20 Fun Work Christmas Party Ideas to Unleash the Festive Magic

Unique Christmas party ideas for the festive season

December is here, and there’s one thing every employee is looking forward to…the end-of-year meeting? Nope. It’s Christmas party season!

So, if you’re responsible for setting up your work Christmas party, or perhaps a Christmas lunch for your team, but you’re tired of the same old office Christmas parties with dull decorations and forced sentimentality?

Fear not! We’re here to help you shake things up and create an unforgettable work Christmas party experience.

With these unique ideas, creative themes, engaging games and memorable entertainment, your Christmas event will be the talk of the office for years to come.

Short Summary

Spread the holiday joy with these quirky Christmas party themes!
Make your work Christmas event a night to remember with exciting games, live music, comedy acts & interactive performances!
Satisfy those Christmas cravings with some mulled wine and great festive food options.
Plan a fantastic event by setting a budget and choosing the right venue with festive decorations and ambience.
Only if you really have to should you host a virtual Christmas party (do feature online games, themed competitions, and interactive experiences to try and recreate the festive magic).

Festive Activities for Office Christmas Parties

Whether you’re booking a full venue, private hire, or a shared Christmas party, incorporating these engaging and festive activities into your Xmas party can make all the difference in creating a memorable event.

From themed dress codes and photo booths to a team-building event with interactive and engaging activities that promote teamwork and collaboration, these top entertainment ideas will keep your co-workers entertained and foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork throughout the night.

Themed Dress Code

Encourage your guests to dress up in festive attire or costumes by setting a themed dress code for your holiday work party. Add some holiday props to add extra excitement to your Christmas celebrations.

Whether it’s a winter wonderland, decade-themed, or black-and-white affair, a themed dress code can add an element of fun and excitement to the event. Plus, it gives everyone an opportunity to show off their creative side and get into the holiday spirit.

Encouraging your guests to dress up in festive attire or costumes is a great way to make your guests feel special.

Photobooth

Bringing people together for light-hearted photos carries a contagious charm! So transform your traditional festive party into a quirky Christmas celebration by setting up a photo booth.

A photo booth not only provides all the fun but also serves as an icebreaker, encouraging co-workers to mingle and have a laugh together. Plus, the photos can be displayed on the office noticeboard, creating lasting memories of the festive celebration.

Build an incredible winter-themed backdrop for everyone to strike a pose in front of, and stock it with fun Christmas and wintry props to elevate the photos.

Wine Tasting & Cocktail Making

What could be more festive than sipping on fine wine and crafting your own delicious cocktails?

Cocktail making class at christmas corporate event — Cocktail making classes

Organise a wine-tasting or cocktail-making session led by professional sommeliers or mixologists at your own private bar for a fun and educational office Christmas party experience.

Not only will your colleagues learn something new, but they’ll also have a blast trying out different wines and creating their own unique cocktails and concoctions.

If you don’t want to book an entire venue, plenty of Christmas party venues offer private rooms or chalets for smaller groups — and shared Christmas party nights through December are ideal for small teams, giving you the big-party atmosphere (DJ, theming, dinner) without hiring a whole venue.

Cheers to the perfect venue for a Christmas party in London!

Team Building Games

Organise a team building event with games such as a holiday scavenger hunt or escape room to promote collaboration and camaraderie during your festive celebrations. These games encourage co-workers to work together, communicate effectively, and think critically while having a great time. You can also include group card games like Spades and Hearts. Both games are perfect for team building as they require strategy, teamwork, and communication. If you don’t have a deck of cards on hand, no worries, you can play Spades online, as Hearts online too!

By incorporating creative team building activities into your party, you’ll not only create a festive atmosphere but also help to strengthen relationships within your team.

Let’s explore some of these creative suggestions in more detail.

Creative Work Christmas Party Ideas

Festive Fun – Santa’s Workshop

Secret Santa Games — Everyone Loves Secret Santa

For a fun team-based activity and interactive experience, turn your work party into one of those team-building Christmas parties with a twist – Santa’s Workshop!

