The best unique Christmas party venues in Bristol

This venue is its own little bit of Bristol history. Having been opened in 1850, the Clifton Lido has gone through renovations, narrowly escaping demolition to become the space it is today, a pool, restaurant, and bar (and one of the oldest heated pools in the UK).

As it’s available for private dining hire, how about a poolside dinner this Christmas? With full venue hire for up to 100 guests, you’ll have more than enough space to shake up your typical festive do.

Take a look at the menu – Tuscan fennel salami or lentils, seasoned yoghurt, and brown butter. Whatever you choose, Christmas this year looks like it’ll be quite a splash.

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Dubbed the “UK’s original arcade bar”, Four Quarters is bringing your most-loved retro games to Bristol’s Park Street. Play games like Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, Crazy Taxi, Tetris, and 14 other arcade games in their original machines (that have been restored, of course).

For any pending Christmas parties, Four Quarters offers full venue hire for up to 135 guests or up to 60 and 30 guests at their Basement Bar and Conservatory. Plus they'll throw in a DJ, Gamemaster, and catering for a bit extra too.

In between games, they have a selection of cocktails, craft beer, wines, and spirits to choose from.

We guess the only thing left to ask is, ready to play?

Mahogany furniture, oxblood and emerald green leather seats, a rogue stag head, and ornate stain glass windows are what you’ll find on the first and ground floor of Bristol bar, Milk Thistle. Take a detour downstairs and you’ll stumble upon one of the city’s worst-kept secrets.

Tucked away below street level is The Vault. With its old furniture, unfinished floors, liqueur cabinets, and peeling paint it feels like a world away from the traditional interior of the main floor.

It’s secluded, intimate, and feels like your very own secret hideout. With a 16-person capacity, meat and cheese boards, a fully-stocked bar, and some of the best whiskey in Bristol, this hidden treasure is available for any upcoming small Christmas parties.

All aboard the Thekla! The former cargo ship, now docked in Bristol’s Floating Harbour, has been home to live music performances and club nights since the 90s.

With its simple oak interiors, overhead lighting, and black booths, it’s pretty unassuming (that is, if you ignore the fact that you’re on a boat) but it’s exactly what you need for a party on your own terms.

Hire the top deck for a Christmas do on the waterfront. Head to the bar for a pint or cocktail then slide into a booth or find your way to the dance floor.

The top deck also has a nice view of the harbour. Now, how’s that for a Christmas party?

Great heavens! It’s not every day you see circus performers at church (yes, you read that correctly). After collaborating with St. Paul’s Church for a renovation, Bristol-based contemporary circus, and theatre, Circomedia, has been host to events over the past few years.

As you’d expect, you’ll find high ceilings, stained glass windows, and grand pillars typical of any church (but still, no less impressive). Alongside this heavenly backdrop, circus performers entertain throughout the night.

It’s Christmas time at “Cirque Du Église”. Drink, dine and marvel at the magic performances with up to 150 other guests.