2024 Christmas Party Trends

One of the most striking findings from the survey is that Christmas party budgets are on the rise. A significant majority of respondents expect their budgets to increase by approximately 10% for the 2024 season compared to the previous year. This follows a trend that UK businesses are eager to invest in their company culture, recognising the importance of fostering camaraderie and celebrating achievements.

The average budget this year for a seasonal event was £88 inc VAT per person however Office Christmas found that UK businesses were actually spending £110 per person. They also reported that businesses in the capital spent 35% more on Christmas parties in London than the rest of the UK.

Experiential Events

Experiential and alternative venues are at the forefront for 2024. With immersive theming, interactive entertainment and unique add-ons becoming increasingly popular. The survey delved into the most popular Christmas party themes for 2024, revealing that although more unique parties are entering the market, attendees favourited the traditional themes such as winter wonderlands & black tie events like Gatsby/James Bond.

Office Christmas’ founder, Justin Sayers, says that the company has seen a record number of enquiries for more casual and themed parties this year, a 20% increase from previous years.

Interactive and alternative events such as murder mystery dinners, mini-golf bars or even curling venues add a new dimension to festive celebrations. Where traditionally the dinner, dance floor and drinks would be the focus of the evening, guests can look forward to an interactive activity which can unite the team.

Dreaming of a Green Christmas

One of the most striking trends revealed by the survey is a heightened focus on sustainability. A significant number of businesses are starting to prioritise eco-friendly venues and practices, seeking ways to minimise their environmental impact. As one respondent aptly put "Sustainability is no longer an afterthought; it's a priority for our Christmas party."

Sustainability is becoming a necessity for organisers with venues and caterers championing sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy and minimising food waste. Many are also incorporating charitable initiatives into their Christmas parties through a donation included in the ticket price or as part of an on-the-night raffle, silent auction or casino table where the proceeds go to charity.

Although we’ve seen a growth this year, sustainability is still not at the forefront with only 6% of bookers saying that it’s an important factor and is a strong influence in party choices.

Party Priorities: What Matters Most to the Planners

The survey revealed what matters most to party planners when booking their festive celebrations. Location reigns supreme, with price and a delicious menu following closely behind. It seems party-goers prioritise a convenient location, value for money, and a tasty feast to fuel their festive fun.

It's undeniable that alcohol still plays a significant role in the Christmas party landscape but the tide might be turning. Within the open-ended comments, some respondents noted changes in drinking habits and an increased quantity of their guests going sober for the party.

This evolving landscape presents a challenge for party planners. How do you cater to a diverse workforce with varying preferences and attitudes towards alcohol? The key lies in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable, regardless of their drinking habits:

• Beyond the Booze: Offer a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including mocktails, NA beers and premium soft drinks. 
• Activities & Entertainment: Shift the focus from purely alcohol-fuelled fun to engaging activities and entertainment that everyone can enjoy.
• Mindful Messaging: Be mindful of how you promote and communicate about the party. Avoid language that centres solely on alcohol consumption and instead emphasise the celebration.

The Return of the In-Person Celebration

After a few years of virtual gatherings and strikes causing mayhem within the events industry, in-person Christmas parties are back in full swing. A large majority of respondents expressed their enthusiasm for hosting face-to-face celebrations, recognising the importance of personal connections and team bonding.

With flexi-working becoming the norm in the UK, businesses are using the annual Christmas party as a great excuse to get everyone under one roof to celebrate and praise the year.

New Year, New Venue

When it comes to venue selection, the survey revealed a whopping 64% of respondents are determined to break the mould and host their 2024 Christmas party at a venue they've never been to before. Suggesting a desire for fresh experiences and a departure from the traditional. This highlights the importance for venues to constantly innovate and offer unique experiences to capture the attention of discerning party planners.

A Surge in Third-party Platforms

Following on, the data indicates that an increasing number of businesses are turning to third-party agencies and venue finders such as Office Christmas to streamline their Christmas party planning. These agencies offer a range of benefits, from expert guidance and venue sourcing, to accessing exclusive deals. By leveraging their expertise and cost-saving advantages, businesses can ensure a memorable and hassle-free festive celebration for their employees whilst they can focus on their core operations.

63% of respondents indicated they are more likely to book their Christmas party through a third-party agency. Only 18% of respondents stated they are less likely to use a third-party agency and 19% had no preference.

Why Some Employees Are Saying "No" to the Christmas Party

While the festive season brings joy and celebration, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone can join the party. Our survey revealed some key reasons why employees might miss out on the Christmas festivities.

Topping the list were childcare issues and travel arrangements. Highlighting the challenges that many working parents and those with long commutes face during the holiday season, with only 40% of respondents willing to commute over 10 miles to party.

It's a good reminder for companies to consider these factors and explore ways to make their Christmas parties more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Interestingly, the survey also revealed that a large portion of employees simply don't enjoy social events, with almost 30% listing it as a reason they expect their attendees not to accept. 26% said that the cost of attending a Christmas party could also be prohibitive.

There you have it - the 2024 Christmas party season is shaping up to be a real cracker! This year, UK businesses are demonstrating a clear commitment to investing in their employees' wellbeing and morale, with increased budgets and a focus on creating inclusive and memorable experiences.

So dust off your dancing shoes, grab your Santa hat, and get ready to jingle all the way to a Christmas party that's bigger, bolder, and more brilliant than ever before!

Research conducted by Office Christmas, taken from 350+ event buyers covering the choices for over 10,000 guests. Survey conducted in November 2024.