Best Christmas party ideas in Bournemouth. Your complete 2025 guide

Every December, Bournemouth transforms into a festive playground of light trails, laughter and good cheer. But the real magic happens behind the doors of the many hotels, bars and restaurants across the seaside town. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a corporate celebration or the annual family Christmas outing, this guide gives you everything you need to turn your gathering into a night to remember.

At Hotel Collingwood, we've hosted hundreds of Christmas events, from intimate private dining dinners to full-scale themed nights, and we know exactly what it takes to make a celebration stand out. Here’s our definitive list of Christmas party ideas to inspire your 2025 festivities in Bournemouth.

A quick summary of what we’ll cover

1. Why Bournemouth is one of the south coast’s top destinations, especially at Christmas. Perfect for office parties, private dinners, and themed events.
2. Our list of top Christmas party ideas including winter wonderland, murder mystery and cocktail workshops.
3. Hotel Colingwood’s offering of tailored Christmas parties for both private and shared celebrations.
4. Plus, we’ve taken a look into the current trends and how they stack up from national statistics, to ensure your celebration is unforgettable.

Why Bournemouth is the perfect choice for your Christmas party 

When it comes to festive celebrations, few places capture the magic of Christmas quite like Bournemouth. From the golden sands and sea views to the glow of the Christmas Market, the town effortlessly blends coastal charm with a vibrant festive spirit. Every year, the streets come alive with light trails, cheerful music, and the smell of mulled wine.

With a mix of elegant hotels, stylish bars, and a buzzing nightlife, Bournemouth is one of the most sought-after destinations for staycations year-round, and Christmas is no exception. Whether you’re looking to host your office Christmas party, get the family together, or want to celebrate the season with friends, Bournemouth offers a unique balance of sophistication and fun that few other locations can match.

Beyond the celebrations, Bournemouth boasts everything you need for a stress-free visit. Well connected by train, bus, major roads, and the local airport, travelling to and around the town is simple. If you’re staying longer, take advantage of award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, and coastal attractions that highlight the history and culture of Bournemouth.
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How is the nation celebrating Christmas?

When looking for Christmas party ideas with a view to planning your own, the options appear to be endless, whether it’s a small family gathering, or you’re looking to book something much larger, we’ve taken a dive into how the rest of the nation are celebrating.

Sources: London Christmas Party Show 2025 Trends Report, SquareMeal Christmas Insights 2025, MGN Events Trends Forecast 2025, and internal Hotel Collingwood booking data.

Our top list of Bournemouth Christmas party ideas

Ready to plan your celebration, or still need some inspiration? Here are seven Christmas party ideas we think you’ll love, perfect for Bournemouth venues, especially Hotel Collingwood.

1. Winter Wonderland themed ball
   Transform your party venue into a frosty paradise with white drapes, twinkling lights and shimmering centrepieces. Serve festive drinks such as mulled wine, snowballs and prosecco, and finish the evening with a live band for a full winter ball experience.
2. Festive murder mystery dinner
   Combine dining and entertainment by hosting a Christmas-themed mystery night. Guests take on roles, solve clues between courses, and enjoy plenty of laughter along the way — perfect for teams who want to mix bonding with fun.
3. Christmas around the world
   Celebrate global traditions by giving each table a different country’s festive theme. Scandinavian, American, English, etc. Add a tailored menu that celbrates food from around the world, and for that extra touch organise party games unique to the regions you’re featuring. Perfect for larger groups looking for something different from the norm.
4. Secret Santa cocktail workshop
   Swap the predictable drinks reception for a hands-on mixology evening. Learn to shake, stir, and mix your own Christmas cocktails before sitting down for dinner. Create friendly competition and see who can create the best cocktail. 
5. Charity and giving night
   Why not try something a little different and add some meaning to your celebration by tying in a charitable cause. Include a donation tree, raffle, even auction off items. There’s many charities in the Bournemouth area that benefit from donations, but even more so at this time of year. It’s a great way to give back while you celebrate.
6. Retro 80s or 90s party
   Dust off the neon tinsel, seek out the leg warmers from the attic, and embrace the nostalgic throwback. It’s guaranteed to deliver laughs and cheer. Think Christmas jumpers, themed playlists, old-school party food, and a light up dance floor to finish the spectacle.
7. Festive afternoon tea and carols
   For something a little more, sophisticated and traditional, and perfect for smaller groups. Indulge in an afternoon tea in a festive setting, pair sandwiches and scones, with sweet treats typical of the time of year. Add sparkling wine, festive tunes, and a pianist or choir. 
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Why Hotel Collingwood is the ideal Christmas party venue in Bournemouth

Located just a short walk from Bournemouth’s seafront. Hotel Collingwood offers everything you need for a stylish and enjoyable Christmas celebration. Our hotel combines classic charm with modern facilities, providing the perfect backdrop for festive parties of any size.

Our Christmas party nights bring together great food, festive décor, and entertainment for an unforgettable evening. Here’s what to expect for our Christmas party nights:

• Three-course festive menu featuring locally sourced Dorset ingredients
• Fully stocked bar featuring all your favourites and cocktails
• In-house DJ and disco until late
• Novelties, crackers, and party hats on your table 
• Exclusive private hire options for larger groups
• Party extras available from arrival drinks and canapes to photobooths
• Free on-site parking and festive room rates for overnight stays
• 15% discount when you pre-order your wine
• Prices from £34.95 per person

We have a dedicated events team that handles every detail, so you can focus on enjoying the evening. Guests can extend their celebration by staying overnight in one of our refurbished bedrooms, enjoying a hearty Dorset breakfast the following morning, included in the rate.

Find the full details and enquire on our Christmas Parties page.

Five tips to make your Christmas party pop

Before you start planning, here are five simple ways to make your Christmas party pop:

1. Book early — Bournemouth venues fill up fast for weekends in December.
2. Plan transport or accommodation — take the stress away so guests can relax and stay late.
3. Add interactive elements — photobooths, Christmas quizzes, and cocktail classes add more interaction.
4. Personalise your theme — include signature drinks and playlists, and decorations to match.
5. Capture the night — hire a photographer or create a social media hashtag for guests to share their snaps.