Planning your work Christmas party can feel a bit like wrapping presents with one hand and holding a mulled wine in the other – exciting, but slightly chaotic.
One of the biggest decisions when booking Christmas parties in Sheffield is choosing between private Christmas parties and shared Christmas parties. Both bring plenty of festive sparkle, but the right choice often comes down to budget, group size and how hands-on you fancy being with the planning.
What is a private Christmas party?
A private Christmas party gives your business exclusive use of a venue or event space for your office Christmas party.
That means your team gets the whole place to yourselves, with more freedom to shape the evening around your company. From tailored entertainment to bespoke timings and branding, it offers a more personalised Christmas do.
Private events work particularly well for larger businesses or teams wanting a more exclusive celebration.
What is a shared Christmas party?
Shared Christmas parties bring multiple businesses together for one professionally hosted festive event.
You still get all the fun – great food, entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere – but without the pressure of organising every tiny detail. It is often the simpler, more cost-effective option for smaller groups booking their office Christmas party.
If your goal is to turn up, celebrate and let someone else handle the logistics, shared events are often the way to go.
Private vs shared Christmas parties – what is the difference?
Cost
Private events usually come with a higher overall spend, making them better suited to larger guest lists. Shared events are often more budget-friendly, making them ideal for smaller teams looking for fantastic Christmas party venues without stretching the festive fund.
Planning lead time
Private hire typically requires earlier booking and more decisions along the way – from décor to entertainment to minimum numbers. Shared Christmas parties keep things refreshingly simple – book your places, pick your menu and get ready to celebrate.
Flexibility
Private hire gives you more control over timings, running order and any awards or speeches. Shared events follow a set programme, so what you gain in ease, you trade in adaptability.
Cancellations and numbers
Shared events are often more forgiving if your headcount shifts – you’re not committed to filling an entire venue. Private hire usually involves minimum numbers and deposit structures worth factoring in early.
Why shared Christmas parties are proving so popular in Sheffield
With many businesses choosing convenience and atmosphere, shared Christmas parties have become one of the most popular choices for Christmas parties in Sheffield.
At OEC Sheffield, our calendar is stacked with shared events all season long, from 80s nights and Motown parties to bingo and more. It’s basically a rolling Christmas do lineup designed for teams who want everything sorted without lifting a finger.
What’s more, our festive events are filling quickly – proof that plenty of local businesses are opting for the easier, livelier route for their work Christmas party.
If you are searching for unforgettable Christmas party venues for your Christmas do, OEC Sheffield’s shared festive events are ready to bring the food, entertainment and Christmas magic.
Private party calling?
Swaying towards a private Christmas party? OEC offers a range of flexible spaces and adaptable layouts to suit companies of all sizes. Get in touch early, as our December calendar is already filling up fast.
Quiz: What type of Christmas party fits your company’s personality?
Forget spreadsheets for a minute. Your work Christmas party style is probably already written in your team’s personality….
Pick the one that sounds most like yours and see where you land – private Christmas parties or shared Christmas parties in Sheffield!
The “It’s 9pm and someone has already queued Mr Brightside” team
Your office starts quiet, then suddenly someone’s on the mic like it’s Utilita Arena Sheffield.
- You want full control of music, timing and the chaos level
- The speeches will absolutely go off script
- Nobody is leaving early, ever
Best fit: Private Christmas party
The “We just want good food and zero admin stress” team
You’ve got enough on your plate already. Planning a full Christmas do is not one of them.
- You want to turn up, sit down, and be fed well
- No organising, no group spreadsheets, no chasing RSVPs
- Just easy festive vibes with your colleagues
Best fit: Shared Christmas party
The “We need awards, speeches and a proper moment” corporate crew
There is a PowerPoint somewhere, and someone has rehearsed their 2-minute speech.
- You want structure, timing and space to run a programme
- Awards, recognition, and maybe a few emotional thank-yous
- A more formal feel to your office Christmas party
Best fit: Private Christmas party
The “We like our team, but we also like meeting new people” hybrid bunch
You get on well, but you’re also curious what everyone else is doing in Sheffield this year.
- You enjoy a mix of familiar faces and fresh conversations
- You want atmosphere without having to host it
- You like the idea of a bigger festive room energy
Best fit: Shared Christmas party
The “We’ll decide later” team (aka the procrastinators)
Every year it starts with “let’s sort it early” and ends with panic booking in November.
- Decisions take longer than the actual meeting
- Someone says, “We should probably look at options soon”, every week
- You just want something sorted that works for everyone
Best fit: Shared Christmas party
So, what does that actually mean?
Most teams don’t sit neatly in one box. But here’s the honest bit – a lot of Christmas parties in Sheffield end up being shared simply because it removes pressure and adds ambience.
That said, if your team has a personality that needs its own stage, a private party might be exactly the right call. At OEC Sheffield, whether you land on shared or private, our team can help you find the right fit.
Check availability early – December fills faster than you’d think.