The Christmas party season is just around the corner, and if you’re planning on hiring a 360 photo booth for the festivities, timing is key. UK Christmas bookings have shot up by 54% this year, which means the battle for the top video booth providers is getting intense. With more people than ever wanting the best for their party, you’ll need to act fast to secure the one you want.
Whether you’re planning a corporate Christmas bash or a family get-together, knowing when to book your 360 video booth can make all the difference. It’s the key to securing the perfect entertainment and avoiding whatever’s left.
The Early Bird Gets the Best 360 Video Booth
Book Between August and October for Optimal Choice
Christmas party planning has changed a lot lately. Some people think September is early enough to start planning, but that’s not really the case anymore. Our research shows that a quarter of Christmas parties are already spoken for by the end of September, and this trend of booking ahead of time is picking up speed fast.
At Video Booths 360, our busiest time starts in August and gets even busier through October. If you’re planning a Christmas Day event, most people book on October 11th. For pre-Christmas parties, November 29th is the day when most bookings are made. But by then, the best dates and top providers are usually all booked up.
Key Booking Statistics:
- There’s been a big spike in Christmas party bookings this year.
- As for overall Christmas bookings, there’s been a 54% surge compared to 2023.
- Group bookings for 10 people or more are also up by 38% from last year.
Why Christmas Party Planning Starts Earlier Than Ever
Christmas party planning has changed a lot. These days, businesses are getting a head start and planning their parties much earlier in the year. You can see this in the surge of inquiries that come in during July and August. This change isn’t just about being on top of things – it’s about getting the best deal and avoiding disappointment.
Several factors are driving this trend:
Premium Date Competition
Thursday evenings are the new go-to for Christmas parties, with over half of corporate events now happening on Thursdays. This surge in demand results in these popular time slots being snapped up fast.
Rising Costs and Budget Planning
The average cost per head for Christmas parties is set to hit £172 in 2024, a rise from £160 in 2022. To plan and budget properly, businesses need a bit more time. Booking early has another perk – businesses can snag better rates before prices go up during peak season.
Complex Event Coordination
Today’s Christmas parties have moved beyond basic dinner-and-drinks get-togethers. Most events – around 75% – are still classic evening celebrations, but a decent chunk, 17%, now mix in some daytime activities too. With more moving parts to manage, planning and coordinating with multiple suppliers takes a bit more effort.
UK Christmas Party Booking Timeline
| Month | Booking Activity | Key Statistics | Notes |
| January | Medium | Post-Christmas bookings for next year begin | Early planners get first choice of premium venues |
| February–July | Low–Medium | Enquiries start to rise from July; 8 in 10 venues want earlier bookings | Early planning phase; some venues offer early bird deals |
| August–September | Medium | 25% of parties are already booked by end of September | Professional planners and businesses start booking |
| October | High | 11th October is peak Christmas Day booking day | Most venues reach 70%+ occupancy; great dates go fast |
| November | Very High | 29th November peak for pre-Christmas party bookings | Last chance for prime dates; surge pricing common |
| December | Low | Last-minute bookings only; premium prices | Most top venues and suppliers fully booked; expect less choice and higher cost |
The Cost of Waiting: What Happens When You Book Late
Leaving your 360 photo booth hire booking till November or December can lead to several expensive problems.
Limited Availability
By November, the top 360 video booth providers are usually mostly booked for December dates. You’ll have to pick from the remaining options rather than your first-choice options for your event.
Surge Pricing
Video booth rentals are a lot like concert tickets or holiday flights – their prices tend to shoot up when there are fewer options available. Booking a video booth for a December weekend can set you back 40-60% more than if you’d booked it in August or September.
Compromised Service Quality
Late bookings can be tough, usually resulting in lower-quality equipment or working with less experienced providers. At Video Booths 360, we stick to our high standards all year, but a lot of other providers struggle to keep up during their busiest times.
