Top 20 Christmas Party Ideas in South Bank 2025

When it comes to Christmas in London, few places capture the festive spirit like South Bank. Lights glittering in the trees along the riverside, the warming smells of mulled wine and sweet treats from the Winter Markets, and festive music drifting in the air from all the seasonal pop-ups and entertainers are guaranteed to get you in the yuletide spirit.

Whether you’re planning a small team night out, a lively dining experience, some competitive socialising or a large-scale event with hundreds of guests, South Bank offers an unrivalled variety of options.

Here’s our list of the top 25 Christmas party ideas to inspire your celebrations this year.

Feeling Competitive?

Everyone has a little competitive streak somewhere and there’s nothing more fun at Christmas than getting your team together to test your skills!

1. Passyunk Avenue
This all-American dive bar brings a slice of Philadelphia to South Bank. Expect authentic bar food, shuffleboard tables, and even baseball batting cages to test your swing. Perfect for teams that want a casual, fun-filled night with plenty of banter and big flavours.

2. BrewDog Waterloo
As the UK’s biggest BrewDog, this venue is more than just a craft beer haven. With multiple private spaces, duckpin bowling, and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s ideal for groups looking to combine socialising with unique activities. BrewDog’s festive party menus and beer packages keep the good times flowing.

3. Lucky Voice Waterloo
There’s no better way to bond with colleagues than belting out your favourite Christmas classics. Lucky Voice offers private karaoke rooms, themed drinks packages, and even cocktail-making masterclasses for an extra twist. A guaranteed hit for teams who want to let loose.

4. Draughts
London’s best board game café is perfect for those who prefer a little strategy with their socialising. With over 100 games to choose from, expert hosts to guide your evening, and a menu packed with hearty food and drinks, Draughts makes for a playful and memorable party venue.

Independent Restaurants with International Flavour

There’s an incredible range of restaurants in South Bank – head to our Eat & Drink section to view the whole list, but sometimes you want something a little different and Christmas is the perfect time to mix things up!

5.  LIMIN SOUTHBANK
Inject sunshine into your Christmas with LIMIN’s Caribbean-inspired vibe. Think vibrant décor, soca beats, tropical cocktails, and Trinidadian sharing platters that bring everyone together. A lively, colourful choice for teams who want to swap mulled wine for rum punch.

6. Mamuśka!
Tucked under Waterloo’s railway arches, Mamuśka! is a Polish kitchen and bar with big party energy. Serving hearty traditional plates, vodka shots, and live music, it’s a warm and welcoming space where festive cheer comes with a lively Eastern European twist.

7. Peacock
For an elevated Christmas party, Peacock delivers refined Chinese dining with modern flair. With stunning interiors, authentic dishes, and views over Big Ben and the Thames, it’s a sophisticated option that blends fine dining with a memorable riverside setting.

8. The Strings
This Spanish-Italian restaurant offers small plates, tapas, and vibrant Mediterranean flavours. Add in the beautiful sound of live Spanish guitar and you have an atmospheric, cultural dining experience that feels a world away from the office.

9. Locale
Fun, friendly and full of flavour, Locale is a modern Italian eatery serving pizzas, pastas, and classic Italian plates in a relaxed setting. Ideal for colleagues who want a lively, informal Christmas party that still feels special.

Fun Experiences & Alternative Party Backdrops

Rather than opting for a long boozy lunch or dinner, alcohol-free celebrations are on the rise. So get creative with your party plans and treat everyone to an engaging experience instead.

10. Big Belly Comedy
South Bank’s new comedy club is perfect for groups that love to laugh. With stand-up shows, street food stalls, and inclusive drinks packages, Big Belly guarantees a night of entertainment in a vibrant, festival-style setting.

11. The London Eye
There’s nothing more iconic than toasting the season while soaring 135 metres above the capital. Book a private pod for champagne, nibbles, and unbeatable views of London’s twinkling skyline.

12. County Hall Pottery Studio
Swap Secret Santa for something more creative with a hands-on pottery workshop. Led by expert artists, these sessions are a great way to bond with colleagues while making keepsakes to take home.

13. Paddington Bear Experience
Step into the charming world of Paddington and wander through Windsor Gardens. This immersive experience makes for a playful and heart-warming backdrop to a quirky Christmas outing.

14. Florence Nightingale Museum
Bold, different and refreshingly alternative, this museum transforms into a unique party venue that’s far from ordinary. Celebrate the festive season surrounded by stories of courage and history, while enjoying a fun and thought-provoking backdrop that sparks conversation long after the night is over.

15. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Dive under the sea for a party surrounded by sharks, rays and glowing jellyfish. The aquarium’s event spaces are both dramatic and unforgettable, perfect for hosting dinners or drinks receptions with a twist.

Rooftop Venues with Skyline Views

Take advantage of the riverside location and treat your guests to a sky high experience with incredible views across the city skyline.

16. OXO Tower Restaurant and Bar
One of London’s most iconic dining destinations, the OXO Tower offers sophisticated menus, luxury cocktails, and breathtaking views across the Thames. Perfect for intimate festive dinners or glamorous private hires.

17. Sea Containers Events
Located at the top of the landmark Sea Containers building, this venue boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop terrace. Spaces can be tailored to any event, from sit-down dinners to full-scale parties, with London’s skyline as your backdrop.

18. Seventy5th Balcony Bar
Brand new for 2025, this stylish Southbank Centre bar can host up to 300 guests. With an expansive terrace and panoramic views of the Thames, it’s an exceptional choice for Christmas parties in the heart of London.

19. Buffini Chao Deck 
Perched atop the National Theatre, this versatile space comes with a wrap-around balcony offering panoramic city views. A chic, adaptable venue for both elegant dinners and lively celebrations.

20. 12th Knot 
Situated at the top of Sea Containers London hotel, 12th Knot is a glamorous cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and a vibrant atmosphere. Ideal for smaller teams who want a premium festive night out, or larger teams who want to book out the whole venue!

21. Southbank Centre Roof Pavilions
Sitting high above the Royal Festival Hall, the Roof Pavilions are a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into your perfect Christmas setting. With flexible layouts, stunning rooftop views from the balconies, and space for up to 300 guests, it’s an adaptable venue that lets your creativity shine.

Book a blowout party

If your group is on the larger side and you need a big venue with big ideas, we have tons. (Head to our Venue Hire page to view the full portfolio). If it’s good enough for London Film Festival, London Literature Festival, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks and the BAFTAs, South Bank is clearly the number one choice for your glitzy London event!

22. 26 Leake Street
Hidden beneath Waterloo rail arches in the iconic Leake Street graffiti tunnel, this vast brick-vaulted venue can host up to 1,200 guests. With its raw, industrial aesthetic and cutting-edge AV capabilities, it’s a blank canvas for truly spectacular Christmas events.

23. Bankside Hotel
A boutique hotel where art meets celebration. Every detail, from the striking décor to the creative menus and cocktails, is designed with flair. Host your Christmas party surrounded by bold contemporary art in a setting that’s as stylish as it is welcoming.

24. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
One of London’s largest and most versatile venues, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge boasts a pillar-free ballroom accommodating up to 1,500. A top choice for black-tie dinners, awards nights, and large corporate parties.

25. OXO2 
Sleek and versatile, OXO2 is an iconic riverside venue with breathtaking views of St Paul’s and the city skyline. Hosting up to 400 guests, it offers full theming, creative catering, and bespoke party packages to deliver a flawless festive celebration.