If you are looking for a truly unique venue then the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo is the answer. We offer meetings, conferencing, private dinners, drinks receptions, family or corporate away days and weddings as well as a range of exciting team building activities all based in the heart of one of Scotlands most popular tourist attractions.
SEC is Scotland's national venue for public events. It is also the UK's largest integrated exhibition and conference centre: a world class facility set in one of Europe's most vibrant cities and only a short journey from some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.
Do you need help getting back on track?
Reset map“The end of summer is not the end of the world,” says Chef Andrew Walker. Nevertheless, Christmas is the next thing on everyone’s minds, or at least in the world of events, so we turned to the Chartwells chef to discuss the topic of the notorious Christmas party.
“Events are all about experiences, they are created to leave a long-lasting impression," says Jacob Scroby, Eventologists.
With such valuable promotional opportunities that social sharing can offer your brand, it’s crucial that you’re creating opportunities and unforgettable food experiences that your guests are inspired by, and most importantly, will want to share.
On December 4, PA Life Club members will be given an exclusive opportunity to view the conference centre and its facilities.
The office Christmas party is supposed to be a chance for everyone to let their hair down, relax and maybe get to know one another a little better. If you’re planning to host your office Christmas party in Edinburgh, making sure you pick a unique and exclusive venue is one way to get people talking.
The Christmas party venues you choose can have a huge impact on how people feel about your corporate event, and can help people chill out and get into the festive spirit for the evening. Aside from the venue, here are three ice breakers you might like to consider to ensure your office Christmas party gets off on the right foot…
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is an office tradition, but saving the gift giving until the Christmas party can be a great way to get people chatting and laughing. You could open the presents before the party gets started as a way of bringing people together, or if you’ve chosen a venue such as the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, then you could wait to sit down to your Christmas dinner before ripping off that wrapping. Founded by famous chef Prue Leith, Leith’s at the EICC serves fine dining in a festive atmosphere, which along with the fun of Secret Santa will really get the party started.
Alongside the award-winning catering, the EICC has incredibly flexible floor space which can be decked out to suit any theme or style you want for your annual get together. Whether you’re after an Alpine atmosphere or a vintage Christmas look, the events team at the EICC will always do their utmost to see your Christmas party in Edinburgh gets everyone feeling festive.
Guess Who?
A game of ‘Who am I?’ can be a great way to get people to loosen up. Names of famous people are written on pieces of paper which are randomly distributed between guests, and without looking at the name they’ve been given, invitees must stick the paper to their foreheads and ask questions to try and guess who they are. It’s a good game to play between courses when you’re sitting down for Christmas dinner (especially if the drink has been flowing and people are more relaxed).
You don’t have to stick to famous people either. If you’ve chosen Edinburgh Zoo’s Mansion House for your office Christmas party, you could pay homage to your venue by using animals instead. Edinburgh Zoo’s ‘Touch of Elegance’ or ‘Wild Side’ Christmas party packages allow you to fully customise your event, and while it might be December and cold outside, getting out to see the real-life animals after dark certainly makes for an event to remember!
Pass the Parcel
It’s not just for children you know! If everyone is sitting down for their Christmas dinner and someone can get some cheesy festive tunes playing from their phone, then a game of pass the parcel can be a really fun way to break the ice and pass the time between courses. Make sure you’ve added enough layers and enough festive goodies for the game to go on a good while, then pass the package round the table and let the fun begin!
If you’ve ventured outside of Edinburgh to the fantastic Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, you’re in for some real festive fun. A top-class venue set in one of the most dynamic cities in the country, your guests will be able to enjoy some amazing seasonal fare and, thanks to the dedicated events team, the chance to party the night away with great live entertainment.
For more information on our Edinburgh venues or any of the amazing Christmas party venues we have up and down the country, simply get in touch with Lime Venue Portfolio’s expert team today.