The holiday season in Tampa looks a little different than it does up north. Palm trees wrapped in lights, boat parades on the water, and office parties where nobody needs a coat. But one thing is the same everywhere: the best holiday parties are the ones where people laugh, mingle and take home a memory.
A photo booth is one of the easiest ways to make that happen. Here are some ideas we have seen work at company parties, family gatherings and Christmas celebrations around Tampa Bay, plus a few planning tips so your date doesn’t slip away.
Why a photo booth works so well at holiday parties
Holiday parties bring together people who don’t always talk to each other: coworkers from different floors, cousins who only meet once a year, neighbors and friends. A photo booth gives everyone an easy reason to start a conversation. Nobody has to be good at small talk when there’s a mirror that talks back and a box of silly props.
It also gives the host something that lasts. Guests leave with a photo, a text to their phone and a reason to say the party was fun. That is much better than a party where the best memory is the parking lot.
1. Pick a holiday theme for the photo layout
Every photo from our Magic Mirror photo booth comes with a custom layout, so it’s a good place to show off your theme. Some favorites:
- Classic Christmas: red and green borders, snowflakes and your family or company name.
- Tropical holiday: flamingos in Santa hats, palm trees with lights. Very Tampa.
- Winter wonderland: silver, white and soft blue for an elegant year-end gala.
- New Year’s countdown: gold, black and “Cheers to the new year” for parties that run into the 31st.
- Your brand: your company logo and colors on every photo and every screen.
2. Put the booth where the party already is
The best spot for a booth is near the action but not in the way. Close to the bar or dessert table works well, because guests are already standing around. Avoid the entrance (it makes a line) and the dance floor (it’s loud). The Magic Mirror needs a flat spot, a nearby outlet and some shade or indoor space, and our attendant handles setup and breakdown.
3. Mix in props that fit the season
Santa hats and reindeer antlers never go out of style, but props that match your group make the photos feel personal. For a company party, think of inside jokes and your industry. For a family party, let the kids pick. A basket of wrapped “presents” and a few signs with funny holiday phrases will get guests posing without being asked.
4. Give your team something shareable
People love photos they can post. With instant sharing by text and email, guests have their picture before they leave the booth. If your company has a holiday hashtag, put it on the photo layout so the pictures show up together online (just check what your company’s social media policy allows).
5. Add a second attraction
If your party has more than about 75 guests, one attraction can get a long line. Pairing the photo booth with something else keeps the room moving. You can add Robo Picasso, our robot artist that draws guest portraits live, so people can choose between a photo and a drawing and nobody waits too long. Learn more on our corporate events page.
6. Keep it easy for you, the host
If you’re the one planning the party, your job is to enjoy it. A booth with an on-site attendant means you don’t have to teach guests how it works or fix anything. Ask any vendor you’re considering what is included, who runs the booth during the party, whether they handle setup and breakdown, and whether they can coordinate with your venue. Most venues will want a certificate of insurance, so ask about that early.
Holiday party planning timeline
- 6 to 8 weeks out: Pick your date and confirm the venue. Weekends in December go first.
- 4 weeks out: Book your entertainment and choose your photo layout.
- 2 weeks out: Send final headcount and the venue contact to your vendors.
- Party day: Arrive, relax and have fun.
It’s already late October, so for popular December Fridays and Saturdays it’s a good idea to ask about availability sooner rather than later.
Where we celebrate
We are based in the Tampa Bay area and bring our booths to holiday parties in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lakeland, Winter Haven and Orlando. Whether it’s a downtown ballroom, a restaurant buyout or a backyard with string lights, we can make it work.
Ready to plan your holiday party?
Tell us your date and venue and we’ll let you know what’s open and what would work best. Check your date here, and let’s make this year’s party the one everyone talks about.