DC is a city steeped in tradition and ceremony and that extends to how this city celebrates the holidays. There is plenty of pomp and circumstance to go around, and your team should get in on the fun this year. I have the insider scoop on the best corporate holiday party ideas in Washington DC from venues, to activities, to vendors, to themes, and more.
Since 2011, we’ve helped organizers create 5-star dining experiences that connect people better. From team building offsites and corporate events to milestone celebrations, we specialize in elevated experiences that go beyond the traditional dinner. Because connection doesn’t happen over boring meals.
Ditch the same old holiday party activities. Try these uniquely engaging turnkey experiences that bring the holiday cheer and let you sit back and enjoy it.
Play with your food in this fun, interactive dining experience! Enjoy a 4-course meal with beverage pairings, plus 3 hosted activities. Think hands-on Christmas cocktails, holiday foodie trivia, and quirky candy cane tasting!
Book a unique happy hour event for your group, featuring 5 canapés, 2 beverages, and 3 awesome holiday activities to get people mixing and mingling naturally.
If you want to host your holiday party onsite, or you already have a venue in mind, Avital’s Interactive Foodie Stations are a great add-on. They’re all-inclusive bars where your guests can mix and mingle as they taste and create.
Between the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House, the National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse, and the Georgetown Holiday decorations, it’s fair to say the Holiday season is always a little extra cheery in DC. If you’re looking to insert some holiday cheer into your team building event, these are our favorite ways to do so.
There is only one immersive Christmas light show that’s part maze, part spectacle and part story. Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park will revive your team’s childlike sense of wonder this holiday season.
The biggest event of the Christmas season is the iconic National Christmas Tree Lighting. Although it is very hard to get a spot to go in person and witness the performances, you can gather your team around a TV at a bar or the office and serve drinks and snacks while you watch the ceremony unfold.
Ice skating is a fun and nostalgic team building activity that is perfect for the Holiday season. The rink at Washington Harbour is beautifully lit and maintained. Skate rentals and tickets are reasonably priced, so you won’t have to break the bank to bring the Holiday cheer this year!
Take in the most incredible Holiday Light Show in Olney MD, just under an hour outside of DC. The Winter City Lights is a hit every year, and your team will be feeling the holiday vibes as they sip warm drinks and take in the show.
Charcuterie Chalets are grown-up gingerbread houses made from ingredients typically found on a meat and cheese board. Your team can build them together from kits, or book a game-show-style experience where one house wins it all.
The building block of a successful holiday party is a fabulous venue! These restaurants have a celebratory atmosphere and fabulous menus that make getting in the festive spirit a pinch.
Chaplin’s is a 1920s-themed Japanese restaurant that is famous for their cocktails named after actors from the era. Chaplin’s has two private rooms and a restaurant buyout option, for groups of 40-380.
Il Piatto is a traditional Italian restaurant in Foggy Bottom with incredible house-made pasta dishes and an impressive wine list. The private room has a max capacity of 37 guests, which makes it a great spot for an intimate corporate holiday dinner.
Tabard Inn is a charming restaurant built in an old Inn and Tea Room. Their private event spaces are eclectic and versatile. This historic inn is a popular place for hosting events like weddings and banquets, and would be a grand venue for a company holiday party.
Fiola is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant that provides an elevated farm-to-table menu for their clientele. The ambiance is elegant yet approachable, with white tablecloths being juxtaposed against modern art and architecture. They have two private dining spaces and an option to combine both to accommodate 12-26 guests.
El Tamarindo is a quirky Salvadoran restaurant with unique interior design and colorful art on every wall. El Tamarindo has two festive private rooms and a restaurant buyout option for groups of 50-222.
Themes elevate company holiday celebrations, creating unique experiences that your group will remember for the entire year. These innovative holiday party themes for work help companies distinguish their celebrations and add some whimsy to the holiday season.
Channel alpine luxury without leaving the DC. Faux-fur throws, twinkling lanterns, and hot toddy stations set the mood. Serve fondue, mini raclette plates, and gourmet s’mores made tableside. Guests can wear chic ski lodge attire — think cozy knits and champagne flutes.
Hire a DC magician like Lou Serrano and infuse some Holiday magic into this year’s celebration. Embrace the theme with crystal balls, silver streamers, and playing card decorations.
Tropical holiday themes offer an escape from winter with Hawaiian shirts and summer vibes, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional winter celebrations. Be sure to feature tropical flowers, summer cocktails, and beach-themed decorations.
