A festive evening by the river

A December party by the river has an energy that an office pantry never will. Lights on the water, music from nearby venues and a lively crowd give the evening a sense of celebration before the programme even begins.

Choosing the venue

Riverside venues range from private dining rooms to open terraces and whole restaurants taken over for the night. Think about your group size, how much privacy you want and whether you need a sheltered space for speeches.

A light programme works best

Festive evenings rarely need a long programme. A short welcome, a thank-you from leadership, a gift exchange or lucky draw and plenty of time to talk is often enough. Keep the formal part early, before the noise level rises.

Getting everyone home

A late night in a busy district means queues for taxis and ride-hailing. Remind guests of transport options, and consider arranging pick-up points or shuttles for larger groups.

For a fuller run sheet, see a festive programme for a Clarke Quay Christmas party, written by Get Out! Events.