Clingy baby 👶

For about 3 months now my son has been super/ extremely clingy. He is 17 months n I’ve stayed with him from birth and exclusively breastfed. I’m still breastfeeding but only at night. We used to be able to visit family and friends but now it’s a nightmare. He doesn’t want to be put down , he doesn’t like people getting too close or holding him, he will scream and cry until he is back with me. What worse is that even when we are at our home and have visitors he will just want to be held won’t even play with his toys... it’s really hard, I don’t know what to do. The holidays have been stressful because I have to hold him the entire time, I use the baby carrier because it’s the only way I can socialize at parties. He has been walking since he was 11 months, I don’t understand why he just wants to be held so much. He plays with other kids but one on one if there’s too many people around he becomes more clingy. Does anyone have any advice