“Oh, I wish it could be Christmas every day…”
A cracker of a Christmas song, we’ll admit, but not, it turns out, what people really want.
Looking for a Christmas party venue in London that delivers? You’re not alone. For 77% of UK businesses, the office Christmas party is the shining star on the work event tree. Indeed, corporate Christmas parties in London increased from 53% in 2023 to 75% in 2024. What guests are looking for from their party, however, is changing. Let us take you through this year’s corporate Christmas party trends – so you can give guests what they really want in 2025.
Originality – unique Christmas party venues and menus
Let’s be honest, a Christmas party takes effort – or rather, getting ready for it does. So, when you’re going to the trouble of getting spruced up (that’s right, we don’t shy away from Christmas tree jokes here), you want all that blood, sweat and tears to be worth it. Which is why guests in 2025 value a unique Christmas party venue in London – a place, quite frankly, that makes the party as memorable as their entrance. Speaking of, if Christmas dinner on the only stage of its kind in the City of London appeals, check out our Christmas party packages here.
Next? Creative catering. Much like the venue, guests aren’t looking for the same-old, same-old. Turkey and all the trimmings? That’s what Christmas Day is for. This year, guests are prioritising food that makes catching-up easier, like bowl food and canapés, and fusion menus that blend traditional Christmas ingredients with international cuisines. For us, and our award-winning catering partner Seasoned, 2025 means turkey-free menus. Why try to recreate the big day when you could have fun with flavours and still have all the anticipation of Christmas Day to come?
Flexibility – all-inclusive Christmas party packages London loves
It may be the most wonderful time of year but, let’s admit it, it’s also the busiest. Which is why all-inclusive Christmas party packages are providing some much-needed relief in 2025 for time-poor clients managing 100 different things simultaneously – simple, straightforward and with no hidden extras. Packages that include room hire, catering, entertainment and expert support (as they do at The Mermaid London), make that heaving pre-Christmas to-do list just a little bit lighter. With the increase in hybrid working, mid-week parties – on days when employees are already in the office – are also becoming increasingly popular.
As is eco-conscious catering. In recent years, sustainability has rightly shifted from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a ‘must-have’ – you just have to look at the latest International Planner Sentiment Report to see event planners consistently rank sustainability 7/10 for importance – so why should Christmas be any different? From seasonal British produce to reduced carbon menus, guests in 2025 expect their Christmas catering to tread lighter on the planet. And that’s exactly what they’ll get at The Mermaid London with tempting treats including ‘winter vegetable filo bake, caramelised leeks, chestnut crumb, tomato & sage’, ‘roast cod, potato & tarragon cake, buttered spinach & prawn beurre blanc’ and ‘harissa-spiced cauliflower, caramelised purée, red pepper & olive salsa’.
Togetherness – interactive Christmas party ideas for corporate teams
Yes, there’s the spectacle, the songs, the opportunity to eat mince pies for breakfast without judgement, but our favourite thing about Christmas? We think most people would say connection.
In 2025, this is fuelling a trend towards interactive Christmas party ideas, like musical bingo, photobooths, a DJ and nostalgic games – anything that encourages people to talk, to network, to bond. In fact, guests now rate getting together and having good conversations more highly than they do Christmas party theme.
Luckily for The Mermaid London’s Christmas party guests, our fabulous Queenhithe space, which can be added to the Upper River Room via a moveable wall, is ideal for use as a dancefloor – is there any better bonding experience than collectively shouting at the top of your lungs to a Shakin’ Stevens classic?
Ready to plan your Christmas party in London?
So, Christmas every day? Or, Christmas your way? Drop us a line via our contact form and let our events team help you create the perfect corporate Christmas celebration at The Mermaid London – with river views, flexible packages and festive flair.