Get everyone dressed up in Santa hats and participate (in teams) in gift-making activities that’ll get their creative juices flowing, such as building or decorating a giant gingerbread house, creating ornaments or decorating ugly sweaters.

The winning team from each event could enjoy treats like Baby-Guinness shots (if you don’t know what these gems are, get googling!) or Amazon vouchers or even festive snacks like Bailey’s hot chocolate with cookies and candy canes around the giant office Christmas tree.

Secret Santa

You can even add a Secret Santa gift exchange to make the event more entertaining as co-workers unwrap presents and share the joy of giving and receiving as they celebrate Christmas together.

Paint and Sip Experience

Paint and Sip Christmas Party — Paint and Sip with full venue hire

Combine creativity and relaxation with a paint-and-sip experience, where guests can unleash their inner artists while sipping festive drinks.

This activity allows everyone to be in the moment, forget about the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and create something unique.

Not only will you all have a blast, but you’ll also have a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home as a memento of the night.

Candle Making Experience

Offer a unique and relaxing candle-making experience for your Christmas celebration, where guests can create their own festive scented candles.

This activity provides a calming atmosphere and leaves them with a sweet, one-of-a-kind candle to take home as a memento of the night.

It’s time to light up the festive celebrations with this creative party idea!

Gingerbread House Decorating

Table Games: Christmas House Decorating — Grab some of these decorating kits

Nothing says Christmas quite like gingerbread houses! They’re not only a delicious treat but can also serve as a fun and nostalgic party activity. Provide gingerbread kits that you can buy online, and watch as your co-workers’ creativity flourishes.

You can add a competitive edge by having teams of four build and decorate, and then everyone votes on their favourite creations.

This festive activity would be good as a table activity before the starters arrive and will surely bring out the Christmas spirit in everyone.

Christmas Bauble-Making Experience

Christmas Bauble Decorating Activity — These will look ‘tweet’ on your tree!

Encourage team bonding and creativity with a Christmas bauble-making workshop, where guests can create their own unique ornaments.

This hands-on activity is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit while crafting beautiful, personalised decorations.

Who knows, you might even start a new office tradition!

Engaging Parlour Games

What’s a party without party games? Engaging parlour games like a Festive Trivia Quiz, Team Relay Race, and even Xmas Pictionary provide entertainment and promote team-building and interaction among team members.

Christmas party games — Arcade games at the Christmas party

Christmas games are perfect for breaking the ice and will get everyone in the holiday spirit at this year’s company Christmas party. With some creativity and festive decorations, you can ensure that it will be a (hazy) night to remember.

Festive Trivia Quiz

Test your colleagues’ knowledge of holiday facts and traditions with a festive trivia quiz!

This friendly competition encourages conversation and bonding among colleagues, as they answer questions about everything from:

the origin of Christmas trees
the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time
the history of Santa Claus
popular holiday traditions around the world
famous holiday songs and carols

Award small or silly prizes to the festive quiz winners, and watch as everyone gets into the spirit of Christmas!

Gift Wrapping Relay Race

Wrapping Christmas presents — The perfect way to practice those wrapping skills

Add a touch of excitement and teamwork to your Christmas parties with a Gift Wrapping Relay Race, a fun game where teams race against the clock to wrap presents as quickly and neatly as possible.

The first player in each team runs to the table, unwraps a gift, wraps it, and sprints back to wait for their next teammate.

The winning team is the first to finish… queue laughter, camaraderie and lots of mess!

Christmas Pictionary

Monica from Friends playing pictionary — Bye bye…?!

After a few shots of Baileys, unleash everyone’s inner artist with a game of Christmas Pictionary! Players take turns drawing Christmas-themed words and phrases while their teammates try to guess what they are within a minute. Some examples of words and phrases you can use are:

Gingerbread cookie
Candy cane
Snowman
Christmas tree
Santa Claus

This entertaining activity will get everyone laughing and bonding over their artistic abilities (or lack thereof).

Memorable Corporate Christmas Party Entertainment

No office Christmas party is complete without memorable entertainment! Whether it’s live music to set the mood, comedy acts to bring laughter and break the ice, or interactive performances to engage your guests, the right entertainment can transform your holiday celebration from a quirky Christmas party to something truly unforgettable.

