As the frostiest season of the year approaches, so do the reams of preorders, secret Santa draws and festive-themed playlists (how much Wham! is too much?). Luckily, we've compiled a guide to the most beautiful, bauble-festooned venues to ease the pressure of party planning.
From laid-back bars where affordable eats and steaming mulled wine steal the show to luxurious fine dining restaurants cooking three-course menus, here are over 40 of Edinburgh's best Christmas party venues - perfect for impressing your guests.
If your idea of a Christmas party involves live music, pints, and a buzzing atmosphere, Finnegan's Wake delivers. This Irish pub on Victoria Street is all about good times. Expect classic pub grub with seasonal twists, plenty of beer on tap, and a drinks list that keeps the party going. The vibe? Lively, sociable, and full of character. Book a table, grab a Guinness, and let the Christmas craic begin.
A chic and contemporary space for an Edinburgh Christmas party, Angels Share isn't just bringing out the big guns of festive decor this season - just check out its private rooms and lip-smacking menu of winter bites, not to mention the extensive list of bubbles.
Choose between the Clubroom or the Devil's Cut, seating 40 and 80 people respectively - though there's room for up to 150 standing. Minimum spends start from just £500, and you can tuck into aubergine satay skewers and pigs in blankets while you're here - or opt for their three-course set menu at £35 per head.
Adorned with retro furniture and beautiful detailing, The Kenilworth is a popular boozer whatever day of the year. But when December rolls around, this joint becomes one of the best Christmas party venues in Edinburgh city centre, with affordable multi-course set menus and banging buffet spreads.
On the food front, they're cooking up everything from pan-roasted salmon fillet to festive nut roasts and hand-craved turkey breast, costing £36.95 for three courses. Topping it all off? A Tartan Snug - their private events area that can fit up to 50 people.
There's no place cosier than a traditional pub, and Hanover Tap is ready to warm your cockles this season with an affordable three-course feast boasting lots of themed treats. A banging buffet is an option for extra hungry elves, plus a bunch of festive drinks to wash it all down with.
At £29 for three courses, you can try out everything from a Christmas pizza to fat Santa burgers and gingerbread cookie dough. And for something a little more drinks-focused, check out their festive boozy brunch deals.
If all you want for Christmas is a cocktail-fuelled dinner, The Alchemist (which you can find in St James Quarter and on George Street) is your answer. This sleek spot features dark, sultry decor, from plush grey booth seating to low lighting and large paintings lining the walls.
Their three-course festive menu is served every day from 17th November, costing £40 each - though the indulgent option comes in at £65 for three courses and two cocktails. Tuck into panko-pulled beef, teriyaki king ouster mushroom and loaded Christmas burgers, ending on a dreamy chocolate orange brownie.
When it comes to small party venues in Edinburgh, BrewDog on Lothian Road and in Cowgate come out on top. These relaxed bars are decked out with comfy leather booths and long sharing tables, as well as 20 craft beers to enjoy alongside festive burgers and buffet spreads.
You can hire their private room for up to 70 people, or 40 seated, and if you book before the end of September they're offering a free first round of drinks. From festive doughballs to camembert and turkey sliders with cranberry sauce, there's nothing lacking in the food department either.
In the market for sleek cocktails at a gorgeous, Instagrammable venue? Le Monde delivers, and then some. Located just a five-minute walk away from Princes Street and with a club downstairs, it's sure to bring us one of the best hotel Christmas party nights in Edinburgh.
There are countless options for private hire, with rooms that can fit anywhere between 18 and 300 people at a time. Choose between a buffet at £30 per head or a sit-down menu, offering three courses for £39. Think roast turkey in white wine gravy, plant-based shepherd's pie and a chocolate clementine torte.
On the hunt for a large Christmas event venue? Patina is a great option. Located in the West End, this stylish restaurant boasts a range of private hire spaces, including the dining room, auditorium and bakery, making it a firm choice for all party sizes.
These areas can hold anywhere between 30 and 250 guests, with minimum spends beginning at £1,000. And with a bakery on-site, you can count on theme for some seriously great desserts.
