December is here, and there's one thing every employee is looking forward to...the end-of-year meeting? Nope. It's Christmas party season!
So if you're responsible for setting up your work Christmas party, or perhaps a Christmas lunch for your team, but you're tired of the same old office Christmas parties with dull decorations and forced sentimentality?
Fear not! We’re here to help you shake things up and create an unforgettable work Christmas party experience.
With these unique ideas, creative themes, engaging games and memorable entertainment your Christmas event will be the talk of the office for years to come.
Short Summary
Spread the holiday joy with these creative office Christmas party themes!
Make your work Christmas event a night to remember with exciting games, live music, comedy acts & interactive performances!
Plan a fantastic event by setting a budget and choosing the right venue with festive decorations and ambience.
Festive Activities for Office Christmas Parties
Whether you're booking a full venue, private hire, or a shared Christmas party, incorporating these engaging and festive activities into your Xmas party can make all the difference in creating a memorable event.
From themed dress codes and photo booths to team-building games with a festive twist, these ideas will keep your co-workers entertained and and foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork throughout the night.
Themed Dress Code
Encourage your guests to dress up in festive attire or costumes by setting a themed dress code for your office Christmas party.
Whether it’s a winter wonderland, decade-themed, or black and white affair, a themed dress code can add an element of fun and excitement to the event. Plus, it gives everyone an opportunity to show off their creative side and get into the holiday spirit.
Encouraging your guests to dress up in festive attire or costumes is a great way to make your guests feel special.
Photobooth
Bringing people together for light-hearted photos carries a contagious charm! So take your traditional Christmas party ideas to the next level by setting up a photo booth.
A photo booth not only provides entertainment but also serves as an icebreaker, encouraging co-workers to mingle and have a laugh together. Plus, the photos can be displayed on the office noticeboard, creating lasting memories of the festive celebration.
At Winterland, we've already built an incredible winter-themed backdrop for everyone to strike a pose in front of; why don't you stock it with fun Christmas and wintry props to elevate the photos?
Wine Tasting & Cocktail Making
What could be more festive than sipping on fine wine and crafting your own delicious cocktails?
Organise a wine-tasting or cocktail making session led by professional sommeliers or mixologists at your own private bar for a fun and educational office Christmas party experience.
Not only will your colleagues learn something new, but they’ll also have a blast trying out different wines and creating their own unique cocktails and concoctions.
If you don't want to book the entire venue (Winterland can host up to 400 people!), you can book your own private room *called a winter chalet* for up to 35 people for a more intimate and enjoyable experience. We also host a variety of shared Christmas parties through December.
Cheers to the perfect venue for a Christmas party in London!
Team Building Games
Organise team building games, such as a holiday scavenger hunt or escape room, to promote collaboration and camaraderie during your office Christmas party. These games encourage co-workers to work together, communicate effectively, and think critically while having a great time.
By incorporating creative team building activities into your party, you’ll not only create a festive atmosphere but also help to strengthen relationships within your team.
Let’s explore some of these creative suggestions in more detail.
Creative Work Christmas Party Ideas
Festive Fun - Santa's Workshop
For a fun team-based activity and interactive experience, turn your work party into one of those team-building Christmas parties with a twist - Santa’s Workshop!
Get everyone dressed up in Santa hats and participate (in teams) in gift-making activities that'll get their creative juices flowing, such as building or decorating a giant gingerbread house, creating ornaments or decorating ugly sweaters.
The winning team from each event could enjoy treats like Baby-Guinness shots (if you don't know what these gems are, get googling!) or Amazon vouchers or even festive snacks like Bailey's hot chocolate with cookies and candy canes around the giant office Christmas tree.
Secret Santa
You can even add a Secret Santa gift exchange to make the event more entertaining as co-workers unwrap presents and share the joy of giving and receiving as they celebrate Christmas together.
Paint and Sip Experience
Combine creativity and relaxation with a paint-and-sip experience, where guests can unleash their inner artists while sipping festive drinks.
This activity allows everyone to be in the moment, forget about the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and create something unique.
Not only will you all have a blast, but you'll also have a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home as a memento of the night.
Candle Making Experience
Offer a unique and relaxing candle-making experience for your office Christmas party, where guests can create their own festive scented candles.
