Christmas Party Ideas, Love it or Hate it

The annual office Christmas party – for some, it’s the highlight of the year, and for others, it’s the epitome of cringe. But whether your team loves it or loathes it, the right theme can make all the difference. From cosy cookie decorating to extravagant winter carnivals, here’s a roundup of Christmas party ideas sure to spark joy or, at the very least, some good-natured laughter. Let’s dive in!

Christmas, Cookies, and Classics

Embrace the warmth of a nostalgic Christmas by combining cookie decorating with classic holiday films. It’s a relaxed, hands-on option that even the office Grinch might secretly enjoy! Set up a station with pre-baked sugar cookies, festive frosting, and decorations – all the fun with none of the baking mess! Then, screen a couple of beloved Christmas films (voted on by the team) for some background cheer. To keep it extra sweet, invite everyone to bring in their favourite holiday recipes to share.

Love it? You get to snack, chat, and feel like a kid again.
Hate it? At least there’s food and classic films!

TV-Themed Christmas Bash

If your office has an obsession with a specific show (from Downton Abbey to Stranger Things), use it as your Christmas party theme. Encourage costumes, hold trivia rounds, and enjoy themed snacks or drinks to bring the show to life. Think “Office Superfan” meets festive fun.

Love it? It’s a chance to dress up and flaunt your knowledge.
Hate it? Just think of it as fancy dress with prizes.

Charity Christmas Party

Spread the cheer by supporting a local charity event. Instead of an in-office bash, attend a Christmas fundraiser as a team. Buy tickets as a gift to employees or volunteer together. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate that combines holiday spirit with giving back.

Love it? A chance to make a positive impact.
Hate it? You still get to dress up and have a good time – for a cause!

Family & Friends Christmas Party

For a party that’s a little different, open it up to family and friends! Consider hiring a fun venue like a bowling alley or an arcade, or keep it simple with a potluck at the office. This kind of party helps everyone relax and introduces colleagues to each other’s families, creating a lovely community vibe.

Love it? Meet new people, and bring the kids for extra fun.
Hate it? Free food and bowling – it’s hard to complain.

Christmas Cruise (For When the Budget Allows)

If you’re near the water, why not splash out on a Christmas river cruise? With a festive drink, a decked-out boat, and maybe even live music, a cruise can feel like a mini getaway. Add a cash bar and give each person a free drink ticket to get the party started.

Love it? A scenic escape from the typical office party.
Hate it? At least the view is better than the conference room!

Brewery or Winery Christmas Tour

For a slightly more mature take, a brewery or winery tour is a sophisticated, seasonal treat. Many local breweries and wineries offer group packages for tastings with light bites, making it an enjoyable, low-pressure gathering.

Love it? A refined excuse to try new wines or brews.
Hate it? There’s food, drink, and no karaoke – what’s not to like?

A Dickensian Christmas

Feeling nostalgic? Step back in time with a “Dickensian Christmas” ice skating party. Hire skates, find a local rink, and let the good times (and a few tumbles) roll. Provide hot cocoa and mince pies to warm everyone up after a spin around the ice.

Love it? Festive exercise with cocoa and camaraderie.
Hate it? Watch from the sidelines with a warm drink – no judgment here!

Winter Carnival

Inject some fun and games into your Christmas do with a carnival theme. Think ring toss, darts, and classic carnival snacks like candyfloss and doughnuts. This playful setup brings out everyone’s inner child, with prizes for each game adding a little competition.

Love it? Who doesn’t enjoy a good game of ring toss?
Hate it? You can always watch from the sidelines with some candyfloss in hand.

Christmas Cocktail Party

For something simple but sophisticated, try a classic cocktail party. Encourage formal wear, serve up cocktails (including a signature office drink), and provide canapés for that extra touch of class. Secret Santa and a festive photo booth can add a fun element to this more traditional gathering.

Love it? Sophisticated drinks and elegant attire – what’s not to love?
Hate it? At least you look fabulous while you sip on a fancy cocktail.

Office Winter Olympics

If your office is filled with competitive spirits, turn your Christmas party into a mini Winter Olympics. From snowman-building contests to indoor curling, this energetic party theme lets everyone join in. Have medals ready and an “after-party” for those who’d rather cheer than compete.

Love it? A chance to win glory and gold (and have a laugh).
Hate it? Take a spectator seat and cheer on your team.

Ugly Christmas Jumper Party

The ugly Christmas jumper party might not be new, but it’s still a winner. Encourage everyone to come dressed in the tackiest, cheesiest Christmas jumper they can find and hold a contest to crown the ugliest of all. Add a karaoke machine and Christmas classics, and let the laughs roll in.

Love it? It’s a reason to dust off that truly awful Christmas jumper.
Hate it? You can still enjoy the karaoke and the absurdity of it all.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Organise a Christmas scavenger hunt around town or your office. Break into teams and set clues for a fun, festive adventure. End the hunt at a cosy café or pub, where everyone can share stories of their exploits and celebrate with a seasonal tipple.

Love it? It is an active, engaging way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Hate it? There’s a warm drink waiting at the end!

Restaurant Christmas Party

If there’s a popular local restaurant everyone’s been talking about, why not hold your Christmas party there? Book early, choose a set menu or buffet, and let your team enjoy a festive, relaxing meal together. It’s an easy way to avoid setup and clean-up while still enjoying the festive season.

Love it? Who doesn’t enjoy a nice meal with friends?
Hate it? No effort, no fuss – you show up, eat, and enjoy.

The Right Christmas Party Theme

The best Christmas party themes take your team’s preferences into account. It’s all about finding that balance – something that feels festive and fun without pushing anyone too far out of their comfort zone. Whether you’re going for traditional, playful, or unconventional, there’s a Christmas party idea here to suit any team, budget, or personality.

At BE Event Hire, we’re here to help you create a memorable and stylish setup, no matter your theme. From Christmas furniture hire to linens and festive decorations, our wide range of options lets you transform any space into the perfect holiday venue.

So, love it or hate it, the office Christmas party is a chance to share some laughs, make memories, and end the year on a high note. Here’s to making this year’s party one to remember!