Every December, the same thing happens in offices across Oklahoma City. The venue gets booked in September, the caterer gets a deposit in October, and the entertainment gets left until the week before the party. That's usually when planners find out the entertainers they wanted were booked weeks ago.
Christmas falls on a Friday this year, so most company parties will land on the three weekends before it, and every one of those Friday and Saturday nights will be in demand. If you're planning a corporate Christmas party, now is the time to lock in the fun part. Here's what works for a room full of coworkers, how to plan it and what to have ready when you book.
Holiday parties are still a big part of company life. In it’s 2024 holiday party survey, Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that 64% of companies were planning a holiday celebration, and most of those parties get squeezed into the same few weeks of December. Add church parties, school events and family gatherings, and experienced entertainers in Oklahoma City get booked quickly for the weekends in early and mid-December.
This year, the busiest stretch runs from Friday, December 4 through Saturday, December 19, because most teams want their party done before people leave for the holidays. Weeknight and lunchtime parties are easier to schedule. If your heart is set on a Friday or Saturday evening, though, someone else is probably asking about that same date right now.
Corporate parties have a common problem: people spend the whole night standing with the same three coworkers. A caricature artist fixes that without anyone having to give a speech or play a game they didn't sign up for. Guests gather to watch, laugh at each other's drawings, and end up chatting with people from other departments.
Each guest takes home a hilarious cartoon version of themselves, which makes a far better keepsake than another branded mug. Our caricatures are fun and quick, so the line keeps moving, and for bigger teams, a second artist keeps the wait short. They also work just as well at a client appreciation event as they do at an office party.
Many companies invite families to the holiday party, and the moment kids arrive, the room needs something for them to do. Balloon twisting is a natural fit, with Santa hats, reindeer antlers, snowmen, and candy canes that kids carry around all night. Face painting turns little guests into elves, reindeer, and snowflakes in a few minutes, and it gives parents a chance to actually enjoy the party.
Keeping the kids happy keeps the adults at the party longer, which is exactly what you want after paying for a venue and food. Balloon creations work at adults-only parties too, and they end up in the photos people share on Monday morning.
A glitter bar is one of the easiest ways to dress up a holiday party. Guests can add sparkle to their hair, try a glittery eye design or wear a little festive body art, and it suits a Christmas party better than most people expect. It's especially popular with teams who like to dress up for the occasion.
Like the other stations, it gives guests a reason to move around the room and start conversations. It also makes for great photos, and those photos are what people remember long after the leftovers are gone.
Not every company throws a big party, and plenty of teams are spread across several offices or work remotely. Custom caricatures can still bring everyone into the fun. Email us photos and we can create a caricature for each person, ready to give as a personal holiday gift or as a thank-you to your best clients.
It's a small touch that feels far more thoughtful than another gift card, and it's the kind of gift people pin up at their desk. If you'd like them in time for the holidays, ask early so there's plenty of time before Christmas.
Timing matters more than most planners realize. Entertainment works best during the mingling part of the evening, before dinner or right after it, rather than during speeches and awards when you want everyone's attention. For a three-hour party, many planners book entertainment for the middle two hours, when the room is at its fullest.
Space and numbers matter too. Each station usually needs a table, a couple of chairs and good lighting, plus room for a short line that doesn't block the buffet or the bar. The right number of artists depends on your headcount and how long you want them there, and we'll tell you straight whether one artist will cover it or whether a second will keep the night moving.
The fastest way to secure your date is to reach out with the basics. Have your party date, start and end times, venue address, and expected headcount ready; let us know whether kids will be there, and mention any parking or load-in details if the party is downtown or at a hotel. With that, we can confirm availability quickly and suggest the right mix of entertainment for your crowd.
Whether it's an office party, an employee appreciation night, a client event or a family holiday party, December is too busy to leave the fun until last. Book your holiday party entertainment now and hold your date while the best nights are still open. You can also see more about our corporate event entertainment and the kinds of events we cover.
As early as you can, ideally six to eight weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday in December. Weekday and lunchtime parties have more flexibility, but popular weekend dates go first. If your party is only a few weeks away, it's still worth asking, since gaps in the schedule do open up.
It depends on your headcount and how long the entertainment runs. A smaller office party may only need one artist, while a large company event or a family party with lots of kids will move faster with two or more stations. Tell us your guest count and party hours, and we'll suggest the setup that fits.
Yes. Holiday luncheons, employee appreciation days and afternoon office parties are a great fit, and they're often easier to book than weekend evenings. Caricatures work especially well in an office, because guests can step away for a few minutes and then get back to their day.
Not at all. Caricatures and the glitter bar are made for grown-ups, and adults are often the first in line once the drawings start going around the room. Balloon art and face painting are there for the kids when families are invited.
No. Church Christmas parties, school events, neighborhood gatherings and family celebrations are all part of our holiday season. The same advice applies to every one of them, so the earlier you reach out, the better your chances of getting the date you want.