A London DJ’s guide for businesses
Christmas party at work: ideas that actually work
Games, activities, themes, food and entertainment for a Christmas party where both the sociable colleague and the person who’d rather not be the centre of attention can enjoy themselves.
A good Christmas party doesn’t need to be packed with activities. Choose a clear structure, a simple icebreaker, food that suits the group, and a highlight that makes the evening feel well thought out.
Select format
Dinner, a get-together, an activity or a party? Start by thinking about what the group actually tends to enjoy.
Break the ice
Make it easy to communicate across team boundaries without forcing anyone to put on a show.
Build a workflow
Make sure there’s time for food, conversation and activities before the music gets everyone moving.
Create a final
A DJ, a live act, an awards ceremony or a group activity provides a clear highlight to the evening.
Choose your Christmas party based on your group, not on the latest trend
What works for a close-knit sales team might feel completely wrong for a larger organisation where many people have barely met. Start by considering the size of the group, its energy levels and how much time you actually have.
Games for the Christmas party at work
The best games are easy to understand, can be wrapped up in good time, and are suitable even for those who don’t want to be the centre of attention. Avoid games with lengthy rules and those based on inside knowledge that new colleagues may not be familiar with.
Christmas Party Quiz in Teams
Combine music, a look back at the past year and light-hearted questions about the company. Put the teams together in advance so that departments are mixed.
Gift wrapping by the hour
Two people share the task, ideally using one hand each. Keep it short and let the best-looking or most creative parcel win.
Christmas Pictionary
A simple icebreaker that works both at the table and in small groups. Prepare words that everyone can relate to.
Music Bingo
Play short excerpts from well-known Christmas and festive songs. This sparks conversation and can flow naturally into the evening’s music.
Make play voluntary but visible
Let them know when it starts, how long it lasts and how to take part. That way, guests can make their choice without feeling caught off guard.
For larger groups, team activities work better than individual performances.
Activities for the Christmas party
An activity is most valuable when it helps the group settle into the evening. Choose one main activity rather than five half-baked ideas.
Photo booth or portrait corner
A photo booth gives guests something to do between events and creates memories without interrupting their conversations. Place it near the party, but not right in the way to the bar or cloakroom.
A workshop with something to take home
Gingerbread houses, candle-making, decorations or a simple painting activity are ideal for groups who want to spend time together at a more relaxed pace. Choose an activity where the result doesn’t have to be perfect.
Tasting or cocktail-making
A wine tasting, a non-alcoholic drinks tasting or a group cocktail workshop will give the evening some structure. Make sure there is always an equivalent non-alcoholic alternative available.
Entertainment suitable for a company Christmas party
The entertainment should support the evening’s objectives. Live performers create a striking show; a DJ can tailor the energy and music over several hours; a host can tie together speeches, awards and activities.
DJ as the evening gets into full swing
An experienced corporate DJ can start with some soft music during the reception and dinner, gauge the mood of the group, and then get the dance floor going without any abrupt changes in style.
Please do send a list of a few sure-fire favourites and a few tracks to avoid. The rest will need to be adapted to suit the room.
A live performance for a moment of intense focus
Bands, singers, comedians or other stage acts work best when the venue, sound and timetable are planned around the performance.
For many companies, combining a live act with a DJ is a great way to have both a show and a longer run of music.
Christmas party themes to make planning easier
A theme should help you choose the venue, dress code, food and music. If the theme requires a long explanation, it’s probably too complicated.
A modern winter party
White, green, candlelight and a simple dress code. A festive atmosphere without everything having to be red or Santa-themed.
Après-ski
Relaxed, playful and easy to incorporate through food, décor and music. Particularly well suited to an energetic group.
Fancy dress party or gala
It creates a clearer sense of occasion. Be precise about the dress code so that guests know what is expected of them.
Decade Celebration
The 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s make it easy to choose music and visual details. Choose a decade that several generations can get involved in.
Food and drink to round off the evening
A buffet is flexible for large groups, but queues can disrupt the programme. A sit-down dinner offers more control but requires clearer seating arrangements and provision for special dietary requirements. Smaller dishes or food stations are suitable for a more informal, mingling atmosphere.
- Please make sure to provide details of any allergies and special dietary requirements in good time.
- Offer a well-thought-out non-alcoholic alternative, not just soft drinks.
- Avoid scheduling the meal to clash with speeches or activities.
- Plan the coffee, dessert and late-night snacks according to how long the party is going to last.
Checklist for planning a Christmas party at work
The most sought-after venues and suppliers are booked well in advance. Start with the factors that will determine the rest: the date, the number of guests, the budget and the venue.
- Set targets, a budget and a person in charge.
- Please select two possible dates and estimate the number of guests.
- Book a venue and check the end time, sound regulations and technical requirements.
- Decide on food, drink and how to cater for special dietary requirements.
- Book an activity, a DJ or other entertainment.
- Create a simple running order with gaps between the programme items.
- Please provide information on the dress code, transport and what is included.
- Appoint a contact person for suppliers for the evening.
The venue sets the tone
Check the capacity, cloakroom, accessibility, public transport links, loading bay and the rules regarding music after dinner.
Also ask who is responsible for technical support and cleaning. Unclear boundaries often end up being costly later on in the process.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas parties at work
What can you get up to at a work Christmas party?
Combine a social format with a clear highlight: for example, dinner and a quiz, a workshop and a social, or dinner with a DJ and dancing. A well-planned main activity is often enough.
What games work well at a Christmas party at work?
Law quizzes, music bingo, Christmas Pictionary and short creative relay races work well for many groups. Choose games with simple rules and avoid forcing individuals to perform.
What theme is suitable for a company Christmas party?
A modern winter party, après-ski, gala or 10th-anniversary party are clear themes that can be incorporated into the dress code, décor, food and music without becoming too complicated.
How do you organise a Christmas party for a large number of people?
Start by setting your budget, choosing a venue and deciding on the number of guests. Use a clear schedule, set up several serving or activity stations, and appoint a designated point of contact for the suppliers.
What sort of entertainment is suitable for a Christmas party?
A DJ is ideal when you want music to run throughout the evening and be tailored to the group. A live act provides a focused performance, whilst a quiz host or compère can keep the programme on track.
When should you book a venue, a DJ or an activity?
Book as soon as you’ve decided on the date, budget and approximate number of guests. Popular Fridays in November and December often get fully booked well in advance.
Would you like the music to set the tone for the evening?
London DJ helps businesses in Stockholm and Uppsala with music planning, sound and a dance floor tailored to the guests.
