The results of the 2025 London Christmas Party Survey, carried out by Venue Search London and the London Christmas Party Show, reveal some interesting trends in buyer behaviour as we approach the July show and another busy end-of-year party season.
The post-pandemic working week trends have continued to impact on preferred December party dates, with Fridays continuing their slide from popularity, leaving half of corporate buyers chasing the three Thursday dates that fall in the December season.
Sam Gill, CEO of Venue Search London has been monitoring these changing trends over the last 20 years. “Just ten years ago, there was still demand for Saturday nights, with Fridays being the clear favourite evening for company Christmas parties.
The latest survey clearly indicates that the huge demand for the Thursday nights will result in these prime dates selling out quickly at the best London venues and that buyers will be paying premium prices for these dates.
Those looking for better value and happy to hold a party on a Tuesday night (on the basis that no-one wants to party on a Monday!), may be best advised shop around later in the year, when venues may well be offering last minute deals to fill these shoulder dates.”
Other key findings from the survey include:
- Around 25% of buyers have already booked their venue, with September remaining the busiest month for booking parties (so best to get ahead and beat the crowd if you want those prime dates..)
- 45% of 2025 work Christmas parties are planned to include seated dinners – down slightly on previous years, as informal dining grows in popularity. (This trend may also be driven by clients seeking a lower price per guest).
- 75% of events are planned to be traditional evening celebrations, but significantly 17% are now planning to stage events that start earlier and run into the evening. (No doubt some of these will include a business element).
The survey results will be highlighted during Venue Search London’s popular “Top New Venue openings for 2025” seminars at the upcoming London Christmas Party Show, taking place on the 8-9 July at Vision Hall. You can apply for your free show tickets here…
Notes on survey methodology.
This online survey was completed between April 8th and May 2nd by 156 London corporate event buyers from Venue Search London’s and the London Christmas Party Show’s visitor databases.
The survey captured details and trends within £2.8m + VAT of total budgeted spend with an average spend per guest of £108 +VAT. The average party budget was £17,963 +VAT.
