Christmas 2025 employer guidance for parties and holidays

Guidance to help employers manage key workplace issues over the festive period, including Christmas parties and holidays.

The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has published guidance to help employers effectively manage challenges that may arise in the workplace during the Christmas period and set the foundations for a positive and inclusive festive season.

Employer guidance on Christmas workplace issues

The LRA Christmas employer guidance covers key workplace issues that may arise over the festive period, including:

• managing annual leave requests and staffing over Christmas
• creating an inclusive festive season
• choosing the right Christmas party venue and entertainment
• setting expectations for behaviour at festive events
• preventing harassment, bullying and discrimination
• raffle tickets and prize draws at festive events
• supporting mental health over Christmas
• managing sickness and post-party absenteeism
• alcohol, drugs and safe travel
• handling verbal abuse or misconduct at off-site Christmas events
• Christmas decorations and health & safety
• social media, photos and videos at Christmas events
• festive gifts and bonuses

Read the LRA's Christmas guidance for employers.

Contact the LRA for further advice

If you have an employment-related query, you can contact the LRA's Workplace Information Service on Tel 03300 555 300.

Further employer guidance

For further guidance, see:

• Set up employment policies for your business
• Workplace policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol
• Managing employee use of social media
• Disciplinary procedures, hearings and appeals
• Handling grievances
• Managing conflict

First published 4 December 2025