Organising the Christmas Party is often one of the most anticipated, and most pressured, tasks of the year. It’s about recognising teams, boosting morale and ending the year on a high, while juggling budgets, diaries and expectations.
At The Aberdeen Altens Hotel and The Aberdeen Dyce Hotel, festive events continue to see strong demand. Across both venues, more than 4,000 guests attended Christmas party nights and Hogmanay celebrations during the 2025 festive season, with multiple dates selling out well in advance.
So why does this happen, and what can you, as organisers, do to make festive planning easier?
Demand is predictable, availability is not
One of the biggest challenges for party planners is that popular dates are limited. Fridays and Saturdays are consistently in highest demand, particularly for larger groups. As more organisations plan ahead to reduce last-minute stress, these dates are being secured earlier each year, with several dates being fully booked by the time the schools go back after summer. For bookers, this simply means that leaving decisions too late can limit choice and lead to disappointment.
Helpful tip:
Starting team conversations early gives you far more flexibility on dates and options. Then call us as early as you can to secure your places.
Reliability matters to bookers
Office, HR and welfare teams often carry the responsibility of delivering an event that reflects well on the organisation. Choosing a venue with a proven track record removes a significant amount of risk. Well-run festive events rely on experienced teams, clear communication and strong operational planning, not just entertainment on the night. A lot happens behind the scenes to make your event a success. When venues consistently deliver, organisers return year after year, and this is certainly the case with our hotels.
Helpful tip:
Ask us for details about how events are structured, who your main contact will be on the night and how changes are handled closer to the date. No question too silly, chances are, someone else is wondering the same too and we can add it to our FAQs.
Early planning reduces workload
The timing of the party often coincides with year-end reporting, budgeting cycles and increased workloads. Securing an event early allows one major task to be confidently “ticked off” before the busiest time of year. It also gives you, as organisers, more time to communicate details internally and manage expectations.
Helpful tip:
Holding your date early can relieve pressure and give you breathing space while details are finalised.
Budget certainty is increasingly important
With many organisations managing tighter budgets, knowing costs in advance provides reassurance and paying in two instalments can help to balance the costs. Early discussions allow for clearer financial planning and reduce the risk of reacting to limited availability later in the year.
Helpful tip:
Ask us about deposit and payment dates — this helps you plan responsibly and confidently.
Celebrations have real value
Festive events and parties are more than social occasions. They contribute to staff morale, recognition and retention. When done well, they reinforce a positive workplace culture that carries into the new year. That’s why many teams now prioritise quality, organisation and reliability over convenience.
Planning with confidence
While it may feel too early to think about festive celebrations, many teams are already starting conversations (and some have already booked) — not because they’re being rushed, but because experience has shown that early planning leads to better outcomes.
For bookers, the key takeaway is simple: starting early gives you more choice, less pressure and greater peace of mind — making festive planning a positive experience rather than a last-minute challenge.
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel
01224 379 240
events@aberdeenaltenshotel.co.uk
www.aberdeenaltenshotel.co.uk
The Aberdeen Dyce Hotel
01224 394 194
events@aberdeendycehotel.co.uk
www.aberdeendycehotel.co.uk