The events hospitality company has been at the heart of festivities since 1840s
Christmas trends and tips from Searcys
Since 1847, Searcys has been creating unforgettable celebrations. The company was founded the very year London’s Tom Smith invented the Christmas cracker, and the tradition of exceptional hospitality continues today. The Searcys venue teams truly know how to make every festive celebration sparkle, organising each event seamlessly with the perfect balance of food, beverage and entertainment to create maximum impact.
“We’re seeing particularly strong momentum across our larger venues, such as Horizon 22 and 116 Pall Mall tracking ahead of last year, where exclusive party bookings have come in earlier than ever before, a clear sign of client confidence,” said Hannah Felton, Head of Central Sales at Searcys. “It comes down to repeat business and client loyalty, with some clients securing multi-year contracts.”
“Many clients are booking our all-inclusive packages and then add upgrades as their event date approaches.”
Hannah continued: “We’re seeing a good mix of formats, everything from sit down dinners to champagne and canapé receptions. What’s really evolved is the entertainment. Clients are moving beyond traditional photobooths and DJs towards something more characterful and memorable. At several venues we have worked with designers to create themed artwork for us. Corporate theming has become much more creative and companies are personalising events to make them even more memorable. More clients are choosing caricaturists as a keepsake or wanting to give away gifts to employees and guests.”
Creative theming has grown into an increasingly popular trend. Hannah commented: “The HAC is known for immersive theming, this year’s Old Hollywood Glamour Christmas package is a perfect example of creativity. Guests travel back into a dreamscape reminiscent of 1930s and 1940s Tinseltown, immersed in an atmosphere that echoes the charm of silver screen legends and the glittering elegance of black-tie soirées. Hollywood Glamour theming includes styling and production, event management, security and cloakroom, a retro photobooth, and DJ with dancefloor. Optional upgrades include burlesque dancers, themed cocktail reception, pre dinner canapés, gambling tables, extended drinks packages, and the ability to extend the celebration until 2am.”
“As we move into November and approach the festive season, we’re seeing an increase in private dining requests.” Continued Hannah. The Gherkin features five versatile private dining rooms that can be hired individually or combined, with flexible layouts including boardroom, theatre, standing, and banqueting styles.
The St. Pancras Brasserie and Bar also offer distinctive private dining options. The Tasting Room, newly decorated with bespoke artwork by Icelandic designer Kristjana Williams, The Glass Room, a semi-private space with views of St Pancras Station that can be configured as single or double areas and The Kitchen Bar, a semi-private setting ideal for a variety of events.
Hannah commented “December has traditionally been a month dominated by evening business events, but we’re seeing a clear shift across our portfolio — clients are increasingly combining meetings with their Christmas celebrations.” The festive season offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the year’s achievements, and by blending business with celebration, teams can make the most of their time together while strengthening relationships and boosting morale.
Quick tips for booking Christmas events
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, these expert insights from Searcys will help create an unforgettable festive event:
- Plan early and book smart – great venues or prime dates get snapped up early for the season
- Spend with intention – focus the budget on elements that are multifunctional
- Make it memorable – give guests something tangible and shareable to remember
- Set the tone from the start – the arrival moment defines the night
- Create a theme – a specific theme idea can make the event more magical and makes the party visually more memorable
- Include company branding – including company colours, tones and branding strengthens company culture all while everyone is having fun
- Be creative with food and drink – from champagne receptions to intimate dinners to large gatherings, the list is endless
Searcys Christmas Party Venues
These are some of the Best Christmas Party Venues: https://searcys.co.uk/christmas-parties-at-searcys/
