Holiday party entertainment ideas

Matching the act to the room and the crowd

A holiday party audience is unusual: colleagues who know each other well, partners who know almost nobody, and a range of ages and tastes in one room. Entertainment that works here is inclusive and short. Close-up magic and mentalism are effective in the first hour because they give strangers something to talk about and pull quieter guests into small groups without putting anyone on the spot. A stage act after dinner works best when it is genuinely funny, runs no longer than half an hour, and uses volunteers who have been chosen with some care. Brief the performer on anything to avoid: recent layoffs, a merger, a leader who would rather not be teased, or cultural and religious sensitivities in the team.

Timing, sound and the dinner problem

The most common mistake is putting the stage act on while dessert and coffee are still being served. Clattering plates and moving servers drain the energy from any performance. Agree with the caterer that service pauses for the act, or schedule the act after plates are cleared. Make sure the room has a working wireless microphone, that the DJ knows the walk-on music cue, and that lighting can be adjusted so the performer is visible from the back tables. Put all of this in the run of show so the MC, DJ and venue staff are working from the same times.

What to send the performer

• Guest count, the share of guests who are partners, and the general age range.
• The room layout, ceiling height and where the stage or performance area will sit.
• Exact arrival time, load-in route, parking arrangements and the on-site contact's cell number.
• The set start time and what comes immediately before and after it.
• Any names, in-jokes or company milestones you would like included, and anything that is off limits.

Ask for the performer's technical needs in writing and forward them to the venue the day they arrive; the performer tech rider template shows what a complete rider covers.

Booking window

December Thursdays and Fridays book up first, often by late summer for the better-known acts. If your date is fixed, secure the entertainment soon after the venue. If you have flexibility, an early-December weekday or a January celebration widens your choices considerably. The entertainment hours planner helps you work out how many performers and how much time you need before you request quotes.