The cost of a Christmas party in London is one of the first things every organiser wants to pin down — and it varies more than most people expect. As a rough guide, a shared (joiner) Christmas party in London typically costs £55–£110 +VAT per head, while an exclusive private party — venue, catering, drinks and entertainment — usually lands between £90 and £250+ +VAT per head, depending on the venue, the date and how much you include.
Quick answer: Budget around £70–£120 per head for a good mid-range London Christmas party. Below that you're into simpler shared events; above it you're into premium venues, landmark spaces and full drinks packages. The rest of this guide breaks down exactly what drives the number — and where you can save.
Prices here are based on our experience placing thousands of guests into London venues each December. For an exact figure built around your date, headcount and budget, send us a quick brief and we'll come back with real options — our venue-finding service is free to use.
At a Glance: London Christmas Party Costs (2026)
| Party type | Typical cost per head (+VAT) | Usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared / joiner party | £55 – £110 | Venue, three-course meal or bowl food, entertainment, DJ |
| Premium shared / immersive | £120 – £175 | Themed production, dinner, entertainment, often a drinks allowance |
| Private party (venue hire only) | From £30 – £80* | Exclusive space only — you add catering, drinks, AV |
| Private party (fully catered) | £90 – £250+ | Exclusive venue, catering, drinks package, entertainment, staffing |
| Drinks package (add-on) | £25 – £55 | Welcome drink + set number of drinks or hours |
*Venue-hire-only figures depend heavily on the space and date — landmark venues on a peak December Thursday cost far more than a mid-week booking in a bar or restaurant.
Shared vs Private: Which Costs More?
The single biggest factor in your budget is whether you join a shared party or book a private, exclusive event.
Shared Christmas parties
You buy tickets for your team and join other companies at a professionally produced event. Costs are lower because the venue, theme, catering and entertainment are shared across everyone in the room. It's the most budget-friendly way to give a smaller team a big night out. See our shared Christmas parties in London and our complete guide to shared parties.
Private Christmas parties
You take a venue exclusively for your company. You control the guest list, branding, menu and entertainment — but you cover the full cost of the space and everything in it, so the per-head figure is higher. This suits larger groups, milestone years, or teams that want a bespoke experience. Browse private Christmas venues in London.
Not sure which fits? Our breakdown of shared vs private Christmas parties weighs up the trade-offs.
What Actually Drives the Cost
- Date. The first three weeks of December — especially Thursdays and Fridays — are peak and priced accordingly. Early December, weekdays and January "Christmas" parties are noticeably cheaper.
- Venue type. A bar or restaurant costs far less than a museum, riverboat or landmark space. Compare hotels, venues with a view, boat parties and iconic venues.
- Food. Bowl food and canapés are cheaper per head than a seated three-course meal; premium menus and dietary spreads add cost.
- Drinks. A pre-paid package costs more up front but controls spend; a cash bar shifts cost to guests; an open tab is the least predictable.
- Entertainment & production. A DJ is included at most shared events; live bands, themed production, staging and AV add up quickly at private ones.
- Group size. Larger groups unlock better per-head rates but hit minimum spends and larger venues.
Hidden Costs & Minimum Spends to Watch
The headline per-head price is rarely the whole story. Budget for these too:
- Minimum spend. Many London venues set a December minimum spend (often £3,000–£30,000+ depending on the space). Below it, you pay the difference regardless of numbers.
- VAT. Quotes are usually +VAT at 20% — always check.
- Service charge. Typically 10–15% on catering and drinks.
- Deposits. Usually 25–50% to confirm, often non-refundable near the date.
- Cloakroom, security, extended hours and late-licence surcharges.
Typical Cost by Group Size
| Group size | Best-value option | Rough all-in budget |
|---|---|---|
| 10–30 | Shared party or a private area in a bar/restaurant | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| 30–100 | Shared party, or private hire of a smaller venue | £5,000 – £15,000 |
| 100–300 | Private venue hire with catering & drinks | £15,000 – £60,000 |
| 300+ | Landmark or exclusive venue, full production | £60,000+ |
Smaller teams often get the best experience for the money from a shared party; larger teams get better per-head value from exclusive hire.
How to Get the Most for Your Budget
- Book early. The best venues and best rates go first — many peak dates are gone by late summer.
- Be flexible on the date. A Wednesday in early December can cost a fraction of a mid-December Thursday.
- Consider January. "Festive" parties after the rush are cheaper and easier to book.
- Match the venue to the format. Don't pay for a seated dinner if a standing party with bowl food suits your team better.
- Use a free venue-finding service. We know which venues have availability, flexibility and realistic minimum spends — and it costs you nothing.
Plan Your London Christmas Party
Tell us your date, headcount and budget and we'll send tailored venue options with clear, all-in pricing — no guesswork and no fee. Explore Christmas venues in London, add some team-building to the day, or submit a quick brief to get started. Planning a summer event too? See our sister site Summer Party Venues London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Christmas party cost per head in London?
Most London Christmas parties cost £55–£110 +VAT per head for a shared party, or £90–£250+ +VAT per head for a fully catered private party. A comfortable mid-range budget is around £70–£120 per head.
What is a good budget for a work Christmas party?
For a solid mid-range event, budget roughly £70–£120 per head including venue, food, some drinks and entertainment. Smaller teams can do a great shared party from around £55 per head; premium private events run higher.
Are drinks usually included in the price?
Not always. Shared parties often include a welcome drink only, with a bar for the rest of the night. Private parties can include a drinks package (typically £25–£55 per head) or run on a cash or pre-paid bar. Always check what's included.
Why are December Christmas parties so expensive?
Demand is concentrated into three weeks, so peak dates — particularly Thursdays and Fridays in mid-December — command premium pricing and minimum spends. Booking early December, mid-week, or in January reduces the cost significantly.
Is it cheaper to book a shared or private Christmas party?
Shared parties are usually cheaper per head for smaller groups because costs are split across companies. For larger groups, exclusive private hire often gives better per-head value and full control of the event.
