The festive season is fast approaching, and if you're tasked with organising the annual Christmas event, it can feel like a lot of pressure to create an event that everyone will enjoy. With the right planning and some creative touches, you can throw a memorable party that your friends and colleagues will talk about for years to come.  

Here’s a guide from our Commercial Events Manager, Liv Fripp, to help you plan the perfect festive do: 

Set the Date and Time 

The first step in planning your corporate Christmas event is choosing the right date and time. Consider the schedules of your team members and aim for a date that works for the majority. Mid-December are often sought-after dates, keep in mind that Friday and Saturday evenings are popular, so book early to avoid disappointment. Alternatively consider late November, this allows people to wind down before the holiday rush and avoid clashing with other commitments with friends and family.  

If evenings are proving difficult to coordinate, consider hosting your November or December work meetings at a venue and combine business with festive fun. Choose a memorable backdrop for your year-end gathering and add a Christmas twist and book a festive lunch or upgrade your biscuits to a mince pie.  

Select the Perfect Venue 

The venue can make or break your party. Consider the size of your guest list and the atmosphere you want to create. Private events are great if you want to plan team building elements or have end of year awards. Finding a venue with that extra wow factor will make your Christmas celebration extra special. Our Museum features an exhibition with over 40 red cars, making it a show-stopping drinks backdrop. 

Entertainment is key to keeping the energy high and ensuring everyone has a good time. Hire a DJ or a live band to get people dancing or set up a photo booth with festive props for some fun snapshots. You could also organise games, such as a Christmas trivia quiz or a Secret Santa, to engage the guests. Joining a group night is a great way to have an all-inclusive package without having to organise all the elements yourself. Usually, group nights include an entertainment package which create great atmosphere if you don’t have big numbers for a private event and often will be more budget friendly than having to organise yourselves. 

Opportunities for Networking and Socialising 

A well-chosen venue not only provides a comfortable setting for your event but also facilitates networking and socialising among guests. The layout of a venue, with designated spaces for dining, mingling, and entertainment, encourages interaction and helps break the ice. Whether it’s a corporate event where colleagues can connect outside the office or a social gathering where friends and family can catch up, choose a venue provides a great atmosphere. 

Incorporate Team Recognition 

The Christmas party is a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and achievements of your team. Consider incorporating a short awards ceremony, where you can hand out certificates or small gifts to employees who have gone above and beyond throughout the year. This not only boosts morale but also adds a personal touch to the event. If you have booked onto a Christmas party with other groups you can still incorporate this into your evening between dinner courses, consider offering just a select few awards or keep one big one for the night.  

The ‘Limited company Annual Event allowance’ from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is a tax allowance that can apply to your office Christmas party and other events during your company’s financial year. To be eligible for this allowance, the annual Christmas party (UK) must be for you and your employees, and specific criteria must be met. To find out more visit https://www.gov.uk/expenses-benefits-social-functions-parties.  

Plan Ahead  

Finally, take notes on what worked well and what could be improved for next year’s party. Gather feedback from your team to understand their preferences and suggestions. This will help you plan an even better event next time. 

Unsurprisingly the Museum can offer all of the things we've mentioned above so making a decision on where to go and what to do may not be that far away! Speak to our events team to book your Christmas event for 2024.  

12th September 2024