Planning a Christmas party is about so much more than simply selecting a venue, organising food and sending out invitations. Booking the right Christmas party entertainment can bring guests together, create a fantastic atmosphere and transform a run-of-the-mill festive gathering into a memorable event.
But how do you decide between a DJ and a live band? Would interactive entertainment suit your guests better than background music? How far in advance do you need to book? And what’s it all going to cost?
Not sure where to start? Don’t despair – help is at hand!
>> Book a Christmas Party Entertainer
Whether you’re organising a corporate Christmas party, an office celebration or a family gathering, this guide will help you select the right entertainment for your event, your audience and your budget.
The Most Popular Christmas Party Entertainment Options
Christmas party entertainment ranges from traditional festive music to immersive experiences and high-energy live performances. There is, however, no one-size-fits-all choice. The best option will depend on your venue, budget, guest numbers and the atmosphere you want to create.
DJs
A professional DJ is one of the most versatile options for a Christmas party, as they are able to easily accommodate different ages and musical tastes. DJs are especially popular at any gathering where guests will want the freedom to dance without committing to a fixed musical style.
Hiring a DJ
Advantages:
- Usually more affordable than a live band
- Can play a wide range of music to suit different ages and tastes
- Takes up relatively little space
- Music can be adjusted to suit the atmosphere throughout the evening
- Microphones and lighting are often part of the package deal
Potential drawbacks
- The atmosphere is heavily dependent on DJ’s music selection and their ability to read the room
- A DJ will not provide the same live performance experience as a live band
- Equipment, travel and extended playing time may increase the price
A DJ is often a practical choice for office Christmas parties, family celebrations and events where guests want to dance to different songs from multiple eras.
Live Bands
A live band adds energy, atmosphere and a definite sense of occasion. Options include function bands, party bands, acoustic duos, jazz ensembles and tribute acts. A lively cover band can encourage guests onto the dance floor, while a jazz trio or acoustic group can provide a more sophisticated soundtrack for drinks receptions and festive dinners.
Hiring a Live Band
Advantages
- A live band acts as a striking physical centrepiece, providing a grand stage presence and dynamic visual energy that a DJ cannot match.
- Contagious audience energy: musicians feed off the crowd’s reaction, cheering on dancers, changing tempos and creating a concert-like atmosphere
- A live band can banter directly with the audience, call out specific guests and bring people onto the stage
- A talented live band carries a high-end, premium feel that will instantly elevate the occasion.
Potential drawbacks
- Usually costs more than a DJ
- Requires considerably more space, equipment and set-up time
- Their repertoire will be less extensive than a DJ’s
- Venue sound restrictions and performance schedules must be checked
A live band is well suited to a larger corporate Christmas party or a party where live music is central to the evening.
How Much Does a Christmas Party DJ or Band Cost?
| Entertainment | Ireland | UK |
| DJ | €250 – €900 | £350 – £950+ |
| Solo Acoustic musician | €300 – €600 | £250 – £600 |
| Live party band | €650 – €3500 | £800 – £4500+ |
| Premium corporate band | €3500 – €7000 | £2800 – £6000+ |
The above are indicative planning ranges, not guaranteed quotes. December dates, especially Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, usually command higher fees, as can performance length, band size, travel and VAT. We strongly advise checking exactly what is and is not included in the price. For a full breakdown of venue, food and entertainment costs, see our guide on how much a corporate Christmas party costs in Ireland.
Pricing made Simple!
Did you know the PartyWizz website shows package prices for individual entertainers and service providers on their profiles? This makes it very easy to compare costs and plan, especially if you are working to a given budget. PartyWizz pricing is also completely transparent, so you can rest assured that there are no booking fees, service fees or any other hidden costs to worry about. And to make things even easier, you can book securely through our payment system and confirm your booking with just a small deposit.
Which should you choose?
If flexibility and budget are priorities, a DJ may well be the best option. If, however, your budget is larger, or a live performance is central to the event, a band is definitely worth the extra cost. An alternative option is to hire a band for the main performance and a DJ for the rest of the evening.
Interactive Christmas Party Entertainment
This works best when the aim is to bring people together and encourage mingling – such as different teams at a corporate event or office party. The most popular ideas include:
1. Magicians and Mind Readers
Close-up magicians will mingle with guests during drinks receptions and dinners, performing tricks at the table or in small groups. Mentalists offer a similar roaming format with mind-reading demonstrations.
Best for: Corporate parties, adult celebrations and mixed age groups.
2. Caricature Artists
Caricature artists draw humorous portraits of guests, giving them a personalised keepsake to take home. They provide entertainment throughout the evening without the need for everyone to stop and watch.
Best for: Corporate parties and networking events.
3. Comedians and Comedy Hypnotists
A comedian can provide a dedicated after-dinner show, while a comedy hypnotist offers a more theatrical performance with volunteers from the audience.
