Some companies mark Christmas with a dinner and a disco. Others go further. In this case, an employer hired an entire Christmas market for a day and invited staff to bring their families for music, games, ice skating and fairground rides. It was the second year of the event, and the previous one had an alpine apres ski theme with roller skaters, skiers, an electric violinist, a hula hooper, acrobats, a Bavarian band and a compere. Topping that, while keeping things weatherproof, family-friendly and within budget, was the challenge.
Key takeaways
- Family days need entertainment that works for toddlers, teenagers and grandparents at the same time.
- Outdoor winter events need acts that can carry on in cold, wind and light rain.
- Roaming and parading acts keep queues and open spaces lively without needing a stage.
- Rebooking a proven favourite from last year is a sensible way to reduce risk.
The brief
Three things mattered. The acts had to cope with December weather. They had to appeal to a very mixed audience, from small children to older relatives. And there had to be something happening almost all the time, so there were no flat spots in the day, while staying within an agreed budget.
This year the theme moved from alpine to a traditional Christmas, which opened up a wide range of classic festive characters.
Switching theme each year is a smart move for a repeat event. Returning families get something new to look forward to, while the organisers can keep whichever acts proved most popular and refresh the rest. It also gives the internal comms team a fresh story to tell when inviting staff.
Setting the scene at arrival
Families were met by carol singers in Victorian-style costume, which instantly gave the market a storybook feel. Alongside them, a pair of juggling elves tossed clubs over the children's heads. It is a simple idea, but it gets children giggling and parents relaxing within the first minute.
Tip from our team: Put your most approachable, low-key act at the entrance. Shy children warm up quicker to something gentle than to a loud show.
Roaming characters for photos
Toy soldier characters, in the style of the classic Christmas ballet, roamed outside on segways. They saluted, chanted and stopped for photos, which made them a hit with both children and the adults holding the phones.
Indoors, ballerinas with lights sewn into their tutus and shoes moved gracefully between spaces. Illuminated costume is a nice way to bring a modern look to a traditional theme, and it works especially well once the afternoon light starts to fade.
Keeping the queues entertained
Queues for the big wheel were an obvious pinch point, so street-theatre fire performers worked the line. They had been so popular the year before that they were asked back.
Fire acts are better suited to winter than people expect. Good performers carry a range of kit, so the show can continue in most conditions, and on a cold clear day the warmth and glow draw people in.
The highlight: a parading LED drum band
The standout act was an LED drumming band that paraded around the whole site. It looked striking as the light dropped, but it held its own in daylight too. Families followed it from area to area, almost like a procession, and the photographers had plenty to capture.
A moving act like this is a great tool on a large site. Instead of asking people to gather at a stage, the entertainment comes to them and pulls everyone together for a shared moment.
It also solves a common family day problem. On a big site, people scatter to different rides and stalls and can go hours without seeing the same thing. A parade gives everyone a shared highlight to talk about on the way home.
Planning your own winter family day
If you are thinking of something similar, a few practical points help.
- Map the day hour by hour and make sure every zone has something happening in every slot
- Mix static acts for photos with roaming acts that move with the crowd
- Ask each performer what they need in bad weather, such as cover, heating or a backup routine
- Plan a parade or finale that brings everyone together before people start to drift home
- Brief a photographer on the key moments so you have images for internal comms
- Keep content family-safe and check performer suitability for young children
Acts and themes in this article
Walkabout Characters
Pirates, nutcrackers, sea creatures and more
LED Performers
Light-up costumes that glow in the dark
Fire Performers
Fire shows for terraces, gardens and grand finales
Themed Dancers
Charleston, showgirls and choreographed sets
Christmas Parties
Nutcrackers, festive statues and glowing acts for a Christmas party people talk about in January.
Winter Wonderland
Ice queens, frozen statues and glowing performers for an elegant winter event.
Frequently asked questions
What entertainment suits a corporate family day?
Walkabout characters, jugglers, carol singers, LED dancers, stilt walkers and parading bands all work well because they suit every age and do not rely on guests sitting still. Add a compere or host if you have a programme to announce.
Can fire performers work at a winter outdoor event?
Yes, in most weather. Experienced fire acts adapt their kit to wind and damp conditions. Heavy rain or strong wind can still stop a show, so agree a fallback plan with the performer and venue in advance.
How do you avoid long gaps in a full-day event?
Stagger performer sets so their breaks do not overlap, and use roaming acts to fill the spaces between headline moments. A simple schedule shared with every act helps keep things on track.
Planning a Christmas staff or family event?
Tell us about your venue, numbers and age mix, and we will put together a festive line-up that keeps going whatever the weather.
Written by Charlotte Pemberton, Events writer.
