Get Your Name on the Nice List: Why You Should Book Your 2026 Christmas Party Early

If you are anything like us, you'll agree that the second half of the year seems to fly by in a flash. Summer is just ending and, before we know it, we'll be ringing in the New Year.

That's why it's never too early to start thinking about your Christmas or end-of-year celebrations. Whether you're planning a party for a small team, a large company or a group of clients, getting organised early can make all the difference. Leave it too late and you could find yourself scrambling for a date, venue or activity that nobody really wants!

September is when the good dates go

And the numbers back it up. According to the 2026 London Christmas Party Survey, September is the busiest month for Christmas party bookings, while 43% of buyers are looking to book a Thursday evening, putting even more pressure on the most popular dates.

Which points to a small trick worth knowing: if nearly half of London is chasing a Thursday, a Wednesday or an early-December lunchtime gives you far more choice of venue and experience, usually for the same budget. 

The first two weeks of December book out first, so if Thursday matters to you, the time to lock it in is now, not October.

The real reason to book early isn't the venue

Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date, venue and experience. It also gives you more time to explore your options, compare packages and choose an experience that genuinely suits your team and the kind of celebration you have in mind.

But the bigger win is turnout. December diaries start filling from October, with other companies' parties, school plays, family plans and annual leave. The earlier your invite lands, the more of your team can actually be there, and a Christmas party is only as good as who turns up. Book in September and you're first into everyone's diary. Book in November and you're competing with everything else.

What to lock in now, and what can wait

Once your date and venue are secured, the rest gets a lot easier. A rough order that works:

• Now: the date, the experience or venue, and a rough headcount

• By early October: send the invite, so it lands before diaries fill

• By November: the finer details, from final numbers and catering to entertainment, decorations and transport

Getting the main arrangements sorted early means fewer things to worry about as December gets closer.

Christmas with Revel & Co.

If you'd rather your team made something than sat through another set menu, our Christmas experiences are built around exactly that. 

Our candle-making, fragrance and tote-bag workshops all double as festive gift-making, so everyone leaves with something they made rather than a party bag. For a bigger night, our full event planning team can take on the whole thing, venue, food, drinks and hosting included, so you get to enjoy the party instead of running it.

We can cater for all-size groups from small teams to 200+ so no matter your group size we can take care of your festive celebrations.

Get on the Nice List

So, if you haven't started planning your Christmas party yet, now is the perfect time to get moving. Avoid the Naughty List and don't leave your festive plans until the last minute. 

Get your name on the Nice List, secure your date and start looking forward to celebrating!

Tell us your team size and a couple of possible dates and we'll come back with options. 

Questions we're asked every September

When should we book a Christmas party?

September, ideally. That's when most London companies book, and the popular dates in the first two weeks of December go first. October still works, but with less choice.

What's the best day of the week?

Thursday is the favourite, which is exactly why it's the hardest to get. A Wednesday evening or a Thursday lunchtime often gives you a better venue and more of the team able to come.

Can you handle the whole party, not just the activity?

Yes. Our full event planning service covers venue, food, drinks, styling and hosting, with a creative experience at the centre if you want one.

Do you do Christmas parties for small teams?

Yes. We offer shared spaces for those on a tighter budget or with smaller teams that don't meet the minimum spend for a private space.

Til next time,

Team Revel & Co. x