Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas

A key part of any Christmas party is, of course, the entertainment!

We’ve pulled together a list of fun and festive ideas to help you plan the perfect celebration. From timeless favourites to something a little different, you’re sure to find inspiration to make your party one to remember.

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As always, we recommend keeping things simple. Rather than trying to do it all, choose a few ideas and make them the best they can be, when it comes to party planning, less is definitely more.

We’ve divided this guide into two sections: one for adult Christmas party entertainment, and one for kids’ entertainment.

Let’s get started.

Adult Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas

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Many Christmas parties are designed with adults in mind — from office gatherings to festive nights with friends.

We’ve also shared guides on office Christmas party ideas and planning a corporate Christmas party, if you’d like more inspiration.

The ideas below work well for both private and corporate events. And if there happen to be a few kids at the party, they’ll likely enjoy these activities too.

Photo Booth

Photo Booths have become a party classic!

They come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional enclosed booths to modern mirror-style setups that take full-length selfies. With a few festive props, you’ll have the perfect Christmas party souvenirs.

Before booking, double-check that the booth is suitable for your venue. For example, can it fit through the doors, or be transported upstairs if needed? Each setup is different, so it’s always best to ask your supplier for specific details.

For more advice, take a look at our guide to booking the best photo booths.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a photo booth directly through PartyWizz.

Magicians

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A magician can transform your Christmas party into something truly unforgettable, and it’s definitely not just for kids! A skilled performer will amaze your guests with mind-blowing tricks, sleight of hand, and a touch of humour that keeps everyone entertained.

From close-up magic during drinks to a full stage show after dinner, there are plenty of ways to include a magician in your event. They’re a great choice for both private and corporate celebrations, adding a sense of wonder and energy to the night.

Before booking, it’s worth reading our guide to tips for hiring a magician, which covers what to look for and how to find the right performer for your audience.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a magician directly through PartyWizz.

Photographers

While not technically entertainers, photographers play a big role in capturing the memories from your Christmas party.

For a small house party, you might ask a friend to take photos — just make sure they actually remember to do it!

For larger or more formal events, it’s worth hiring a professional. It takes the pressure off you and guarantees high-quality photos that everyone will want to share afterwards.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a photographer directly through PartyWizz.

Caricaturists

A caricaturist is a fun and memorable addition to any Christmas party. Guests love watching the drawings come to life — though only the brave volunteer to be sketched!

If you’ve never seen a caricaturist in action, take a look at our guide to hiring a caricaturist.

For a festive twist, ask the artist to include some Christmas details, like Santa hats or reindeer antlers.

Pro tip: If you’re hosting an office party, you can have the caricaturist add your company logo to each drawing, a brilliant keepsake for your guests.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a caricaturist directly through PartyWizz.

DJ

If you’re planning to get everyone dancing, a DJ is a must, especially for larger events. A great DJ will keep the energy high, read the crowd, and make sure the dancefloor stays full all night.

It’s worth checking in with your DJ about setup times. If their equipment takes up space or needs sound checks, it’s best to arrange this before guests arrive so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the party.

Pro tip: Share a short playlist of your team’s favourite songs in advance. It’s a great way to make the set feel personal and guarantee a packed dancefloor.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a DJ directly through PartyWizz.

Live music

There’s nothing quite like live music to create a festive atmosphere and get everyone in the party spirit. Whether you prefer a solo singer, an acoustic duo, or a full band, there’s an act to suit every style and crowd.

Before booking, double-check that your venue has enough space and power for the setup, especially if you’re hiring a larger band.

Pro tip: Ask your performer if they can include a few Christmas favourites in their setlist to keep things seasonal and fun.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a singer or band directly through PartyWizz.

Storytellers

A storyteller can bring something truly unique to your Christmas party. It’s a wonderful way to share history, local folklore, or heartwarming festive tales that capture the magic of the season.

For a Christmas event, the stories don’t have to be religious, they can draw inspiration from winter traditions, folklore, or simply the spirit of togetherness. You can tailor the theme to suit your guests and create an atmosphere that’s warm, engaging and memorable.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a storyteller directly through PartyWizz.

