For many businesses, the office Christmas party is a highlight of the yearly calendar. It’s a chance to bring teams together, celebrate the year’s achievements, and finish the year on a positive note. However, as offices and workplaces have evolved in recent years, so too has the office Christmas party.
It’s true that a festive gathering remains on the agenda, but for many organisations, how people choose to celebrate is changing. Some organisations are moving away from the traditional dinner and disco in favour of creative alternative formats. Daytime to evening events, family gatherings, shifts in popular party days, and smaller, more intimate gatherings are just some of the ways Christmas parties are evolving in response to hybrid working and changing workplace values.
Here, Amelia Reid, sales manager, from Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant, a characterful three-star Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas party venue and hotel, explains more, “The traditional office Christmas party is still very popular, but we’ve also noticed a shift in what businesses are asking for when planning their Christmas party. From daytime parties to experience-led events, here are some of the key trends emerging in Christmas parties, along with a few tips on how you can make them work for your team.”
MAKING A DAY OF IT
One idea, driven by hybrid teams that are geographically separated, is combining the company’s year-end review during the day, followed by the Christmas party in the evening. This is a popular format for a Christmas celebration in Stratford-upon-Avon because the hotel is so centrally located in the UK, making it easy for all staff to attend, and it offers free parking. In fact, it makes much more sense from a business and financial point of view, too. Teams can spend the day reflecting on the year’s achievements, setting goals for the coming year, and sharing updates, with a festive celebration to look forward to afterwards.
It’s a fantastic way to save on travel and venue hire (you only have to do it once), but it also brings the whole team together for both business and bonding. At the Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant, our versatile event spaces make it easy to move from boardroom to party space, and we’ve plenty of rooms to accommodate companies large and small for a magical Christmas celebration.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Another change driven by shifting attitudes towards work-life balance is a renewed focus on family values within the business space. More companies are opting for a family-friendly Christmas party, with daytime gatherings and children’s activities in place of the traditional evening event.
An afternoon of Santa’s grottos, children’s entertainment, and festive buffets where partners and children are invited, allows staff to celebrate without cutting into precious family time. It is a thoughtful way for businesses to show appreciation while demonstrating shared values and an understanding of what’s important to their teams.
STEPPING OUTSIDE (BRIEFLY)
The warm comfort of the banquet hall hasn’t gone away, but a Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas party can also embrace the beautiful Warwickshire countryside in which it sits. Imagine a Christmas dinner set in a tipi lit by candles and twinkling fairy lights. A mulled wine reception, followed by dinner and a DJ. Tempting bacon rolls and hot chocolate drinks round off the evening. Being outside has never been more in vogue.
WEDNESDAY IS THE NEW THURSDAY
Hybrid working has transformed office routines, with many companies discovering that midweek days are now the most popular for in-person attendance. The result? An event after work on a Wednesday often draws more attendees than trying to gather hybrid workers on another evening. Thursday is no longer the obvious choice for a big night out. And the best part? Midweek events often offer greater availability and value for money too.
MOVING BEYOND TURKEY
The traditional Christmas dinner still has plenty of support; it’s not off the table altogether by any means. However, more often our group bookings are looking for variety in our offering, to cater for diverse palettes and dietary needs. Plant-based menus, lighter bites, or dishes inspired by international cuisines are becoming increasingly popular. Luckily, our chefs at Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant can balance tradition with a bit of creativity, so whether your team prefers the classic roast turkey or something a little more exotic, we can cater for you.
DAYTIME CELEBRATIONS
A huge shift in recent years to lower alcohol options may be attributed to the rise in teetotallers, the entry of Gen Z lighter drinkers into the workforce, or the multigenerational nature of many modern workplaces. Our experience is that not every team wants a late-night event.
Festive group lunches and afternoon teas are becoming increasingly popular for Christmas celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon, providing a more relaxed and sociable way to enjoy the festivities. These daytime options suit organisations that favour a calmer pace. Without the free-flowing alcohol into the wee hours, it’s also a more budget-friendly choice. A festive afternoon tea in charming surroundings offers a magical way to celebrate the season without the need for dancing shoes or the risk of a hangover the next day. Additionally, there is a timeless elegance to afternoon tea that embodies the spirit of the season perfectly. Our festive afternoon tea starts at £26.95 per person. And to make it extra special, we can also serve this with a glass or two of fizz or a non-alcoholic cocktail.
SMALLER, SATELLITE GATHERINGS
Instead of one big event for the entire company, some businesses are opting for smaller, department-level celebrations. It’s perhaps a response to hybrid working, as teams are a little more independent and self-contained in nature. But that’s not to say the company-wide gathering isn’t still important. Many firms are just shifting this to a summer celebration instead, meaning they can take advantage of the better weather, less packed schedules, and better venue availability.
Intimate satellite team parties allow for more meaningful bonding and stronger connections. With a range of cosy spaces, Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant is perfectly suited for smaller group dining and more intimate Christmas parties in Stratford-upon-Avon.
EXPERIENCE-LED PARTIES
We are seeing more companies seek elements of learning or fun-filled experiences as part of their Christmas celebration. These include cocktail masterclasses, wine tastings, festive cooking demonstrations, wreath-making, and flower-arranging. There are plenty of enjoyable and bonding activities to choose from. Adding an interactive element to a party makes it more memorable and enjoyable, and it shifts the focus away from merely drinking and eating (although they can still do this too). Experiences give teams something to enjoy being together, and often, they get to take home something they have made.
TRADITION STILL MATTERS
All the above taken into consideration, there’s still a strong appetite for tradition amongst companies. Roast turkey with all the trimmings, crackers on the table, and the traditional dancing afterwards are a strong format that’s gone the distance for a reason. It’s a shared celebration that many employees look forward to all year.
At Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant, we’re able to offer the best of both worlds. The recognised three-course festive dinner and dance in our Hampton Suite (from just £45 per person) provides a chance for tradition lovers to stick with what they love. And combined with an overnight stay, it is a special celebration.
Or we have lots of ideas for teams seeking fresh festive ideas and looking to try something new this year.
And as the organiser for your Christmas party, you will also receive a complimentary overnight stay on the night of the event when booking a minimum of 25 guests. A bonus!
CONTACT
If you’re looking for a top hotel in Warwickshire to host your annual office Christmas party, or ideas for a more unusual Christmas party in Stratford-upon-Avon, we can help. Visit https://charlecotepheasanthotel.co.uk for details of Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant’s Christmas party offers.
Telephone: 01789 335960