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Tuesday 17 May 2022

For those coming into London this December, excited about a long-awaited company Christmas party or end of year celebration, there are some amazing attractions and things to do before you get dressed up for the big night out…

For many, the 2022 company Christmas Party in London will be the first in three years and, with so many of us still working from home, it will be the first chance for a long time to enjoy the lights, attractions and splendour in London at Christmas.

If you are planning to spend the night in the capital (never a bad plan after a big night out with friends and colleagues!), then why not take time the next day to visit some of London’s spectacular sights and do some last minute Christmas shopping “offline” for a change.

Here are Venue Search London’s top five Christmas and festive treats that await you:

1) Ice Skating at Somerset House

Glide along the ice at one of London’s most picture-perfect locations with Skate at Somerset House. Set within the neoclassical courtyard, with its giant Christmas tree, you can either enjoy a daytime skating session or make the most of late-night skates, with DJ soundtracks playing under the stars. Afterwards, why not relax with an indulgent hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat, or sip on a cocktail or two in the Moët & Chandon Skate Lounge.

Somerset House is one of many great winter ice skating locations, which also include Winter Wonderland (below) and Canary Wharf in East London.

2) Christmas Lights Bus Tour

See the capital sparkle with festive displays on the Christmas Lights London by Night open-top bus tour, led by an expert guide.  Be dazzled by Christmassy shop window displays, sparkling fairy lights and famous landmarks lit up come nightfall, on this night-time bus tour.  Drive past the world-famous Regent Street Christmas lights and other key sights, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Eye, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

There is no better or faster way to grab those Intsagrammable photos than from the top of a London Bus, but remember to wrap up nice and warm…


3) Winter Wonderland

One of London’s most established Christmas treats, you can embrace the Christmas spirit with Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park. This fun family event is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas. Featuring a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from the funfair, ice skating and circus shows to a Christmas market and live music, with plenty of delicious food and festive drinks stalls, there's enough fun things to do to fill a whole day and evening.

Winter Wonderland is without doubt, London’s largest Christmas attraction, so plan a 3-4 hour visit to fully explore its many wonders!

4) Christmas at Kew Gardens

Just a short train ride from Waterloo, you can take an enchanting journey into a glittering wonderland at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. The popular after-dark Christmas event hosts a trail through the famous botanic gardens, lit up with lights and spectacular projections. Join with family or friends to follow the illuminated path around the gardens and be treated to immersive installations and spectacular displays. Popular features include sparkling tunnels of light, and installations such as the 12 Days of Christmas, Meadow of Light and the scents of the Fire Garden, full of flickering flames.

Christmas at Kew is a multi-sensory experience for all ages and you can combine your trip with a lunch or early dinner in the Conservatory restaurant, which is best booked in advance.

5) South Bank Festival

Just a short walk from Waterloo Station, (or maybe on your way to your London Christmas party venue, why not experience the South Bank's riverside transformed into a stunning winter wonderland, where international cuisine and an artisan Christmas market come together in one sparkling location for Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. Stroll past the traditional wooden chalets lining the banks of the Thames and pick up gorgeous stocking fillers from the Winter Market, or tuck into cheese-based food, cocktails and mulled wine.

The festival also supports local musicians, buskers and street acts, so please donate to those you enjoy, to help these talented performers after two rough years for the entertainment industry.


So, with so many great things to do in London this December, it’s well worth planning your visit around your company Christmas party to make the most of your visit to the capital.

There is every sign that, after two interrupted party seasons, London will be packed with visitors from overseas and throughout the UK, so we recommend booking your London hotel or alternative accommodation and tickets to attractions well in advance of your visit.

On behalf of the whole team of free venue finders here at Venue Search London, we wish you a happy and enjoyable visit to our amazing and ever-changing city, whether partying with colleagues or visiting family and friends.