So, prepare to dance, laugh, and create lasting memories with your team as you enjoy the festive season. Let’s dive in.

Live Music

Set the tone for your Christmas parties with Christmas carol singers, or take it up a notch with live music encouraging guests to dance and socialise.

Live music adds a lively and enjoyable atmosphere to your event, whether a band, a DJ, or even (eek!) a karaoke machine.

At a minimum, ensure that the venue has an inviting dance floor, colourful neon lights, and a Xmas playlist to get everyone grooving! You could also introduce a new way of enjoying and dancing to the music by renting out silent disco headphones instead of blasting it through the big speakers. Either way, as long as you and everyone enjoy the party, it is going to be great fun.

Consider adding one of the below interactive elements to the mix to make the most of your social time together.

Quirky Christmas Party – Comedy Acts and Drag Hosts

Drag performers — Drag hosts light up the crowd

Laughter is the best medicine, and comedy acts are a sure-fire way to bring joy and entertainment to your Christmas party. From stand-up comedians to improv troupes and drag hosts, comedy acts can help break the ice and create a relaxed environment for your guests.

A great drag host will have the audience in stitches — check reviews first, and make sure their act suits a corporate crowd.

If you’re booking an act yourself, just be sure to choose someone appropriate for a corporate setting!

Interactive Performances

Engage your guests and create an unforgettable experience with interactive entertainment like a couple of magicians, a murder mystery game, or a game show-style activity.

These immersive experiences encourage attendees to participate and interact with one another, leaving them with lasting memories of your quirky Christmas bash.

Ask your venue about their recommended supplier list — most work regularly with magicians and roaming performers who can bring a touch of magic to the room.

So think outside the box and surprise your co-workers with an entertainment option they won’t soon forget!

Creative Party Themes

Lastly, the unique and immersive theme can make all the difference in creating a memorable party.

Gone are the days of generic holiday decorations and repetitive activities. Instead, let your imagination run wild and transform your next office party into:

A Winter Wonderland (or book a winter-themed venue to build it for you)
A Mysterious Masquerade Ball (great for black tie)
A stylish Roaring ‘20s soiree (simple fancy dress)
Holiday Costume Party (including a Christmas jumper theme)
Santa’s Workshop (for the more creatively minded)

Each theme offers a fresh and exciting experience that will leave a lasting impression on your co-workers.

Work Christmas Party Themes – Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland Themed Christmas party venue — An alpine-lodge themed venue

Imagine stepping into a magical world of snow-covered Christmas trees, ice sculptures, twinkling coloured lights and kitsch alpine decorations, where every corner of the venue transports you to a winter paradise.

With snowflakes, icicles, and a festive colour scheme, your office xmas party will become an enchanting escape from the ordinary.

Activities like ping pong, beer pong, darts or scavenger hunts will keep your guests engaged and entertained, making your event a colossal hit.

Most dedicated Christmas party venues offer a range of packages that can be tailored to your group size and budget — shared party nights for small teams, exclusive hire for bigger companies. Book early: the best December dates go by autumn.

Work Christmas Party Themes – Masquerade Ball

Masked Ball themed Christmas Party — Why not incorporate a Masked Ball theme for a quirky Christmas party?

Add an air of mystery and elegance to your work Christmas party with a masquerade ball theme.

Guests will delight in wearing masks and participating in dinner and dancing, even if your uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down the event (we’re looking at you, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman).

Decorate the whole venue with the following:

Mini masquerade masks
Velvet drapes
Feathers
Beads
Masks on walls

And remember to provide a variety of masks for guests that forgot theirs.

Work Christmas Party Themes – Roaring ’20s

Roaring 20's themed party — Get ready to party Gatsby style!

Very on-trend this year: transport your guests back in time to the era of flapper dresses, jazz music, and vintage charm with a Roaring ‘20s theme. This lively and stylish celebration features a colour scheme of glamorous gold, stunning black, and elegant white, setting the perfect ambience for a quirky Christmas party and definitely a night to remember.

