Work Christmas party ideas to try in 2025 

We’ve been a bit spoilt in recent years. Christmas markets have upped the seasonal ante and guests expect to step into a space that feels festive at every turn. A DJ booth and buffet won’t cut it anymore, think oversized candy-cane walkways, icicles tumbling down from light fittings and snow machines perched by the dancefloor for a magical end to the night.  

Our event spaces are perfectly poised for an apres-ski style makeover. A photobooth with festive props here, a gingerbread-house making station there, that’s all it takes to bring a winter wonderland to The QHotels Collection. Remember, it’s the thought that counts and attention to details, big or small, will have your guests saying: “It's giving Lapland”, not lacklustre.  

2025’s best work Christmas parties will put people first. We’ve received requests to hang embroidered stockings in event spaces ready for organisers to fill with all kinds of thoughtful favours. Ideas have ranged from cards with custom illustrations and caricatures, to monogrammed socks, and even little notes explaining how a guest made someone’s year a happier one. 

You don’t have to blow your budget to create a sentimental soirée. A simple gesture like inviting guests to contribute to the night’s playlist helps to build a bespoke buzz. If this isn’t your first time celebrating together, try ramping up the reminiscing by decorating the room with photos of parties from the past. 

A cold and bold idea given the Great British weather, but a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces is becoming the done thing at Christmas ‘do’s – and we have a few theories why. 

Maybe it’s because no winter wonderland is complete without an enchanted forest. We can’t promise snowcapped trees, but the outdoor terrace at Forest Pines Hotel, Lincolnshire is set in 190 acres of woodland, making it the perfect backdrop for catching up over festive canapés.  

Maybe it’s the benefits of having somewhere to step away from the noise of the night and take a breather in the clean, crisp air. And if you’re worried about arctic temperatures, we’ve got you covered. The Garden Marquee at Dunston Hall Hotel, Norfolk is a hybrid space ready to be transformed into the Christmas party of your dreams. 

No 2025 trend list is complete without wellness, even in the party world. Healthy food swaps are an increasingly popular option and if you choose carefully, you can avoid ruining the Christmas spirit. Forget swapping turkey for tofu and maybe find alternatives to pigs in blankets and other seasonal indulgences. No- and low-alcohol drink options are also a good idea if you’re looking out for your guests’ wellbeing. 

If you really want your guests in top form, you could book a venue with a health club and spa facilities – we just might know a few. The Hampshire Court Hotel, Basingstoke includes five indoor tennis courts, two indoor pools and a gym to get partygoers pumped for the day. The on-site sauna and steam room are the perfect antidote to a hard night on the dancefloor. 

There’s something special about enjoying a get together with a select few. The feeling that you ‘made the cut’ and that you’re really valued by the hosts goes a long way towards making the night a memorable one.  

An increasing number of party planners are reaching out to us about smaller spaces to ensure their nearest and dearest fill the room. Scaled-down soirées have all the potential of their larger counterparts to wow guests, it just requires a little imagination – can we suggest a quick scroll to the ‘A more personalised party’ section for inspiration? 

If you’re looking for a hotel with a range of smaller rooms, Crewe Hall Hotel, Cheshire has several spaces to cater for groups of 8 to 80 guests. 

One 2025 work Christmas party trend that’s sure to continue for years to come is sustainability. Paperless invitations are a great start but there are plenty of options out there when making entertainment more eco-friendly. Climate-conscious party planners are avoiding crackers with plastic surprises, minimising the use of single-use tableware and even renting Christmas trees to do their part for the planet. 

Individual taxis and car journeys can also take their toll. If you really want a party to be proud of, why not encourage your guests to stay the night at a hotel and use public transport the next day. Strut to and from your event without worrying about logistics – and if you need a group booking you can talk to us about negotiating a deal.