Hosting, Working or Volunteering at Christmas Events?
A Practical Safety Checklist for Festive Activities & Community Spaces
December is filled with festive activity: Christmas markets, school fairs, charity events, late-night shopping and community gatherings. Whether you’re hosting, working or volunteering, creating a safer environment doesn’t have to be complex.
This simple checklist focuses on prevention, awareness and early action.
Make safety information visible and accessible
People are more likely to act if they know what to do:
Clearly signpost help points or support contacts
Share reporting routes before events begin
Avoid relying on verbal instructions alone
Support staff and volunteers first
Those supporting events need confidence to respond:
Brief teams on what to do if something feels off
Encourage early reporting of concerns, not just incidents
Reinforce that safety is shared, not individual responsibility
Think about arrival and departure, not just the event itself
Risk often increases when people are arriving or leaving:
Highlight well-lit routes and transport options
Encourage buddy systems for late finishes
Share local travel information in advance
Plan for busy moments
Crowds, queues and alcohol can increase pressure:
Monitor pinch points
Encourage visible but approachable presence
Intervene early where possible
Review and learn
After the event:
Capture feedback from staff and volunteers
Note near-misses or concerns
Use insight to improve future planning
Festive events should feel welcoming, inclusive and safe. Thoughtful preparation helps everyone focus on enjoying the moment - not managing avoidable risks.
Planning or supporting festive events?
Discover how imabi help organisations share safety information, support staff and encourage early reporting during busy periods - at Christmas and beyond.
