Ultimate Guide to Your

Company Holiday Party

From corporate holiday party ideas to office Christmas party games and more, this is your ultimate guide to hosting the best company holiday party.

What is a Company Holiday Party?

A company holiday party is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to bring your team together, show appreciation for their hard work, and build camaraderie. Whether you’re planning a traditional office holiday party or something unique and festive, these gatherings reflect back to your company’s culture and values.

Corporate holiday party ideas are endless! From themed dinners at a restaurant to interactive games in the office, tis the season to get creative and make memories.

Avital believes traditional holiday parties are boring. We host fun and unique company holiday parties in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Virtually, and 9 additional cities across the U.S.

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Virtual Holiday Party Ideas

For remote or hybrid teams, a virtual holiday party keeps everyone connected from afar. Check out these ideas for bringing the holiday spirit online.

Unique Corporate Holiday Party Ideas

Looking for fresh ideas to make your corporate holiday party memorable? These faculty Christmas party ideas bring creativity and fun to any office celebration, ensuring that your event stands out.

Cool Company Holiday Party Ideas

Inject some excitement into your event with cool company holiday party ideas that give employees a new way to celebrate. Think an food tours, live music, or holiday ceramics workshop.

 

Still not sure? Explore more employee holiday party ideas, so your party will be cool, not cold!

Best Company Holiday Party Ideas

Looking for time-tested but lively options? The best company holiday party ideas strike the perfect balance between festive fun and classic charm, like interactive dining experiences, gingerbread house making, or an office charity event.

 

Explore more of the best work holiday party ideas to host a party everyone will love. 

Last-Minute Holiday Party Ideas for Work

For last-minute planners, here are some holiday party ideas for work that require minimal preparation. Think holiday trivia, ugly sweater competition, or watching a holiday movie.

 

Need more ideas? With these last-minute holiday party ideas for work no one will know you threw it all together so quickly.

Company Holiday Party Ideas by Size

Planning a company holiday party can vary greatly depending on the size of your business or team. Here are some ideas to help you organize an event that feels just right, whether your team is small or large.

Holiday party ideas for small business with a close-knit group of coworkers gathered around a table, raising glasses in celebration. This image captures a cozy, festive atmosphere, ideal for small businesses looking for intimate holiday gathering ideas that foster camaraderie and create memorable, personal experiences.

Holiday Party Ideas for Small Business

Small businesses have the opportunity to host more intimate holiday gatherings. Here are some Christmas parties for small companies that create memorable, team-focused experiences:

Large group holiday party ideas with a beautifully decorated venue featuring round tables set with drinks and appetizers under ambient string lights. This photo depicts a spacious, inviting setting for large gatherings, ideal for companies planning a holiday party that accommodates high-capacity events in a festive and elegant atmosphere.

Large Group Holiday Party Ideas

For larger groups, it’s often helpful to choose an event that accommodates a diverse set of interests and allows people to mingle in a more spacious setting. Here are some large holiday party ideas:

  • Holiday Ball: Host a formal event at a banquet hall or hotel with live band or DJ.
  • Outdoor Winter Festival: Transform an outdoor space with food trucks, fire pits, and lights.
  • Team Activity Stations: Set up stations with different activities, like a photo booth, cookie-decorating, and ornament-making.
  • Host a Charcuterie Chalet Showdown: Guests will go head-to-head to create the best grown-up gingerbread house.
  • Explore More Large Group Holiday Party Ideas
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The holiday party you’ve been looking for. 

Avital’s Interactive Meal is a hosted, multi-course meal plus a trio of holiday-themed, hands-on activities. It’s the company holiday party, reinvented.

Office Christmas Party Games

Adding fun and interactive games to your office Christmas party (or holiday party) is a great way to boost morale and bring everyone together. Here are some corporate holiday party entertainment ideas and games to make your celebration memorable:

  • Holiday Icebreaker Questions for Work: Icebreakers are a great way to kick off any company holiday party.
  • Secret Santa Gift Exchange: Put a fun twist on the classic by incorporating themed clues or a “white elephant” style swap.
  • Christmas Charades: A classic game where participants act out holiday-related words or phrases, like decorating a tree or building a snowman.
  • Ugly Sweater Contest: Encourage employees to wear their most festive (or funny) holiday sweaters and vote for the best one.
  • Office Christmas Party Games: For more ideas, check out 15 Office Xmas Party Games that will keep the energy high and laughter rolling.
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Holiday Party Themes for Work