This activity provides a calming atmosphere and leaves them with a sweet, one-of-a-kind candle to take home as a memento of the night.
It’s time to light up the festive celebrations with this creative party idea!
Gingerbread House Decorating
Nothing says Christmas quite like gingerbread houses! Host a gingerbread house decorating competition as a fun and nostalgic party activity. Provide gingerbread kits that you can buy online, and watch as your co-workers’ creativity flourishes.
You can add a competitive element by having teams of four build and decorate, and then everyone votes on their favourite creations.
This festive activity would be good as a table activity before the starters arrive and will surely bring out the Christmas spirit in everyone.
Christmas Bauble-Making Experience
Encourage team bonding and creativity with a Christmas bauble-making workshop, where guests can create their own unique ornaments.
This hands-on activity is perfect for getting everyone into the holiday spirit while crafting beautiful, personalised decorations.
Who knows, you might even start a new office tradition!
Engaging Parlour Games
What’s a party without party games? Engaging parlour games like a Festive Trivia Quiz, Team Relay Race, and even Xmas Pictionary provide entertainment and promote team-building and interaction among team members.
Christmas games are perfect for breaking the ice and will get everyone in the holiday spirit at this year's company Christmas party. With some creativity and festive decorations, you can ensure that it will be a (hazy) night to remember.
Festive Trivia Quiz
Test your colleagues’ knowledge of holiday facts and traditions with a festive trivia quiz!
This friendly competition encourages conversation and bonding among colleagues, as they answer questions about everything from:
the origin of Christmas trees
the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time
the history of Santa Claus
popular holiday traditions around the world
famous holiday songs and carols
Award small or silly prizes to the winners, and watch as everyone gets into the spirit of Christmas.
Gift Wrapping Relay Race
Add a touch of excitement and teamwork to your Christmas parties with a Gift Wrapping Relay Race, a fun game where teams race against the clock to wrap presents as quickly and neatly as possible.
The first player in each team runs to the table, unwraps a gift, wraps it, and sprints back to wait for their next teammate.
The winning team is the first to finish... queue laughter, camaraderie and lots of mess!
Christmas Pictionary
After a few shots of Baileys, unleash everyone’s inner artist with a game of Christmas Pictionary! Players take turns drawing Christmas-themed words and phrases while their teammates try to guess what they are within a minute. Some examples of words and phrases you can use are:
Gingerbread cookie
Candy cane
Snowman
Christmas tree
Santa Claus
This entertaining activity will get everyone laughing and bonding over their artistic abilities (or lack thereof).
Memorable Corporate Christmas Party Entertainment
No office Christmas party is complete without memorable entertainment! Whether it’s live music to set the mood, comedy acts to bring laughter and break the ice, or interactive performances to engage your guests, the right entertainment can transform your holiday celebration from an epic Christmas party to something truly unforgettable.
So, prepare to dance, laugh, and create lasting memories with your team as you enjoy the festive season. Let's dive in.
Live Music
Set the tone for your Christmas parties with Christmas carol singers, or take it up a notch with live music encouraging guests to dance and socialise.
Live music adds a lively and enjoyable atmosphere to your event, whether a band, a DJ, or even (eek!) a karaoke machine.
At a minimum, ensure that the venue has an inviting dance floor, colourful neon lights, and a Xmas playlist to get everyone grooving! You could also introduce a new way of enjoying and dancing to the music by renting out silent disco headphones instead of blasting it through the big speakers. Either way, as long as you and everyone enjoy the party, it is going to be a night to remember.
Consider adding one of the below interactive elements to the mix to make the most of your social time together.
Quirky Christmas Party - Comedy Acts and Drag Hosts
Laughter is the best medicine, and comedy acts are a sure-fire way to bring joy and entertainment to your Christmas party. From stand-up comedians to improv troupes and drag hosts, comedy acts can help break the ice and create a relaxed environment for your guests.
All of the drag performers at Neverland, the best in the industry, constantly receive 5* reviews and always have the audience in stitches.
Contact us if you'd like to learn more.
If you're booking an act yourself, just be sure to choose someone appropriate for a corporate setting!
Interactive Performances
Engage your guests and create an unforgettable experience with interactive performances like a couple of magicians, a murder mystery game, or a game show-style activity.
