If you're looking for something a little different for this year's office Christmas party, forget the soggy roast and half-hearted disco.

Somerset is serving up a sleigh-full of strange, spectacular and seriously memorable alternatives — and now's the time to book them. From riotous interactive dinners and dancing elves to prison cells and tribute acts, there's something here to surprise even the most seasoned party planner.

In Shepton Mallet, the Bath & West Showground will host what's arguably the most chaotic festive celebration of the year. Bad Christmas – The Best, Worst Christmas Party promises live interactive dining with a twist, where Auntie Claus presides over an evening of mischief, music and merry mayhem.

Guests will be plunged into an immersive experience involving miserable elves, a Grotty Grotto, festive photo ops and an unforgettably terrible raffle. There's also a two-course meal and a live band to help dance off the damage. Tickets are £65 per person with group discounts available, but be warned: this one isn't for the faint-hearted.

If you want to keep the festive chaos but add a touch of real danger, Shepton Mallet Prison is once again opening its gates for a different kind of Christmas do. The Christmas Behind Bars package includes being processed by real prison officers, issued a jumpsuit, and locked in a holding cell before being set loose on a choice of themed activities — including escape rooms, Turf Wars and evening ghost tours.

The evening finishes with a buffet, mince pies, mulled wine and a Christmas quiz in the prison's decorated dining hall. It's immersive, unexpected, and somehow still festive.

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Meanwhile in Wells, Studio24 is going all-in on wild winter nights. Pink fans can belt out every word at a high-octane tribute night starring Vicky Jackson, the world's top Pink tribute artist on December 6th, backed by a full live band, lighting rig and arena-worthy production. For those who prefer comedy with their chaos, The Absolutely Dragulous Show on 19 December promises big wigs, bigger laughs, and some of the most outrageously festive drag entertainment on the UK circuit.

For something slightly more traditional — but still stylish — The Loft Lounge & Bar in Street is offering a more classic Christmas party format with a few festive flourishes of its own. Guests enjoy a three-course feast made from locally sourced ingredients, exclusive table service, and a DJ spinning party hits until the early hours. It's ideal for smaller companies or mixed groups and, unsurprisingly, already booking up fast.

For those in search of something more low-key and delicious, Shepton Mallet's high street has its own festive gem in La Bella — a family-run Italian restaurant that's quickly become a local favourite.

The restaurant prides itself on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere that's already won over much of the town. It's not wild, it's not immersive — but if your idea of the perfect Christmas party involves good food, great service and zero awkward karaoke, it's a winner.

With limited dates, high demand and very few beige buffets in sight, Somerset's Christmas party season is anything but ordinary this year.

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Whether you're booking for a bold team of thrill seekers, a festive crowd who just want to dance, or colleagues who secretly want to spend the night in a jumpsuit solving a prison escape, these unusual experiences are filling up fast — and promise a night out that no one will forget.

• The Loft, The Bath and West Showground, and La Bella are proud sponsors of Nub News. Support from local organisations like these helps us keep your local news free and easy to read.