Ideas For Your Next Christmas Team Event
Written by Ed Moore – Red Blaze Sales & Marketing Manager
The Christmas season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many businesses. Beyond the chance to celebrate the successes of the past year, a Christmas event allows colleagues to connect outside their normal routines and create lasting memories together. Whether your team enjoys lively nights out, creative activities, or relaxed gatherings, there is no shortage of festive experiences that can strengthen team spirit. Planning early and tailoring the event to your company culture ensures that everyone has an enjoyable time and feels valued.
In this article we will explore a variety of Christmas team event ideas. From the best time to book to London based activities, offsite retreats, festive dinners, office giveaways and the role an event agency can play, you will find plenty of inspiration to create an event that your team will remember well into the new year.
When is the best time to book a Christmas event?
The short answer is as early as possible. Christmas is the busiest period for venues, restaurants and event suppliers, which means the most popular dates and locations are reserved quickly. Many companies start their searches in late summer, with September and October being the prime months to secure a booking.
If you are looking at December for your event, Thursday and Friday evenings fill up fastest. Booking earlier in the week or even opting for a lunchtime celebration can be a clever alternative that still feels special while avoiding competition for space. Another option is to host your event in late November or early January. A November gathering gets everyone in the festive mood before calendars become overrun, while a January celebration can act as a refreshing way to kick off the year with positivity.
Whichever date you choose, giving your team plenty of notice helps ensure higher attendance. Early booking also opens up a wider range of choices, from exclusive venues to entertainment options. Leaving it to the last minute may mean compromising on quality, budget or atmosphere.
Christmas team building activities – London examples
London offers an extraordinary variety of Christmas activities suitable for teams of all sizes. If you are based in the capital or can travel there, you will find something to suit every style of team.
One popular choice is an interactive experience. Escape rooms with a festive twist encourage colleagues to work together under pressure, while Christmas themed quizzes test knowledge and spark friendly competition. Creative workshops such as wreath making or gingerbread decorating can also bring out the artistic side of your team. These activities combine fun with collaboration and provide physical keepsakes to take home.
For something more adventurous, ice skating at one of the city’s seasonal rinks can be a charming option. Locations like Somerset House or the Natural History Museum (when open) provide beautiful backdrops and plenty of festive atmosphere. Pairing skating with a warm drink or meal afterwards makes for a complete outing.
Teams who enjoy food and drink might appreciate a festive tasting session. Wine and cheese pairings, craft beer tours or even a chocolate making masterclass can all be tailored to Christmas. These experiences blend indulgence with learning and often encourage relaxed conversations among colleagues.
Another option is to explore London’s winter markets together. Southbank Centre Winter Market or Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offer entertainment, shopping and street food in abundance. While not a structured activity, these outings create opportunities for casual bonding in a cheerful environment.
Christmas offsite retreats
For teams looking for something more immersive, a Christmas retreat outside the office or city can provide a truly memorable experience. Offsite retreats allow colleagues to step away from everyday pressures and spend quality time in a new setting.
Country house hotels are a favourite choice. They offer elegant spaces, fine dining and often spa facilities that allow your team to relax fully. Adding a touch of seasonal décor, such as Christmas trees and roaring fires, creates a cosy backdrop for workshops, speeches and celebrations.
Activity based retreats are another option. From countryside walks followed by festive lunches to outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting or archery, teams can enjoy a mixture of fresh air, team building and seasonal feasting.
For companies seeking something unique, booking a boutique lodge or cabin retreat in a picturesque setting allows for a more intimate gathering. Here your team can cook together, enjoy mulled drinks by the fire and take part in personalised activities such as board game tournaments or storytelling evenings.
The key advantage of an offsite retreat is the chance to strengthen relationships in a slower paced environment. Colleagues who may not interact daily in the office often have more time to connect, which can improve collaboration once back at work.
Festive dinner bookings
The traditional Christmas dinner remains one of the most popular choices for companies. A well organised meal allows everyone to sit back, relax and enjoy seasonal food together. The experience can be tailored from formal black tie dinners in grand ballrooms to informal gatherings in a favourite local restaurant.
In London and beyond, many venues create special Christmas menus featuring roast turkey, indulgent puddings and festive cocktails. Some restaurants also offer private dining rooms which add an exclusive touch and allow for speeches, awards or entertainment during the evening.
For larger teams, booking a shared party night at a hotel or events venue can be an efficient way to enjoy dinner and entertainment in one package. These events usually include music, dancing and festive décor, allowing your team to experience a lively atmosphere without the need for additional planning.
Smaller groups might enjoy themed dinners, such as a Victorian Christmas banquet or an international festive menu that showcases cuisines from around the world. These variations add a sense of novelty while still retaining the celebratory feel.
Whatever format you choose, the important element is creating a space where colleagues feel appreciated and able to connect in a relaxed and cheerful setting.
Christmas themed office giveaways and rewards
Not every celebration needs to involve an outing. Sometimes the simplest gestures within the office can have the greatest impact. Christmas giveaways and rewards show appreciation and can boost morale at the end of the year.
Classic choices include hampers filled with seasonal treats, branded mugs with hot chocolate kits or vouchers for popular shops. More personalised options might include handwritten cards from leadership or small gifts tailored to individual preferences.
Advent calendars for each desk, a surprise delivery of mince pies or an office raffle with festive prizes are also engaging ideas. Even small acts such as decorating the office together or running a Christmas jumper day can help colleagues feel part of something special.
For remote or hybrid teams, sending out gift boxes that arrive at home on the same day can create a shared moment of joy even when people are not physically together. These might include festive snacks, decorations or virtual experience vouchers that everyone can use simultaneously.
Ultimately the goal is to make colleagues feel recognised for their hard work. A modest but thoughtful reward often goes a long way in building loyalty and goodwill.
How an event agency like Red Blaze can help
While it is possible to organise a Christmas team event independently, working with a specialist agency such as Red Blaze can save significant time and stress. Event professionals have access to a wide network of venues, entertainers and suppliers, allowing them to secure options that might otherwise be unavailable.
An agency can help with every stage of the process, from developing ideas that suit your company culture to negotiating contracts and managing logistics on the day. They ensure that details such as dietary requirements, transport and décor are handled smoothly so you can focus on enjoying the event alongside your team.
For companies with limited resources or tight schedules, the value of outsourcing is clear. Rather than spending weeks comparing venues or struggling with last minute cancellations, an agency brings experience and problem solving skills to ensure a polished result.
Red Blaze in particular prides itself on creativity and attention to detail. Whether you want a large scale London party, a countryside retreat or a series of smaller activities, their team can design a bespoke plan that reflects your brand and makes colleagues feel celebrated.
