Christmas Party Entertainment: Bands, DJs, Magicians and More to Hire
Christmas
Most Christmas parties fall into the same few weeks, so the suppliers people want get booked up early. This guide covers what to sort out before you start contacting anyone, then shows real suppliers on Eventsense for the kinds of entertainment most parties book.
Sort out the date and the venue first
Almost every question a supplier asks depends on two things: the date and the venue. Fix those before you start asking for quotes.
The date. Thursday and Friday evenings in the first three weeks of December are the busiest nights of the year for party bands, DJs and caterers. If you are set on one of those dates, contact suppliers now. If you have some flexibility, an earlier date in November or a party in the new year opens up much more choice.
The venue. Before booking anything, ask your venue:
- whether outside entertainment and caterers are allowed, or whether they have their own;
- what time suppliers can arrive to set up, and when everything has to be cleared;
- whether there is a noise limit or a cut-off time for live music;
- how much power is available where the band or DJ will set up.
The answers rule some options in and others out. A band needs more room and more power than a DJ. A fun casino needs space for the tables. A caterer needs somewhere to work.
Think about the evening, not just the entertainment
A Christmas party has a shape. People arrive, eat, and then either dance or they do not. Different kinds of entertainment suit different parts of the evening:
- Arrival and drinks: close-up magic, a caricaturist, or a photo booth get people mixing without asking them to watch a performance.
- The meal: background music, or a magician working the tables between courses.
- After the meal: a band or DJ for dancing, or a fun casino for groups who would rather not.
You do not need something for every part of the night. One or two well-chosen bookings usually work better than several things competing for attention.
What changes the price
Prices vary a lot, and most suppliers quote for the specific booking. The things that move a quote are usually:
- the date, with December weekends priced higher than weekdays;
- how long you need them for, and whether that includes setting up;
- travel, so local suppliers often cost less;
- the size of the act or the number of guests, for bands and caterers.
When you compare quotes, check that they cover the same hours and include the same things.
Suppliers to get quotes from
Below are real suppliers listed on Eventsense, grouped by the kinds of entertainment most Christmas parties book. Each section links to the full list, where you can narrow it down to your area.
