The Royal Nutcracker Banquet – exclusive hire

If you want a Christmas party that feels elegant, theatrical and properly festive, The Royal Nutcracker Banquet is a strong fit. Set at Leonardo Royal London City, it brings together ballet performances, live music, sparkling décor, a three-course banquet and all-inclusive drinks in a way that feels more like a winter celebration than a standard office party. Booked exclusively, the banquet and the performances are for your company alone.

From the moment guests arrive, the tone is set. A red carpet entrance and glass of Prosecco lead into a Nutcracker-inspired setting filled with Christmas trees, festive lighting and costumed performers. It has that slightly grand, storybook feel without becoming too formal, which makes it a good choice for companies wanting guests to dress up, enjoy the setting and feel like the evening has had some proper thought behind it.

Dinner is served as a three-course festive banquet, with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks included throughout the main part of the evening. Live classical musicians and Nutcracker ballet performances bring the theme to life between courses, giving the night a more polished feel than a typical hotel Christmas party. It's festive, but not in the overly cheesy way that can sometimes put people off.

After dinner, the atmosphere shifts into a full party night. The live band takes over, the dancefloor opens and guests can move between the music, fun casino tables and glitter bar. It gives the evening a nice balance: elegant and atmospheric at the start, then relaxed and lively once everyone has eaten, had a few drinks and is ready to properly let their hair down.

The venue itself is another practical advantage. Leonardo Royal London City sits close to Tower Hill, Tower Gateway and Fenchurch Street, making it easy for guests travelling from across London and beyond. With bedrooms, a spa, pool and gym on site, it also works well for groups who want to make the evening feel more like a full Christmas treat rather than just another night out after work.