If your office Christmas do needs serious reinvention, look no further than Somerset — especially Shepton Mallet. This year, dull buffets and predictable DJs are out. Instead, immersive dinners, prison escapes, drag spectacles and tribute nights are taking over. But with demand rising, you'll want to snap up them now.

In Shepton Mallet, the Bath & West Showground hosts Bad Christmas – The Best, Worst Christmas Party. Guests enter a world ruled by Auntie Claus — think mischievous elves, Grotty Grotto photo ops, chaotic raffles, two courses of food and a live band to sweep you into chaos. The ticket is £65 per person.

For thrill seekers, Shepton Mallet Prison offers a "Christmas Behind Bars" experience. Attendees are processed by prison officers, don jumpsuits, locked in cells, and released into themed challenges such as escape rooms, Turf Wars and ghost tours. The night culminates in a buffet, mulled wine, mince pies and a quiz in the prison's festively decorated dining hall.

In Street, The Loft Lounge & Bar leans more classic — three courses of locally sourced fare, full table service, and a DJ keeping the party going until late. Perfect for teams that want elegance over extremes.

Or opt for subtle magic — La Bella in Shepton's high street offers warm, food‑focused festive evenings. Locally sourced ingredients, calm ambiance, attentive service — no spectacle, just solid Christmas spirit.

These options only scratch the surface — interactive murder mystery dinners, immersive theatre, disco nights with themes and more are cropping up across Somerset. Dates are limited and bookings are going fast.

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Whatever your team wants — to sing, to escape, to laugh, to feast — Somerset offers Christmas parties that defy the ordinary. Don't leave your office's festive reputation to chance.

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