Work Christmas Party Ideas: 15 Ideas Your Team Will Actually Enjoy

How to choose

Start with numbers and budget. A team of eight can do almost anything; a company of eighty needs a format that runs people in parallel, like a tournament. Then think about who is in the room. Not everyone drinks, not everyone is sporty, and nobody wants the same long table as last year.

The parties people remember have a shared moment: a final, a result, a story for Monday. Pick an activity that creates one, then add the food and drink around it.

And book early. The best December dates go in October and November. If December is full, a January party is often cheaper and easier to get everyone to.

1. A Christmas football tournament

Teams drawn from across the company, short refereed games, a final and a trophy, then the party. It mixes departments that never sit together and works for players and non-players alike, who get a touchline and a side to shout for.

2. A padel lesson, then a tournament

Padel is played in pairs on a small enclosed court and most people are rallying within half an hour. Start with a coached lesson, finish with a small tournament. Ideal for smaller teams and anyone who would rather hold a racket than kick a ball.

3. Play another company

One festive match against a client, a supplier or a rival. A short evening, a bit of rivalry, and the best team photo of the year.

4. A Christmas cooking class

Cook a festive menu together, then eat it. Calm, social and good for mixed groups and non-drinkers.

5. An escape room

Small teams against the clock. Good for groups of four to eight, and easy to run as a mini competition across several rooms.

6. Karaoke

Private booths take the fear out of it. A reliable way to see a different side of your colleagues.

7. Ice skating

Seasonal rinks open across the big cities in December. Short, festive and good for photos, with a warm drink afterwards.

8. A festive quiz

Teams, rounds and a prize. Run it in a private room or book a quiz host, and mix in questions about the company.

9. Bowling, crazy golf or bar games

Low effort, easy to book for groups, and food and drink are usually on site.

10. A Christmas market crawl

Wander the markets with a small budget each for food, mulled wine and the worst gift you can find.

11. A comedy night or a show

Book a block of seats and go for food after. Easy for large groups and nothing to organise on the night.

12. Secret Santa with a twist

A low budget and a theme, such as something from your hometown or a gift under five pounds. It works alongside any of the ideas above.

13. A volunteering afternoon

Spend part of the day helping a local charity, then celebrate together. It gives the season some purpose, and many companies count it towards volunteering goals.

14. A creative workshop

Wreath making, pottery or cocktail making. Hands-on, relaxed, and everyone leaves with something they made.

15. Move it to January

A January party dodges the December rush, the higher prices and the clash with everyone else's plans. It also gives the team something to look forward to after the break.

Christmas party ideas in London and Manchester

In London, Secta runs a Christmas football tournament where your company enters a team and plays other London companies, or books its own for the office, and a padel Christmas party with a coached lesson followed by a small inter-company tournament. Both work on their own or alongside the party.

In Manchester, Secta is launching company leagues for business and property firms. Planning a Christmas event there? Get in touch and we will tell you what we can run.