Encourage guests to dress in vintage attire and dance the night away to the rhythm of jazz, making your work Christmas party an event that won’t soon be forgotten.

Delicious Food and Drink Ideas

Festive food and drink — A cheese fondue experience

No corporate events or Christmas parties are complete without mouth-watering Xmas food and drinks!

From festive cocktails to themed buffets and dessert stations, there are plenty of great food options to satisfy every taste bud and preference. So, whether you’re catering to a diverse crowd or looking to recreate the culinary Christmas market delights, these delicious holiday street food and drink ideas will make your office Christmas party a culinary success.

From classic eggnog to creative cocktails, there are plenty of options.

Festive Cocktails

Christmas Season Cocktails — Themed Cocktails

Raise a glass and toast to successful work Christmas parties!

Why not add a touch of holiday cheer and sophistication and get everyone in the Christmas spirit with festive cocktails like mulled wine, mulled cider or eggnog?

From classic recipes to creative concoctions, a selection of seasonal drinks and a few cocktail bars will delight your guests and get everyone in the right party spirit. Or, if cocktails aren’t your preference, there’s nothing like a delicious wine tasting activity that screams Christmas.

Themed Buffets

Baked Camembert and Seasonal Treats — Baked camembert

Offer a variety of great food dishes inspired by different holiday traditions with a themed buffet at your work Christmas night out.

Try some ideas like a “Winter Wonderland” buffet featuring snowflake-shaped cookies and hot cocoa or a “Christmas Around the World” spread showcasing dishes from different countries and your culinary creativity will pique your guests’ interests.

Summary: themed buffets provide a delicious and exciting alternative to traditional holiday fare, just make sure you accommodate for today’s diverse dietary needs and preferences!

Dessert Stations

Roast Marshmallows around the firepit — Roast marshmallows around a firepit

Sweeten your work Christmas parties with dessert stations offering tasty treats and interactive experiences.

Whether it’s a gingerbread decorating table or a selection of festive treats like minced pies or delicious macarons and brownies or a even hot chocolate bar complete with all the fixings, dessert stations are always a hit with people at Xmas.

Some venues even have an outdoor firepit where you can gather round and roast marshmallows! So indulge in the sweeter side and treat your co-workers to a festive meal and some delicious and fun dessert options.

Unconventional London Christmas Party Venues

Now that we’ve explored some creative work Xmas party ideas let’s dive into the world of quirky London Christmas party venues. With the array of glamorous open space venues London has to offer, venue finding has never been easier.

From themed bars and winter venues to Christmas cruises and party buses, there are unique venues all over town. So, why not step outside the box this year and play host to your event at one of these quirky venues that will leave your co-workers reminiscing for years to come?

London has it all, whether you’re looking for a quirky bar with ski lift bubbles or a glamorous venue with an ice-skating rink. If you want a fun way to get from one venue to another, why not book a party bus?

In the following section, we’ll introduce you to some of the city’s most unique and unconventional Christmas party venues.

Winter Themed Venues

For a truly festive experience, choose a winter-themed venue for your office Christmas party. London has alpine lodges, ski-lodge pop-ups and igloo rooftops every December — or go full Christmas-bar at a pop-up like Miracle on Russell Street in Covent Garden (9 November – 30 December 2026). Browse London Christmas party venues to compare packages with games, private rooms, themed décor, festive music, food and cocktails included.

Ice rink with a christmas tree — An ice rink is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit

Looking more central, why not book the ice rink at Somerset House or the Pavilion in the Tower of London for a fun and frosty night of skating and feasting?

Christmas Cruises

Christmas Thames Cruise — Jingle your way across the River Thames

Why not take your Christmas celebrations to the water and host a festive cruise along the Thames? With gorgeous views of the London Eye and a unique party atmosphere, a Christmas cruise is the perfect way to the enjoy the festive period.

Choose from a variety of packages, including three-course festive lunches, whimsical cruises along the River Thames with delicious meals, or a festive night out with a twist onboard a Christmas dinner party cruise.

