Planning a Christmas party in June? Sounds early – but it's exactly right. If you start looking in autumn, the good dates, locations and caterers are often already taken. This article explains why summer is the smartest time, which formats work and how a successful evening unfolds.
Why book now – and not in October
The Christmas season is the densest time of the year for event venues, restaurants and caterers. The sought-after Friday and pre-Christmas dates in December are often gone by late summer – and the later you start, the more the choice shrinks to fringe dates and leftover slots. If you decide now in June or July, you get:
- Free choice of dates – including the popular Fridays and the week before Christmas.
- The better locations at normal rather than last-minute prices.
- Calm in the planning – instead of Q4 hectic when year-end business is already busy.
More than dinner: a programme that connects
The classic Christmas party is often a dinner with some small talk – nice, but rarely memorable. A shared, active programme point turns the evening into an experience and breaks the ice between departments that barely see each other. Proven formats for the Christmas party:
- Christmas Quiz Show – the classic in the hall: tablet-based, large projection, hosted – works from 15 to several hundred guests.
- Christmas Rally – a city rally in a wintry atmosphere, app-guided, with mulled-wine stops and a shared finale.
- Beat the Box – the tricky indoor format for teams, ideal as a starter before dinner.
How a successful evening unfolds
A proven flow that combines programme and indulgence without the evening falling apart:
- Arrival (approx. 30 min): welcome drink, relaxed start.
- Active programme point (60–90 min): quiz show, rally or team format – the shared highlight.
- Dinner & wind-down: relaxed time together, once the ice has long been broken.
Budget & tax: use the second allowance
The Christmas party is tax-privileged too: up to €110 per employee and event (incl. VAT) are exempt from wage tax and social contributions. Two company events per year are eligible – the Christmas party is classically the second (alongside the summer party). If the allowance is exceeded, only the excess becomes taxable.
⚠️ Initial guidance – your tax advisor will clarify the specific tax treatment.
The short checklist
- ☐ Secure the date now (Fridays/pre-Christmas week go first)
- ☐ Location + room for the programme point
- ☐ Format chosen to match the group size
- ☐ Catering & drinks agreed
- ☐ Budget incl. €110 allowance calculated
- ☐ Invitation with schedule sent in good time
Secure your preferred date now
We organise Christmas parties across Germany – from the programme point to the full evening. The earlier you ask, the bigger the choice. Tell us your date, group size and setting – and we'll come back with a concrete proposal →
Frequently asked questions about planning a Christmas party
When should you book the Christmas party?
As early as possible – ideally in summer. The popular December dates and good locations are often booked out by late summer.
Which programme ideas suit a Christmas party?
Popular are the Christmas Quiz Show (hall, large groups), the Christmas Rally (city rally with mulled-wine stops) and indoor formats like Beat the Box as a starter before dinner.
Is the Christmas party tax-privileged?
Yes. Up to €110 per employee and event are exempt from tax and social contributions; two company events per year are eligible. Your tax advisor will confirm the details.
From how many people is a programme point worthwhile?
From small teams already – formats like the quiz show scale from around 15 to several hundred guests.