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Office Christmas Party Statistics 2025: What Our New Survey Reveals About UK Workplace Festivities
Cartridge People has released the findings from its 2025 Office Christmas Party Survey, a refreshed follow-up to their 2021 study, when budgets were tight, hybrid working was becoming the norm, and many people were reassessing workplace social events.
The new data provides an up-to-date snapshot of how UK workers feel about Christmas parties, what’s changed since 2021, and what HR teams should be prioritising when planning these events.
Overall, the 2025 findings show that Christmas parties are still very much part of workplace culture, but attendance remains cautious, cost-conscious and shaped by the realities of modern working life.
- Attendance remains subdued
- Cost is still the top barrier
- What really happens at Christmas parties?
- Practical measures matter
Attendance remains subdued: 50% expect to attend in 2025
With in-person events making a comeback across most industries, Christmas party attendance appears to be gradually returning to pre-COVID levels. This year, 50% of respondents plan to attend a party if invited, compared with 46% in 2021 who said they would opt out. Only 35% now plan to skip the party, highlighting a noticeable increase in willingness to attend.
*Percentages above are of respondents currently in work only. The full report includes all respondents for comparison.
Cost is still the top barrier
Among those not attending, cost emerged as the biggest deterrent, with 43% saying the expense would put them off, compared to only 25% in the 2021 survey. Other major barriers include travel or distance issues (39%), scheduling conflicts (34%) and dislike of colleagues (21%).
With living costs rising and many employees living further from their workplaces due to remote or hybrid arrangements, it’s unsurprising that travel and scheduling have now become an important factor in the decision-making process, with 39% stating that distance and travel arrangements would impact their attendance.
Most attendees won’t spend more than £50
Even among those happy to attend, the majority of workers are sticking to tight budgets that haven’t changed since 2021. A combined 71% of respondents are only willing to spend up to £50 on Christmas party-related costs (tickets, travel, clothing, etc.), which has increased by 20% since 2021, when 50% were willing to spend up to £50.
Only 6% would spend more than £75, and just 2% are willing to exceed £100.
What really happens at Christmas parties? Overindulgence leads the way
Christmas parties are often synonymous with unpredictable moments, and this year’s results show that tradition continues. Common experiences reported included overindulging in food or drinks (41%), a funny or awkward moment (23%) and getting flirty with a colleague (20%).
Unlike the 2021 survey however, there seems to be no spike in outrageous behaviour such as starting fights with their boss.
Do people regret their behaviour?
Despite the humorous—or infamous—stories often associated with Christmas parties, 55% of respondents say regretting their behaviour is rare, and only 3% feel it’s very common.
Thankfully for all HR Managers, most Christmas party mishaps seem to involve overeating, over-drinking or harmless awkwardness, rather than serious issues.
Top concerns for HR: behaviour, reputation and alcohol
While the survey showed most people simply eat too much and leave earlier than planned, workers seem to believe there are still a number of risks to HR Managers. Their top responses were embarrassment or reputational damage (23%), harassment or inappropriate behaviour (22%) and intoxication or substance misuse (21%).
These themes strongly align with the issues identified in Cartridge People’s 2021 report, suggesting that HR priorities remain largely unchanged even as workplace culture continues to evolve.
Practical measures matter: Staff want safer, easier and more flexible events
When asked what would make them feel more comfortable attending a Christmas party, respondents favoured convenience and safety over strict policies, with the majority of people wanting pre-booked transport (38%) and the ability to leave the event discreetly (37%).
Together, these findings indicate that employees prefer supportive measures that reduce pressure and make participation easier. Interestingly, strict alcohol limits were one of the least popular ideas (17%), indicating that employees prefer guidance and support rather than restrictions.
Cartridge People spoke to Julie Gimblett, a HR Manager with over 25 years of experience, who commented:
“Our 2025 refresh of our Christmas survey shows that UK workers seem to have tamed their behaviour at Christmas parties in recent years, but they want events that are affordable, inclusive and easy to access. The cost-of-living crisis and changing working patterns continue to influence attendance, just as we saw in 2021.
Employees are looking for simple, safe and flexible celebrations and HR teams can make a big difference by offering clear expectations, safe travel options and a welcoming atmosphere.”
For a full breakdown of our survey, download our PDF report.
You can find the results of our previous Christmas Party Survey in the PDF below.
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