Introduction
As the festive season approaches, many businesses begin planning their annual Christmas party. Whether your team works in the office, remotely, or a mix of both, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate together. A well-organised event can boost morale, strengthen team bonds and show appreciation for your staff’s hard work.
This guide offers a range of ideas for both in-person and remote teams, along with practical tips to help you plan a successful and inclusive celebration.
Christmas Party Ideas for Office-Based Teams
Cocktail Masterclasses
Many restaurants and bars offer cocktail-making sessions where your team can learn to mix a variety of drinks with a professional bartender. These can include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Bake Off Challenges
Regional event companies can host baking competitions for your team, or you can organise your own using recipes from the official Great British Bake Off site. If you’re near London, Birmingham or Manchester, The Big Bakes offers a marquee setup with 12 baking stations and a 90-minute challenge.
Mini Golf
Mini golf is a fun and informal way to build team spirit. Venues like Swingers offer themed courses, street food and cocktails.
Bowling and Entertainment
All Star Lanes, with locations across London, combines retro bowling with karaoke, cocktails and American-style food for a lively team night out.
Games and Drinks Venues
Boom Battle Bar offers a variety of games including augmented reality darts, karaoke, beer pong and mini golf. Food and drinks are available at their venues across the UK.
Christmas Treasure Hunts
Companies like Cluego can organise bespoke Christmas-themed scavenger hunts, either virtually or in-person, ending with a festive lunch. Teams compete in challenges to earn points and beat the competition.
Unique and Unusual Venues
Use services like Venue Search London to find distinctive venues such as the Museum of London’s pleasure gardens, a yacht, or the Barbican Conservatory. Some venues offer immersive themes, such as a Narnia-inspired experience at Portland Place.
Immersive Experiences
- Escape Rooms: Available nationwide, offering team-based problem-solving fun.
- Movie Nights: Backyard Cinema provides festive films in unique settings.
- The Great Christmas Feast: A Dickensian immersive experience with storytelling, food and drinks.
Intimate Gatherings
Private rooms at venues like Cosy Club, Tattams or Positano Guildford offer a relaxed setting for smaller teams. In London, Bar Duoro is a great option, while Livelyhood Pubs in South London offer themed spaces such as The Treehouse.
Join Larger Events
Small businesses can join larger hosted events at venues like hotels or the NEC Birmingham, buying tables to enjoy the buzz of a bigger party.
Mobile Bars
Bring the party to your office by hiring a mobile bar from companies like Flightcase Bars, which offer over 30 bespoke setups across the UK.
Festive Trails
Explore walking, treasure or ale trails such as the Brakspear Henley Ale Trail, which rewards participants with a free t-shirt upon completion.
Charity and Volunteering Events
Consider organising a fundraising event or giving staff time off to volunteer. The British Heart Foundation offers Christmas fundraising ideas, and volunteering opportunities can be found through organisations such as TCV or CIPD also provides useful factsheets on employee volunteering.
Christmas Party Ideas for Remote Teams
Virtual Cocktail Making
Send cocktail kits to employees and host a virtual masterclass via Zoom or Teams with a professional mixologist.
Festive Baking Kits
Send DIY kits for decorating cookies or building gingerbread houses. Make it a competition by offering prizes for the most creative designs.
Remote Gift Exchange
Use platforms like DrawNames to organise a virtual Secret Santa, ensuring remote employees feel included.
Virtual Escape Rooms
Choose from a variety of online escape room experiences, some of which support charitable causes and offer a fun, cost-effective team-building activity.
Things to Consider When Planning Your Staff Christmas Party
- Ask for Employee Feedback: Before finalising plans, check what your employees would prefer. Remote staff may feel more comfortable with virtual events, and some may prefer alternatives to traditional Christmas dinners.
- Be Inclusive: Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Be mindful of different backgrounds and beliefs. We can offers helpful advice on creating inclusive workplace celebrations.
- Consider Costs: Avoid activities that require staff to spend money, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. Ensure participation is accessible to all.
- Choose the Right Venue: Make sure your venue can accommodate all employees, including dietary requirements, accessibility needs and age restrictions.
- Plan Travel Arrangements: Help staff plan safe travel to and from the event. Consider shared taxis or nearby public transport. If alcohol is involved, remind employees to arrange alternative travel options.
Final Thoughts
A successful Christmas party doesn’t need to be extravagant. The key is to create an event that reflects your team’s preferences, is inclusive and allows everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re planning a large gathering or a small virtual celebration, thoughtful planning will ensure your team feels valued and appreciated.
Call to Action
Need help organising your staff Christmas party or navigating HR considerations around events? Contact Bespoke HR for expert advice tailored to your team’s needs.