By Dan WardIn this story:
Looking for ways to bring everyone together this festive season without stretching your budget? We've got your back with our Christmas party ideas! Whether you're pulling together the office get-together, a big family hangout or a catch up with your besties, the cost parties and celebrations can add up so quickly!
But we think that affordable festive celebrations don't have to mean trying to squeeze everyone into a pub or hitting up the same restaurant as last year. A creative workshop gives your group something to do all together, with so many fun options costing less than £50 per person! From bauble painting to decoration making, these activities offer the loveliest way to celebrate without overspending.
How to budget for a festive celebration with a large group
You don't need to be stacked with cash to celebrate the season with all of your favourite people. A little bit of planning can go a long way!
Our handy tips:
- Set a realistic per-person budget. Check in and see how much everyone can comfortably afford; this can make a huge impact when you're booking for bigger groups.
- Look for workshops that welcome bigger groups. Some classes cater for small parties, while others offer mobile sessions or private bookings for larger groups. Checking the maximum group size early can save time and help you avoid paying for several separate sessions!
- Consider a weekday or daytime booking. If your group has flexibility, ask the teacher about available dates and private-session options. It's worth comparing the total cost before committing to anything.
- Keep food and drink simple. Rather than paying for a full festive meal as well as an activity, you could organise a potluck lunch, bring snacks or meet at a nearby café afterwards. Some workshops also might provide refreshments/snacks!
- Pick an activity that suits different ages and abilities. By choosing something beginner-friendly, you take away any worries your guests might have about trying something new, especially if they don't consider themselves particularly creative.
- Check the full cost before you book. Compare the price per person, travel expenses, any venue hire and possible additional charges. If you're booking for a workplace, confirm whether your budget needs to include VAT or other expenses.
Affordable festive workshops for large groups
From London to Manchester to Edinburgh and beyond, creative workshops can be a practical way to get a big group together without paying for a big night out. Let's dive into some of our top picks to give you a little bit of festive inspiration.
1. Festive bauble painting in Manchester
This fun bauble painting workshop with The Creative Society Manchester is a lovely way to get everyone involved. Your guests can personalise their own decorations, chat while they work and take home something to put on the tree. It's a good option for groups who want a festive activity without committing to a huge day out.
What's included: All materials and two baubles to paint each, plus festive music!
Best for: Work socials, groups of friends and family gatherings.
Location: Didsbury, Manchester.
Price: £30pp.
2. Christmas card printing in Edinburgh
For a festive activity with a practical result, try lino printing your own Christmas cards with Lucid Design. Your guests learn to carve and print festive designs, with cards and inks available. It's a lovely fit for a group who want to make something they can use or gift afterwards.
What's included: All materials and the chance to make as many cards as you want!
Best for: Smaller teams, crafty friends and family groups who like a keepsake.
Location: Granton, Edinburgh.
Price: £25pp.
3. Christmas chocolate decorating in London
Bring your group along to Royal Cakes Baking Club and work with high quality chocolate and decorating tools to craft a selection of beautiful treats to take home. This is a fun and unique choice for a group of sweet toothed colleagues or friends!
What's included: Chocolates, decorating tools and your finished decorated treats to keep or gift.
Best for: Festive team building activities or a catch up with friends.
Location: Kentish Town, London.
Price: £35pp.
4. Christmas watercolour painting in Glasgow
Fancy something a little more mindful with the fun vibe of a paint and sip? Join travelthroughmycanvas for a calm painting class. It's a lovely space to relax, get creative and connect with your team, friends or family.
What's included: Paints and brushes, plus paper, cards, tags and bookmarks to paint!
Best for: Chill celebrations and crafty Christmas parties.
Location: Glasgow.
Price: £45pp.
5. Festive wreath making in London
Dive into the festive spirit with Art4Space and get your group together to craft gorgeous Christmas wreaths! Together you'll work with locally sourced seasonal foliage and decorations and all take away a wreath to display with pride.
What's included: All materials, plus festive snacks, tea, coffee, and one mulled wine each!
Best for: Chill celebrations and crafty Christmas parties.
Location: Clapham, London.
Price: £50pp.
6. Clay Christmas decoration making in Manchester
Gather your favourite people together to get crafty with clay with ClayStation MCR. Unwind as a group and make your own decorations using festive cutters and stamps, with the chance to personalise each one to your heart's content.
What's included: Clay, festive cutters, stamps and paints. Plus, optional snacks!
Best for: Creative work Christmas celebrations or a crafty afternoon with friends.
Location: Denton, Manchester.
Price: £30pp.
Find the right affordable festive celebration for your group
|
If your group wants… |
Try this workshop |
Location |
Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A quick, festive activity everyone can personalise |
Didsbury, Manchester |
£30 |
|
|
To make something useful for friends and family |
Granton, Edinburgh |
£25 |
|
|
A sweet treat to take home (or gift!) |
Kentish Town, London |
£35 |
|
|
A relaxed, creative catch-up |
Glasgow |
£45 |
|
|
A classic Christmas craft with a seasonal centrepiece |
Clapham, London |
£50 |
|
|
A hands-on activity with a keepsake to decorate at home |
Denton, Manchester |
£30 |
Make your festive get-together work for your budget
Christmas can get a little crazy, especially as social calendars start to fill up. Take a bit of weight off your shoulders and remember that planning affordable festive celebrations is easier than you might think! Agree on your budget early, pick a fun activity that suits your headcount and find something that'll tick every box. You can keep the rest simple with shared food, a nearby pub afterwards or a relaxed gathering at home.
Whether you're planning a festive team social, a December family get-together or a Christmassy catch-up with your besties, we've got creative options to suit you and your budget. Explore our festive crafty workshops and get your Christmas celebrating right this year!
