UK Christmas Party Market Report 2025

Inside the 2025 Christmas Party Season

Trends and Insights into Christmas Parties in the UK

Our Blog > UK Christmas Party Market Report 2025

How UK businesses are planning Christmas parties

The UK Christmas party market in 2025 reflects a landscape that’s shaped by stable budgets, rising costs across venue hire as well as catering and entertainment, and increasingly pragmatic decision-making. While Christmas parties remain a deeply loved and embedded workplace tradition, the way businesses plan, fund, and prioritise them is evolving with clear implications for venues, suppliers, and organisers alike.

Drawing on survey responses from over 300 organisations across the UK which are responsible for 13,650+ party goers, our report highlights how companies of all shapes and sizes - from intimate teams of 10 to corporate celebrations with over 2000 employees - continue to invest in end-of-year events.

Where possible, our findings are compared with our 2024 Christmas Party Survey, which featured a largely similar question set, allowing us to track year-on-year shifts in budgets, behaviours and priorities across the market.

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Top Christmas party market insights at a glance

Budgets are holding steady, but real spending power is shrinking - In 2025, the average London Christmas party budget (£132.00) and spend (£115.38) remained higher than the rest of the UK (£95.44 budget / £82.46 spend), but underspending is evident nationwide. With nearly half of organisations reporting unchanged budgets from 2024, and a majority not expecting increases in 2026 either, rising event costs mean companies are effectively working with less festive spending power year-on-year.
Decision-making is pragmatic and value-led - Across both 2024 and 2025, the most attractive factors when choosing a Christmas party were location, menu quality, price of the party, and drinks included in the package. In contrast, features such as interactive games, elaborate theming, and sustainability consistently ranked among the least important. This marks a clear shift toward practical, essentials-first planning.
Late booking remains the norm despite earlier research - While many organisations begin searching for Christmas parties as early as summer, the majority of bookings still take place in October and November, once budgets and internal approvals are finalised. This late surge highlights ongoing uncertainty in planning timelines and continued competition for availability closer to December.
Christmas parties remain a company-funded cultural priority, but with subtle shifts - Nearly two-thirds of organisations still fully fund their Christmas party, though this figure has dipped slightly compared to 2024. Self-funded and partially funded events are becoming more common, reflecting tighter budgets rather than reduced appetite for celebration.
Late booking is becoming a strategy - While many organisations begin researching Christmas parties as early as summer, over half of all bookings still take place in October and November. Rather than indecision, this behaviour reflects a deliberate approach, with planners waiting for confirmed numbers, budget approval and the best possible value before committing. Later booking seems to be part of the planning cycle rather than a sign of disengagement.

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How Companies Engage with Office Christmas

As the UK’s leading Christmas party finder, Office Christmas helps organisations plan their festive events more efficiently by sourcing personalised party options based on their brief, including group size, location, budget and preferred dates. This approach can save planners tens of hours compared with searching and negotiating independently, while providing access to expert venue knowledge.

The data in this report is primarily drawn from businesses that have enquired with or booked through Office Christmas over recent years. All prices shown are covered by a best rate guarantee, meaning venues are never marked up and clients always receive the best available price. As a result, the findings reflect the real behaviours and priorities of active Christmas party organisers, offering a reliable snapshot of current market demand across the UK.

The people behind the party: buyer behaviour and roles

Who are the people booking Christmas parties?

Christmas party planning in the UK is far from a one-department job. Our data shows that responsibility is spread widely across organisations, with decisions often sitting outside traditional HR or events teams.

The largest share of enquiries comes from Admin professionals (20.8%), followed by respondents working in Care roles (13.6%) and a broad ‘Other’ category (14.2%). There's also strong representation from HR (6.8%), Sales (6.5%), Directors and CEOs (6.5%), and Finance (5.9%).

Event-specific roles make up just 2.1% of respondents, highlighting a key reality of the Christmas party market: planning is most often handled by people with full-time roles, who are managing venue selection, budgets and guest expectations alongside their day-to-day responsibilities.

What stands out is not just who is booking, but how experienced they are. A significant 84.6% of respondents have arranged a Christmas party before and 50.8% hold management positions, meaning around half of enquiries come from individuals with direct authority or strong influence over budgets and approvals.

Taken together, this points to a confident but time-poor audience. Christmas party planners are often experienced decision-makers, but not specialists, which helps explain the growing demand for clarity, efficiency and trusted guidance in the booking process.

“One of the reasons I started Office Christmas was because I experienced first-hand how time-consuming planning a Christmas party was. Speaking to multiple venues, chasing different contacts often who were part-time, comparing venue and package options - all of this can so easily eat up hours on top of an already busy day job. At Office Christmas, we give clients a dedicated point of contact who does all of that legwork for them, at no extra cost. It means planners can hand over the work, save a huge amount of time, and still feel confident they’re making the right choice.” - Justin, Founder of Office Christmas

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Group Size Trends

Group size data reveals just how broad the UK Christmas party market really is. While averages provide one part of the picture, the range tells a much more interesting story.

At the smaller end of the scale, 41.8% of parties are planned for groups of 0–20 guests, closely followed by 38.8% hosting 21–50 guests. These two categories alone account for over four-fifths of all events, underlining the importance of small and mid-sized teams in shaping the market.

Larger events still play a meaningful role. 11.8% of parties cater to 51–100 guests, while 7.6% involve 100 or more attendees, including 2% hosting 250+ guests.

“One of the biggest challenges we see is that group sizes are rarely fixed. Clients usually start with a ballpark number, then come back weeks or months later once they’ve actually checked with their team. Sometimes the group halves, sometimes it grows, and either way it can completely change what venues are suitable.

A bigger venue that made perfect sense at the start can suddenly feel too expensive for a smaller group, while a space that worked brilliantly for 40 people might just not work anymore if numbers increase. We see this a lot with shared parties too, where extra guests confirm attendance later on but tickets may already have sold out.

It’s not always easy for venues to be flexible, and we get that. But the venues that perform best are the ones that recognise how fluid Christmas party planning really is and build in just enough flexibility to support that reality.” - Josh, Head of Sales

This distribution demonstrates a healthy and balanced market. Small teams, growing businesses and large organisations are all investing in Christmas parties, each with very different requirements. It also reinforces the need for solutions that scale easily, whether that means a cosy dinner for a handful of colleagues or a full-company event requiring significant coordination.

Budgets, Spend and Financial Behaviour

One of the clearest themes to emerge from the 2025 data is the growing gap between what organisations plan to spend and what they actually spend on their Christmas parties.

Across the UK, companies continue to set realistic and often generous budgets, but final spend regularly comes in lower. In London, the average budget stood at £132.00 per person, while actual spend averaged £115.38.

Outside the capital, budgets were more modest at £95.44, with average spend dropping to £82.46.

This pattern of underspend appears consistently across sectors and regions, suggesting it is not simply down to negotiation or last-minute changes. Instead, it reflects a market where organisers are approaching festive planning with caution, seeking value and flexibility rather than pushing budgets to their limits.

“What we’re seeing in 2025 is a bit more caution across the board. Companies still want to give their teams a great Christmas party, but decisions are taking longer and budgets are being scrutinised more closely. We often see enthusiastic proposals sit with senior management or boards for weeks before being signed off, and by the time they come back, plans have sometimes been scaled down or budgets adjusted.

That hesitation is understandable given the wider economic climate. There’s more pressure on businesses this year, and that’s feeding into how confidently they’re willing to commit. The result is that even when budgets are set, they’re not always fully spent.” - Justin, Founder

When viewed alongside our 2024 survey, where the UK-wide average spend was £89.36, the data suggests that spending outside London has softened slightly year-on-year. While this cannot be directly compared on a regional basis, it does point toward increasing sensitivity around discretionary spend.

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The chart above highlights a clear theme across industries: most organisations set ambitious Christmas party budgets, but few fully spend them. While the size of the gap varies by sector, underspending remains the norm rather than the exception.

In sectors such as Property & Real Estate, the gap between intention and reality is particularly pronounced. With an average budget of £154 per head but an actual spend of £112, this sector demonstrates strong initial ambition followed by more pragmatic decision-making as plans take shape.