These immersive experiences encourage attendees to participate and interact with one another, leaving them with lasting memories of your Christmas bash.
We have a great list of mind-blowing magicians on our supplier list; let us know if you'd like to book a roaming performer to bring a touch of magic!
So think outside the box and surprise your co-workers with an entertainment option they won’t soon forget!
Creative Party Themes
Lastly, the unique and immersive theme can make all the difference in creating a memorable party.
Gone are the days of generic holiday decorations and repetitive activities. Instead, let your imagination run wild and transform your next office party into:
A Winter Wonderland (or get Neverland's Winterland to host it for you)
A Mysterious Masquerade Ball (great for black tie)
A stylish Roaring ‘20s soiree (simple fancy dress)
Holiday Costume Party (including a Christmas jumper theme)
Santa’s Workshop (for the more creatively minded)
Each theme offers a fresh and exciting experience that will leave a lasting impression on your co-workers.
Work Christmas Party Themes - Winter Wonderland
Imagine stepping into a magical world of snow-covered Christmas trees, ice sculptures, twinkling coloured lights and kitsch alpine decorations, where every corner of the venue transports you to a winter paradise.
With snowflakes, icicles, and a festive colour scheme, your office xmas party will become an enchanting escape from the ordinary.
Activities like ping pong, beer pong, darts or scavenger hunts will keep your guests engaged and entertained, making your event a colossal hit. Visit our Shared Christmas Party page to enquire.
Work Christmas Party Themes - Masquerade Ball
Add an air of mystery and elegance to your work Christmas party with a masquerade ball theme.
Guests will delight in wearing masks and participating in dinner and dancing, even if your uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down the event (we’re looking at you, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman).
Decorate the whole venue with the following:
Mini masquerade masks
Velvet drapes
Feathers
Beads
Masks on walls
And remember to provide a variety of masks for guests that forgot theirs.
Work Christmas Party Themes - Roaring '20s
Very on-trend this year: transport your guests back in time to the era of flapper dresses, jazz music, and vintage charm with a Roaring ‘20s theme. This lively and stylish celebration features a colour scheme of glamorous gold, stunning black, and elegant white, setting the perfect ambience for a night to remember.
Encourage guests to dress in vintage attire and dance the night away to the rhythm of jazz, making your work Christmas party an event that won’t soon be forgotten.
Delicious Food and Drink Ideas
No Christmas parties are complete without mouth-watering Xmas food and drinks!
From festive cocktails to themed buffets and dessert stations, there are plenty of options to satisfy every taste bud and preference. So, whether you’re catering to a diverse crowd or simply looking for something new and exciting, these delicious holiday food and drink ideas will make your office Christmas party a culinary success.
From classic eggnog to creative cocktails, there are plenty of options.
Festive Cocktails
Raise a glass and toast to successful work Christmas parties!
Why not add a touch of holiday cheer and sophistication and get everyone in the Christmas spirit with festive cocktails like mulled wine, mulled cider or eggnog?
From classic recipes to creative concoctions, a selection of seasonal drinks and a few cocktail bars will delight your guests and get everyone in the right party spirit.
Themed Buffets
Offer a variety of dishes inspired by different holiday traditions with a themed buffet at your work Christmas night out.
Try some ideas like a “Winter Wonderland” buffet featuring snowflake-shaped cookies and hot cocoa or a “Christmas Around the World” spread showcasing dishes from different countries and your culinary creativity will pique your guests' interests.
Summary: themed buffets provide a delicious and exciting alternative to traditional holiday fare, just make sure you accommodate for today's diverse dietary needs and preferences!
Dessert Stations
Sweeten your work Christmas parties with dessert stations offering tasty treats and interactive experiences.
Whether it’s a gingerbread decorating table or a selection of festive treats like minced pies or delicious macarons and brownies or a even hot chocolate bar complete with all the fixings, dessert stations are always a hit with people at Xmas.
At Winterland we even have an outdoor firepit and encourage you to gather round and roast marshmallows! So indulge in the sweeter side and treat your co-workers to a festive meal and some delicious and fun dessert options.
Unconventional London Christmas Party Venues
Now that we’ve explored some creative work Xmas party ideas let’s dive into the world of quirky London Christmas party venues.
