Entertainment Ideas That’ll Elevate Your Christmas Party in the South West

Think Christmas parties are all about dodgy Secret Santa gifts, lukewarm mulled wine, and polite applause? Think again.

With the right entertainment, even the most vanilla office bash can become a night people will still talk about in January.

Introducing FPM Music Management, the behind-the-scenes magic at hundreds of festive shindigs across the South West. From intimate dinners where everyone knows your name, to full-on corporate blowouts that could rival a festival, we know what keeps guests laughing, dancing, and making memories that last, well past the fairy lights coming down.

Read on for our top entertainment ideas - all tried, tested, and guaranteed to turn your Christmas party into the event of the season.

Start the night with a red-carpet welcome

First impressions matter. Swap background playlists for something immersive - think live acoustic sets in the lobby, a roaming saxophonist weaving between groups, or even a magician performing quick-fire tricks as coats come off.

📌 Pro tip from experience: Guests often arrive in smaller groups and can be a little shy when mingling. Live walk-in entertainment instantly relaxes people and sets a celebratory tone before the formalities even begin.

Dinner doesn’t have to mean downtime

Even as guests settle in for the meal, the energy doesn’t have to dip. Live background music - think acoustic covers, mellow pop, or Christmas classics - sets a festive tone without overpowering conversation.

Sprinkle in little bursts of entertainment to keep the atmosphere lively. Table-to-table performers, such as magicians, caricaturists, or “singing waiters,” delight guests with surprise interactions while they eat. Interactive touches, like personalised cocktail stations, mini trivia games, or “guess the employee” quizzes at each table, give everyone something to talk about and enjoy.

Subtle, visual additions can also make a difference - a roaming photographer capturing candid moments, or a live painter sketching the evening, adds personality and keeps guests engaged.

💡 At FPM, we’ve seen these ideas work brilliantly at corporate dinners, festive galas, and Christmas parties across the region, keeping conversation flowing and the festive spirit alive throughout the meal.

Awards, raffles, and spotlights

Christmas parties are often when companies celebrate the year’s successes. Why not make it cinematic? A live string quartet or keys player can provide walk-on music for awards ceremonies - creating tension, glamour, and that all-important “big moment” feeling.

🎤 We’ve worked with clients across the South West who've wanted tailored stings for each award. From disco classics to Bond themes, this gives every winner their own unique spotlight.

Live music that builds momentum

Now for the big one: the party. This is where live music can completely transform your event. At FPM, we offer everything from three-piece function bands like Over the Threshold (ideal for compact spaces) to eight-piece showbands like The Cove Club with brass, keys, and soaring vocals for full-on dancefloor energy.

• Start with an acoustic set during dinner or drinks.

• Build to a party band that fills the floor with indie, rock, and pop classics.

• Finish with a complimentary DJ set to keep the party seamless until close.

📌 Venues like Sandy Cove Hotel and Upton Barn regularly recommend our bands because they bring more than just music - combining reliability with pro sound and lighting, full insurance, and setlists that adapt on the fly to match the flow of the evening.

Dancefloor extras that take it up a notch

These little touches can turn a good dancefloor into a great one:

• Sax/DJ combos for a modern, Ibiza-style twist.

• Silent disco headsets for venues with sound restrictions.

• Confetti cannons or spark machines for that big, cinematic finale.

Surprises that get people talking

Want to really wow your guests? Add in some unexpected twists:

• A Christmas quiz with live music rounds.

• A “secret set” where one or two music-savvy employees join the band for a song.

• A 360° photobooth with props tied into your theme (Santa hats and reindeer antlers always go down a treat).

Festive touches with maximum impact

Sometimes it’s the seasonal touches that make the night unforgettable:

• Carol singers greeting guests as they arrive.

• Snow machines adding a touch of winter wonderland magic.

• Themed performers - from cheeky elves to nutcracker-style dancers - bringing festive theatre into the mix.

Tech that gets everyone involved

Corporate parties are embracing interactive experiences more than ever:

• A live social media wall displaying posts from guests with your event hashtag.

• Real-time polls, games, or quizzes allowing guests to join in from their phones.

• Digital song requests to keep everyone invested in the DJ playlist.

Turn moments into lasting memories

Entertainment doesn’t have to end when the lights come up. Professional event photography and video highlight reels give companies content to share afterwards - perfect for LinkedIn, internal comms, or a New Year thank-you to staff. Guests will love seeing themselves featured, and organisers love the lasting value.

Why trust makes a difference

The best events feel effortless, but behind the scenes, they’re carefully coordinated. That’s why working with trusted suppliers matters. At FPM, we’ve spent years collaborating with venues and planners across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and beyond, so we know what works - from handling sound limiters to keeping setup slick and disruption-free.

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Ready to plan your Christmas party?

Whether you’re dreaming of smooth background music for functions, a high-energy Devon party band, or a Cornwall function band that gets every guest on their feet, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

We’ve played a massive part in awards nights, festive galas, and Christmas parties across the South West - and we’d love to be a part of yours, too!

Let’s make your Christmas party one to remember. Get in touch with FPM Music Management today.