December is the busiest month in the entertainment calendar. Every weekend, and most weeknights, are taken up with office parties, club dinners, family get-togethers and festive shows. If you're organising a Christmas party, the earlier you plan, the more choice you'll have.
Here are ideas that work for different kinds of Christmas events, along with tips for booking at this time of year.
For office and corporate Christmas parties
Work parties have a particular challenge: a mix of ages, tastes and levels of enthusiasm. The best entertainment brings people together without anyone feeling put on the spot.
A crooner or swing act
Nothing says Christmas quite like a crooner. A Michael Bublé tribute or a Rat Pack tribute brings festive standards, swing classics and a touch of glamour. They're ideal for drinks receptions and dinners, and they can turn up the tempo later on.
A party band
If the brief is "get everyone dancing", a function band like Fresh Grooves covers decades of floor-fillers. For a full-on party atmosphere, Black Lace are famous for party anthems that get everyone involved.
Casino night
Casino Hire with professional croupiers gives guests something to do besides drink and dance. Using fun money keeps it light-hearted, and it works brilliantly for teams who don't know each other well.
Comedy
A good comedian or comedy host can be a highlight, but choose carefully for a work audience. Ask for a clean set if you're unsure. Big names like Billy Pearce are experienced at reading a room.
For club and society functions
Social clubs, sports clubs and associations often hold a Christmas dinner dance. A vocal entertainer or tribute show is a traditional favourite, and many of our acts perform on the club circuit all year round, so they know exactly how to pitch a festive night.
For family Christmas parties
- Children's entertainers such as Sparky Marky keep younger guests busy while adults catch up.
- A family-friendly band like Beardsmith appeals to all ages.
- A magic mirror photo booth like our Magic Mirror Hire gives everyone something to take home.
Surprise acts
Singing Waiters are a brilliant way to start a festive dinner. They blend in as staff, then break into song, often with Christmas favourites.
Booking tips for December
- Book early. Popular acts take festive bookings well in advance. Friday and Saturday nights in December are usually the first to go.
- Consider a weeknight. Many companies now hold parties from Monday to Thursday, which can open up more options.
- Think about January. A "Christmas" party in January is increasingly popular, and diaries are much quieter.
- Check the venue's December schedule. Hotels often run several parties on the same night. Confirm set-up times and whether you'll share a room.
- Confirm numbers. Large parties may need a bigger sound system.
Shared party nights
If you're booking a smaller group into a shared hotel party night, the venue will usually provide the entertainment. If you're hiring a private room, you'll need to arrange your own, and that's where we can help.
Plan the running order
A common structure for Christmas parties:
- Arrival drinks with background music or a crooner
- Dinner, possibly with a surprise act
- Speeches or awards
- Main act for one or two sets
- DJ until the end
Matching the act to the size of the party
The right Christmas entertainment depends a lot on numbers.
- Small teams (under 30): a private dining room with a solo vocalist, a magician moving between tables, or a casino table can create a great atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
- Medium parties (30 to 100): a function room with a vocal entertainer, tribute act or duo, plus a DJ, is the classic format.
- Large parties (100+): a ballroom or large hall suits a function band, a headline tribute, or a comedian plus band. Check the act's PA is big enough for the room, or arrange production through the venue.
Festive repertoire
Most of our vocalists and bands can add Christmas songs to their set, from crooner standards like White Christmas and Let It Snow to party classics such as Merry Xmas Everybody, Last Christmas and All I Want for Christmas Is You. If you'd like a festive set, mention it when you enquire. Some acts prefer a short festive section rather than a whole Christmas set, which usually works best anyway – people want to dance to their favourite songs too.
Themed Christmas parties
A theme gives a Christmas party a bit of extra sparkle.
- Winter wonderland: white décor, fairy lights and a crooner.
- Roaring Twenties: the Gatsby Dreamgirls bring a 1920s duo show, and casino tables complete the look.
- Vegas night: a Rat Pack tribute, casino tables and cocktails.
- Christmas jumper party: a relaxed night with a party band and a sing-along.
Keeping it inclusive
Workplace parties bring together people with very different tastes, ages and backgrounds. A few things help:
- Choose acts with broad appeal rather than a niche artist
- Ask comedians for a clean set and brief them on the audience
- Offer activities beyond dancing – a photo booth or casino gives quieter guests something to do
- Keep the volume sensible during dinner so people can talk
Daytime and family Christmas events
Not every festive event is an evening party. Community groups, schools and businesses often host daytime Christmas fairs, family parties and children's events. Children's entertainers, carnival stalls and family bands work well for these. Weekend daytime slots in December can be easier to book than evenings.
Get in touch
See our Christmas party entertainment page for more ideas, or request a quote with your date and venue. If you already know which act you want, use the date checker on their profile page to see if they're free.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