Strategic Booking: Maximising Value and Choice
The Sweet Spot: August to October
At Video Booths 360, we’ve found that booking during August to October is the sweet spot. It gives you the ideal balance of choice, value, and planning time. Here’s why:
August Benefits:
- Available on every date with no exceptions
- Our regular prices apply – no extra fees during peak seasons
- You’ll have time to sort out details with other providers
- There’s the option to tailor your package to suit your needs
September Advantages:
- Still excellent availability
- Competitive pricing
- Ability to secure preferred dates
- Time for detailed event planning
October Considerations:
- Still plenty available, but not for long
- Prices might start going up soon
- Popular dates are booking fast
- This is your last chance for major personal touches
Christmas Party Trends Affecting 360 Video Booth Demand
Interactive Entertainment is King
2024 Christmas party trends are all about creating interactive and immersive experiences. These types of events have really taken off, which is why there’s been a huge surge in demand for 360 video booths. They offer a unique and fun way to capture memories from the party.
Social Media Integration
These days, people at parties expect to be able to share content right away. Our 360 video booths make it easy by producing content that’s already formatted for Instagram, TikTok, and more.
Personalised Experiences
Here’s your brand’s chance to shine in 2024 – customisation is a big deal, and personal touches are all the rage. With Video Booths 360, you can get a look that’s totally on-brand for your Christmas party, from logos to custom tunes and themed overlays that match your vibe.
Group Entertainment
Group bookings are up 38%, which is why 360 video booths are such a big deal for bigger parties – they can handle lots of people at the same time.
If you’re looking for something else to do, check out the article “Why Choose a Selfie Mirror Photo Booth for Your Christmas Party?“ It’s a different way to have fun that goes well with our 360 video booth options.
The Video Booths 360 Advantage
As the top UK supplier of 360 video booth tech, we get what makes the Christmas party season tricky. Why choose us:
- We’ve got a one-year guarantee that covers all our equipment
- You can customise our products to fit your needs, with help from the pros
- Our Essex showroom has got the entire country covered
- Our experts will be on hand to support you throughout your event
Don’t Leave Your Christmas Entertainment to Chance
It’s clear: to host a successful Christmas party, you need to start planning in the summer, not in the fall. Christmas bookings are up 54%, and Thursday dates are in especially high demand. If you wait until November or December, you’ll be stuck with limited options and higher costs.
Companies that book entertainment in August and September tend to get the best deals. They typically get their pick of dates, prices, and service. On the other hand, those who wait may end up with options that aren’t ideal. This trend has been holding steady at Video Booths 360, year in and year out. Whoever plans ahead usually comes out on top when it comes to their events.
The perfect time to book your 360 video booth is now – no matter when you’re reading this. If you’re catching this before October, you’re in good shape. After October, things get a bit tighter – act fast but don’t freak out.
Our 360 video booths turn regular Christmas parties into something special, making memories that stick around long after the decorations come down. Don’t let bad planning ruin your holiday bash – make sure to get it together before it’s too late.
To Sum Up
Book a 360 video booth today and make sure your Christmas party stays the watercooler chat all year round. Get in touch with Video Booths 360 to grab your preferred date and treat your guests to an unforgettable festive experience.
Want to book a booth? Jump onto our website or give our team a call to chat about what you need for your Christmas party. We offer a whole range of 360 video booth hire options, and our team is on hand to make your celebration a real showstopper.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my 360 video booth for Christmas?
Book between August and October for the best pick of options and prices. If you wait till November, you’ll have a harder time finding what you want, and it’ll cost more.
How much does a 360 photo booth hire cost for Christmas parties?
Our standard packages cost between £445 and £800. It depends on how long you’re booking for and what extras you want. During peak season, prices can go up by 40-60%.
What’s included in a typical 360 video booth rental?
Most packages come with all the essentials: equipment, setup, an attendant, unlimited recordings, fun props, and the ability to share recordings right away.
Can 360 video booths accommodate large groups?
Our XL platforms are big enough for 6-8 people to use at the same time, which is great for groups. It’s perfect for the growing trend of bookings for larger groups.
Do you offer Christmas-themed customisation?
We’ve got everything you need to fit your party theme. Our custom branding options, themed overlays, and festive tunes will get you in the holiday spirit. Plus, we’ve got Christmas props to match your style perfectly.
