The UK’s most prestigious venues will be decking the halls and throwing masquerade balls, to make this Christmas truly magical.
Multi-award-winning Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events is the catering and events partner at more than 50 top historic buildings, museums, sports stadia and tourist attractions in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
And it has unveiled plans to ensure partygoers have plenty to celebrate in the run-up to Christmas.
Each venue is putting its own twist on the celebrations, by offering a selection of party nights and the chance for corporate or leisure guests to host their own, bespoke events in a unique and memorable setting.
The choice of entertainment is as varied as the venues, from IWM London’s 1940s-inspired wartime-style events to White Christmas-themed packages at London’s The Crystal, at Royal Dock and The Athenaeum, Bury St Edmunds.
Historic Knebworth House, Hertfordshire and the Apex at Bury St Edmunds are adding a little mystery to Christmas with masquerade party nights, while Bateaux London and Windsor are taking the festivities onto the Thames with evening cruises up and down river.
While Ascot Racecourse is bringing Italian-style glamour to the season, with party nights inspired by the glitter and mystery of the ancient city of Venice.
Elsewhere, guests can take to the skies in a fight simulator at the Emirates Aviation Experience and tuck into Cabin Crew Canapés, or dance the night away at two of Tyneside’s top venues: Great North Museum:Hancock and Discovery Museum.
The UK’s top sporting stadia are also kicking the festivities into touch, with fairy tale-themed party nights at Brighton’s Amex Stadium and traditional festive fun at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park stadium.
North of the border, Pittodrie Stadium, Hamilton Park and Perth racecourses and Glasgow’s Hampden Park stadium – celebrating a decade of shared party nights this year - are all popping the cork on pitch-perfect parties at Christmas and, of course, Hogmanay.
Edinburgh’s most prestigious attractions, including the Corn Exchange, National Museum of Scotland, The Royal Botanic Garden and the Assembly Rooms, will also be pulling out the stops with themed and bespoke party nights and drinks receptions throughout the festive season, as will Belfast’s The National Football Stadium which promises glitz and glamour this Christmas.
“Our portfolio of clients comprises some of the most interesting, unusual, historic and quirky venues throughout the UK,” said Natasha Carr, UK Venue & Events Marketing Manager, at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events.
“And this Christmas they really are pulling out all the stops – we have everything from traditional celebrations to themed balls and even the magical experience of partying against a backdrop of fairy lights on the River Thames,” she said.
“Because each venue is unique – and because many offer early bird booking offers - the shared party nights do fill up very quickly so, while it might seem early to be thinking about Christmas, it’s best not to leave it too late.”