Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, a seasonal conference, or a year-end corporate retreat, the right venue can set the tone for a truly memorable experience. From enchanting spaces decked with holiday cheer to versatile settings that cater to both work and play, there’s no shortage of options to create a festive event that inspires.
Conference News takes a look at 17 venues to inspire event organisers this Christmas:
1. Viva Las Vegas Christmas Parties
Location: The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre, Coventry
For a festive celebration with a twist, the Viva Las Vegas Christmas Parties at The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre promise a cabaret-style experience featuring stellar performances by West End artists. Guests will enjoy delectable cuisine, lively entertainment, and a vibrant Vegas-inspired atmosphere. Bookings for 2024 are now open, offering one of the most exciting Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Coventry, Warwickshire, and The Midlands.
website: https://heartofengland.uk/
2. Canary Riverside Festive Dining
Location: The Canary Riverside, Canary Wharf, London
The Canary Riverside offers a sophisticated dining experience with an array of festive packages to suit every preference. From elegant reception packages with canapés and a DJ to lavish three-course meals featuring delights like beef wellington and tiramisu, this venue is ideal for those seeking luxurious holiday dining. Options include private room hire and personalised menu cards, ensuring a tailored celebration for all guests.
Website: https://www.canaryriversideplaza.com/
3. The Randolph Hotel Christmas Parties
Location: Oxford
Celebrate the festive season in style at The Randolph Hotel, where a variety of Christmas party packages cater to large gatherings and intimate dinners. With options ranging from drinks and canapés receptions to full three-course meals, guests can enjoy festive dishes like roast Norfolk turkey and traditional Christmas pudding. Discounted bedroom rates are also available for partygoers who want to stay overnight.
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lonrdgu-graduate-oxford-uk/
4. Coombe Abbey Hotel by NOHM
Location: Coventry and Warwickshire
Coombe Abbey Hotel, managed by No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM), offers a historic and charming setting for festive celebrations. With a 200% increase in Christmas bookings, the venue provides unique options for corporate and private events. Their proactive outreach to businesses has made them a go-to destination for Christmas parties in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Website: https://www.coombeabbey.com
6. Chelmsford City Racecourse
Location: Chelmsford
Chelmsford City Racecourse offers a magical Christmas experience blending festive cheer with the thrill of horse racing. Highlights include the Illuminate Ball, featuring gourmet dining and live entertainment, and the “Christmas at the Races” package, which combines festive décor with private betting facilities and a Tipster Talk. With options for private and group bookings, the racecourse provides an unforgettable holiday celebration.
Website: https://chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/
7. Arena Racing Group’s Christmas Experiences
Location: Nationwide
With 21 venues across the UK, Arena Racing Group (ARC) offers a variety of Christmas events, including themed party nights, private celebrations, and thrilling race days. Highlights include live entertainment from acts like the Fusion Girls and activity-based team-building options like wreath-making workshops. Doncaster Racecourse adds a unique touch with its Christmas LIVE events featuring movie-themed music and disco nights.
Website: https://www.arenaracingcompany.co.uk/
8. Destination Emirates Old Trafford
Location: Manchester
Following a £75 million redevelopment, Destination Emirates Old Trafford offers a range of corporate Christmas party options. Guests can choose from large-scale shared parties with live music and glitter artists or intimate gatherings in private suites. The iconic cricket stadium also boasts a newly extended Hilton Garden Inn hotel, making it an ideal choice for multi-day events and conferences.
Website: https://emiratesoldtrafford.lancashirecricket.co.uk/
9. The Grand Hotel Birmingham
Location: Birmingham
Nestled in the heart of the city, The Grand Hotel Birmingham transforms into a winter wonderland offering event spaces for festive parties of all sizes. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, The Grand Hotel Birmingham can accommodate up to 250 guests for a banquet to 10 guests for an intimate Christmas lunch. Festive packages in The Grand Ballroom start from £75.00 per person and include a three-course menu including a champagne drinks reception and crackers. Alternatively, the Salon area in Madeleine bar can be exclusively hired for up to 60 people, or for a small team treat, the festive afternoon tea in Madeleine Bar is available to book from £35 pp.
Website: https://www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk/
10. The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Location: Royal Sutton Coldfield, North Warwickshire
The resort’s legendary Christmas joiner parties, available until December 21, are guaranteed to remind you why it is the most wonderful time of the year. From £65.95 per person, they comprise of a complimentary festive tipple, delicious three-course set menu followed by coffee and mince pies, charming Christmas decorations, and a thrilling live DJ. After the party night celebrations, you can dance the night away until the early hours in the new-look Brabazon Bar and continue the evening with a live band, fine wines and cocktails.
Website: https://www.thebelfry.com/
11. The Jockey Club Venues
Location: Nationwide
Known for staging thrilling sporting occasions, The Jockey Club’s Après Ski theme will transport guests to a magical winter wonderland that promises to capture the essence of the festive season.
‘Après Ski: A Jockey Club Christmas’ will be available across ten of the iconic racecourses in The Jockey Club’s stable of venues – Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom, Exeter, Haydock, Newmarket, Warwick and Wincanton. Guests can indulge in the spirit of the season with a sparkling welcome drink upon arrival, followed by a three-course festive feast, and finished off with dancing into the early hours. Available dates run throughout December, with prices starting from £65 per person. Private parties are also available for larger groups.
