This is a guest post by Amy Stroud, Venue Expert at UK based startup Hire Space. You can follow her @hirespace.

It’s that time of the year ladies and gentlemen; there are Christmas decorations in the shops, the weather is taking a turn for the worse, and it’s time to prepare for the chillier months ahead.

Okay, possibly a little dramatic, but we do think it’s the perfect time to book your Christmas party.

You’ll be ahead of the game if you get in there early, meaning you’re more likely to get a fantastic venue giving you something to look forward to in winter, when all you would rather do is hibernate for three months or so.

So, in the spirit of the season, we’re bringing you some festive cheer in the form of six great venues that’ll make sure you remember the Christmas party for all the right reasons.

Icetank

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This Christmas, Icetank is transforming its beautiful white interiors into a winter wonderland with a winter forest, glowing fireplace and flickering candles.

Seasoned Events are creating a veritable festive feast with dishes such as the traditional turkey with a twist, with apricot & fried chestnut stuffing sweet potato layer cake, candied carrots & nutmeg spinach, and the not-so-traditional but delicious-sounding pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese.

Wash it all down with something sparking or a specially designed cocktail, how about a ‘Scandi’? A white peach puree muddled with vodka sparked with soda and finished with a pink grapefruit twist…yum!

The venue is versatile too, whether you’re looking for a three-course dinner or merely somewhere to let your hair down, Icetank fits the bill.

The Victorian Bath House

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For something a little different, but no less magical, head to The Victorian Bath House for an exclusive festive party in the heart of the City.

The decadent Turkish interiors of gold and deep red add a sense of opulence and make for an intimate atmosphere.

With space for 40 – 150 guests, expect succulent dishes, flavoursome cocktails or magnums of fizz, if that takes your fancy. Packages start from £130 per person and include dinner, drinks receptions, unlimited drinks for four hours and a DJ so you can dance and be merry the whole night long.

Carousel

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In the heart of Marylebone you’ll find this gem of a venue. This festive season the multi-storey venue will be transformed into distinctively characterful spaces.

Upstairs will be transformed into a Scandinavian cabin that perfectly captures all the charm of winter in the North. There’ll be no tinsel and paper snowflakes here, this venue makes the most of minimalist Nordic style, with bare wood and firs, all lit with candlelight.

Alternatively, you can step downstairs and enter Geppetto’s Workshop, a quirky and immersive themed space that combines the magic of the season with all the fun of our favourite childhood fairytales. With room for up to 180, it’s a great choice for bigger gatherings.

Searcys at The Gherkin

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This venue doesn’t need much introduction; with incredible 360-degree views over London and an air of sophistication, Searcy’s at The Gherkin is a bit of a show-stopper.

The venue will be transformed into a glistening diamond experience this Christmas with sparkling furniture and huge diamond structures.

A sweeping staircase leads up to a sparkling drinks reception as the sun sets, and a star-lit sky will illuminate the space as guests enjoy a luxurious dinner or a standing reception, it’s a venue party-goers won’t forget in a hurry.

Arcelor

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This one’s for the adrenaline junkies out there.

Host your Christmas party at the ArcelorMittal Orbit and you can privately hire The Slide to kick off proceedings. At 178m tall, it’s the world’s highest and longest tunnel slide in a hair-raising 40 second trip.

Not only that, once party-goers are back at the top, they’ll have phenomenal 360-degree views over London. The venue is highly flexible and is can accommodate anything from a sit-down meal to a silent disco, so if unusual is what you’re after, then look no further.

Apres Ski at Finsbury Square

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Ever dreamed of spending your Christmas party on the slopes, with a glass of bubbly in one hand, and a canapé in the other?

Well, you’re in luck, because this year Finsbury Square will be transforming itself into London’s most exclusive Aprés Ski lodge, complete with fur throws and a roaring fire.

Guests will be entertained by jaw-dropping dancers and acrobats, before descending from the thriving bar into an exquisitely decorated candle-lit dining room.

They’ll then be treated to a delicious three-course dinner, followed by a night of partying in the venue’s very own ice cave: cool.