Holiday party entertainment ideas: 14 acts compared for work parties

14 holiday party entertainment ideas, compared

The first eight are run by a live host and book online with live prices. The last six you book from a local vendor, often as an extra next to one of the first eight.

Run by a live host

1. 1. Game show host

   A host runs a holiday survey game with teams, a board and a running score, and every table plays every round. It suits the widest mix of people of anything here. Book it hosted: Festive Family Feud or Feud Night (in person). More: Hosted game shows.

   20 to 300 guests · Room or video · One package per 25 guests on video, per 50 in person

2. 2. Music bingo host

   The host plays song clips and guests mark the titles on their cards. Nobody has to know trivia or stand up, and the room is singing by the third round. Book it hosted: Christmas Music Bingo Party or Music Bingo (in person). More: Hosted bingo.

   20 to 300 guests · Room or video · One package per 25 guests on video, per 50 in person

3. 3. Live trivia host

   Teams play themed rounds while the host keeps score and the banter going. A good pick for a team that likes to argue about answers. Book it hosted: Christmas Trivia Party or Team Trivia (in person). More: Hosted trivia.

   15 to 300 guests · Room or video · One package per 25 guests on video, per 50 in person

4. 4. Holiday variety games

   A host moves the group through a string of short holiday games instead of one format. Useful when the committee can't agree on one thing. Book it hosted: Holiday Fun & Games. More: Virtual holiday parties.

   15 to 300 guests · Video, or a screen in the office · One package for 25 guests, then smaller steps per 25

5. 5. Interactive magician

   A professional magician performs live on the call and pulls guests into the tricks. One price covers the whole audience, so it gets better value the bigger the party. Book it hosted: The Actual Virtual Magic Show or Illusionist. More: Virtual magic shows.

   50 and up guests · Video · One flat fee at any size

6. 6. Christmas comedy workshop

   A comedy coach teaches the group how a joke is built, then everyone writes Christmas cracker jokes and teams share the best. People laugh at their coworkers' jokes, not a stranger's set. Book it hosted: Christmas Comedy Workshop. More: Improv and comedy.

   10 to 100 guests · Video · One package per 25 guests

7. 7. Hosted holiday cocktail class

   A bartender teaches festive cocktails live while every guest mixes at home from a kit shipped to their door. For guests 21 and over; the kit needs an adult signature on delivery. Book it hosted: Holiday-Themed Mixology. More: Virtual mixology.

   10 to 150 guests · Video, kits shipped · A base fee plus a price per guest

8. 8. Holiday craft workshop

   An instructor leads everyone through the same holiday craft with supplies shipped to each guest, and people keep what they make. Calm, social and good for teams that don't love competing. Book it hosted: Holiday Framed Pressed Flowers. More: Holiday craft workshops.

   10 to 150 guests · Video, kits shipped · A base fee plus a price per guest

Book from a local vendor

1. 9. DJ

   Right for an evening party where people want to dance. Put a game or show in the first hour, because most guests won't dance until later.

   50 and up guests · Room · Usually a flat rate for a block of hours

2. 10. Live musicians during dinner

   A jazz trio, a pianist or a string group sets a warm mood while people eat and talk. It's background, so pair it with one activity everyone joins.

   30 and up guests · Room · Usually priced per musician per hour

3. 11. Stand-up comedian

   A short, clean set can open an awards night. Brief the comic on names and topics to stay away from, and cap it at 20 minutes.

   60 and up guests · Room or video · Usually a flat fee per set

4. 12. Caricature artist

   Guests line up one at a time and leave with a sketch. Each drawing takes a few minutes, so plan one artist for a reception, not a whole company.

   20 to 80 per artist guests · Room · Usually priced by the hour

5. 13. Photo booth

   A backdrop, a box of props and instant prints. It runs itself in a corner all night and fills next month's newsletter.

   30 and up guests · Room · Usually a flat rental for a block of hours

6. 14. Strolling carolers

   A small group sings while guests arrive. If part of the team doesn't celebrate Christmas, ask for a winter set list instead of only carols.

   30 and up guests · Room · Usually a flat fee per 30 or 60 minutes

What the entertainment costs at your size

The price shape matters more than the starting price. Packages step up every 25 or 50 guests, a flat fee stays the same at any size, and kit classes add a price per guest. Totals from the live catalog:

Read the magician row across: $128 a person for 25 guests, $16 for 200. A flat-fee show is the costly choice for a small team and one of the cheapest for a whole company. For conference-sized audiences, see entertainment for 100 to 500 attendees.

A host at your office for Feud Night, Music Bingo or live trivia is from $1,750 for up to 50 people, in 17 US cities: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle.

How to choose: match the act to the room

Start from who will be there and where, not from what was fun last year.

• Under 30 people in one room

  Pick trivia, a comedy workshop or a craft everyone does together. Skip a stage act, which feels like a show put on for a few.

• 30 to 100 at the office

  Pick a game show host or music bingo, then music for the rest of the night. Skip making background music the main event.

• 100 people or more

  Pick a magician or a game show with a sound system; flat fees and big packages pay off here. Skip anything that needs every guest at one table.

• Everyone remote

  Pick a hosted game, or a kit class so everyone has something in their hands. Skip an hour of watching a stream with cameras off.

• Half in the office, half on video

  Pick a hosted game with teams that mix both rooms. Skip acts the remote half can only half see, like a caricature artist.

• Clients or partners in the room

  Pick a magician or a tasting, which give strangers something to talk about. Skip roasts, inside jokes and anything that needs the team's history.

• A team where many don't drink

  Pick games, crafts or magic. Skip a cocktail class as the only activity.

Running games yourself for 100 people or more? Our Christmas party games for large groups are built for that. If part of the team doesn’t celebrate Christmas, the inclusive holiday party ideas help you keep the act a winter party for all.

Where the entertainment fits in the party

Put the main act about 40 minutes in, after people have eaten something and before anyone drifts off. Keep the thank-you before it, never after.

The holiday party agenda has full minute-by-minute schedules, and our run of show template keeps the act, the speeches and the tech on one page.

Six questions to ask before you book any act

• What if the headcount moves? Book with your best estimate; ask how late you can add guests and what that costs.
• Which video platform? Our hosts use Zoom by default, and Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Webex on request.
• Can you mention our year? A custom round or a shout-out to the team makes it feel made for you. Custom work needs about 4 weeks.
• Is the material clean for work? Ask for a set list or sample questions, and name topics to avoid.
• What do you need on the day? A microphone and a screen in the room, or someone to let the host into the call a few minutes early.
• How do we pay? Our activities reserve online with a 50% deposit, by card or on an invoice with a PO.

Still picking the party itself? Start with our office holiday party ideas or a holiday party theme, then come back for the act.