A murder mystery is an amazingly engaging theme. Encourage your group to dress up according to the theme you choose. You can hire actors and an event host who will be in character the entire time to really immerse everyone attending the party.
A vintage holiday theme featuring retro decorations from the 1950s has a nostalgic charm. Decorate with classic ornaments, vintage advertisements, and period-appropriate music. Dress in vintage xmas sweaters and dresses.
We all know the season isn’t about receiving gifts, BUT, some thoughtful, curated gifts never hurt anybody. Plus, they’re a great way to show appreciation. Whether you’re sending holiday party kits or organizing a gift exchange, here are our top picks for all comfort levels and budgets.
Personalized gift cards from local restaurants or popular retailers allow recipients to choose items they actually want while supporting local businesses. Coordination with local establishments can sometimes yield group discounts or special promotions.
Charity gift giving, supporting local food banks or toy drives, transforms gift exchanges into community service opportunities. Departments or teams can compete to collect the most donations, while individual contributions replace traditional gift exchanges.
To play White Elephant, everyone brings a secret gift to the party (within the budget you set). Then, one at a time, people will open a gift. As you go along, each subsequent person can choose to open an unopened gift or steal a gift that has already been opened.
Secret Santa exchanges with $25 budget limits and optional theme guidelines provide structure while maintaining surprise elements. Optional themes like “locally made items” or “books and experiences” can add creativity while maintaining budget consciousness.
High-quality branded items like fleece jackets, water bottles, or tech accessories feel more valuable than typical promotional items and create ongoing brand visibility. These gifts are stylish and utilitarian, which your team is sure to appreciate.
Unsure of what to wear to this year’s work holiday party? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
When in doubt, dress in the colors of the season! Red and green or silver and gold are never out of place at a company holiday party.
It’s finally the right time of year to pull out that hideous sweater your grandma gave you, that you feel too guilty to get rid of… The gaudier the better!
When the weather is cold, it’s the perfect time to experiment with layers in your style. A stylish trench coat or wool jacket, patterned tights, or a blouse over a sparkly long-sleeve top can take your office holiday party outfit to the next level.
There’s nothing wrong with getting a little extra dressed up to ring in the Holidays! A suit jacket, chic dress, or pantsuit is never out of place at an office holiday party.
Get Logistics Sorted: Date, headcount, budget, and goals are the first things that need to be confirmed before any planning happens.
Secure Your Venue: If your party is at the office, you can skip this step, but if it’s anywhere else, you need to be booking way in advance (as early as 6-9 months ahead).
Source Food & Drink: There are many ways to feed and water your party. You can choose traditional catering, book a turnkey food and drink experience, host at a restaurant, or even DIY it.
Keep it Engaging: Activities are essential for an engaging corporate holiday party. It gives people something to talk about and eliminates awkwardness.
Bear Inclusivity in Mind: We find that branding your celebration as a holiday party makes sure no one feels left out, no matter what holiday they’re celebrating this winter.
The earlier the better, since prime holiday dates fill up fast! 3-6 months in advance is best. Particularly if you are booking a popular venue or vendors.
A budget corporate holiday party at the office will likely cost $50- $100 pp. A party at a restaurant, event venue, or sports and game complex will cost closer to $75-$300pp.
This is the dealer’s choice! The benefit of a party during work hours is typically a higher attendance rate. The benefit of after-hours is that it can feel more festive and easier to get loose and relax.
This depends on your budget and event goals. An in-office party is best for teams on a budget. Outside venues tend to feel more special but they are higher budget and need to be planned further in advance.
Avital’s Interactive Meal is very popular for office party xmas celebrations. Organizers love that Avital Experiences plans everything from the menu to the drinks to the activities with no surprise fees. The expert host on-site during the event means you can actually sit back and enjoy the event along with everyone else.
Chaplin’s. Il Piatto, Tabard Inn, Fiola, and El Tamarindo are great holiday party venues in Washington DC.
The most unique corporate holiday party ideas in DC aren’t just about food or décor—they’re about connection. Your team should walk away feeling seen, appreciated, and genuinely delighted. That’s where we come in.
We design quirky, classy, food-and-drink-driven experiences that deepen connections and leave guests buzzing. Ready to turn your holiday company party ideas into an event your team will talk about all year?
Avital Ungar is dining and restaurant expert and the founder of Avital Experiences. She has spent 15+ years designing dining experiences nationwide and has been featured in The New York Times, Shark Tank, Travel Channel, Bon Appétit, and more. Learn more