Party Buses

For a mobile office Christmas party like no other, rent a party bus and tour London’s most iconic sights while celebrating the festive season.

Christmas Party buses come equipped with sound systems, lighting, and a bar, providing a fun and secure environment for everyone to let loose and enjoy the night.

It’s a great way to experience the city’s festive decorations and enjoy live entertainment while keeping the party going all night long.

Office Christmas Party Planning Tips

Planning an unforgettable and quirky Christmas party requires attention to detail and, depending on you, a bit of creativity.

To ensure your event is a smashing success, focus on three things:

1) setting a budget,

2) choosing the right venue, and

3) focusing on decorations and ambience.

The following tips will help you create a memorable event that leaves a lasting impression on your coworkers and celebrates the holiday season in style.

1) Setting a Budget

Setting a budget for your corporate Christmas party is crucial to prioritising expenses and ensuring your celebration stays within the company’s financial constraints.

Consider the cost of the following components when determining your budget. This will help you focus on what’s essential and maximise your resources:

Venue Hire Fee
Food Cost Per Person
Drinks Cost Per Person
Decorations & Theming (if you rent a ballroom etc)
Entertainment

2) Choosing the perfect Christmas party venue

A grand venue entrance — Make an entrance

When choosing the perfect place for your office Christmas party, consider location, capacity, and amenities. The perfect party venue will make all the difference in creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Whether it’s a formal banquet hall, spacious event space or a purpose-built Christmas party venue, the right venue will get everyone in the celebratory Christmas spirit for a night of fun and festivities.

The wrong venue will leave everyone flat and uninspired, so make sure you choose the top spot!

3) Christmas Celebrations – Decorations and Ambiance

Don’t underestimate the power of Christmas decor in setting the mood.

An attention to detail on the festive lighting, eye-catching centrepieces, Christmas trees and decoration and creativity will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

So make sure you go all out with your decorations and create an atmosphere that will encourage your guests to be happy and merry.

Summary

In conclusion, a memorable work Christmas party comes down to four things: a creative theme, engaging games, memorable entertainment, and delicious winter food and drinks. Pick a venue that bundles those into a package and most of the organising is done for you — all you need to do is pick a date.

So, prepare to spread holiday cheer and make this year’s office Christmas party one for the books!

Browse London venues for your Christmas party

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for work Christmas party?

Employers almost always pay for the work Christmas party as a gesture of goodwill and recognition of their employees’ efforts. It is a great way to show appreciation and reward hard work, and it can also be a great opportunity for team building and socialising.

Work Christmas do ideas?

Let’s get the party started with some great work Christmas party activities! From shuffleboard to arcade games to interactive darts and marshmallow roasting, there’s something for everyone to get into the xmas spirit.

What are some creative themes for an office Christmas party?

Get into the festive spirit with creative themes like Winter Wonderland, Masquerade Ball, Roaring ‘20s, and Santa’s Workshop for your office Christmas party!

What are some unique office Christmas party ideas in London?

Wine tasting, cocktail making, paint and sip experiences, Christmas bauble-making, gingerbread house decorating, and candle making are all great ideas for an office Christmas party in London.

The Best Igloo Restaurants in London (Winter 2026/27)

Plenty of Outdoor Space: A riverside igloo in winter

London’s igloo restaurants offer a unique dining experience that will captivate your senses throughout the winter season.

Indulge in delicious dishes while surrounded by stunning city skyline views, all from the comfort of a cosy, heated igloo. Intrigued? Then join us as we explore the best igloo restaurants London offers this winter!

Short Summary

Embark on an exciting culinary journey with London’s top igloo restaurants!
Experience the unique and memorable experience of a themed dining adventure or private event in luxurious igloos.
Enjoy stunning views, delicious food & drinks, family-friendly options and more – unforgettable!

Experience London’s Top Igloo Restaurants

The city’s igloo restaurants, also known as dining igloos, are genuinely unique dining spots, offering dome-shaped igloos with picturesque surroundings and diverse menus to cater to various tastes. From enjoying a three-course meal to sipping cocktails along the River Thames, London’s igloos provide an unparalleled dining experience.

