Yes, we know—it’s June. The sun is (finally) out, Wimbledon is around the corner, and talk of mistletoe and mulled wine probably feels a little out of place. But if you’re responsible for organising your company’s Christmas party this year, it’s exactly the right time to get festive planning underway.
The Early Bird Gets the Venue (and the Fizz)
When it comes to planning your corporate Christmas party, booking early comes with serious perks. Whether you’re dreaming of a glittering London ballroom, a chic rooftop soirée, or a themed private dining experience, the best venues go fast—especially those ever-popular Thursdays and Fridays in December. In fact, there are only around six prime party dates, and many of them are already in hot demand.
The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have. That means:
- A wider choice of venues and styles
- More flexible food and drink packages
- Access to early-bird incentives (think upgrades, extra fizz, or special organiser perks)
- Plenty of time to communicate plans with the team
September is Too Late for Medium – Large Size Parties
While it’s easy to delay until September—after all, it feels like a more sensible time to think about Christmas—it’s also when things get really competitive. Once the school summer holidays are over and everyone’s back in the office, the festive frenzy begins. Leaving it too late could mean:
- Compromising on venue, date, or experience
- Higher costs and limited availability
- A logistical headache trying to pin down your team and suppliers
- You’ll be choosing what’s left rather than what’s best
Team Morale Boost: There’s something psychologically powerful about having your Christmas party locked in the diary. When your colleagues return from summer holidays, you’ll have a fantastic festive celebration to look forward to. It’s a simple but effective way to maintain positive momentum through the autumn months.
Reduced Stress: Christmas can be overwhelming enough without the added pressure of last-minute venue hunting. By securing your party early, you’re allowing yourself to focus on other important projects when the busy season arrives and when everyone starts asking what’s the plan?
Making the Most of Summer Planning Season
This planning approach isn’t just about securing any venue – it’s about getting exactly what you want.
The key is to start with your wish list rather than your limitations. What would make your Christmas party truly memorable? What experiences would your team treasure? When you begin planning with enough time, these questions can drive your decisions rather than being constrained by what’s available.
The Reality of Peak Season Demand
The corporate events industry has evolved significantly, with some companies now opting for November or January celebrations to avoid the December rush. More companies are searching for a more informal and off the shelf package and perhaps smaller departmental events rather than one big company event. However, whatever the style required, December parties remain the preference for most organizations, creating intense competition for those premium dates.
By mid-November, if you’re still searching for venues, you’re essentially shopping in the clearance section. The most stunning venues with impeccable service and unique experiences? They’ve been booked months ago—often by those super-organised companies who rebook straight after their last Christmas party wraps up.
Need Inspiration?
If you’re not sure where to start or want to explore new and exciting venues for 2025, check out the London Christmas Party Show taking place on 8th/9th July at NEW VENUE VISION HALL.
I’ll be there on 8th July exploring the latest themes, meeting suppliers, and gathering new ideas for my clients. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover what’s new, what’s trending, and what could work for your team this year. I try to go every year and I am always inspiration not just for Christmas events but also great for discovering venues offering something a little different throughout the year.
Better still, you can browse my Christmas Party Guide 2024 for ideas and inspiration to get the ball rolling, tips and venues mentioned here are just as relevant today as they were then
You can also check out my New London Venues Page: New London Venues for a taste of some of the latest openings in the capital—though, of course, I have even more tucked away in my little black book!
Thinking open fires, winter walks, and a more relaxed festive experience outside of the city? Refer to my Country Manor Venues near the M25 page
Of course, for a timeless elegance and top-tier hospitality—ideal for teams looking for something a little more traditional click on my Park Lane Hotels page for Classic London Properties
Your Next Steps
Don’t let the summer sunshine fool you into thinking Christmas is far away. In the world of corporate event planning, December 2025 is approaching faster than you might think. The venues, dates, and experiences you want for your team are booking now, not later.
Need Help Planning Your 2025 Christmas Party?
All this planning sounding a little overwhelming or time consuming? You know, having to reach out to venues to collate availability, costs, menu’s, wine lists and going through all the different variations of quotes that come in, don’t worry—I’m here to help! https://parklaneevents.co.uk/services/christmas-party-venue-finding/
I do all this with my trusted venues and suppliers for my amazing corporate clients:
- I pop it all in a super easy to read proposal where you can read each quote ‘like for like’ for easy comparison before shortlisting.
- I’ll then arrange the site visit for you, or with you or even conduct it on your behalf.
- Finally, I support contracting the chosen venue which involves be-spoking the final costings, negotiating, working with you to ensure you get the best deal without compromising on quality.
- I then officially hand you over to the venue coordinators to support final details but am always here if you need any support still. I want to know how it goes!
Reach out to me at: Lyndsey@parklaneevents.co.uk
Or check out how my venue finding works: https://parklaneevents.co.uk/services/