom that perfectly embodies the spirit of the time. Let yourself be swept away by the lively jazz, captivating Charleston dances, and a variety of entertainment that awaits you.
Nestled in a stunning listed Art Deco building from the 1920s in Bloomsbury Square, Holborn, the London Cabaret Club offers a dazzling and stylish atmosphere that truly reflects the era. Get ready for an evening filled with dancing, exceptional entertainment, delectable cuisine, and an abundance of sparkling drinks! And don’t forget to wear your most glitzy outfit and sparkling accessories.
Dates: 21st November – 21st December 2024.
Nearest tube station: Holborn (4 minute walk).
Address: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, Holborn, London WC1B 4DA
Website: thelondoncaberetclub.com
9. Hot Tub Film Club – Skuna Boats
What better way to enjoy a classic Christmas film with friends, than in a 38° hot tub boat! Don your Xmas hat and swimsuit, lay back and relax under the stars with a drink in whilst enjoying the film on a large screen.
This one-of-a-kind experience awaits you at Skuna Boats, located in the heart of Canary Wharf, surrounded by stunning skyscrapers and iconic architecture. These cozy hot tub boats can accommodate up to six people, or you can reserve individual seats. There are changing rooms available, complete with lockers for your belongings. Enjoy screenings of beloved films like Elf and Home Alone, and don’t forget that drinks and snacks can be conveniently ordered and delivered right to your tub from the onsite bar.
Nearest tube stations: Canary Wharf and West India Quay (10 minute walk).
Address: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AL
Website: skunaboats.com/hot-tub-film-club
10. ALCOTRAZ LONDON – Cell Block Two-One-Two
This has got to be up there for one of the most wackiest places to visit for Christmas!
Alcotraz London, affectionately referred to as Cell Block Two-One-Two, is a unique underground cocktail bar tucked away along Hackney Road. Here, you and your fellow inmates can indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience at one of the city’s most exclusive prison-themed venues. Your mission is to sneak your alcohol past the Warden, with a little help from the shady prison guards.
Once you’ve successfully completed your smuggling operation, the talented mixologists will transform your contraband into delightful custom cocktails. Throughout your stay, you’ll be immersed in the quirky world of prison life, interacting with entertaining characters and the ever-watchful Warden who ensures the excitement never wanes.
This lively and engaging experience, brought to life by professional actors, promises a memorable and entertaining night out. Your unique prison experience will last 1 hour 45 minutes.
Note: Guests are required to bring their own sealed bottle of liquor; this will be used to create four bespoke cocktails per person.
Nearest tube stations: Whitechapel (12 minute walk).
Address: Unit 3B, 127 Hackney Road, London E2 8GY
Website: alcotraz.co.uk/locations/London/Christmas-party/