Heated igloos are especially popular during the festive season, offering a relaxing and memorable experience away from the crowds, making them perfect for celebrating special events with family and friends and even playing work christmas games with colleagues.

Let’s dive into some of the best London igloo restaurants you must visit. We’ll start with the famous Coppa Club by Tower Bridge, Aviary Rooftop and Circe’s party pods in Waterloo.

Coppa Club: Tower Bridge Views

Coppa Club is undoubtedly renowned among igloo restaurants in London. It is situated at Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street. This glass igloo restaurant boasts stunning Tower Bridge views, creating a memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is informal yet sophisticated, resembling a private members’ club without the formality. Coppa Club offers a delightful menu of British and European dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Coppa’s igloos have proved so popular they’re now a permanent fixture — you can book one year-round, though Christmas is when they really come into their own (book well ahead for December, and expect a minimum spend at peak times). Reserve via the Coppa Club website.

Aviary Rooftop: City Skyline Vistas

If you’re looking for breathtaking city skyline vistas, these Aviary Igloos are the perfect igloo restaurant for you!

Located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel, this rooftop pub offers a truly unique dining experience in their cosy London igloos. The atmosphere is inviting and warm, complete with lounge-style seats, low coffee tables, and island holiday-inspired decor.

Sitting under sparkling lights and cosy blankets, indulge in delicious Swiss cheese or chocolate fondue, and sip on refreshing cocktails while admiring the view of the London skyline. To book your Aviary Terrace igloo, head to their website and be prepared for a minimum spend of £200 for groups of 2 to 3 or £50 per person for groups of four or more.

Remember, the maximum capacity of each igloo is eight people, so plan accordingly.

Circe’s Rooftop: Party Pods in Waterloo

Above Waterloo station, Circe’s Rooftop (the rooftop formerly known as Bar Elba) leans into winter with heated party pods and snow globes for up to nine guests: blankets, Bluetooth speakers for your own playlist and cocktails delivered to your pod. Pod hire starts from around £200 (snow globes £270), redeemable against food and drink, with Mediterranean small plates — and half the London Eye visible from the roof.

Themed Igloo Dining Experiences

For those seeking a themed dining experience, London’s igloo restaurants have you covered. These enchanting private dining London igloos are perfect for special occasions, including romantic date nights, birthdays, and anniversaries. From riverside igloos at Battersea to the charming escape of Secret Garden Domes, you’ll be transported to a world of wonder as you indulge in delicious food and drinks.

Glide at Battersea Power Station: Igloos by the Rink

Okay, this one’s a pop-up rather than a restaurant — but it’s too good to leave out. Glide, London’s riverside ice rink at Battersea Power Station, returns 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 with private igloos (sponsored by Air Canada) you can hire for 90 minutes as a cosy base between skates, including on New Year’s Eve. Igloo hire doesn’t include skating tickets, so book both — there’s more detail in the Glide section below.

London Secret Garden Domes: Enchanted Escape

For a truly enchanted escape, these Secret Garden Domes, located at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 100 Cromwell Rd in South Kensington, offer themed domes with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The five luxurious private domes are situated in the hotel’s garden and adorned with twinkling lights and floral accents, providing an intimate setting for a special dinner or gathering with friends and family.

They offer exciting three-course meals (various dietary preferences) alongside an extensive drinks menu featuring delicious cocktails, exquisite wines, and refreshing beers.

Each dome can seat up to 10 people for two-hour sittings — afternoon tea in a dome (from £45pp) is the local favourite. Book via the London Secret Garden website or OpenTable.

Glide at Battersea Power Station

Level up your skating experience with their sleek new igloos, available to book for all dates as a base for drinks and nibbles throughout the event, including New Year’s Eve!

Let’s set the scene; you’ve finished your skate on London’s most magical rink and cemented your position as a suitable candidate for Dancing on Ice.

Skates are swapped for your winter boots, and you are welcomed into a twinkling, cosy igloo.

PRICING

This season Glide runs 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and the igloos are available for every date including New Year’s Eve — 90-minute private hire, booked via the Glide website (prices vary by date, so check before you go).

