Holiday parties are a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for your team. With so many employees working remotely, these events offer a rare chance for in-person connection. Why not seize the opportunity to create a memorable holiday experience? Try these ideas to ensure your corporate party stands out.

Let Your Venue Inspire You

When in doubt, take a look at your venue. You may find that your venue sparks a creative theme or a fun activity. For example, outdoor spaces like this Moonlight Veranda or Starlight Terrace are perfect for an ‘Under the Stars’ themed event. An indoor space with a large, open floor plan, such as the Crystal Ridge or Diamond Ridge, is ideal for a dance floor or a fun group activity. Leaning into whatever features and vibes your venue naturally brings is a great way to save on decorations and inspire themes and activities for your guests

 

Fun Themes

Corporate events don’t need to be boring. Leaning into the idea of a themed party, let’s talk about some fun themes you can adopt for your next corporate holiday party. Of course, you have the classics like the Ugly Sweater Party, White Elephant Gift Exchange, and Winter Wonderland, which are all tried and true for a reason, but then there are the more out-of-the-box ideas!

Holiday Movie Night

For the more laid-back companies looking to host something casual, why not try something fun like a Holiday Movie Night? Pop in a classic holiday movie and cater some movie night snacks. You could even make it a Pajama Party!

​Night At The Casino

Bring in dealers and casino games, and let your team bet the night away. We’ve seen corporate hosts get really creative with custom chips that won their teams huge prizes such as television sets, trips, and even cash. Plus, it gives your team a fun reason to dress up and feel like a high roller for the night.

Derby Party

The Derby might not scream holiday party to you, but with the right decor and setup, you can really impress your team with this fun theme. Encourage everyone to wear their best fascinators and add fun touches, like the water race carnival game. Play old races on screens around the room, and make the night memorable by getting a professional announcer to host your giveaways. There’s no shortage of fun ideas when it comes to the derby.

Arcade Night

For a more laid-back casino-type night, you can rent arcade machines from a local vendor, set them all up for free play, and have a night full of nostalgia. Arcade nights can be dressed up or down depending on your decor, and they are perfect for mid-size teams that consist of a few more introverts. Arcade games are a great way to get competitive with your coworker down the hall, and even learn more about them.

Delightful Touches

A S’mores Bar

A s’mores bar evokes a childlike aura at your event, and some vendors bring homemade marshmallows and toppings that turn the already delicious treat up a few notches.

Mixology Experience

Some caterers, like Vintana, can create a custom experience just for your team, like a quick mixology course for cocktails and mocktails, allowing your guests to not only have a delicious drink, but take some mixing knowledge home with them.

Cookie Decorating

One of the most traditional holiday-time traditions makes the perfect party experience. Professional bakers and cookie companies will host cookie decorating for your team, providing tips for creating that perfectly placed evergreen tree with holiday bulbs, or an elf hat; whatever your mind can think up. Plus, this little addition will give your guest something to come home with (if they can stop themselves from having it before the day is through)

Planning a successful corporate holiday party can be an intimidating task, but it’s a worthwhile one. You have the opportunity to create a memorable experience that brings your team together, celebrates achievements, and fosters a strong company culture. This is your chance to add a bit of fun to the mundanity of everyday corporate work life. With a bit of creativity, your holiday party can become one of the year’s highlights.