Fun, vibrant and always buzzing, The Chanter is a lovely location for a wee Christmas soirée. This hangout will be serving up special set menus, which include the likes of hand-carved turkey with all the trimmings and juicy burgers, with a range of moreish puddings to finish.
For bookings of ten or more people, their festive buffet is also available - coming in at as little as £21 per head. This features nachos, cheeseburger sliders, hot wings and more, with brilliant drinks packages on offer too.
Found both on George Street and in the Omni Centre, Slug and Lettuce is slick, stylish and a bucketload of fun. Not only will your guests lap up the pretty interiors (we're talkin' pink foliage, glowing neon lights and botanical patterns), but also devour the mouthwatering food and drinks.
With full venue hire available for a maximum of 310 guests, or 160 seated, this place is ideal for large work events. From festive boozy brunches to buffet spreads and set menus, there's all sorts of themed food available, and if you book your party before 30th September they'll throw in a free glass of fizz on arrival too - just quote #XMAS25 in the booking.
Decorated like a fairground, Flight Club Edinburgh is a great shout for Christmas parties, with several areas available for private hire. Get competitive with your colleagues on the interactive dartboards, which offer fun, multiplayer games and automatic scoring on their electronic screens.
Book a space for up to 280 guests at a time, and take full advantage of their creative cocktail menu, which you can pair with pizzas and sharing plates. They're even hosting festive brunch socials throughout the Christmas period, promising bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco or four beers each while you play.
Mowgli's Edinburgh site doesn't just let its interiors do the talking – even though it easily could. The grade I-listed building is extravagantly beautiful, paired with more understated furniture to bring the vibe down to a more casual level.
Without a doubt, the highlight of your guests' nights will be the food; you'll be feasting on elevated Indian street food from flavour-packed curries to small plates including yoghurt chat bombs, Himalayan cheese toast, gunpowder chicken and lamb chops. If you're anticipating cocktails to be high demand at this shindig, you can expect the classics with a twist – think chilli mango margaritas and a ginger-infused gin and tonic.
If you're searching for Christmas lunch venues in Edinburgh, then look no further than the ever-elegant Browns Brasserie & Bar. Expect classy interiors that feature pretty greenery and vibrantly coloured booth seating, with touches of gold throughout.
Keeping things traditional, the offering here includes prawn cocktail, roast turkey and braised beef, finished with a range of sweet treats - coming in at £50 per person for three courses. There's also a charming private dining room, which seats up to 30 guests.
Boasting interiors that scream 'Christmas' thanks to a twinkly transformation, The Botanist is the perfect place for celebratory sips and feast-worthy plates. The inviting venue is decked out in gorgeous greenery and comfy armchairs, with exposed brick walls and natural wooden furnishings creating a rustic feel.
They're serving both finger food and set menus this Christmas, with two courses starting at only £26.95 per person. Munch on pan-fried sea bass, fried camembert bites or their signature turkey hanging kebab, washed down by botanical cocktails aplenty.
You'll find this historic pub in the city centre, named after the famous author. The Conan Doyle is supplying the Christmas cheer by the armful this year - not only is its kitchen catering your knees-up with three-course spreads, but also mega buffet options accompanied by killer drink packages.
Hire their private event space for up to 40 guests, or just book a table or two in the cosy main bar. On the menu? Three festive courses for £41.95, including nut roast, pan-roasted salmon fillet and a traditional turkey dinner, with zesty lemon tart for dessert.
If you're looking for cheap Christmas party venues in Edinburgh, you'll probably want to hear what's on offer at The Mitre. This historic venue dates back to the 1800s, though the site is even older as its previous building burned down in 1814.
With seasonal delight aplenty and drinks packages available for big parties, you're sure to have a ball. We're talking festive buffets or three-course set menus, complete with traditional turkey dinners, slow-cooked pork belly and dark chocolate truffle torte.
Wondering where to host your Christmas party in Edinburgh city centre? Brewhemia will be there with jingle bells on. Whether you fancy a private room, snazzy sit-down meal, afternoon tea, ABBA party nights or even a festive drag brunch, you'll be in the right hands here.
