You’re entering the end-of-year rush at the office, and you’ve been tasked with organising the office Christmas party in Edinburgh. Edinburgh has so many options at this time of year, and it’s easy to find a good pub or restaurant where you could book a table for everyone, but you want something different.
After all, most of the staff already have dinner plans with family or friends through Christmas and Hogmanay, and what everyone needs is a bit of fun - a release after a year of hard work and a chance to bond as a teaml.
This doesn’t have to be complicated! We’ve put together a guide to help you organise the perfect office Christmas party in Edinburgh.
It’s good to get a head start on planning your Christmas party, since you will find that find many places in Edinburgh will already be fully booked by the end of November. December Fridays are the first dates to go, and you might find some better deals for mid-week and late November dates. So, start planning and booking as early as possible, especially if you are expecting a large group.
The great thing about Edinburgh is that it offers activities to match just about anyone’s taste and make your Christmas party fun and festive. Afternoon bookings are more convenient for those with childcare or a long commute home, and you can either book a dinner reservation following the activity or simply give the option to go for drinks for anyone who feels like it.
Challenge your team to a mission to save the world at Team Machine, where the Synergy 1.0 experience creates a cinematic environment and gives you 60 minutes to collaborate and coordinate to save a dystopian world from destruction. Designed to be immersive, spark creativity, and genuinely fun, it’s the perfect activity for groups of 8 to 24 people - all together, all in the same room. So, unlike most traditional escape rooms big teams don't need to split up into smaller groups.
Taking your staff curling is perfect for getting everyone to try something new while working together and enjoying a wintry atmosphere. You can book taster group sessions at Curl Edinburgh that are led by a curling coach. These are suitable for small and larger groups of up to 24 people.
Looking to try something a little more daring? Axe throwing could be the high-adrenaline activity you’re looking for to get your staff to release some tension during this busy time of year. Providers ensure a safe environment and teach participants basic technique so they can make the most of it.
Get your team outdoors with a puzzle trail around the city before going for drinks. It’s the perfect way to get everyone involved while enjoying the city views. Escape The Past offers a trail inspired by the dark history of Burke and Hare for groups of up to 30 people.
It’s much easier to work with a clearly defined budget from the start, so if you’re not entirely sure what the budget is, or you have only been given a rough number, make sure to get a clear number to work with.
If you’re planning for catering or to go to a restaurant following the activity, it’s helpful to send out a form to your staff with food options they can select ahead of the event so the venue can plan ahead.
Ensuring everyone can enjoy the office party should be one of your priorities as the organiser. That might mean arranging alternatives to meet dietary requirements, choosing a venue accessible by public transport, choosing an activity suitable for staff with mobility issues, or simply planning a party that doesn’t revolve around alcohol or keeping it festive rather than Christmas-themed for anyone who doesn’t celebrate.
The best way to make everyone feel comfortable is to give them all the key details in advance.
While some have no problem going out with the group and following the flow, others prefer it when the evening feels more predictable, so let them know when you expect the event to start and end, details about the venue and a rough outline of what you’ll be doing, for example: activity starts at 4pm, then drinks at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30 for those who want to stay longer.
Consider letting everyone know about a dress code. It doesn’t have to be strict and it can be fun. It helps people dress appropriately for the activity you've planned, and saves someone turning up in a suit when everyone else is in a Christmas jumper!
Check these details when booking, and let them know of any changes as soon as possible.
If you’re looking for a genuinely fun staff Christmas party experience, Team Machine creates escape room-inspired experiences for large groups so you can relax and enjoy the evening while we take care of entertainment.
Located at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, our Synergy 1.0 experience is designed to get everyone working together on an immersive mission with tech-driven challenges that require quick thinking and teamwork.
For headache-free planning, you can also book one of our packages for work groups to include a party room, catering, or deals at nearby restaurants for a festive meal or drinks afterwards.
Book your staff party at Team Machine today for the perfect experience to start the festive season.
Bring your group together for an unforgettable, energising experience - perfect for work teams or celebrations.