Organising your works council’s children’s Christmas party in Marseille

What is a works council Christmas party for?

The Christmas party is often the most eagerly awaited event in a works council’s social and cultural programme. It thanks employees through their children, brings together colleagues who never cross paths and puts a face to the elected council members. It is also one of the rare moments when partners get to see the company. So the goal is not to dazzle: it is for every family to leave with a good memory, a present suited to the child’s age and a few photos.

How does a company children’s Christmas party run?

On a Saturday or Wednesday afternoon in December, over about three and a half hours. Any longer and the youngest lose interest. Here is the running order we suggest most often:

1. 2pm, families arrive: cloakroom, photo booth with a Christmas frame, a roving stilt walker or close-up magician.
2. 2.30pm, the show: 40 minutes at most, with an artist who gets the children involved.
3. 3.15pm, afternoon snack: served while the activities run (giant games, keyring engraving, colouring).
4. 4pm, Father Christmas arrives: music, lighting, then presents handed out by age group.
5. 4.45pm, the kids’ disco: a DJ, well-known dance routines, a cartoon-themed music quiz.
6. 5.30pm, close: families head home before bath time, and the room is handed back on time.

What budget should you plan for a works council Christmas party?

The budget depends mainly on the number of children, the show you choose and the venue. Presents and the snack are generally bought by the works council. For the entertainment, here are our net price benchmarks:

For comparison, an agency will commonly charge around €980 for a close-up magician and around €750 for a photo booth. When you book several services with us, you get 5% off from 2 services and 10% from 4.

Where to hold a children’s Christmas party in Marseille?

The simplest option is often your own premises: a staff restaurant or a large hall transforms well with lighting and decoration. For large workforces, an exhibition space such as the Parc Chanot can welcome several hundred families. For industrial sites in eastern Marseille, a venue in Aubagne saves families from crossing the city. Check four things: nearby parking, step-free access for pushchairs, enough toilets and a heated room where children can sit on the floor.

Which entertainment to choose for each age group?

• Under 4s: a short show, bubbles, a photo with Father Christmas; avoid loud volume.
• 4 to 8 years: a magician, interactive walls and giant games, a disco with dance routines.
• 9 to 12 years: a caricaturist, personalised keyring engraving, a team music quiz.
• For everyone: roving stilt walkers and a photo booth, which parents enjoy too.

Which pitfalls should you avoid?

• Underestimating the number of adults: count the parents, sometimes the grandparents, for chairs and the snack.
• A show that runs too long: beyond 40 minutes, the youngest get restless.
• Badly sorted presents: prepare them by age group and first name before Father Christmas arrives.
• Father Christmas arriving too late, when the little ones are already tired.
• Forgetting image rights: let parents know if the photos will be shared.