Why the Office Christmas Party is Changing
For many years, the classic office Christmas do meant one thing: brown turkey, formal dress code, a sit-down three-course meal, maybe a “secret Santa” game, and then a limp disco in the corner of the hotel ballroom. But something’s shifted. Teams are increasingly deciding they’d rather ditch the turkey and the stiff speeches and instead opt for something more fun, more immersive - a party with entertainment, street food, and an atmosphere that says “we’re here to let loose” rather than “please pass the cranberry sauce”.
What’s driving the change?
- Taste for experience over formality: Especially among younger professionals, the expectation is that work events should feel like a genuine outing, not just another obligation.
- Street food & freedom: The sit-down format feels quite rigid. Street food, shared platters, grazing menus - these deliver a sense of fun and informality, more suited to a party vibe.
- Entertainment as the focal point: Rather than awkward attempts at “team bonding”, companies want something that works - drag shows, interactive bingo, DJs, dancing.
- Flexibility & inclusivity: Bottomless drinks, vegan & veggie options, singing along to pop-Christmas hits - everyone can join in & no one feels excluded.
- Social media-friendly moments: A flamboyant entrance, photo-worthy performances, fun props - these parties generate memories (and Instagram stories!) rather than sleepy speeches.
Leading the Change: Brunch Fabulous
If you’re looking for a company that embodies this trend, Brunch Fabulous is a great example. Our Christmas offering (see the page here) makes clear that we're all about flipping the switch on the traditional office do.
What makes the offering stand out
- We explicitly ask: “Tired of the same old turkey and tinsel for your office Christmas do?”
- We promise “interactive drag queens & tribute acts,” “audience participation, cheeky games & Chrimbo Bingo”.
- The food isn’t formal. Instead: “Delicious international street food in London” and “festive burger magic” in other cities.
- There’s a strong drinks offering: 1.5 hours of bottomless prosecco, cocktails, beer, zero per cent, and soft drinks.
- Locations across UK: London, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton - making it feasible for teams of varying size and region.
- We also offer tailored private corporate packages, so we can bring the entertainment into your own office space if you prefer.
Why it works
- The combination of street food + bottomless drinks + live entertainment hits exactly the wish list of many modern office teams, still offering the full festive spirit, with less formality.
- The format removes many of the traditional pain-points: no need for pre-orders, no formal table plans to arrange.
- The theme is bold and fun (“slay this festive season”, “sparkle, shimmy and slay”). That kind of messaging signals the event is about fun, not simply duty.
- It allows for variety: brunch or dinner, multiple venues, big group bookings, etc.
How to Pitch This to Your Team (or Boss)
If you’re thinking of proposing an alternative Xmas party this year, here are some talking-points:
- Highlight the benefit for morale: A memorable event can boost team spirit, reward everyone for the year’s work, and strengthen relationships in a more relaxed setting.
- Stress the inclusivity: With street food flexibly served, people with dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, allergen) are less likely to feel sidelined.
- Emphasise ROI over cost: While sit-down dinners can feel formal, they don’t always deliver engagement. An entertainment-led event may produce stronger value in terms of engagement and memory.
- Offer a ‘tasting’ feel: Rather than a single three-course, street-food options feel more casual and fun - less “sit and wait”, albeit still having a festive theme.
- Use the hassle-free angle: A provider like Brunch Fabulous handles many logistics (entertainment, venue, food, drinks). That means less work for whoever’s organising!
- Set the tone early: Something like “This year, we’re doing Christmas a little differently” signals it’s about experience.
- Consider hybrid optionality: Some people may still prefer the quieter dinner format - one option is to mix: start with a street-food brunch & entertainment, then offer a quieter after-party for those who want to wind down.
Potential Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Some team members may prefer tradition: Add a choice element or explain clearly why the new format is being chosen.
- Cost per person might change: Make sure you compare total costs (venue, food, entertainment) of the alternative vs. a sit-down dinner.
- Accessibility & comfort: Ensure the venue is suitable for everyone, including those who might prefer sitting down or need quieter spaces.
- Expectations around behaviour: With bottomless drinks and dancing, clarify professional boundaries and set appropriate expectations.
- Timing matters: A brunch format might suit some teams better than a late-night do if many people commute.
Final Thought...
The “office Xmas party” as we once knew it is evolving. Teams today want something that celebrates rather than serves.
They want to laugh, dance, munch on fun festive food, rather than simply sit through speeches and plates of turkey.
Brunch Fabulous are seizing this moment - offering events that are bold, memorable and freeing. If your team is ready to level up this year, this kind of alternative party just might be the way to go!
Check out the Brunch Fabulous Xmas events here