It might only seem like yesterday that you were slapping on the Factor 30 and sunbathing by the pool, but the 'C' word has begun to creep into conversations.
Whether you like it or not, it is the time of year that you need to starting thinking about the big Christmas bash even though there's still Halloween and Bonfire Night to come.
Restaurants are launching their festive feasts and even McDonald's is getting into the spirit with Crimbo burgers and drinks.
But if you want a boogie, singing, comedy, pyrotechnics and an all-round Yuletide extravaganza, read on about the best locations to let your hair down.
Some of Nottingham's hottest venues already have nights that are a sell-out, so don't delay pinning down the numbers, deciding on the drinks package, gathering deposits and planning your festive outfit for the big night out.
Moonlit in Marrakech, Best Parties Ever
Scented oil lamps and Arabian acrobats light the way as you are led across the wooden bridge amongst tranquil fountains and ornate bronze sculptures to the vibrant and energetic city of Marrakech - aka a massive marquee in the grounds of Beeston Hockey Club, off University Boulevard, decked out like an exotic bazaar.
Revellers can enjoy a range of hot and cold canapés before a three-course nosh-up with a main of lemon chicken breast and ratatouille (or a non-meat option of pumpkin and thyme arancini) in a palm-lined 'alfresco' dining area beneath the twinkling starlit ceiling. Although the foodie highlight is possibly a trip to the dessert station with giant doughnut walls, an ice cream theatre and a cheese buffet.
Entertainment includes a harem of aerial performers, acrobats, dancers, pyrotechnics, a casino, camel rodeo, dodgems and a disco.
If you’ve still got it in you, there’s even a survivors’ breakfast at 12.15am.
Available from November 28 to December 21 for exclusive hire or mixed groups, some nights have already sold out, so better book quick if this is your number one location.
Prices start at £39.95 (plus VAT).
Contact: bestpartiesever.com Tel: 0844 499 4040
80s Christmas Cracker, Colwick Hall Hotel
It's back to the Eighties for this year's festivities - a decade when some of your work colleagues probably weren't even born.
Those who remember the era the first time around will recall fingerless lace gloves, shoulder pads and neon ra-ra skirts. Well it's time to don them again for the shindig which promises a themed menu starting with Too Shy Shy (mushrooms on brioche), Breakfast Club (chicken kiev) and Pac Man (Cornflake tart).
There are options for all size groups, with shared or exclusive nights, from December 6 to 20.
Prices start at £44.50 for shared party nights (Fridays and Saturdays) or mid-week from £25.
Contact: colwickhallhotel.com Tel: 0115 950 0566
Casino Royale, Alea Casino
Licensed to thrill, Casino Royale is the theme of this year's Christmas parties at Alea.
The luxurious events suite, in Upper Parliament Street, will be turned into a glamorous casino for the party season with live music from the house band Electric Jukebox and smooth sounds from a resident DJ to see revellers through to the early hours.
A three-course set menu will be served, with a choice of turkey or baked stuffed pepper with glazed halloumi.
Kicking off on November 29, party season runs until December 21, with shared celebrations from Thursday to Saturday.
Prices start at £40.
Contact: nottingham.aleacasinos.com/events/christmas-parties-at-alea Tel: 0115 871 8942
The Bierkeller
Steins at the ready! The Bierkeller's rip roaring oompah show will be raising the roof Thursday to Saturday over the festive period with lots of singing, dancing and beer swilling for groups of all sizes.
The Bavarian Stompers will take party-goers on a musical journey through the bierkellers of old, followed by party music, shots, a sing-a-long and audience participation with the resident DJ and Burgermeister.
The package includes tucker (pulled turkey, hog roast or veggie alternative), a stein of beer, cider or cocktail, a Jägermeister shot and a seat for the show.
Available from November 22 to December 21. Prices start at £25
Contact: thebierkeller.com/christmas Tel: 0845 533 3000
The Albert Hall
Nottingham's Albert Hall has been running Christmas parties for more than 25 years and has a great reputation for its traditional surroundings, silver service and a lively atmosphere.
Prices from £32.
Contact: alberthallnottingham.co.uk Tel: 0115 950 0411
Bistro Live
The party venue in Barker Gate has Christmas all wrapped up with a host of live bands, DJ nights, school disco nights, and a three-course menu.
Depending on the date you choose, there’s live music from either Chromatic, Melody Avenue or the house band, or some banging floor fillers and party classics to get you on the dance floor.
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 veggie pigs in blankets, plus a trio of desserts, there is plenty to choose from.
Revellers can get into the Christmas spirit early, with parties starting on November 14.
Prices from £20.
Contact: bistrolive.com Tel: 0115 947 3666
Humbug! A Killer Christmas Carol, National Justice Museum
The year is 1853 and Scrooge is having a party to celebrate the 10th anniversary since he abandoned his miserable ways at Humbug! A Killer Christmas Carol.
The grade II listed building, in High Pavement, offers a unique and atmospheric setting for a festive murder mystery.
The night kicks off with a glass of mulled wine and murder mystery tour, followed by a three-course dinner with traditional roast turkey (or vegetarian wellington).
Parties are staged Thursdays to Saturday, from November 29 to December 21. The evening concludes at 10.30pm so you'll make it home before your carriage turns into a pumpkin.
Tickets are priced £39.99.
Contact: nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk Tel: 0115 952 0555
Village Hotel, Chilwell
Get the festive season off to a sparkling start at the hotel in Brailsford Way. Entertainment ranges from Rat Pack, Magic Mike, George Michael and Jersey Boys' tribute nights to 70s, 80s and Soul and Motown, and Chick Flick Boogie Nights.
As a thank you for their valiant efforts, five dates have been set aside for 999 parties so members of the emergency services can get together and celebrate with a two-course dinner for just £9.99.
Otherwise there's a three-course menu with prosciutto-wrapped turkey breast or a mushroom and leek pie.
The fun starts on November 29 and continues until the final 999 party on December 28.
Prices start at £18.
Contact: village-hotels.co.uk Tel: 0115 896 5065
The Glee Club
Dress up or dress down, there's no dress code at the comedy club in the British Waterways Building at Castle Wharf.
Four top circuit stand-ups will be providing the laughs at the festive parties, from December 5 to 21.
While you can just book for the show, make it more of an occasion by starting the night with drinks and a one, two or three-course menu with a three bird roast, salmon, slow-cooked brisket or a choice of seasonal burgers - plus a dessert grotto. But remember to book a food inclusive ticket, as food orders will not be taken on the night.
An after-party will keep the celebrations going into the night.
Tickets for the show only from £12.50, or with a three-course meal included from £32.25.
Contact: glee.co.uk/nottingham/christmas/ Tel: 0871 472 0400
Blotts Country Club, West Bridgford
Blotts normally hosts parties for everyone with a live band, fun casino and three-course festive feast but this year - for the first time in 35 years - the country club will only be offering exclusive parties for private companies, with a minimum of 100 guests, due to the number of weddings booked throughout December.
Limited party dates are available.
Contact: blotts.com Tel: 0115 933 5656
Studio Chocolate
If you're looking for something away from the traditional turkey and tinsel booze-up, how about a different way of getting messy with a chocolate masterclass?
The Nottingham-based studio is offering festive workshops with a glass of fizz and enough chocolate to see you into 2020.
A wide range of parties are available for a minimum of six and they've just had inquiry for 50 people at the studio in Thurland Street.
Depending on the class, there's a chance to make artisan bars, flavoured ganache, rolled and dipped truffles and colourful chocolate bonbons.
Prices start at £30 a head.
Contact: studio-chocolate.co.uk Tel: 0115 947 4903