By contrast, Finance, Insurance & Professional Services sits much closer to the mark. With a budget of £120 and an average spend of £115, this sector shows a clear understanding of what it wants and what it is prepared to pay. Decisions here tend to be structured, deliberate, and closely aligned with expectations set at the beginning of the process.

At the lower end of the spectrum, Education provides a different but equally telling example. Operating with a more modest budget of £72 and spend of £65, this sector prioritises affordability and consistency. While budgets are tighter, participation remains strong, reinforcing that Christmas parties continue to hold cultural importance even where spending power is perhaps more limited.

Budgets Stability and Change

Despite rising costs across venues, catering and entertainment, most organisations report little movement in their Christmas party budgets. In 2025:

49% said their budget remained about the same as last year
40% reported an increase, though most increases were modest (0–20%)
11% said their budget had decreased

Expectations for 2026’s Budget: A Shift in Confidence

When asked whether they expect their Christmas party budget to increase next year, respondents in 2025 reported the following:

55% do not expect any increase
36% expect an increase of around 10%
8% expect an increase of 20–30%
0% expect an increase of 30–50%
1% expect an increase of 50% or more

These results point to a noticeably more cautious outlook than in previous years. While over a third of respondents still anticipate a modest increase, the majority now expect budgets to remain flat.

This marks a clear change from 2024, when the majority of respondents expected their Christmas party budgets to rise by approximately 10%. In contrast, the 2025 data shows a shift away from growth expectations and toward budget stability.

“A lot of companies tell us their budgets haven’t changed, but the reality is that the money just doesn’t go as far as it used to. Venue hire, catering and entertainment costs have all continued to rise, so when budgets stay flat, standing still financially really means you’re moving backwards. That pressure is something planners are feeling much more acutely now.

The positive side is that there are still some incredible Christmas parties available at every budget level. It just means being a little more flexible and open-minded about what that party looks like. With the right guidance from our team, planners can explore options they might not have considered and still land on a party that feels special, without stretching budgets further.” - Justin, Founder

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Who pays for the Christmas party?

Christmas parties remain, for the most part, a company-funded event, though subtle shifts are emerging. In 2025:

65.8% of organisations fully paid for their Christmas party
19.6% asked guests to pay for themselves
14.6% used mixed models, such as partial contributions or covering tickets only

Compared with 2024, full company funding has dipped slightly, while self-funded and shared-cost approaches have become more common. This does not suggest a decline in enthusiasm for Christmas parties, but rather a growing need to balance celebration with budget realities.

Regional differences also play a role. London-based organisations are slightly more likely to expect some level of guest contribution, while companies outside the capital show greater variation in funding models.

“What we’re seeing isn’t companies walking away from Christmas parties but a more considered approach on how they're funded. For many, that means covering the core experience but being more flexible around things like drinks, plus-ones, or additional extras. It’s a practical response to tighter budgets, not a loss of enthusiasm for celebrating with their teams.” - Josh, Head of Sales

Booking and attendance behaviours

When companies search vs when they actually book

Many organisations begin searching for Christmas party options well before summer. Interest starts to build in June and July, peaks during August and September, and then drops off slightly as the year moves into autumn. However, when it comes to actually confirming bookings, the picture looks very different.

The majority of confirming bookings still take place much later in the year, with October and November accounting for the biggest surge in confirmed parties. While planners are keen to explore different party ideas early, the final decisions are often delayed until budgets are approved and dates are confirmed internally. Rather than reflecting a lack of interest, this points to a more cautious planning cycle.

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Changing attendance habits: alcohol, inclusivity and guest expectations

Attendance behaviour continues to evolve, particularly when it comes to drinking habits.

In London, organisers expect around 15% of guests not to drink alcohol at the Christmas party. Across the rest of the UK, that figure rises to 36%, more than double the proportion seen in the capital.

This shift reflects broader changes in workplace culture and social behaviour. Christmas parties are no longer assumed to be alcohol-led events for everyone, and organisers are increasingly aware of the need to cater for a wider mix of preferences.

