Office Christmas parties swap boozy nights for special experiences - here are the five most popular activities in 2024

The blow-out office Christmas party has long existed as a staple of UK workplace culture, yet 2024 has proved a seismic year of change for the annual festive corporate bash. Boozy nights in a bar or expensive tabs at restaurants have made way for a new, rising trend - fun and creative ‘experiences’ that put an emphasis on alcohol-free team building. That’s according to leading online party marketplace Poptop, who this week released their list of the top five most popular Christmas party experiences in 2024.

So what’s driving this shift in office party culture? To answer that question, it may be helpful to examine some of the wider changes in the very fabric of corporate culture.

The changing face of UK workplaces

It’s no secret that office culture has experienced a sizable behavioral shift in recent years. The remote working environment of COVID never truly receded. The ONS recently reported that, post-COVID, 28% of all UK working adults now operate under some form of hybrid working model. Whilst clearly popular amongst the workforce, this new relationship with the office requires businesses to engage much more fully in team building amongst their employees.

Next, consider the influence of Gen Z, now fully committed into the UK workforce for the first time. This famously ‘sober-curious’ generation are statistically shown to drink considerably less than their older counterparts, meaning businesses may require a little more out-the-box thinking for their teambuilding events.

There’s a tantalising benefit for businesses in this new party culture shift, too. Festive restaurant and bar tabs make for an expense entry on the balance sheet - while these novel new Christmas party experiences can come in hundreds, if not thousands of pounds cheaper. At a time when no business is immune to high inflation and tighter purse strings, these savings are impossible to ignore. What’s more, offices can bring these experiences to their premises, saving on venue hire costs in the process.

Five alternatives to your typical Christmas party

Eugene Shestopal, CEO of the leading UK party planning marketplace Poptop, is no stranger to this new and emerging trend. In fact, he’s seen it flourish firsthand; “We’re seeing activities replacing classic dinners and pints for Christmas parties, as fewer people drink and more people want something interesting and immersive, more of an experience.”

And this week, Poptop revealed their five most popular corporate options for these new kinds of Christmas parties. There’s plenty on this list to get even the most Scrooge-like team members out of their chairs and stuck into the festive fun.

Murder Mystery Nights

Set in your own office or hired function room, this 2024 take on the classic ‘murder mystery’ party goes to whole new levels of immersive fun. Actors join the party to play witnesses - and amongst them, a secret killer. Who among your team can solve the murder first?

Cocktail Making Classes - with a twist!

Expert bartenders bring their fully stocked mobile bar into your office or hired space and teach your team to make a panoply of delicious and daring cocktails - Poptop features cool and unique service options, with experiences inspired by flowers, elements of matter, and more.

Bandaoke Experience

While live music remains an office party staple, ‘Live Karaoke’ bands have seen a huge rise in popularity this year. Often themed around a special topic or genre, like vintage tunes, ABBA disco, or Rock n’ Roll, your employees get to take turns fronting their own live band.

Cooking Classes

Another wonderfully hands-on experience that isn’t solely centred around alcohol, cooking classes are more popular than ever. Professional chefs join you and your team to help you master the art of a myriad of cuisines, including sushi, pasta making, Indian feasts, and more.

Wine & Food Tasting

Offering a nod to the classic Christmas party activity (i.e. drinking), these noticeably classier affairs encourage team members to discuss the finer points of pairing wine with cheese, charcuterie, and other treats. A great way to get your team interacting in a wholly new way.