Their exclusive options for hire are suitable for anywhere between 50 and 80 guests, or simply head down for one of their regular live music-based events. There are several seasonal menus on offer too, featuring the likes of pan-fried turkey schnitzel and vegan haggis Wellington.
Grand neighbourhood restaurant Black Ivy is the place for twinkly festivities, decked out in gorgeous greenery and boasting a fireplace. Whether you're drinking mulled wine on the heated terrace or getting stuck into a boozy brunch, there's plenty of ways to celebrate at this wonderland-worthy establishment.
They've got a dedicated festive menu that starts at £40 for three courses, including a glass of fizz. Think spiced carrot and lentil soup, followed by sirloin steaks, nut roast and cheesecake topped with cranberries and cinnamon.
A snug wee pub famed for its charming interiors and dating back to the 1700s, Rose Street Brewery is ready and waiting to make sure your Christmas party goes swimmingly. It's going to be cooking up mouthwatering munch that'll have you feeling all warm and cosy inside, with bubbles, beer and wine to match.
Book your spot among the traditional wooden furniture and warm lighting, and settle down for a three-course menu or buffet spread. On the menu? Everything from slow-cooked pork belly to mini pigs in blankets, Scottish scampi and beer-battered mushrooms.
Lady Libertine is home to a bunch of private spaces that are perfect for festive forays whatever the size of your group. You can indulge in a delicious sit-down dinner with all the trimmings, or if you fancy something more casual? Go for a drinks party.
Their cracking cocktail menu features twists on the classics, alongside unique signature sips like the lime, violet and maraschino-flavoured Aviation. There's also a chic private room available, with space for a maximum of 30 guests.
Looking for a no-nonsense Christmas party in the heart of Edinburgh? The Southsider is your go-to. This cosy pub nails the festive vibe – think hearty plates, affordable drinks, and a function room that's perfect for group celebrations. Whether you're planning a work do or a catch-up with mates, they've got space for everyone and menus that keep it classic: turkey with all the trimmings, pigs in blankets, and plenty of gravy.
One of New Town's slinkiest cocktail bars, Nightcap, is available for full venue hire this holiday season, with space for up to 30 partygoers. Sing along to all of your favourite festive hits, whether with your family or colleagues, plus tip back an enviable range of concoctions.
From a feta cheese mezcal marmalade negroni to the spiced apple daquiri, there are all sorts of unique sips on offer. So if it's a boozy Christmas party you're after, this is just the place.
Mosey on down to Castle Street where Escape Hunt is giving you one of the most unique activities for a December knees-up. Whether you hop aboard a ship to find Blackbeard's Treasure or steal a magic stone as The Fourth Samurai, this escape room will see you putting your heads together to solve fun puzzles.
This is located within Boom Battle Bar, so you can take full advantage of their delicious food and drink menu afterwards. You can hire a private room for events too, fitting a group of up to 24 people - with minimum spends from £120.
City centre location NQ64 is a great shout for quirky Christmas parties, promising all sorts of fun, competitive activities. This neon graffiti-covered space comes with multiple retro arcade machines and consoles, where you can play everything from Time Crisis to Pacman and Street Fighter.
They've got several Christmas packages to suit your needs, including prosecco and signature cocktails like the Aku Aku Fruit Punch or The Mars Attacks. Hire out the whole venue for up to 200 people, or a semi-private space for a maximum of 50.
Celebrate Christmas in style at Edinburgh's famous Frankenstein / Bier Keller. With live DJs, karaoke and an animatronic monster descending slowly from the ceiling, it's sure to be one you won't forget.
For just £30 per head, you can tuck into to a festive buffet of cranberry-glazed pigs in blankets, vegetarian haggis quesadillas, Southern-fried cauliflower bites and more. Add in a few steins of spectacular German beer and you'll soon be wishing it was Christmas every day.
On the hunt for a Christmas party venue in Edinburgh New Town that holds up in the food department? Make a beeline for Rabble. Not only is the menu made up of the very best Scottish produce, but the space is also totally beautiful, with low-hanging plants and twinkling lights.