Comedians

Nothing brings people together quite like laughter, and a great comedian can turn your Christmas party into an unforgettable night. All they need is a bit of space and a microphone, making this one of the most versatile forms of entertainment around.

Pro tip: If you’re planning a company event, ask around to see if anyone on your team enjoys stand-up. Giving an employee the chance to do a short opening set before the professional comedian performs can be a fun and personal touch.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a professional comedian directly through PartyWizz

Make your own cocktail

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A DIY cocktail stand is always a hit and adds a splash of creativity to your Christmas party. Depending on the time of day, you could also offer alcohol-free mocktails so everyone can join in.

If possible, have someone on hand to run the stand, a bartender or mixologist can offer recommendations, demonstrate techniques, and keep things organised.

Colourful cocktails make for great photos, and when guests mix their own, they somehow taste even better!

Party games

You’re never too old for a few fun party games! They’re a great way to break the ice, get everyone laughing, and help guests mingle — especially if not everyone knows each other.

For inspiration, take a look at our guide to adult party games, packed with ideas to suit every group and energy level.

Karaoke

Karaoke can be a real crowd-pleaser — as long as you know your audience! If you’ve got a few confident singers (or brave volunteers), it’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing and joining in. And what better time to belt out a few festive favourites than at a Christmas party?

You can easily set up karaoke yourself with a microphone and a screen, using YouTube karaoke tracks for your chosen songs. Or, if you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals, you can book a karaoke entertainer to handle everything for you.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a karaoke party directly through PartyWizz.

Virtual entertainment

If not everyone can be in the same place, a virtual celebration is a brilliant alternative. Whether you’re connecting remote teams or bringing together family and friends across the country, there are plenty of ways to make it festive.

From online magic shows and quizzes to virtual comedy nights and workshops, digital entertainment can be just as engaging as an in-person party.

For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to hosting a virtual Christmas party

Kid’s Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas

Although Christmas is a fun time of year for adults, it’s truly magical for children. Whether you’re hosting a family event or a company party with little guests, here are some fun ways to keep the kids entertained and full of festive cheer.

Santa visits

No kids’ Christmas party is complete without a visit from Santa Claus!

You don’t have to queue at a shopping centre, Santa can be booked to make a special appearance at your private party instead. For tips on finding the perfect one, check out our guide to booking the best Santa for your Christmas party and our post on planning a Santa visit.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book Santa Claus directly through PartyWizz.

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Santa Entertainment

Remember, Santa can do more than hand out presents, he can also perform! Many Santas offer interactive entertainment such as storytelling, sing-alongs, or even a little festive magic. Some are joined by Mrs Claus or a few cheerful elves for extra sparkle. We have a handy list for asking about what extras Santa offers here.

Santa’s Elves

Add even more fun to your Christmas party by inviting Santa’s elves along. They’re playful, full of festive mischief, and great at leading games, telling stories and helping hand out gifts.

Kid’s Magicians

Nothing captures children’s attention quite like a bit of magic. From dazzling tricks to funny moments, a magician can keep kids (and grown-ups) entertained from start to finish.

For help choosing the right performer, read our tips for hiring a magician.

If you’re based in the UK, you can book a kids’ magician directly through PartyWizz

Disco parties

A disco is always a winner, after all, who doesn’t love a dance? With colourful lights and festive tunes, it’s an easy way to keep the energy high. We have a dedicated blog packed with ideas for a memorable kids disco, or you could book a professional children’s entertainer who knows all the latest moves and songs.

Pin the bauble on the Christmas tree

This festive twist on Pin the Tail on the Donkey is easy to set up and full of laughter. All you need is a paper tree, some paper baubles, and a few small prizes for the winners.

For more variations on this classic game, check out our article on Pin the Tail on the Donkey ideas.

We hope these ideas help you plan a Christmas party the kids will never forget!

For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to hosting a fabulous kids’ Christmas party.