“Each year, more clients are telling us they want their Christmas party to feel inclusive for everyone, not just those who drink. Alcohol is still part of the picture for many, but it’s no longer the whole story. We’re having more conversations about non-alcoholic options and experiences that give people something to enjoy whether they’re drinking or not.” - Josh, Head of Sales

Plus-ones: still the exception, not the rule

Only 16% of respondents said they invited plus-ones to their Christmas party, with the majority choosing to keep celebrations employee-only. That said, when plus-ones are on the guest list, companies tend to go all in and in most cases cover the full cost of the plus-ones.

This tells us that inviting plus-ones is usually a conscious choice rather than an afterthought. It’s more common for higher-budget events or for organisations that see the Christmas party as a chance to include partners and extend the celebration beyond the workplace.

One big party or several smaller ones?

Nearly 74% of organisations host one large Christmas party, rather than splitting celebrations by department or office. Departmental or separate parties account for around 26%, often reflecting larger or more geographically spread organisations.

This preference for a single, shared event reinforces the role Christmas parties play in bringing teams together across roles, seniority and locations.

Karaoke: A festive favourite or a hard no?

Few Christmas party topics spark as much debate as karaoke. People tend to fall firmly into one of two camps, and because it’s such a common talking point, we decided to put the question directly to the people doing the booking.

The result? A near-perfect split. Just over half of organisers are in favour of karaoke, while just under half would rather avoid it altogether. It’s one of the most divisive choices when it comes to Christmas party entertainment.

For some, karaoke is the highlight of the night but for others, it’s their worst festive nightmare. And that’s exactly why this question matters.

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What buyers want: priorities, themes and venues

What makes a Christmas party attractive? (2025 vs 2024)

In 2025, buyers were clear about what really influences their decisions, and it’s less about bells and whistles and more about getting the basics right.

The most attractive features in 2025 were:

Location of the party
Menu quality
Ticket price
Date availability
Drinks included in the package

These priorities mirror what we saw in 2024, but with one notable difference. In 2025, the emphasis on practical considerations has grown stronger, while aesthetic and experiential extras have slipped further down the list.

Buyers are focusing on what will work best for their teams rather than what looks best on paper. Ease of travel, food quality, and clear pricing are driving decisions more than themes, games or visual presentation.

2024 vs 2025: What’s changed?

Compared to 2024, several subtle but important shifts stand out:

Value-first decision-making has strengthened, particularly around price transparency and inclusions
Theming and visual elements are still appreciated, but they are less likely to make or break a booking
Entertainment is increasingly seen as optional, rather than essential

“Clients still want their parties to be fun, but we’re seeing more of those interactive upgrades added after the booking is made rather than upfront. Often it comes down to timing, budgets, or how the year has gone overall.

From a venue point of view, that means simpler, well-priced core packages work better, with the option to build things up later. When packages are overloaded with extras from the start, they can feel harder to commit to. Flexibility makes it much easier for organisers to say yes.” - Josh - Head of Sales

Venues and themes: what’s in and what’s out?

Venue preferences remain broad from our research, but comfortably familiar. Hotel event spaces lead the way, followed closely by restaurants and bars, with conference-style event spaces also attracting strong interest. These options offer what organisers value most right now: reliability, flexibility and clear pricing.

That doesn’t mean teams aren’t open to something different. A meaningful share of buyers are also considering alternative venues, games bars and experiential spaces.. The trend is clear: organisers want options that feel fresh, but still work smoothly within budget and planning constraints.

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Which themes are most appealing to you?

Winter Wonderland remains the clear favourite, accounting for just over 10% of all theme selections. Its appeal is easy to understand: it’s flexible, feels suitably festive, and works well across different ages, personalities and job roles.

Glamour-led themes such as Masquerade Ball (7.7%) and Great Gatsby (7.6%) also perform strongly, showing that dressing up and a sense of occasion still play an important role in the modern Christmas party. Alongside these, nostalgia-driven options like 80s nights (6.7%) sit comfortably next to newer, pop-culture-inspired concepts such as The Traitors (5.3%), highlighting a clear appetite for fresh ideas.

