Corporate Holiday Party Entertainment Ideas That Aren't Terrible
Mechanical Reindeer not included.
Corporate holiday parties have a unique challenge.
You need entertainment that works for people who:
Didn't all choose to attend the same concert.
Don't all like the same music.
May range dramatically in age.
And still have to see each other Monday morning.
No pressure.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to build a great company holiday event without defaulting to “put a DJ in the corner and hope something happens.”
1. Hire a Professional Party Band
There's a reason live bands remain one of the most popular forms of corporate entertainment.
They create an obvious centerpiece.
A good party band can move between decades and styles while giving the room something to watch even before everyone decides to dance.
For a broad corporate audience, prioritize:
Recognizable songs
Strong vocals
Professional production
Controlled stage volume
Good pacing
An experienced front person
You aren't hiring musicians to demonstrate how sophisticated their music taste is.
You're hiring them to entertain the room.
2. Turn Your Employees Into the Band
Live band karaoke takes a different approach.
Instead of only watching the entertainment, guests can become part of it.
Employees choose songs and perform with professional musicians while everyone else watches.
It's particularly effective for company parties because participation is optional.
Nobody needs to be dragged into a mandatory “team-building activity.”
The outgoing people sign up.
Everyone else enjoys watching their manager sing Bon Jovi.
Nature takes its course.
3. Book a DJ
A DJ is still one of the most flexible corporate entertainment options available.
They're especially useful when:
Space is limited
The party runs for several hours
The audience has extremely broad musical tastes
You want uninterrupted dancing
You already have several other event features competing for attention
A good DJ can also handle introductions, announcements and transitions throughout the event.
4. Choose a Theme and Commit to It
A themed band can create more of an experience than generic entertainment.
Examples include:
'80s night
'90s party
Pop-punk or Y2K event
Disco
Classic rock
Specific tribute concepts
The important word is commit.
If you're doing an '80s party, carry the theme through:
Decor
Lighting
Photo areas
Dress suggestions
Cocktails
Entertainment
A great themed band dropped into a completely generic ballroom still helps.
A cohesive event is better.
5. Combine Live Music and a DJ
You don't have to choose.
One of the easiest ways to structure a corporate holiday party is:
Cocktail-hour DJ or background music
Dinner and speeches
Live band
DJ afterparty
Each format handles the portion of the event where it's strongest.
It also prevents the band from becoming responsible for four straight hours of an event where only 90 minutes actually needs a featured live show.
6. Use Smaller Live Music During Cocktails
Not every musician needs to stand on a giant stage.
Soloists, acoustic duos and small ensembles work well during:
Cocktail hour
Guest arrival
Dinner
VIP receptions
Networking
This can add live energy without interfering with conversation.
Then the larger entertainment can begin later.
7. Build Around Interaction
The best holiday-party entertainment doesn't always happen exclusively onstage.
Look for opportunities for guests to participate:
Live band karaoke
Photo experiences
Interactive games
Song requests
Contests
Employee performances
Just remember one rule:
Optional fun is usually more fun than mandatory fun.
Don't Forget Production
The most expensive entertainment in the world can still feel amateur if the room looks and sounds bad.
Consider:
Stage lighting
Dance-floor lighting
Proper PA coverage
Wireless microphones for speeches
Walk-in music
Playback during dinner
Video screens
Event branding
Production shouldn't overpower the event.
It should make the event feel intentional.
Think About the Schedule Before the Entertainment
This is where many corporate parties go wrong.
The band isn't the only thing happening.
You may also have:
Dinner
Awards
Executive remarks
Videos
Raffles
Dessert
Networking
Build the schedule first.
Then decide where entertainment creates the most value.
Corporate Holiday Entertainment in Atlanta
ATL Party Bands provides live bands, DJs, live band karaoke and event production for corporate holiday parties throughout Metro Atlanta and Georgia.
Tell us your audience, venue and budget and we'll help you build an entertainment plan that actually fits the event.
[PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY]