According to a recent survey conducted by the employer review platform kununu in collaboration with the market research institute bilendi, the Christmas party season in 2025 sees fewer corporate holiday celebrations. 41% of employees in Germany report that their company’s Christmas party has been cancelled this year. While many employees enjoy their company’s festive gatherings, not all consider them essential. However, what is universally important is the Christmas bonus.
According to the kununu survey in collaboration with the market research institute bilendi only slightly more than half (53%) of employees surveyed said their company will be holding a Christmas party in 2025, while 41% said their workplace is skipping the event this year.
The survey also reveals that 60% of employees will receive a Christmas bonus in 2025. However, nearly one-third (30%) of respondents said their company does not pay out a Christmas bonus at all. Additionally, 10% of employees reported that their bonus, which was offered the previous year, has been cancelled for 2025.
Who Celebrates Together?
For the companies still holding a Christmas party, most (40%) gather the entire workforce for the celebration, while 31% hold departmental parties. Around 21% of respondents mentioned that their company hosts smaller, team-based celebrations.
Christmas Party Venues
Nearly half of those celebrating (46%) said their company holiday events will take place in restaurants or dining establishments. Another 19% of parties will be hosted in larger venues such as hotels, bars, or event halls. About a quarter (26%) of employees reported that their company will celebrate the holidays in-house, at the company’s own facilities.
Alcohol at Christmas Parties
The survey also explored alcohol consumption at these corporate events. Over half (52%) of employees indicated they drink alcohol at their company’s Christmas party. A quarter (25%) said they had a "light buzz" during the last holiday gathering, while 5% admitted to drinking more than just a little. However, nearly half (48%) abstain from alcohol entirely at these events.
The Significance of Company Christmas Parties and Christmas Bonuses
When asked about the general significance of company Christmas parties, the responses showed a mixed picture. Over half of those whose companies are hosting an event (57%) consider the celebration important. However, 43% feel that company Christmas parties are of little or no importance.
Despite the fact that only 60% of respondents will receive a Christmas bonus, it remains a key symbol of financial recognition. The survey found that other monetary benefits, such as holiday pay, bonus payments, or retirement contributions, were considered less significant by some respondents. In fact, 70% of employees believe the holiday bonus is as important as the Christmas bonus, with 16% considering it even more important.
Study Overview:
For this representative online survey, the market research institute bilendi interviewed 1,065 employees across Germany on behalf of kununu. The sample was balanced by gender, and the average age of participants was 44.6 years. 77% of respondents were employed full-time, while 23% worked part-time. 51% were employed in the blue-collar sector, and 49% had an academic background. The survey was conducted in November 2025.
Cover Image / Collage: EventMasterBook.de Editorial Team (Photo: Canva Photo Stock)
Related Topics: kununu Survey, Christmas Party Survey, Survey on Corporate Christmas Parties in Germany, Importance of Corporate Christmas Parties, Significance, Appreciation, Christmas Bonus, Company Christmas Party, Christmas Party with Colleagues, Christmas Party in the Company, Team Christmas Party, Christmas Party Cancelled, No Christmas Party
Summary: Results of the kununu survey on corporate Christmas parties in Germany, conducted in November 2025 by the market research institute bilendi. According to the survey, 41% of employees in Germany will not have a corporate Christmas party this year. While many employees value the company Christmas party, not all consider it essential. The Christmas bonus is seen as an important sign of appreciation.
Please note: This text was translated from the German EventMasterBook.de Event Magazine (see article: Betriebliche Weihnachtsfeiern 2025 – kununu-Umfrage). Please excuse any translation errors.
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