Organizers planning a holiday party often know the date, the guest count and the budget, and then ask the same question about entertainment. Venues hear it every December, and the ones that answer well, with options they already know how to host, often add revenue and save the planner hours of research.
Each type of entertainment asks something different of the room. Some need a stage and power, some need floor space, and some need nothing more than a corner and a table. Knowing these needs lets you guide the choice and price it properly.
What Are Good Holiday Party Entertainment Ideas?
Good holiday party entertainment ideas include a DJ, a live band, casino-style game tables, a photo booth, trivia or interactive games, and roaming or stage performers such as magicians, carolers or aerialists. The best choice depends on the room, the guest count, the mood the organizer wants and the budget. Venues can package several of these as add-ons, with clear space, power and setup requirements.
Music, From a DJ to a Live Band
Music is the backbone of most holiday parties, and the choice between a DJ and a band shapes the room, the budget and the setup schedule.
DJ
A DJ is the most common choice, and it fits almost any party with dancing. A DJ needs a table, power near the dance floor, room for speakers and sometimes lighting.
Cost is driven mostly by hours, equipment and demand on the date. December Saturdays book early, so encourage organizers to confirm quickly. If you have an in-house sound system, a DJ may only need to plug into it, which shortens setup.
Live band
A live band brings energy and a sense of occasion. Bands need more space, more power, a stage or riser and a longer setup and sound check than a DJ.
Cost depends on the number of musicians, hours and travel. Bands also often have riders asking for meals, a green room and parking, so count those in the quote. Check your noise limits and end times, especially in buildings with neighbors.
Casino Tables and Photo Booths
These two options give guests something to do between dinner and dancing, and both are easy to package.
Casino tables
Casino-style tables (blackjack, roulette and craps) are popular for corporate parties because they give guests something to do besides drink and dance. They need floor space for each table, standing room around it and dealers supplied by the vendor.
Players usually use play money and win raffle tickets or prizes. Gambling laws vary by state, so the vendor should confirm that its format is legal where you are.
Photo booth
A photo booth is one of the easiest additions to host. It needs a corner, an outlet, and a backdrop or space for one. Guests take home prints or digital copies, and the organizer gets shareable images.
Cost depends on hours, props, prints and branding. Many venues partner with a booth vendor or own a simple booth themselves and sell it as an add-on.
Games, Trivia and Performers
Interactive games and live performers suit groups that would rather watch or play than dance.
Games and trivia
Trivia, karaoke, lawn games and team challenges suit groups that prefer conversation to dancing. They need a host, a microphone and sometimes screens or equipment.
These activities are usually lower cost and work well for daytime or early-evening parties. A trivia host with a laptop and your screen can run a game for a full room in under an hour, which fits the program between dinner and dessert.
Performers
Magicians, caricature artists, carolers, aerialists and other performers add moments guests talk about. Roaming performers need little space and work during a cocktail hour. Stage acts need a performance area and a time in the program.
Aerial acts need rigging points rated for the load and a qualified rigger, so confirm what your building can support before you allow them. Every performer should carry insurance and follow your venue rules.
How to Compare Options
When an organizer asks what to choose, walk through four practical factors with them.
- Space, including floor area, stage and audience room
- Power, including outlets and circuits needed
- Setup time and when the room is available
- Cost drivers such as hours, headcount and travel
Match the entertainment to the guests. A team that prefers to talk will enjoy casino tables and a photo booth more than a loud band, while a group that dances every year will want a DJ or band and a dance floor sized for it.
Packaging Entertainment as Add-Ons
Venues can turn entertainment into simple add-ons with set prices. A photo booth package, a DJ package with your sound system, or a casino table package booked through a trusted vendor gives organizers clear choices.
Build relationships with a few reliable vendors and agree on pricing and commission in advance. Collect their insurance certificates and technical needs once, so each booking is easy to schedule.
Build Your Entertainment Menu This Season
List the entertainment types your rooms can support, with the space, power and setup each one needs. Add two or three vendor options for each and a simple price or price range you can quote. Send the menu with every holiday proposal, so organizers choose early, before the best performers are booked.
Entertainment chosen for the room and the guests makes the party feel planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular entertainment for company holiday parties?
DJs and photo booths are among the most common choices, since they fit many rooms and budgets. Casino tables and trivia are popular with groups that prefer activities to dancing. The right choice depends on the guests and the space.
How far in advance should holiday party entertainment be booked?
As early as possible, since December weekends book quickly. Many organizers confirm entertainment two to three months ahead. Venues can help by sending entertainment options with the initial proposal.
Can a venue provide its own entertainment?
Yes, many venues own a sound system, a photo booth or games and offer them as add-ons. Others work with preferred vendors and earn a commission. Either way, set clear pricing and terms.
Are casino games legal at holiday parties?
Casino-style games using play money for prizes are common, but gambling laws vary by state. The vendor should confirm that its format complies with local law. Avoid any format where guests wager real money.
