How to Plan the Perfect Corporate Christmas Party with Irish Dance and Dinner

When it comes to corporate holiday celebrations, companies often struggle between the typical “office dinner”, a bland get-together, or an overly formal event. But there is a third path — a festive, fun, culture-driven experience that combines live music, professional dance, dinner, group bonding, and a cozy historic venue. That’s exactly what The Irish Dance Party offers.

Culture and novelty: Rather than a generic party, you offer your team — or clients — a slice of real Irish culture: traditional music, storytelling, and dynamic dance. The Irish Dance Party isn’t just a show — it’s a cultural immersion that sets the tone for a memorable evening. 

Engagement and interaction: This isn’t a passive experience. After professional performances, guests are invited to learn simple Irish dances (no prior experience needed), offering a fun, interactive group activity. Perfect for teams — it encourages laughter, bonding, and shared memories. 

Historic and charming venue: The Merchants Arch Bar — a 19th-century building in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar, with views over the River Liffey and the iconic Ha’penny Bridge — offers a unique venue that combines history, charm, and a warm festive ambiance. This adds to the sense of occasion and makes the night feel special. 

All these together make The Irish Dance Party a standout choice for a corporate Christmas party — different, memorable, and easy to enjoy for people from all walks of life (even those with two left feet!).

How to Plan Your Corporate Christmas Party at The Irish Dance Party

Here’s a practical guide — from first decision to party day — to help you plan a corporate Christmas event with Irish Dance Party that runs smoothly and delivers maximum enjoyment.

1. Decide Who’s Invited and Size of the Event

Decide if this will be a small-team outing (e.g. 10–20 people), a medium departmental event (20–50), or a large corporate gathering (50+). The Irish Dance Party (via Merchants Arch) welcomes groups of all sizes. For larger groups or special requirements (dietary restrictions, private rooms, etc.), it’s best to contact directly to discuss details.

2. Choose a Date — Book Early (Especially for Christmas Season)

The holiday season is typically busy. The Merchants Arch and The Irish Dance Party encourage pre-booking to guarantee a table — especially for groups.

Make sure to consider any cancellation policies. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Cancel your tickets anytime up to 48 hours before the show and receive a full refund.

3. Program Structure: What Happens During the Night

Here’s a sample flow of the evening — useful when you explain the plan to colleagues or clients:

1. Arrival and Welcome — Guests arrive, are seated at their reserved table, drink and appetizers (or light starters) begin.
2. Live Irish Music and Performance — Professional musicians and award-winning dancers take the stage, performing traditional Irish music and dance — energetic, engaging, and perfect for setting a festive tone. 
3. Interactive Dance Lesson — After watching, participants are invited to try simple Irish dances themselves. The dances are taught step-by-step by friendly dancers — no experience needed, making it inclusive and fun for all team members. 
4. Dinner / Buffet / Canapés and Drinks — Depending on your chosen format, dinner or buffet or canapés are served; guests enjoy food and drinks (Irish beers, whiskeys, traditional meals, plus more) while continuing socializing, bonding, and enjoying further performances or music.
5. Free Time / Mingling / Informal Socializing — After the structured part ends, the remaining time can be for informal mingling, drinks, photos, relaxed conversations — ideal for corporate bonding, networking, team building.
6. Group Wrap-up and Departure — With an event that lasts a few hours, everyone leaves with a shared memory — music, dancing, laughter, good food — much more memorable than a standard dinner.

4. Why This Format Works Especially Well for Corporate / Team-Building

• Breaks the ice: For teams with people who don’t usually hang out socially — dancing and music create a relaxed, fun environment. Even people shy about dancing can join in a friendly, encouraging way.
• Fosters camaraderie: Shared new experience (learning dance together) brings people closer, builds shared memories, encourages laughter and relaxed interactions.
• Inclusive and universal: Because the dances are beginner-friendly and the atmosphere is family-friendly, everyone can join — regardless of age or prior dance experience.
• Mix of formal and informal: The combination of dinner, good food, drinks, and cultural show gives balance — suitable for corporate clients, international colleagues, or high-profile guests.
• Unique and memorable: Rather than the generic “holiday dinner,” you give a unique cultural experience that people are likely to remember and talk about — good for morale, good for branding if clients are involved.

Practical Tips and Checklist for Organizers

Before confirming your booking and sending invites, make sure you:

• Confirm the date and number of guests — and send final headcount at least 1 week before, if required. (Venue may ask full payment for large groups)
• Ask about menu options — depending on your group’s preferences: sit-down dinner, buffet, canapé, vegetarian/vegan/dietary needs.
• Encourage festive attire — Christmas-themed outfits or jumpers can boost the mood, help with fun photos, and make the evening feel even more festive.
• Communicate the interactive nature — Let participants know they may be asked to dance, but it’s optional, and everyone (even beginners) are welcome.
• Early booking and clear communication with the venue — Especially if you want private rooms, custom menus, or have a special group — early contact ensures availability and time to tailor things as needed.
• Consider capturing the night — photos, maybe even short video clips of dancing and fun. This gives you great internal content (for newsletters, socials) and helps boost team morale after the fact.
• Add small touches — e.g. Christmas-themed table decorations, small gifts or party favors, group photos, or a short after-party toast — to elevate the party beyond “just dinner + show.”

Why The Irish Dance Party Is an Excellent Corporate Christmas Party Choice

If you want your company’s holiday celebration to stand out — to feel warm, joyful, inclusive, and full of character — The Irish Dance Party offers a rare combination:

• authentic cultural entertainment,
• interactive dancing even for non-dancers,
• good food and drink,
• a charming historic venue,
• and an atmosphere that encourages bonding, laughter, and memories.

Instead of a predictable office dinner or a generic party, you offer your team — or clients, partners — an experience full of life, music, movement, and warmth. Especially around Christmas, when people crave celebration, togetherness, and joy, a night of Irish music, dance, good food, and camaraderie is a recipe for a memorable corporate party.