Want a touch of history with this year’s Christmas do?

If you’re partial to a slice of history with your pigs in blankets, the Museum of London promises to transport your guests back to London’s great frost fairs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Inspired by a time when Londoners could play on the frozen River Thames, the museum will be dressed with bunting, Punch and Judy stands and traditional market stalls. Starting at £67pp, packages come with add-ons such as curated tours and costumed actors. Capacities reach up to 1,000. 

Fancy stirring some history and drama into your festive punchbowl? The National Gallery is teaming up with Past Pleasures, whose pro performers can be hired to play historical characters for your bash at the gallery. Characters or period musicians can act as hosts, help welcome guests or mingle throughout the event. They can also give speeches or put on a performance. Prices for private events start at £67pp (600 capacity). Events using Past Pleasures characters are entirely bespoke, with the price per actor starting at £500.

Party Ingredients is going Scottish this Christmas. Its ‘Highland Fling’ party theme, available at various London venues, will feature Scottish Highland comforts – think cosy interiors, tartan blankets and faux-fur cushions. You can hire a Sean Connery lookalike (really) or a bagpiper to get the party started. Free-flowing drinks are a given, and food-wise you can choose between a canapé reception, food stations or a seated meal. Prices start at £78pp.

Need somewhere special to impress your guests? Set in 3,000 acres of rolling Oxfordshire countryside, Jacobean-style Eynsham Hall is one grand venue for a private Christmas knees-up. Our favourite space is the oak-panelled Green Room, where arched windows look out over landscaped gardens. Larger groups can book the adjoining Library and Red Room. Packages for shared ‘Christmas Casino House Parties’ start at just £39.50pp and cover three courses, a disco and a flutter at the casino table. Make it an all-nighter for as little as £40pp. 

Wales’s five-star Celtic Manor is going all out for Christmas: black-tie dinners, themed nights galore (80s party or masquerade ball anyone?), Christmas carols and even its own ice rink. Choose from shared or private party packages for 60-600 guests (from £37pp), featuring drinks on arrival, a three-course meal and all-night dancing.