It’s also worth noting that around 5% of respondents actively prefer no theming at all, reinforcing the idea that not every Christmas party needs a defined concept to be successful.

“For a lot of venues, the theme is already built in. Whether it’s a great restaurant, a bar with real character, or a space known for its food and atmosphere, adding a formal theme isn’t always necessary.

We also see some companies deliberately choosing no theming because it feels neutral and inclusive. With teams made up of different ages, backgrounds and personalities, keeping things simple can be the easiest way to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. In those cases, the focus naturally shifts to good food, a great setting and spending time together, which is often exactly what people want.” - Justin, Founder

Culture, Traditions and Company Activities

Why companies host Christmas parties

While budgets and logistics shape how Christmas parties are delivered, the reasons behind them remain largely unchanged. At their core, Christmas parties are still about people.

When asked about the main purpose for hosting a Christmas party, three motivations clearly stand out: showing appreciation, celebrating the end of the year, and bringing teams together.

What’s particularly notable is the continued rise of relationship-led motivations. While celebration and tradition still matter, more organisations are explicitly recognising the Christmas party as an opportunity to strengthen connections, especially in workplaces shaped by hybrid and remote working.

“Christmas parties aren’t just about saying thank you anymore, they’ve become a really important moment in the year to bring people back together. With teams working in different ways and not always seeing each other day to day, that chance to reconnect in the same room genuinely matters.

We see it time and time again, when people feel appreciated and included, it sets the tone for how they head into the new year. A Christmas party done well isn’t just a reward, it’s a chance to reinforce culture, strengthen relationships, and end the year on a big, positive note all together.” - Justin, Founder

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Company activities outside of the Christmas party

For most organisations, the Christmas party doesn’t sit in isolation and forms part of a broader set of festive traditions and gestures from the company. When asked what else their company does at Christmas, respondents most commonly mentioned:

Secret Santa (42.33%)
Gifts for employees (19.43%)
Paid leave over Christmas (19.22%)
Christmas cards (10.22%)
Day off after the Christmas party (3.48%)
None / Nothing / No extras (~2.0%) (combined from multiple variants)
Misc. unique answers (~1%)

Secret Santa is by far the most widespread tradition, appearing in over 40% of responses. Gifts and paid leave also feature strongly, showing that many organisations take a multi-layered approach to recognising and rewarding staff.

At the other end of the scale, only a very small minority (around 2%) reported doing nothing beyond the Christmas party itself.

Rather than replacing the Christmas party, these traditions tend to complement it. Together, they create a wider sense of occasion and signal appreciation at a time of year that remains culturally significant for many employees.

Secret Santa: loved and loathed

Ahh, Secret Santa. Almost as controversial as karaoke.

In theory, it’s one of those workplace traditions people love to debate. In practice, though, it turns out Secret Santa is alive, well, and largely enjoyed.

Among respondents:

62.9% said they enjoy taking part
31.3% said their company doesn’t run Secret Santa
Just 5.7% said they don’t enjoy it, whether they join in or opt out

So while Secret Santa may divide opinion in the abstract, the reality is far more positive. Where it exists, most people lean in and have fun with it.

Wrapping up Christmas in 2025

The UK Christmas party market in 2025 is not slowing down, but it is growing up.

Across industries and company sizes, organisations remain committed to celebrating the end of the year together. What’s changed is how those celebrations are planned. Budgets are tighter, decisions take longer, and planners are more focused on value, flexibility and clarity. But the desire to bring teams together, say thank you and end the year well is still very much there.

This is a market shaped by realism rather than retreat. Companies are stripping back unnecessary complexity, prioritising what matters most to their people, and making more deliberate choices around venues, formats and spend. The result is Christmas parties that feel simpler, more inclusive and more intentional.

Importantly, this doesn’t mean great Christmas parties are harder to find. With the right guidance, smart pricing and a willingness to think a little differently, there are still fantastic options available at every budget level.

If this year’s data shows us anything, it’s that Christmas parties remain firmly on the calendar, just planned with more purpose than ever before.