Office Christmas 2026: what to book, when to book it and what it costs

Everything in this year's Clara Christmas Edit, in the order you need to book it. Prices per head, the deadlines that matter and one email address that sorts the lot.

Somewhere between the first mince pies appearing in Tesco and the first email with Xmas in the subject line, office Christmas stops being a nice idea and turns into a job. Not officially your job. But someone has to find a room for 80 people on a Thursday in December, feed the colleague who is dairy-free, nut-free and, as of last week, off coriander, then get 40 hampers to 40 front doors without two of them landing with the wrong Sarah.

Last year I listed ten things we liked. This year the whole Christmas with Clara collection is on one page, so this post does the other job: what to book first, roughly what it costs and when the doors close.

The one date to write down

Most of our suppliers close their December books by late November. Venues and anything with a live host go earlier, because there are only so many Thursdays in December and everyone wants the same three. Brief us in September or October and we can hold the good slots. Brief us in December and you are choosing from what is left.

Now: the venue and the headline act

Going out? Tell us headcount, date and budget and we will shortlist venues across London and the UK through our VenueScanner partnership, viewings included. Little Scarlet Door in Soho is a good place to start.

Staying in, or taking the show with you? What about the Show Time Christmas Game Show, a full TV production with a host in a gold suit, from £750 for up to 200 people. Or Drag Bingo with Charlie Hides, a Christmas Murder Mystery or a DJ, band or karaoke from £500. Hybrid team? Ask about the virtual versions.

By the end of October: workshops

Good florists run out of December, so wreath making goes first: from £45 a head, everyone leaves with a wreath. If your team would rather build than arrange, there is festive LEGO from £35. For the calmer option, macramé snowflakes from £30. And for £5 a head, a festive tattoo station will get the whole office laughing. No skills needed for any of them. The kit and the expert come with the booking.

By mid November: gifts

Booni Box hampers from £50, with or without the wine, are our pick for teams of 20 to 200. 25 Days of Coffee Cheer from £30 has the hardest deadline in this post: it needs to be on desks by 30 November. There are also family crafting sets from £21.50 and branded merch for every budget, which needs print time, so brief early. One order, many addresses: remote staff get theirs at home without you building a spreadsheet.

By late November: food, drink and decorations

What about a hot chocolate and mulled wine pop up from £5 a head, the Christmas market without the queue? Festive sweet treats from £3. The Works, from grazing tables to full feasts, dietaries handled. A tree from Pines and Needles from £180, delivered, dressed and collected again in January. Photo backdrops, branded decorations and, for the morning after, hangover shots at £2.50 each.

What Clara costs

Nothing. Our partners pay us, not you. We price match too, so you never pay more than going direct.

Send us two lines: headcount, a rough date and a number to reach you on. Fifteen minutes on the phone, then a shortlist with clear pricing lands in your inbox. You choose. We handle the sourcing, the quotes, the delivery and the invoicing.

Prices are a guide, exclude VAT and start at the "from" figure. Availability moves around through December.

Christmas, sorted.

Send the brief to christmas@claraom.io, call 0207 903 3269 or browse the full collection at Christmas with Clara.

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