The UK is partying in new, exciting, and unexpected ways. That’s according to popular online party planning platform, Poptop, who recently surveyed their most frequent users to uncover the biggest emerging party trends of 2025.
Whilst 2024’s shifting and uncertain economic landscape certainly presented challenges, the UK party industry finished the year strongly, with corporate and private Christmas celebrations reaching their highest volume since a pre-pandemic peak. As 2025 rolls on, this strong performance has continued, with a big first quarter of party planning already well underway.
And according to new data assembled by Poptop, UK private parties are evolving. The British public seem to expect more from their celebrations than the booze-fuelled fare of previous years – with a whole host of brilliantly exciting new party trends emerging as a result. Combining booking data from thousands of UK parties with anecdotal evidence from their most frequent users, Poptop have presented four of the most popular new UK party trends emerging in 2025 – with plenty of ideas to inspire your celebrations throughout the year.
Home is where the heart is
One of the clearest trends of 2025 shows bookers moving away from hiring established party venues, in favour of celebrating from the comfort of their own home. Given 2024’s lingering economic uncertainties, planners continue to be cautious with budgets. Forgoing venue hire represents a serious saving – allowing money to be spent making the home event magical. Decor for themed parties is often easier to implement in a home environment, and modern catering and mobile bar options mean planning a first-rate home party is easier than ever.
TOP TIP: Ditch the expensive venue and spend your budget on an a-list party at home!
Immersive party experiences
The desire for a traditional ‘room with a bar’ seems to be outpaced in 2025 by ‘experience’ events that immerse partygoers in the moment. Outside the home, escape rooms remain popular, and extravagant themed-venues like speakeasies are in high demand. Murder mystery nights, scavenger hunts, wine and cuisine tasting, and cooking classes offer attendees the chance to forge unforgettable memories. As these themes become more popular, they’re opening up to wider budgets, too, with affordable options available for every kind of party.
TOP TIP: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your party offering. Need inspiration? Poptop has scores of immersive party options available!
Themed parties are back (and better than ever)
Over the last few years, Poptop reported a drop in the volume of classic ‘themed parties’. 2025 sees them make a resurgence, but not just your standard ‘007’ or ‘ABBA’ themed fare of the past. Themed events in 2025 are much more niche, celebrating TV shows like ‘Peaky Blinders’ or ‘The Traitors’, taking inspiration from celebrities, or even video games like Fortnite. With exhaustive party experiences now available, the only limit is your imagination!
TOP TIP: Find a top murder mystery supplier and create your own Traitors-themed night of deception and fun!
The ‘clean’ party trend
2024 saw a whopping 60% rise in the number of ‘alcohol-free’ events planned through Poptop – and this trend looks set to endure well into 2025. With Gen-Z notably turning away from booze-culture, and more event planners considering the importance of family-focused events, alcohol is becoming much less of a focus in party planning culture. Mocktail menus and food options with real attention to detail are more important than ever.
TOP TIP: Catering for non-drinkers? Find a mobile bar supplier with a great mocktail menu.
