December is the busiest month of the year for entertainers, and the best Friday and Saturday nights are booked well in advance. Here's how to plan the magic and get the date you want.
Book your Christmas party magician early
Many companies confirm their Christmas venue in the summer, and that's the right moment to think about entertainment too. Fridays and Saturdays in the first three weeks of December are in highest demand.
A weekday, a lunchtime, or a date in late November or January usually gives you more choice. Some businesses hold their festive party in January for exactly this reason.
Shared party nights
Many hotels and venues run shared Christmas party nights, with several companies at tables in one function room. A magician who performs only for your tables makes your group feel looked after.
Venues have different rules about bringing in outside entertainers on shared nights, so check with yours before you book.
When in the evening to have the magic
The drinks reception and the meal are the best times. Before the disco starts, people are chatting in groups and can see and hear the magic properly.
Once the music is loud, the dance floor is full and a few drinks have gone down, close-up magic is harder to appreciate. Plan for the magician to finish around the time the DJ starts.
Close-up at the tables or a show after dinner?
Close-up magic is the usual choice for a Christmas party. It works at the drinks, carries on round the tables between courses, and nobody has to stop what they're doing.
But if your party's a big seated dinner with awards or a speech from the MD, a short after dinner show can be a nice centrepiece. Keep it to 20 or 30 minutes and slot it in before the music starts, while people are still listening.
Family and community Christmas events
Magic also suits Christmas fairs, festive lunches and family gatherings. For events with lots of children, mention their ages, as a show designed for children will suit them better than close-up magic aimed at adults.
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are premium dates for most entertainers, so expect to pay more and book well ahead.
A few practical tips
Send the magician the timings, the name of the room and a contact at the venue, as hotels in December are busy and staff can be stretched. And mention any dress theme. Christmas jumpers and black tie call for quite different outfits.
If you're organising for a team, consider a short personal moment for the boss or someone who's retiring. It's a light-hearted way to bring the whole room together.
