We’re always eager to stay on top of the latest industry trends, and when it comes to Christmas party bookings this year, there’s one in particular that’s caught our attention. Companies in London are increasingly looking to book their annual Christmas parties a little later than usual, opting for a date in January instead of the usual run up to Christmas. Why? It might seem counterintuitive to host your celebration once the festive period is over, but there are plenty of perks to moving your Christmas party to January, from reduced costs to increased flexibility.
The truth is that hosting a major company party in December can be hugely inconvenient, especially for companies that experience their most lucrative trading days over the festive period. Niv Shalgi, Chief Operating Officer at The Avenue Cookery School, explains that moving the annual office party to January allows certain companies to maximise on one of the busiest periods of the year, which could in turn help to boost their party budget.
‘January dates usually work very well for companies that are busy during the holiday season, like hospitality or manufacturing companies that sell Christmas gifts, for example. We tend to do ours in November or January usually.
‘This allows them [the team] to work hard during all trading days in December and the festive season, making more money which will hopefully reflect back in a better budget for their event.’
![cooking class at avenue cookery school]()
The team at Avenue Cookery School always book their Christmas party in November or January
So yes, it might sound a little strange to host a festive work party once Christmas is done and dusted, but actually, there are myriad reasons why it might make sense for you. If budget is a limiting factor, booking your bash out of season could help save you a significant amount of money. Not only is the festive season notoriously one of the busiest times of year, it’s also one of the most expensive, with venue prices and supplier fees going through the roof due to an increase in demand.
On a less practical level, having a Christmas bash in January is a nice way to perk up what’s typically one of the least inspiring months of the year, with not much going on and the chill of winter drawing in. What better way to cheer up the team than with a fun festive party?
Niv elaborates: ‘Most people have lots of plans during December anyway so having a date saved for a fun evening in January is a blessing!’. Not only will the team have something to look forward to once the festive period is over, but a boost in morale could pay dividends for the rest of the year as people feel more motivated to smash their targets.
So, before you balk at the idea of hosting a Christmas party out of season, keep on scrolling to discover the benefits of January Christmas parties, plus answers to your burning FAQs below.
What are the benefits of a January Christmas party?
From reduced stress to better availability, hosting your Christmas do in January makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Still not convinced? Read on to find the full list of benefits.
Less stress
Imagine a world where planning the annual Christmas party doesn't coincide with the mayhem of the festive period. Sounds nice, doesn't it? The run up to Christmas is often one of the busiest times of year, so adding party planning to the list can feel a tad overwhelming. Take the pressure off and move it to January instead, allowing you to focus on the goals of your business during the months that matter, and rewarding yourself after all the hard work is done.
You'll avoid the last-minute panic of having to scrounge a party plan together at the eleventh hour, and instead be able to focus on hosting an event to remember when you have more time and brain space to dedicate to it. It's a win-win for everyone!
It’s cheaper
If you're on a budget this year and want to cut costs without compromising on the quality of your party, then consider hosting it in January instead. The run up to Christmas is a competitive time as venues surcharge their prices to meet demand. Not only will you benefit from cheaper rates in January, but you’re more likely to be able to book the venue you had your heart set on all year.
![Christmas parties at holiday inn shepperton]()
Located just outside London, Holiday Inn Shepperton is taking Christmas party bookings all the way through to January 2025. Click here to find out more about its January Fab-Yule-Ous Party Night on 18 January 2025.
Combat the January blues
January is famously one of the most dismal months of the year, with shorter days and plummeting temperatures having a significant impact on general mood and wellbeing. Plus, there's usually not much going on off the back of the busy festive period. Hosting your party in January is a great way to boost morale and give your team something to look forward to. Plus, people's diaries are generally much freer so you should be able to guarantee a higher attendance rate.
More flexibility
Hosting your Christmas party during the off-season means you’ll have a lot more choice when it comes to both venue and dates. November and December are notoriously busy months which means that the best venues get booked up fast. Broaden your pool of choice by booking in January and hire the venue you actually want.
It also gives you the opportunity to step away from the classic Christmas theme if you can’t stand the idea of another year of turkey and mince pies. Instead, wave goodbye to December with an all-out bash! You could always make it a New Year theme instead, or simply keep the focus on throwing a killer party.
![The lanes at The curling club]()
Open all year round, The Curling Club is a fantastic venue to host Christmassy celebrations.
January Christmas Party FAQs
Who are January Christmas parties for?
January Christmas parties are a great option for companies that are particularly busy during the festive period, allowing them to save the party planning for a quieter month when they have more time. They're also handy for any last minute Larry's out there who always leave the party planning to the last minute.
How popular are January Christmas parties?
While most people still book their Christmas parties in November or December, January is becoming an increasingly popular option as companies seek to save money. So if you're thinking about trialling it for the first time this year, you're definitely not alone!
What are the perks of hosting a Christmas party in January?
The are a wealth of advantages to moving this year's festive bash to January, but the main ones are less stress, cheaper rates, increased flexibiilty (both in terms of venue and dates) and better attendance. And don't underestimate the perks of having a party to look forward to post-December.
Whether you're ready to book now, or just fancy having a browse, discover all our Christmas party venue best lists for more inspiration.