Click to visit their website. Please note: Igloo booking does not include Ice Skating tickets.

Vinegar Yard

Vinegar Yard is an eclectic indoor and outdoor venue by London Bridge station that goes under cover for winter, with stretch tents, heaters and fairy lights across the yard. Cosy up with cocktails and street food from the resident traders.

It’s currently open Wednesday to Saturday, and the site is earmarked for redevelopment in future — check it’s still trading before you travel.

72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX, UK

https://www.vinegaryard.london/

Luxurious Igloo Dining Options

Indulge in the opulence of London’s luxurious igloo dining options, featuring exquisite menus and elegant settings. From the Argentine elegance of Gaucho Dining Pods to the rooftop opulence of Vintry and Mercer, these igloo restaurants cater to those seeking a refined and indulgent dining experience.

Let’s take a closer look at some of London’s most luxurious igloo dining options, starting with Gaucho Dining Pods and then moving on to Vintry and Mercer.

Gaucho Dining Pods: Argentine Elegance

Gaucho Dining Pods are luxurious, stylish igloo-style pods at the renowned Argentine steakhouse, Gaucho. At Gaucho Canary Wharf, the heated igloo-style pods sit right on the water with Thames views and built-in speakers. The winter offer is a three-course raclette feast with dessert drinks for £75 per person — an upscale way to indulge in fine beef, curated wines, and expertly crafted cocktails.

The atmosphere at Gaucho Dining Pods is truly “Argentine Elegance,” providing an exciting and stylish setting for private dining experiences. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a memorable night out, Gaucho Dining Pods offers a truly indulgent dining experience.

Visit their website to book.

Vintry and Mercer: Rooftop Opulence

Vintry and Mercer, a luxurious hotel in the heart of London, offers rooftop opulence with igloo-style domes and a British and Mediterranean menu. These elegant igloos provide a stylish and refined atmosphere, perfect for an indulgent evening with friends, family, or that special someone.

The stylish bar area at Vintry and Mercer serves exquisite cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers, ensuring a remarkable and memorable dining experience in their rooftop igloos.

Indulge in the luxury of Vintry and Mercer and treat yourself to a night of indulgence.

Family-Friendly Igloo Restaurants

For those seeking family-friendly igloo dining options, London has plenty to offer. Many igloo restaurants in the city welcome guests of all ages, providing delightful dining experiences that the whole family can enjoy. London Secret Garden’s domes are a great example of family-friendly igloo dining in London.

Let’s delve into the best family-friendly option.

1864 Rooftop Bar: Igloos above Oxford Street

The John Lewis rooftop on Oxford Street — once home to Willows on the Roof — is now 1864 Rooftop Bar, and the heated igloos remain the big draw. Each holds eight seated (ten standing) with its own speaker, panoramic views and 2.5-hour bookings; for Christmas 2026 (1 October – 31 December) there’s a set feasting menu (around £65pp) or à la carte. About as central as igloo dining gets.

For a quieter, family-friendly dome day, the five domes at London Secret Garden in Kensington (above) welcome children for afternoon tea — and most igloo venues in this guide offer kids’ options at off-peak sittings. Always check minimum ages and sitting lengths when you book.

Planning Your Igloo Restaurant Visit

When planning your visit to one of London’s igloo restaurants, there are a few essential factors to consider. First, booking a reservation in advance is highly recommended, as these unique dining spots are in high demand. The price range for dining at igloo restaurants in London can vary significantly depending on the restaurant, menu offerings, and location, so it’s essential to research and compare prices before booking.

Igloo restaurants in London are open throughout the year. They have heating systems installed to ensure a warm ambience in the area, irrespective of the weather conditions outside. It is advised to check the establishment’s website or contact them directly for more information if it has seasonal availability.

Most restaurants consider dietary requirements and provide a variety of menu options. These include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices to suit different preferences. If you’re unsure, we advise calling ahead to ensure a memorable and enjoyable dining experience at all of London’s igloo restaurants.