Website: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/venues/
11. ICC Wales
Location: Newport, South Wales
Immersive yourselves in a night of unforgettable festive fun at ICC Wales’ Ultimate Christmas Festive-al 2024!
Step into a wonderland bursting with dazzling circus performers, stunning showgirls and gravity-defying acrobats, all guaranteed to ignite your festive spirit. Savour a feast of mouthwatering gourmet street food and sip on delicious drinks while soaking up live entertainment that will have you feeling merry and bright. Your ticket entitles you to a welcome drink and unlimited street food, with prices starting at just £50.
Make the most of your party night and feel like the VIP you are by exclusively pre-partying in the glamorous VIP Glitter Lounge. Enjoy a fabulous glitter station, an Instagram-worthy selfie setup and a welcome drink to kick off the night in style.
Website: https://www.iccwales.com/
12. The Celtic Manor Resort
Location: Newport, South Wales
Step into a world of festive fantasy with Celtic Manor’s 2024 Christmas Party Nights. Whether you’re in the mood for the mystery of a Masquerade Ball, the lively spirit of Après Celtic, or the magical charm of a Winter Wonderland, you’re sure to find a night perfect for you.
Dance the night away with interactive DJs, indulge in lavish festive feasts and sip on seasonal drinks while surrounded by twinkling, snow-covered décor. From black-tie elegance to cosy Christmas jumper vibes with mulled wine in hand, there’s a celebration for every mood. Plus, why not extend the magic with an overnight stay in luxury at the Celtic Manor Resort?
Website: https://www.celtic-manor.com/
13. The Parkgate Hotel
Location: Cardiffs, South Wales
Join the party at The Parkgate Hotel for a glamorous black-tie Christmas celebration in the heart of Cardiff. Sip on a festive cocktail as you arrive, savour a delicious three-course meal and dance the night away to live DJ entertainment. With half a bottle of wine per person included, you’ll be toasting to the season in style. The festivities run on selected dates from 23 November to 21 December, with prices starting from £48 per person. Want to turn your evening into an all-night affair? Enjoy discounted hotel stays to complete the experience.
Website: https://www.theparkgatehotel.wales/
14. Leeds Castle, Kent
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Experience the magic of Christmas at the breathtaking Leeds Castle, located near Maidstone, Kent. Step into a winter wonderland and celebrate with your team at this historic venue, where enchanting holiday décor and seasonal charm set the stage.
Enjoy one of the Castle’s captivating themed Christmas parties with your very own Casino Night or Murder Mystery. Upon arrival, your evening will begin with a sparkling wine reception, followed by a festive three-course dinner held in The Grand Salon. Prices for the Casino Night and Murder Mystery Christmas parties start from £140(+VAT) per person and are based on a minimum of 50 guests and maximum of 100.
Alternatively, why not celebrate the festive season with an enchanting Christmas dining experience within the Castle or Fairfax Barn, with have both been beautifully decorated to complement this year’s theme, The Nutcracker. Prices for the Fairfax Barn Christmas dining start from £80 (+VAT) per person, based on a minimum of 50 guests and maximum of 100. Prices for the Castle Christmas Private Dining start from £115 (+VAT) per person, based on a minimum of 50 guests and maximum of 100.
Website: https://leeds-castle.com/
15. Enchanting balcony parties overlooking the River Thames
Location: Central London, IET London: Savoy Place
Whether in the historic charm of Maxwell Library with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, or the subtle elegance of Riverside Room with its abundance of natural light, with both spaces offering stunning private balconies overlooking the capital’s breathtaking skyline, guests will delight in a Christmas party like no other. All-inclusive packages, start from £132 plus VAT per person.
Website: https://savoyplace.theiet.org/
16. Church House Westminster
Location: Westminster, London
With enchanting views of Westminster Abbey outside, and an irresistibly warming atmosphere inside, Church House’s Christmas party packages bring festive cheer in abundance. They include a complimentary festive tipple upon arrival, a menu of much-loved Christmas classics with a modern twist from award-winning caterers, Searcys, and a live DJ from Blank Canvas, the capital’s leading entertainment specialists, playing a compilation of festive favourites.
Website: https://churchhouseconf.co.uk/
17. The Mermaid London
Bring the sparkle to festivities with leading City events venue, The Mermaid London. Its stylish Upper River Room overlooks the capital’s twinkling skyline, and has an exclusive entrance, late licence until 2am, and adjoining Queenhithe space ideal for use as a dancefloor. While its exquisite Auditorium – the only one of its kind in the City of London – brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage. All parties are inclusive of an elegant drinks reception, delectable catering by Seasoned, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, and a live DJ. As an added stocking filler, quote HOT when you book and the venue will provide a free photobooth, as well as complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Website: https://the-mermaid.co.uk/
Christmas Party Trends for 2024
- Earlier Bookings: Venues like Ascot Racecourse and Wotton House report a surge in advance bookings, with some securing dates as early as January.
- Customisation: Tailored, immersive experiences such as casino nights and team-building activities are in high demand.
- Tips for Organisers: Start planning early, consider midweek options, and confirm bookings promptly to secure the best venues and dates.
©Steve Pope