There are all sorts of options when hosting a seasonal event here. Their festive set menus start from £34 per person for two courses, including the likes of roast turkey and wild mushroom Wellington, or you can simply enjoy cocktails with your team. Or for something more hands-on, they offer wreath-making classes too.
Boasting cosy interiors, with wooden accents and ambient lighting, The Haymarket is a fabulous find for a work Christmas lunch in Edinburgh. While you're able to book buffet and drinks packages for those larger bashes, you can also dive into set menus and Champagne.
They've got a cosy private dining room for up to 45 guests, or opt for a table in their main bar instead. On the menu? Everything from shallot and camembert tarte tatin to chargrilled sirloin steaks and traditional Christmas pudding - costing £36.95 for three courses.
Whether you're organising a bash with friends, family or colleagues, All Bar One on George Street and in Clydesdale Bank Plaza is making the festive season all too easy. Unique set menus, cracking buffet spreads, drinks packages and fun-filled cocktail masterclasses are all on the cards.
They offer special packages for work parties, with private function rooms and booths to suit groups of all sizes. Get stuck into three mouthwatering courses for £39.95 per person, featuring everything from roasted aubergine to a camembert and chorizo festive burger, with a dreamy Christmas toffee pudding for dessert.
Don't break the bank this jolly season by snapping up a couple of tables over at Amber Rose. Home to a menu that offers something for everyone, not to mention booze packages that'll keep the festive spirit flowing, this fun and friendly boozer is a bit of a belter.
Ideal for a Christmas party lunch in Edinburgh, their three-course set menu comes in at only £28 per person. Dig into plates of turkey and ham hock pie, winter Wellingtons and meat or plant-based festive burgers, followed by a salted caramel brownie.
Looking to host a festive lunch or dinner party? Snap up a table at The Devil's Advocate Bar & Kitchen to indulge in stunning seasonal Scottish fare, paired with some seriously good cocktails or one of over 300 Scottish and world whiskies on offer.
Previously rated as one of the Top 500 Most Influential Bars in the World, this award-winning locations knows how to treat its guests. And with its historic Victorian pump house location, you can also expect cool features like cosy, candle-lit booths and bare brick walls that date back decades.
For those of you hunting out Edinburgh venues for a Christmas party, head to Hector's in Stockbridge, which is known for its warm welcome and quirky interiors. With both traditional meals and sharing platters on offer, it's a cosy space to hole up with your nearest and dearest.
Whether you're hiring a private space or simply booking a large table, you can secure three courses from £41.95 per person. Think nut roasts, hand-carved turkey breast or slow-cooked pork belly, followed by an apple and cinnamon crumble pie.
Consisting of a brewhouse, pizza and prosecco bar, plus a rooftop terrace, Cold Town House is your one-stop shop for seasonal soirées. With regular live entertainment and music, the atmosphere at this venue is a sensational setting for a lively evening of festive cheer.
Set menu prices start from £31.50 for two courses or £37.50 for three, featuring the likes of oven-roasted salmon, confit pork croquettes and roast turkey with all the trimmings. Plus, there's plenty of beer to go with it.
Found on West Register Street, The Voodoo Rooms just so happens to be one of the most magical Christmas party venues going. From its gilded interiors and historical charm down to its cabaret performances and late-night discos, this is a festive foray in the making.
There are multiple private hire options to suit groups of all sizes, from the grand ballroom to the secluded speakeasy. Sip quirky cocktails like the Bananarama or a smoky Salsa Falsa, paired with sophisticated takes on Scottish fare.
One of the best venues for Christmas parties in Edinburgh, Whiski Rooms is a low-lit restaurant and bar with single-malt Scotch whiskies at its heart. The menu is a traditional affair, featuring classic dishes made from the freshest local ingredients.
Their three-course feast comes in at £39.95 each, featuring the likes of North Atlantic king prawn cocktails, turkey roulade with stuffing or wild mushroom and caramelised onion tart. They've got several private spaces that can seat up to 30 people, bookable for lunch or dinner.
