How to spice up your Christmas party in Nottingham - from axe throwing to a trip to the circus
It takes a brave - or foolhardy - soul to organise the office Christmas party. If your colleagues are happy with a trip to the pub for a few festive tipples or the same venue year in, year out then it's easy.
But if your work crowd are a hard-to-please bunch, then you've got an almighty task on your hands when it comes to finding something to please everyone. The good news is there's no shortage of party spots to choose from and some alternative activities as well as just eating turkey and pulling crackers.
Just about every restaurant across Nottinghamshire is likely to have a special Christmas menu if you want to simply sit down and eat - just check the website of your favourite.
Then there's the big bustling party venues, with room for 500 revellers to make merry and hit the dance floor. But if you fancy something smaller and more intimate or totally off the wall, we've suggestions for that too.
Axe throwing
One of the more unusual party ideas on the list is axe throwing with a number of different packages available at Axed in The Cornerhouse. The cheapest is the Sinking Steel session, for two to 20 people, costing £18 (off peak) and £22 (peak) with a series of different games to choose from including noughts and crosses.
Xmas for All is aimed at small groups, with 60 minutes of chucking axes. Obviously for safety reasons no drinking is allowed while throwing but afterwards you can hit the bar. Two drinks are included, with prices starting at £28 per person, (off peak) to £32 per person (peak times) all week long.
Welcome to Chucktown, for 20 to 40 people, includes two hours axe throwing with a dedicated instructor, pizza from Revolution, two drinks per person, priced £42 per person.
The ultimate is the £2,800 Axe Masters deal, with exclusive venue hire for up to 50 people and three hours of axe throwing, beer pong, shuffleboard and the option to organise tournaments. The package includes pizzas, two drinks per person and 25 cans of Red Stripe for the beer pong tables.
For more information visit: axedglobal.com/locations/nottingham/
Location: Axed, The Cornerhouse, 2nd Floor, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB
Dream Circus
You know it's getting close to Christmas when the big party tent starts going up at Highfields Park. This year's glamorous theme is the magical and surreal world of the Dream Circus.
Revellers can look forward to an aerial performance above a life-sized elephant before heading to the Circus Bar where contortionists mingle with plate-spinning giraffes and a stilt-walking zebra. A three-course festive meal is interspersed with bursts of entertainment and don't forget to leave room for the dessert stations which include giant doughnut walls, 'the best crumble ever' and creative ice cream theatre.
Not one but two styles of music follow, with the signature dance floor and a chic, silent disco zone, try your hand in the casino at the roulette table or Blackjack, or jump on the dodgems. For those who make it through the night, recover at the 'survivors' breakfast'.
Parties will be taking place from December 4 to December 21, for ten to 200, with shared groups or exclusive hire. Prices start at £54..50.
For more information visit: christmaspartycompany.com
Location: Highfields Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2PS
Bongo's Bingo
Expect a wild night of bingo packed with Christmas bangers and special prizes. The dates for Bingo All the Way at Nottingham 's Rock City are Friday December 20 and Saturday December 28.
Each show features riotous fun, amazing music, crazy prizes, en masse karaoke, rave rounds, dance-offs, the odd pink unicorn and, of course, plenty of bingo as part of the UK’s most bonkers, surreal and energetic night, all rolled into one glorious party. Final release tickets are on sale priced £18.
For more information visit: bongosbingo.co.uk
Location: Rock City, 8 Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5GG
The Renaissance at Kelham Hall
Celebrate the festive season in style with a Big Christmas Disco Party Night at the historic 19th century hall where the venue will be transformed with an electrifying disco dance floor, dazzling lights, and festive decorations.
The night includes a welcome drink and a three-course festive dinner with roast turkey and all the trimmings as one of the options, before getting your groove on boogying until midnight. Party dates are Saturday December 7 and 14, from 7pm. Tickets are £42 per person.
For more information visit: renaissance-kelham.com/big-christmas-disco/
Location: Main Street, Newark, NG23 5QX
Disco country party
Howdy partner! Don your cowboy hats and rhinestones to celebrate the festive season with a big yeehaw at Colwick Hall Hotel, which was once the ancestral home of Romantic poet Lord Byron. Saddle up for a three-course meal and disco with a Country and Western party in the Lakeside Pavilion. Drinks can be pre-ordered at the Saloon Bar.
The theme was so popular last year, that it's back, bigger than ever. The 500-capacity pavilion is set alongside the lake overlooking the country park, making an exquisite setting, complete with its own garden area, private bar, stage and dance floor. Parties will be staged both midweek and weekends with prices starting at £39.50 per person.
For more information visit: colwickhallhotel.com
Location: Colwick Hall Hotel and Byron’s Brasserie, Colwick Park, Racecourse Road, Nottingham NG2 4BH
Table 47
Add a little sophistication to your Christmas do at the exclusive and intimate private dining location Table 47 in Bridlesmith Gate. Nichola Thompson, who trained in Gordon Ramsay's Michelin-starred kitchen at Maze and was once sports performance chef at Nottingham Forest, has created two packages.
A canape menu, for £12 per person, includes mulled wine cured salmon, charcuterie grazing cones and Christmas lollipops. A second package with small plates is £20 per person. Party-goers can look forward to slow-braised beef rib, turkey and cranberry sauce sliders, monkfish tacos and mac 'n' cheese bon bons.
For more information keep an eye out at: table47_bridlesmithgate on Instagram
Location: 47 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GN
Bistro Live
If it's loud and lively you're after, Bistro Live is the place to be. The party venue is promising a three-course meal, bands and a festive DJ party for an electric atmosphere until late. Food is ordered on the night so you don’t need to decide weeks in advance what you want to eat.
With five starters and five mains, including beef bourguignon, a two bird roast or a caramelised red onion and goat's cheese tart, and a duo of desserts, there is plenty to choose from.
Parties start on November 15 and go right through to January. Events include Let's Sleigh Sundays, Absolute Christmas Anthems and the Ultimate Christmas Party. Prices range from £27.95 to £64.95.
For more information visit: bistrolive.com
Location: 2 Barker Gate, Nottingham NG1 1JS
National Justice Museum
If you're not into the traditional Christmas party scene, this more unusual festive celebration will keep you entertained. The Spirit of Solstice: A Festive Murder Mystery is set in winter 1922 within the walls of Nottingham's former Shire Hall courtroom.
The story goes... a charitable philanthropist has invited the residents of the local village for a festive celebration with a twist. Prepare to gasp in delight as they present a world-renowned spiritualist as the night's entertainment. Will they be able to connect with the spirits of the past on the darkest and shortest day of the year?
Guests will be seated in the candle-lit courtroom as the séance begins. The evening of intrigue, accusations, and suspicion, complete with cocktails, dinner, and laughter, is £55.99 per person and runs on selected dates between Thursday November 28 and Friday December 20 from 6.30pm.
For more information visit: nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
Location: High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN