Choosing between a shared and private Christmas party depends on your group size, budget, and the type of experience you want to create for your team. In London, where venue availability and costs peak in December, understanding the differences between these two options can help you plan a successful Christmas celebration without unnecessary stress or overspending.
This guide compares shared and private Christmas parties in London, outlining the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is best for your group.
What Is a Private Christmas Party?
A private Christmas party involves hiring a venue exclusively for one company or group. This gives you full control over the event, including the guest list, schedule, entertainment, food and overall atmosphere. Private hire is often chosen by larger organisations or companies looking to create a fully branded or bespoke Christmas experience.
However, private Christmas parties in London usually come with higher costs. Many venues require minimum spends, particularly in December, and additional costs such as entertainment, production, décor and staffing are often charged separately. Planning a private party also involves more coordination, as you’ll typically need to manage suppliers, timings and logistics.
Private Christmas parties tend to work best for larger groups that can comfortably meet venue minimums and want complete control over the event format.
What Is a Shared Christmas Party?
Shared Christmas parties involve multiple companies attending the same professionally organised event. Each group books places for its own guests, while the venue or event organiser manages the overall experience. These events follow a set schedule and format, creating a lively atmosphere with minimal planning required from attendees.
Shared Christmas parties in London are particularly popular with small and medium-sized teams. They offer a ready-made celebration that includes venue hire, food, entertainment and event management within a fixed per-person price. This makes them a practical and predictable option for groups that want a high-quality event without committing to exclusive hire.
Because costs are shared across multiple companies, shared events often take place in larger venues with stronger production values than smaller groups could achieve independently.
Cost Comparison
Cost is one of the biggest factors when choosing between shared and private Christmas parties.
Private hire typically involves:
Venue minimum spends
Additional costs for entertainment and production
Separate catering and staffing fees
Less flexibility if guest numbers change
Shared Christmas parties are usually sold at a fixed price per person, which helps companies plan budgets more easily. For small to medium-sized teams, shared parties are often significantly more cost-effective, particularly in central London where private venue hire can be expensive during peak dates.
Private Christmas parties tend to become more viable as group sizes increase and minimum spends can be met comfortably.
Atmosphere & Experience
The atmosphere of the event is another key difference.
Shared Christmas parties tend to be busier and more energetic, with a mix of companies creating a social, festive environment. These events often include DJs or live entertainment and a late-night party atmosphere, making them a good choice for teams that want a lively celebration.
Private Christmas parties offer exclusivity and control, allowing companies to tailor the experience to their preferences. This can be appealing for formal events, presentations or quieter celebrations, but it can also feel less dynamic for smaller groups.
Planning & Flexibility
Shared Christmas parties are designed to be low-effort. Dates, venues and packages are set in advance, and booking typically involves selecting the number of places required. This simplicity is especially helpful for busy teams or last-minute planners.
Private Christmas parties require more lead time and planning. While they offer greater flexibility in terms of format and branding, they also demand more organisation and commitment.
Which Is Better for Small Teams?
For groups under 100 people, shared Christmas parties in London are often the more practical and enjoyable option. They provide access to high-quality venues, professional entertainment and a lively festive atmosphere without the financial and logistical pressures of private hire.
Larger groups or companies looking for a fully bespoke experience may prefer private Christmas parties, but for many small and mid-sized teams, shared events strike the right balance between cost, atmosphere and convenience.
Finding the Right Shared Christmas Party in London
If you’re considering a shared event, the easiest way to compare options is to view all available shared Christmas parties in London in one place. This allows you to assess venues, dates and pricing side by side and choose the option that best suits your group.