From themed bars and winter venues to Christmas cruises and party buses, there are unique venues all over town. So, why not step outside the box this year and play host to your event at one of these quirky venues that will leave your co-workers reminiscing for years to come?
London has it all, whether you’re looking for a quirky bar with ski lift bubbles or a glamorous venue with an ice-skating rink.
In the following section, we’ll introduce you to some of the city's most unique and unconventional Christmas party venues.
Winter Themed Venues
For a truly festive experience, choose a winter-themed venue for your office Christmas party. Winterland in Fulham is one of those exciting venues that offers Christmas packages including fun games and activities, private rooms and a gorgeous themed décor, festive music, excellent food, drinks and themed cocktails.
Looking more central, why not book the ice rink at Somerset House or the Pavilion in the Tower of London for a fun and frosty night of skating and feasting?
Christmas Cruises
Why not take your office Christmas party to the water and host a festive cruise along the Thames? With stunning views of London’s iconic skyline and a unique party atmosphere, a Christmas cruise offers an unforgettable experience.
Choose from a variety of packages, including three-course festive lunches, whimsical cruises with delicious meals, or a festive night out with a twist onboard a Christmas dinner party cruise.
Party Buses
For a mobile office Christmas party like no other, rent a party bus and tour London’s most iconic sights while celebrating the festive season.
Party buses come equipped with sound systems, lighting, and a bar, providing a fun and secure environment for everyone to let loose and enjoy the night.
It’s a great way to experience the city’s festive decorations and enjoy live entertainment while keeping the party going all night long.
Office Christmas Party Planning Tips
Planning an unforgettable office party requires attention to detail and, depending on you, a bit of creativity.
To ensure your event is a smashing success, focus on three things:
1) setting a budget,
2) choosing the right venue, and
3) focusing on decorations and ambience.
The following tips will help you create a memorable event that leaves a lasting impression on your coworkers and celebrates the holiday season in style.
1) Setting a Budget
Setting a budget for your corporate Christmas party is crucial to prioritising expenses and ensuring your celebration stays within the company’s financial constraints.
Consider the cost of the following components when determining your budget. This will help you focus on what’s essential and maximise your resources:
Venue Hire Fee
Food Cost Per Person
Drinks Cost Per Person
Decorations & Theming (if you rent a ballroom etc)
Entertainment
2) Choosing the perfect Christmas party venue
When choosing a venue for your office Christmas party, consider location, capacity, and amenities. The perfect setting will make all the difference in creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your guests.
Whether it’s a formal banquet hall, spacious event space or purpose-built Christmas party venue like Winterland London, the right venue will get everyone in the celebratory Christmas spirit for a night of fun and festivities.
The wrong venue will leave everyone flat and uninspired, so choose wisely!
3) Christmas Celebrations - Decorations and Ambiance
Don’t underestimate the power of Christmas decor in setting the mood.
An attention to detail on the festive lighting, eye-catching centrepieces, Christmas trees and decoration and creativity will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
So make sure you go all out with your decorations and create an atmosphere that will encourage your guests to be happy and merry.
Summary
In conclusion, organising a memorable event doesn’t have to be a daunting task at Winterland. We've taken care of the creative theme, engaging games, memorable entertainment, and delicious winter food and drinks. So, all you need to do is pick a date book your party packages and we'll create an unforgettable celebration that your company will rave about for years to come.
So, prepare to spread holiday cheer and make this year’s office Christmas party one for the books!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for work Christmas party?
Employers almost always pay for the work Christmas party as a gesture of goodwill and recognition of their employees’ efforts. It is a great way to show appreciation and reward hard work, and it can also be a great opportunity for team building and socialising.
Work Christmas do ideas?
Let’s get the party started with some great work Christmas party activities! From shuffleboard to arcade games to interactive darts and marshmallow roasting, there’s something at Winterland for everyone to get into the xmas spirit.
What are some creative themes for an office Christmas party?
Get into the festive spirit with creative themes like Winter Wonderland, Masquerade Ball, Roaring ‘20s, and Santa’s Workshop for your office Christmas party!
What are some unique office Christmas party ideas in London?
Wine tasting, cocktail making, paint and sip experiences, Christmas bauble-making, gingerbread house decorating, and candle making are all great ideas for an office Christmas party in London.