Work Christmas party ideas to try in 2026
From extravagant immersive themes to exciting new menus, there’s plenty to inspire you when planning a Christmas 'do’ in 2026. Your celebrations may be a while away, but it doesn’t hurt to get ahead of the game armed with the latest and greatest Christmas party trends.
Masterminding your perfect Christmas party? Not sure where to start? Why not take a look at our special event venues to get the ball rolling.
Winter wonderlands
A DJ booth and buffet won’t cut it anymore. Now guests expect to step into a space that feels festive at every turn. So, 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.
Themed parties
Everyone enjoys dressing up at Christmas, but why not ramp up the immersive experience with a party themed at every turn? Whether you’re going for Great Gatsby, Las Vegas glitz or tropical Christmas, make it about more than the clothes with decorations, music and even food to match.
Retro Christmas
Nostalgia is big in 2026, with retro Christmas parties on the festive menu. Whatever the era you want to celebrate – 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, pick a playlist packed with retro floor fillers and get the guests to dress up in the style of the decade.
Personalised parties
It’s all about the people at 2026’s Christmas work parties. 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.
Outdoor and hybrid events
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.
Food adventures
Turkey and trimmings aren’t the only things on the 2026 Christmas menu - people are looking for healthy food swaps, vegetarian and vegan options or just something different from the usual seasonal pleasures. So use your imagination to provide crowd-pleasing fare. And don’t forget no and low-alcohol options for those who don’t want to indulge.
Chill-out breaks
If you want to balance party fun with restorative relaxation, 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.
Small and intimate gatherings
Parties don’t have to be huge. There’s something special about enjoying a get together with a select few.
An increasing number of party planners are reaching out to us about smaller spaces to get together with their nearest and dearest. 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 ‘personalised parties’ 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.
Planet-friendly touches
Sustainability isn’t just a trend in 2026 - it’s here to stay. 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 on the environment. 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.
3 design trends from the Christmas 2026 lookbook
White Christmas
Pantone’s trend-setting colour of the year is white – so look out for decorative snow, polar bears, glittery snowflakes, snowmen – all shades of white in different textures to create a winter wonderland feel.
Eco-decoration
Handmade baubles, wooden trees, botanical patterns and gifts wrapped in recycled, hand-painted paper will all make appearances this year as design trends lean towards more green, sustainable Christmases.
Whimsical vintage
Vintage never goes out of style, but this year circus motifs and traditional ornaments combine with the trend for warm burgundy and gold, creating sparkling, cosy and welcoming festive spaces.