Best for: Adult corporate parties and larger groups looking for a central entertainment feature.
4. Drag Performers and Drag Bingo
Drag performers can host an evening with comedy, lip-sync performances, audience participation and festive games. Drag bingo also combines traditional bingo with humour, music and prizes.
Best for: office parties, corporate celebrations and family gatherings looking for lively, interactive entertainment with comedy, music and audience interaction.
For office and corporate parties, consider your company’s culture and the audience’s comfort levels. Participation should feel welcoming rather than compulsory.
Background Entertainment
Background entertainment adds a festive atmosphere to a Christmas party without interrupting conversation.
Examples include:
- Acoustic singers and duos
- Jazz bands and pianists
- Instrumental music
- A saxophonist during a drinks reception
- A DJ playing at a comfortable volume during dinner
Background entertainment is particularly suitable for formal dinners, networking events, drinks receptions and family gatherings or anywhere where conversation is an important part of the evening.
Matching Christmas Party Entertainment to Your Audience
The most expensive or elaborate act is not necessarily the right choice for your audience. A good choice depends on who is attending, how well guests know each other, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Corporate Christmas Parties
Corporate events may need to balance entertainment with networking, speeches and staff interaction. For a formal event, consider background music during dinner followed by dancing. For a more relaxed party, music bingo, a close-up magician or a hosted activity can help colleagues to mix and mingle.
Office Christmas Parties
Office parties invariably include people with different musical tastes, ages and levels of enthusiasm for participation. A DJ with a varied playlist, a team quiz or optional bingo provide several ways for guests to get involved.
Top tip: If choosing comedy or drag entertainment, discuss the style of humour and audience expectations with the performer beforehand to avoid offending anyone.
Family Christmas Parties
Family celebrations will probably span several generations, so consider the ages of those attending and select something that is appropriate for children and more senior family members. If the activity is interactive, participation should be optional. For more ideas on keeping every generation entertained, read our guide on how to host a multi-age party.
A family-friendly DJ, a magician, festive games, or a mix of music and activities can work well. If the party is adults in the family only, drag bingo or a themed quiz may be more appropriate.
When Should You Book Christmas Party Entertainment?
It goes without saying that December is a busy period for entertainers in Ireland and the UK, particularly for popular Friday and Saturday evenings. Leaving your booking until the last minute will almost inevitably mean fewer choices, higher quotes or both.
12 months ahead: Necessary for highly sought-after bands, popular performers and premium corporate entertainment – especially if you want a Friday or Saturday date in December.
6 – 9 months ahead: A good target for booking DJs, live bands, drag queens, specialist entertainers and other popular acts.
3 – 6 months ahead: Still a reasonable timeframe for many entertainers, but be aware that availability may be more limited on peak dates.
1 – 3 months ahead: You may still be able to find suitable options, especially if you’re willing to be flexible about the performer, entertainment style or date.
Less than a month ahead: Last-minute bookings are possible, but you’ll need to be much more flexible about availability, choice and dates.
Booking tip: As soon as your date and venue are confirmed, start contacting entertainers. You do not need to wait until the party details are finalised to check availability and secure your preferred act.
What Should You Confirm Before Booking?
Before paying a deposit, it is vital that you understand exactly what is included.
For any Christmas entertainer
- Date, venue and performance times
- Total price (including VAT if in the UK) and deposit requirements
- Cancellation and rescheduling terms
- Travel expenses and accommodation costs
- Setup and take-down time
- What equipment is provided and what equipment is the venue expected to provide
- Overtime rates and any additional charges
- Playing time and breaks
- Music style, requests and any songs to avoid
- Sound and lighting equipment
- Venue sound limits and finish time
For interactive entertainers
- The format and duration of the activity
- Expected audience participation
- Suitability for age range of guests
- Whether prizes are included
- Any content or humour you want the performer to avoid
For events in Ireland or the UK
- Ensure the entertainer has the correct venue address, a contact number for the organiser and clear instructions for arrival, parking and unloading equipment
- Check that your quote clearly states whether VAT is included
- Get the details in writing!
We hope this guide has helped you decide what type of entertainment is best suited to your Christmas party and given you an idea of cost. Before you go, don’t forget to check out our entertainers here on the PartyWizz website – not only do we have a great selection, but our entertainers are pre-vetted so you can book with confidence!
We wish you a Merry Christmas party!
>> Book a Christmas Party Entertainer
Choosing the right Christmas party entertainment doesn’t need to be complicated. PartyWizz connects you with the best pre-vetted entertainers across Ireland and the UK, from DJs and live bands to magicians, comedians and drag hosts. With transparent pricing, you can see exact package costs on each entertainer’s profile, or simply enquire for a bespoke quote if you need something tailored. Once you’ve found the right act, you can book securely through the platform with invoices generated automatically, so you can get on with enjoying the festivities.
