Christmas with a side of Georgian grandeur? Brunswick House is hard to beat. This magnificent 18th-century mansion is all chandeliers, antique furniture, candlelit tables and seriously good food from chef Jackson Boxer. Its beautiful private dining rooms are made for festive celebrations, whether it’s an intimate dinner or a big office bash. Old-school glamour without an ounce of stuffiness.

Two venues, one cracking Christmas night out. Choose craft beers and hearty pub food at The Rose, or head over the road for pizza and Prosecco. From cosy pub catch-up to full-blown fiesta, this Albert Embankment duo knows how to keep the party going. Just don’t make any early plans for the following morning.

Christmas at the legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern is all about drag, cabaret, outrageous comedy and plenty of sequins. The RVT’s annual panto is a Vauxhall institution, and 2026 brings Pulled, a gloriously cheeky take on the legend of King Arthur. Add a packed calendar of club nights and festive entertainment, and there’s no better place for a Christmas celebration with a difference.

For a Christmas party that doesn’t involve sitting around a table all evening, The Garden Vauxhall is a great shout. Tucked under the arches by Vauxhall Station, this lively venue brings together street food, cocktails, games and plenty of party atmosphere. Ideal for groups who fancy something more relaxed than the traditional three-course office dinner.

Experience the magic of a Portuguese Christmas. Don’t miss Madeira Patisserie’s iconic Bolo Rei (King Cake): handmade in their bakery, it’s a must-have for an authentic Portuguese holiday treat! This is the busiest day of the year at Madeira, as locals flock to the deli to stock up. The arch housing the restaurant transforms into part of the deli for the day to meet demand. It’s a first-come, first-served event, so arriving early is key!

A proper neighbourhood pub with plenty of personality, The Black Dog is a cracking spot for a festive get-together. Think cosy corners, good pints, hearty pub grub and the kind of atmosphere that makes it very easy to stay for another round. Whether it’s Christmas drinks with colleagues, a long-overdue catch-up with friends or a festive feast, this much-loved Vauxhall local is just the place to settle in and make a night of it.

You don’t need to go very far to find the best selection of tipples for your holiday season. Majestic Vauxhall, under the arches on Goding Street, is an Aladdin’s cave full of delicious fizz, wines, beers, spirits and plenty of no-lo options. Pop in to browse or order online.

Who says Christmas has to mean turkey and sprouts? Cottons brings Caribbean sunshine to the festive season with jerk chicken, bold island flavours, rum punch and tropical cocktails. With a lively atmosphere and a soundtrack to match, it’s a brilliant alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner. A little Caribbean heat is just the thing for a chilly December evening.

Organising Christmas drinks for a group with wildly different tastes? Market Place has the answer. This bustling food hall under the railway arches brings together independent street-food traders serving dishes from around the world, alongside cocktails, beers and a lively atmosphere. Everyone gets to eat what they fancy, and nobody has to argue over the set menu. Christmas party planning, sorted.

Some Christmas parties call for a proper pub, and The Jolly Gardeners fits the bill beautifully. This characterful neighbourhood favourite offers excellent drinks and hearty food in surroundings made for long winter evenings. Whether it’s a festive dinner with colleagues or a few rounds with friends, there’s plenty of old-fashioned pub charm to go around.

All aboard for a Christmas party on the Thames. These two much-loved floating venues offer one of Vauxhall’s more unusual festive settings, with cosy indoor decks, drinks, music and fabulous river views. Whether it’s a private party or a festive get-together with friends, celebrating Christmas on a boat beats another night in the office kitchen.

A proper pub with plenty of personality, The Pilgrim is made for festive pints and easy-going celebrations. With cosy corners, hearty food and a private basement space, there’s room for everything from a small Christmas catch-up to a bigger office knees-up. Just add good company and a few rounds at the bar.

Christmas dinner with a Thames-side view? Yes, please. Overlooking the river at St George’s Wharf, The Riverside combines seasonal British food, a great wine list and a setting made for festive celebrations. Whether it’s a team lunch, a family gathering or drinks with friends, there’s plenty of room to raise a glass.

The Riverside is also serving Christmas Day lunch, so anyone keen to avoid the cooking and washing-up on 25 December is in luck.

For Christmas with a little extra glamour, Chino Latino delivers. Set inside the Park Plaza London Riverbank Hotel, this stylish restaurant combines bold Asian-Latin flavours, beautifully presented dishes, cocktails and sweeping Thames views. It’s a sophisticated choice for festive dining with friends, family or colleagues.

Chino Latino is also serving Christmas Day lunch, bringing its signature Asian-Latin flair to the festive table. A rather delicious alternative to the usual turkey-and-trimmings routine.

A proper neighbourhood pub with a big personality, The Griffin Belle is a cracking choice for Christmas celebrations. This friendly Wyvil Road local combines hearty food, good pints and a warm welcome, making it ideal for festive catch-ups, family gatherings and relaxed office parties.

It’s also serving Christmas Day lunch, with all the festive cheer of a traditional pub Christmas and none of the washing-up. What’s not to like?