Planning an office holiday party should be exciting—not stressful. It’s your chance to bring everyone together, boost morale, and end the year on a festive note. Whether you’re organising a small team gathering or a company-wide celebration, this guide walks you through everything you need to create a memorable event.
- Set Your Budget and Goals Early
Before diving into venues, entertainment, and themes, set your budget and understand the purpose of your event. Is your goal to celebrate company achievements? Strengthen teamwork? Simply have fun?
Once you know your objectives, your budget will guide how much you can allocate to food, drinks, décor, entertainment, and any special experiences—such as fairground hire, which is increasingly popular for larger companies wanting something spectacular and interactive.
- Choose a Theme That Fits Your Brand Culture
A theme sets the tone and makes decision-making easier. Some trending holiday office party themes include:
- Winter Wonderland
- Retro Christmas Party
- Masquerade Ball
- Holiday Funfair (perfect if you’re incorporating funfair or fairground hire)
- Festive Glow Party
Choose something that suits your team’s personality. A funfair-themed party is fantastic if you want a high-energy event with colourful décor, games, and nostalgic vibes.
- Pick the Perfect Venue
Your venue influences the party’s atmosphere. Consider:
- In-office celebration – Cost-effective but requires more setup.
- Restaurant or hotel function room – Great for full catering and convenience.
- Outdoor venue – Ideal for companies planning rides, large team games, or fairground hire elements like hoopla stalls, giant slides, or traditional funfair rides.
Be sure to book early—holiday venue slots fill up fast.
- Plan Engaging Entertainment
Entertainment can make or break your holiday event. Consider mixing interactive and relaxing activities:
Ideas to Boost Team Engagement
- Live band or DJ
- Photo booths with festive props
- Trivia or bingo with company-themed prizes
- Talent show or karaoke
- Mini-games or raffles
If you want something truly unforgettable, fairground hire brings the wow factor. Imagine dodgems, carousel rides, festive game stalls, or even mini roller coasters. These attractions turn an ordinary gathering into an exciting experience employees will talk about long after the holidays.
- Curate a Festive Food & Drinks Menu
Food is always a highlight. Decide whether you want:
- Buffet-style dining
- Food stations (tacos, pasta, carving stations)
- Cocktail-style finger foods
- A full sit-down meal
Don’t forget to consider dietary needs—offer vegan, gluten-free, and halal options.
For drinks, you can go with:
- Festive cocktails
- Seasonal mocktails
- Hot chocolate and mulled cider stations
- Open bar or limited drink vouchers
- Add Thoughtful Personal Touches
Little details can make your holiday party feel thoughtful and inclusive:
- Custom decorations using the company colours
- Welcome gifts or holiday-themed swag bags
- Awards recognising top performers or fun categories
- A memory wall with year-in-review highlights
- Plan Logistics and Safety
Make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Arrange transportation if needed
- Ensure equipment is safely installed, especially for fairground rides
- Confirm catering headcount
- Create a short programme to keep the event flowing
- Have a backup plan for outdoor venues
A well-organised event feels effortless to guests—even though there’s plenty happening behind the scenes.
A successful office holiday party blends fun, appreciation, and team connection. With thoughtful planning, creative themes, and exciting additions like fairground hire, you can create a festive celebration that brings the whole workplace together. Start early, stay organised, and focus on experiences your team will genuinely enjoy—and your holiday party will be the highlight of the year.
