Tis the season to be jolly….and also treat those corporate employees of yours at their Christmas party! Perhaps you’ve already booked your venue, maybe you’ve even already planned the whole event, you may also not have even thought about it, even though we are now in November….either way, this blog will help to add those finishing touches to your Christmas plans to really make sure your teams know that they are valued!
First up….why a Christmas party?
As I’ve already mentioned, it’s super important to let your employees know that they are valued year-round, but Christmas is a particularly great way to really boost team morale and to make sure they aren’t dreading coming back in the new year. So many businesses are busy at this time of year and completely forget to arrange something, or they may feel they don’t have the budget, but not having a Christmas party is a sure-fire way of really missing out on a tam building opportunity, so we have 10 tips for you to make the best Christmas party your colleagues have ever been to!
1. Choose a Memorable Venue
The venue sets the tone for your event. You could opt for a classic winter wonderland theme at a grand hotel, a cosy local pub with an open fireplace or even at your own office! Important factors to consider are location, atmosphere, capacity, and accessibility. To make sure you get as many of your team to make it as possible, ensure it’s easy for your team to get there and back home afterwards, or consider offering transport options or accommodation to really make a night of it! For small businesses, so many hotels and venues offer ‘joiner Christmas parties’ where groups of people all join together for one big party. You also don’t need to focus on just having a party vibe, it could be that you know your team would prefer a daytime event or something active – do what you think your team will prefer and enjoy!
2. Consider a Theme
A themed party can make the night more exciting, giving everyone a break from the norm, and making your Christmas party less corporate, even though that may be what it is! Classic holiday themes include winter wonderland, Christmas movie night, or ugly sweater parties, but you could also go a bit unconventional and more interactive with a murder mystery or something related to your business. A theme can guide your decor, dress code, and menu, helping the whole evening feel more cohesive and memorable.
3. Plan Engaging Activities and Entertainment
A Christmas party isn’t just about dinner and drinks – make it interactive and engaging! You could arrange a live band, DJ, or even hire entertainers like magicians or caricature artists to keep things lively. Some companies enjoy hosting activities such as:
- Karaoke for those who want to belt out holiday classics
- Photo booths with holiday-themed props
- Trivia games to test knowledge on company history or fun holiday facts
- Charity fundraisers, such as a silent auction, to give back during the holiday season
- Murder mystery style event
- Daytime team building activities such as a Bake Off Style event or a physical activity – these guys are great!
These activities give everyone something fun to look forward to, creating an interactive experience rather than just a sit-down meal. Games are also great to bring out those competitive sides in your team members!
4. Be Mindful
Don’t forget to incorporate team members who may not celebrate Christmas, or have a difficult time at Christmas due to personal reasons. Perhaps move the focus away from it being Christmas and advertise it as more of a team building or team bonding event, or even an ‘evening of appreciation’. Being inclusive is very important for team morale.
5. Provide Transport or Accommodation Options
The safety of your employees is paramount, especially when celebrating. If your event includes alcohol, consider arranging transportation options to make sure everyone gets home safely. If your budget allows, providing a small stipend for ride-shares or booking a block of hotel rooms nearby can be a much-appreciated gesture.
6. Focus on the Menu
Good food can elevate any event. Consider a menu that caters to all dietary preferences and restrictions – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options should all be available. You could go with traditional Christmas meals or opt for something creative, like a holiday taco or sushi bar. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed event, food stations or buffet-style can encourage mingling. And don’t forget dessert – a hot chocolate station, holiday-themed cookies, or even a DIY gingerbread house table can add a sweet touch to the evening!
7. Incorporate Thoughtful Christmas Gifts
A small, meaningful gift for each employee can leave a lasting impression. From personalised gifts like engraved ornaments, to branded company gifts like cosy blankets or winter scented candles, these tokens show appreciation. Alternatively, you could offer a “choose-your-gift” option where employees pick from a selection of holiday goodies, from gourmet hampers to charity donations made in their name.
8. Arrange a Recognition or Awards Ceremony
Take some time during your celebrations to recognise employees for their hard work and achievements throughout the year. A formal recognition ceremony doesn’t need to be elaborate – even a simple “Employee of the Year” award or team appreciation speeches can boost morale. If you have a bigger budget, consider awarding gift vouchers, experience days, or extra holiday time to those who’ve gone above and beyond. Recognition not only reinforces your gratitude but also motivates everyone for the year ahead.
9. Embrace Virtual and Hybrid Options
For remote or hybrid teams, consider a virtual element so no one misses out. Virtual events can include digital photo booths, interactive trivia, themed team games, or even gift exchanges through online platforms. If you have some remote employees, send them party kits with snacks, decorations, or small gifts, so they feel included. Hybrid setups can bring everyone together for a united celebration, whether in-person or online.
10. Keep the Spirit Going!
Your event doesn’t have to just be an evening only thing – what about making a full day of it? Host a fun team building day, with a party in the evening. That way, employees who aren’t about the party vibe can just partake in the daytime, and employees who most certainly want to carry on the celebrations can.
Don’t forget to let the party be the end of the celebration. Show that employee appreciation is year-round by sending a follow-up thank-you email or a memorable video recap of the night.
Extra Christmas Party Planning Tips:
- Try and host your event on the working day, so employees aren’t taking times out of their personal lives
- Think about inviting partners – speak to your teams to get their thoughts on the matter
- Involve your teams in the discussion – perhaps nominate a member from each team to set up a committee to get a feel for what the team really want, or send out a few ideas in a poll
- Hire a freelance corporate event planner (such as me!) so someone isn’t left with Christmas party planning on top of their usual job – you can enquire here!
‘Wrapping’ It Up
Ultimately, a corporate Christmas party is an opportunity to celebrate, strengthen bonds, and show appreciation for all the hard work your team puts in throughout the year. With a little thought and creativity, your Christmas celebrations can create lasting memories, boost morale, and leave everyone feeling valued and energised for the year ahead. So whether it’s a small gathering with warm drinks and cosy sweaters or an elegant evening in a grand venue, embrace the holiday spirit and make your team’s celebration one to remember!