Joy, Glitter, and Boundaries: Staying Safe During Holiday Nights Out

December brings its own kind of magic. Glittering outfits. Office parties and catch-ups with friends. Cold air and that familiar mix of excitement and exhaustion that comes with festive nights out. And while the season is meant for joy, many women know that a little extra awareness can make all the difference, especially during winter evenings in the UK.

Thankfully, enjoyment and caution aren’t opposites. Setting boundaries and staying safe shouldn’t limit your fun; it should protect it. 

This blog offers practical tips for staying aware, getting home confidently, keeping an eye on drinks, and trusting your instincts so you can celebrate the holiday season fully, comfortably, and on your own terms.

Why Holiday Nights Can Feel Riskier for Women

Nights run later, alcohol flows more freely, and venues feel louder and more crowded during the festive season. Add dark winter evenings and unfamiliar journeys home, and, understandably, many women feel a little less at ease during this time of year.

Research reflects this reality. Nearly half of UK women say they’ve considered skipping Christmas work parties altogether because of safety concerns, particularly around travelling home after dark. That hesitation isn’t about being overly cautious. It’s a response to lived experience and the broader public conversation around women’s safety in shared spaces.

Awareness, though, isn’t the same as fear. Recognising these seasonal shifts should help you plan with confidence rather than retreat from celebration. 

Before You Go Out: Small Preparations That Make a Big Difference

A little preparation before you head out to a holiday party can set the tone for the whole night. Start with the basics:

• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave
  
• Share your plans with a trusted friend, including where you’re going and how you’ll get home
  
• Think ahead about transport, whether that’s booking a taxi, checking the last train, or arranging to travel with others.
  

At the Party: Stay Aware Without Losing the Fun

Once you’re at the party, stay aware (this doesn’t mean you have to be on edge). It simply means staying connected to your surroundings and the people around you. 

When it comes to drinks, keep yours with you and, where possible, watch it being poured. If someone offers to buy you a drink and you’d like to accept, going with them to the bar helps you stay in control without making it awkward. If you need to step away, it’s okay to leave the drink behind and order a fresh one when you’re ready. Someone buying you a drink should be a kind offer, not a transaction fee

Friends matter, too. Arriving together, sharing plans, or checking in midway through the evening can be grounding, especially in busy or unfamiliar venues. In crowded spaces, move with intention, keep your belongings close, and trust your instincts if something feels off.

Many UK venues also support discreet safety initiatives such as Ask for Angela, allowing you to discreetly signal for help if needed. Knowing these options exist can be reassuring even if you never use them.

Alcohol, Boundaries, and Consent: Put Your Comfort First

Alcohol shows up differently for everyone, especially during the festive season. The key is remembering that you get to choose what feels right for you (and that choice can change as the night unfolds!). There’s no “correct” way to celebrate.

It’s completely okay to:

• Choose low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks
  
• Pace yourself or stop drinking altogether
  
• Leave early if your energy dips 
  
• Change your mind about anything happening at the party at any point
  

Boundaries don’t need justifying. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your comfort, your body, or your peace of mind. The same goes for consent. It isn’t a one-time decision, and it’s never assumed. It’s ongoing, situational, and rooted in mutual clarity and respect. 

If someone doesn’t take no for an answer, don't be afraid to make a scene and let people know that this person is being pushy and disrespecting your boundaries. Doing this will also help other women know who to keep an eye on.

Getting Home: End the Night on Your Terms

How you get home matters just as much as how the night begins. Navigating late evenings, winter darkness, and quieter streets with a bit of forethought can go a long way.

Where possible, pre-book a taxi or rideshare so you’re not waiting outside or making last-minute decisions when you’re tired. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes, even if they take a little longer. If you’re heading home with friends or trusted colleagues, travelling together can bring a sense of security after a busy night out.

Also, tell people when you are leaving the party and try to remember to text when you get home. Small check-ins like this create an extra layer of reassurance for you and the people who care about you. 

For additional support, consider tools like EPowar, an AI-powered personal safety app developed by a female-led team. The app offers live location sharing with trusted friends, a one-tap SOS button, automatic attack detection on smartwatches, and secure cloud evidence storage, so help can be alerted quickly if something doesn’t feel right.

Giving the journey home the same care you give your outfit, your plans, and your company helps ensure the night ends exactly as it should: on your own terms.

For Hosts and Friends: Look Out for Each Other

Holiday nights are at their best when everyone feels considered, included, and at ease. Whether you’re hosting or heading out with friends, you can shape a positive experience.

• Check in with each other throughout the night, especially if someone seems quieter or out of place. 
  
• If a friend or colleague looks uncomfortable, casually intervene by joining the conversation, suggesting a refill, or offering a quick change of scenery. 
  
• If you notice someone is overly intoxicated, help them wind down and get home. You can offer to book them a cab and wait with them until it arrives.
  
• Make space for alcohol-free and low-alcohol options. 
  
• Offer drink covers for anyone who wants one. 
  
• Create a welcoming vibe where it’s normal to take a break, step outside, or call it a night.
  

Shared care isn’t about control or rules. It’s about kindness and making sure everyone feels safe and included so the night stays joyful from the first toast to the final goodbye.

Cheers to a Festive Holiday Season

As you move through festive nights out this season, trust yourself. Choose comfort. Stay connected to what you need. And never hesitate to put your safety first. But don’t forget to have fun! You deserve to celebrate brightly and return home feeling just as good at the end of the night as you did when it began. 

You also want to be comfortable so you can focus on having a great night rather than being distracted by uncomfortable clothes (especially during long evenings spent standing, dancing, or layering up against the cold). If you’re not constantly adjusting what you’re wearing, it’s easier to stay present in the moment and connected to your surroundings. That confident sense of ease reads outwardly, too.

A piece like the Rosie Silk & Organic Cotton Lace Full-Cup Wireless Bra offers breathable, wire-free support that moves with you, making it easier to focus on enjoying the moment rather than adjusting or experiencing discomfort. Feel good in the skin you're in this holiday season and beyond!