Igloo Restaurants for Private Events

Igloo restaurants are perfect for romantic dinners and family gatherings and for hosting private events, hen parties, and celebrations. Several of the best igloo restaurants in London offer the option to host private events, providing a unique and memorable experience for your guests. Igloo restaurants offering private events this winter include Coppa Club, Aviary, Circe’s and 1864 Rooftop Bar.

When planning a private event or party at an igloo restaurant in London, it’s essential to consider the size of the event, the type of cuisine offered, and the cost of the event.

Additionally, some igloo restaurants may require a minimum number of guests or a minimum spend, so inquire about these details when booking your event.

The Sipping Room: Waterfront Igloos at West India Quay

Over in Canary Wharf, The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan lines its waterfront terrace with heated igloos under a canopy of fairy lights (from mid-October through winter). Each igloo holds up to eight guests; expect warming dishes like wild mushroom arancini and sweet duck bao alongside a Mexican-leaning drinks list from its Casamigos Cabin pop-up. Book via the Drake & Morgan website.

Jimmy’s Winter Lodge and Snow Globes

Jimmy's Snow Globes — Jimmy’s Snow Globes

For a cosy setting for private dining with stunning riverside views, look no further than Jimmy’s Winter Lodge and Snow Globes, located at Southbank Centre. These heated igloos, also known as winter igloos, offer a warm atmosphere perfect for hosting intimate gatherings and celebrations with stunning views of the River Thames.

Jimmy’s Lodge is back at Southbank for 9 October – 30 December 2026, with four private dining domes for up to 10 people each, plus a two-storey cabin restaurant serving alpine fondue and steak cooked on hot stones at your table.

To book your private dining experience with a hot apple Mojito at Jimmy’s Winter Lodge and Snow Globes, book via the Jimmy’s Winter Lodge website and reserve your spot for a memorable evening with friends and loved ones.

Summary

In conclusion, London’s igloo restaurants offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience for all preferences and occasions. Whether you’re looking for stunning skyline views, themed dining experiences, luxurious settings, or family-friendly options where you can just snuggle under faux fur blankets, there’s a London igloo restaurant that’s perfect for you.

So why not embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in the enchanting world of London’s igloo restaurants? Combine it with an intimate hen party and play some of these cracking hen party games!

From the breathtaking views of Coppa Club and Aviary Rooftop to the whimsical atmosphere of Circe’s pods and London Secret Garden Domes, London’s igloo restaurants offer a unique dining experience.

So gather your friends, family, or loved ones and embark on a culinary journey through the magical world of London’s igloo restaurants. Bon appétit!

An igloo restaurant by the Thames — Igloo dining by the Thames

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cuisine is typically served at igloo restaurants in London?

Be prepared to enjoy a global culinary experience at London’s igloo restaurants, where you can find everything from classic British dishes and European delicacies to Argentine steaks and street food favourites.

You can sample dishes from all over the world, from traditional British favourites like fish and chips to exotic dishes from South America and Asia. With a wide range of cuisines, you’re sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds.

Are igloo restaurants suitable for families with children?

With some igloo restaurants offering child-friendly menus and age-appropriate activities, it’s a great place to bring the whole family for a unique dining experience!

Kids will love dining at igloos, making it an ideal spot for family dinners.

How far in advance should I book a reservation at an igloo restaurant in London?

You should book a reservation at least one month in advance as igloo restaurants in London are incredibly popular, especially during the dark winter months!

Don’t wait to book, as these magical experiences fill up quickly!

Can igloo restaurants in London cater to specific dietary requirements?

Absolutely! Most igloo restaurants offer varied menu options, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, to meet specific dietary requirements.

So don’t hesitate – London has something for everyone!

Are igloo restaurants in London open year-round?

Some are — Coppa Club’s igloos and the London Secret Garden domes now run year-round — but most London igloos are seasonal, typically appearing from October or November until March or April. Always check dates before booking.

So whether you’re looking for a cosy winter meal or (at the year-round spots) a summer snack in a dome, London has you covered!

Can you host your office Christmas party in an igloo

Yes, definitely, as long as your team is 8 people or less! If you’re looking for inspiration on the best office Christmas party ideas, check out our post here.