Skip to Content
Home / News

How to Choose the Right Office Christmas Party for Your Team in South Wales

Planning the office Christmas party is one thing. Deciding what type of celebration your team will actually enjoy is another.

From themed party nights and lively dancefloors to daytime brunches and exclusive hire events, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to a successful festive celebration. The best Christmas parties are the ones that reflect your team's personality, size and way of celebrating. 

If you haven’t already started planning, our guide to How to Plan Your Office Christmas Party in South Wales: A 2026 Timeline covers exactly when to book and what to consider throughout the year. But before you secure a venue, it's worth asking one important question:

What kind of Christmas party will suit your team best? Here's our ultimate guide to choosing the right festive experience.

Start by Considering Your Team Size

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether a shared Christmas party or private event is the better fit.

In our Office Christmas Party Timeline, we recommended estimating your guest numbers early. That's because group size can influence everything from venue choice to the atmosphere on the night.

Smaller Teams

For smaller groups, shared Christmas party nights often offer the best value and atmosphere.

By joining other companies and groups, your team can enjoy large-scale entertainment, themed experiences and lively celebrations without needing to fill an entire venue.

Shared events are also ideal if you're looking for a hassle-free option, with food, drinks and entertainment included in one package.

Larger Teams

If you're planning for a bigger department or an entire company, you may have more flexibility.

Larger groups can take advantage of private event spaces and exclusive hire options, creating a completely bespoke Christmas party experience tailored to their organisation.

This could include:

  • Exclusive use of event space
  • Branded experiences
  • Tailored entertainment
  • Flexible catering options
  • Company presentations and awards
  • Custom arrival experiences

For organisations looking to bring hundreds of employees together, exclusive hire offers the freedom to create a celebration that's uniquely theirs.

For Teams Who Want a Proper Christmas Blowout

Some teams don't want a quiet meal and an early finish.

They want live music, a packed dancefloor and the kind of Christmas party that gets talked about for months afterwards.

If your colleagues are already discussing what they'll wear before the invitations have gone out, a lively evening party could be exactly what's needed.

A large-scale festive event creates opportunities for colleagues from different departments to mix, celebrate achievements and let their hair down after a busy year.

At ICC Wales, our Snowfall Festive-al is designed for exactly this type of celebration. Think festive street food, live entertainment, immersive experiences and an energetic atmosphere from arrival through to the final song.

Perfect for:

  • Social teams
  • Corporate celebrations
  • End-of-year rewards
  • Groups that love live entertainment
  • Companies bringing together colleagues from multiple locations

For Teams Who Prefer Daytime Celebrations

Christmas parties don't have to mean a late night.

In recent years, daytime Christmas events have become increasingly popular, particularly with teams looking for a more relaxed way to celebrate.

A daytime event allows everyone to enjoy great food, festive drinks and entertainment without worrying about getting home at midnight.

At ICC Wales, our Sleigh All Day is designed for this type of celebration. 

They're often a popular choice for:

  • Multi-generational teams
  • Hybrid workforces
  • Employees travelling longer distances
  • Teams balancing festive commitments outside work

Daytime celebrations offer all the fun of a traditional Christmas party, just with an earlier finish and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

For Teams Who Love a Theme

Some offices embrace Christmas. Others turn it into a competitive sport.

If your team enjoys dressing up, getting involved and fully embracing the festive spirit, a themed Christmas party can take the experience to another level.

Themed events create a sense of anticipation long before the party arrives, giving colleagues something to talk about and helping everyone feel part of the celebration.

At ICC Wales, visitors can choose from experiences including:

Viva Las Christmas

Bring a touch of Vegas glamour to the festive season with sparkling entertainment, high-energy performances and a party atmosphere worthy of the Las Vegas Strip.

Find out more

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme Festive-al

Back by popular demand, our ABBA-inspired Christmas celebration combines iconic music, festive food and plenty of opportunities for guests to channel their inner Dancing Queen.

The best themed parties create memorable moments from the moment guests arrive, making them a popular choice for organisations looking to do something a little different.

Find out more

Shared Christmas Parties or Exclusive Hire?

One question we're often asked is whether businesses should choose a shared event or organise a private Christmas party.

The answer depends on what matters most to your organisation.

Choose a Shared Christmas Party If You Want:

  • A ready-made festive atmosphere
  • Live entertainment included
  • Excellent value per guest
  • Minimal planning requirements
  • A lively evening with other local businesses

Choose Exclusive Hire If You Want:

  • Complete control over the experience
  • A dedicated space for your organisation
  • Tailored branding and entertainment
  • Company awards or presentations
  • Greater flexibility for larger groups

For many organisations, exclusive hire becomes particularly attractive as guest numbers increase.

At ICC Wales, larger groups can take advantage of flexible event spaces that allow businesses to create an event that reflects their culture, people and objectives. With exclusive hire packages available, we can take your Christmas Party to the next level. 

What Else Should You Consider?

Before making your final decision, think about the practical elements too.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the venue accessible for everyone?
  • Does it offer sufficient parking?
  • Is accommodation available nearby?
  • Are dietary requirements catered for?
  • Will the entertainment appeal to the majority of guests?
  • Does the format suit your company culture?

The most successful Christmas parties balance practical considerations with an experience your team will genuinely enjoy.

Finding the Right Christmas Party Venue in South Wales

Whether you're organising a festive celebration for 20 people or 2,000, choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Located just off Junction 24 of the M4, ICC Wales is easily accessible from Cardiff, Newport, Bristol and across South Wales. With large-scale event spaces, award-winning facilities and a range of festive experiences to choose from, it's designed to make Christmas party planning simple for organisers and unforgettable for guests.

Ready to Start Planning?

Once you've decided what type of celebration best suits your team, the next step is securing your preferred date before availability becomes limited.

Explore our Christmas party experiences at ICC Wales or read our guide to How to Plan Your Office Christmas Party in South Wales: A 2026 Timeline for a month-by-month planning checklist.

ICC Christmas Parties for Your Team

Related news

View all news