Choosing a unique holiday party theme can make your office celebration stand out and create a fun, cohesive atmosphere. Here are some creative ideas to consider for your next work holiday party:

  • Winter Wonderland: Transform your space into a snowy, festive scene with white decor, twinkling lights, and faux snow. Encourage guests to wear cozy winter attire.
  • Holiday Movie Marathon: Host a movie screening featuring classic holiday films like Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch. Add some movie-themed snacks and drinks for extra fun.
  • Retro Holiday: Pick a decade and host a throwback party with retro holiday music, outfits, and decorations.
  • Gingerbread House Decorating: Set up a station with gingerbread kits or do something different with Charcuterie Chalet Kits!
  • Christmas Around the World: Celebrate global holiday traditions with themed decorations, food, and drinks representing different countries’ holiday customs.

For more inspiration, check out Holiday Party Themes for Work.

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Company Holiday Party Checklist

Planning a company holiday party requires balancing logistics, team preferences, and inclusivity to create a meaningful and enjoyable event. To help ensure no detail is overlooked, here’s a checklist of essential considerations.

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Budget

Consider all possible expenses (venue, food, entertainment) and leave some room for unexpected costs. Knowing what you're working with helps make decisions that fit your goals without overspending.

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Timing and Length of Event

Decide whether the party will be held during office hours or after work, and how long it should last. The timing can impact attendance, so aim for a slot that accommodates as many team members as possible.

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Cultural and Religious Sensitivity

Opt for a theme that’s broadly inclusive to honor various traditions. Being mindful of religious observances can help everyone feel comfortable and included in the celebration.

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Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

Ensure the menu covers dietary needs, including allergies and preferences like vegan or gluten-free options. A variety of choices can help everyone enjoy the meal without concerns.

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Venue and Space Requirements

Select a space that suits your group size and event style. If hosting onsite, ensure there’s enough room for activities, or consider offsite venues with convenient access and parking.

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Entertainment and Activities

Think about team preferences and comfort with different types of activities. Popular options like gift exchanges, games, or a DJ can add fun without making anyone feel pressured to participate.

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Accessibility and Transportation Options

If offsite, consider access to public transportation or provide shuttles if needed. Ensuring an easy commute for everyone can make attendance more convenient.

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Consideration for Team Dynamics

Take into account the diverse personalities and comfort levels within the group. A relaxed, flexible event plan can make the gathering enjoyable for everyone, even those who may not be drawn to large social gatherings.

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Holiday Toasts and Speeches

Make sure to set aside time for holiday toasts and words of appreciation for the group. Acknowledging the team’s hard work and contributions can make the event feel more meaningful and connected.

Types of Corporate Holiday Events

Holiday events can take many forms, each with its unique advantages for bringing colleagues together. Here’s a breakdown of different types of employee holiday party formats, suited for various team setups and preferences.

Offsite Company Holiday Party

An offsite holiday party takes your team out of the office to enjoy a festive environment at a restaurant, bar, or event venue. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a more casual gathering, an offsite party allows employees to unwind in a fresh space, helping them feel appreciated. This style is ideal for a staff holiday party or a department holiday party, especially when aiming for a more elaborate celebration.

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Onsite or Office Holiday Party

An onsite or office holiday party can be an excellent way to bring holiday cheer directly to the workplace. Many companies choose to cater an employee holiday luncheon or host a more casual employee holiday lunch with holiday decor, music, and perhaps even a visit from Santa! This is a great option for a staff xmas party where you can bring in entertainment or host activities like gift exchanges and games, all within the comfort of your own office.

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Holiday Party for Remote Team

For remote teams, holiday celebrations require a virtual setup, but they can still be engaging and interactive. Host a virtual game night, an online cocktail-making class, or a group activity to keep everyone involved. Virtual events work well for a staff holiday party or employee holiday party with teams spread across different locations, ensuring everyone can participate in the festivities.

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Hybrid Corporate Holiday Party

A hybrid holiday party combines onsite and virtual components, allowing both in-office and remote employees to join the celebration. You might host an in-person employee holiday luncheon for local staff while setting up a live stream for remote team members to tune in. This approach ensures that everyone feels included, making it perfect for larger, dispersed teams. Hybrid parties are a great option for a department holiday party or staff xmas party with employees located in various regions.

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Guide to Corporate Holiday Gifts

Choosing the right corporate holiday gifts can not only make you look like a total rockstar, but it can also help to strengthen relationships and build camaraderie in the office. Here are some of our favorite corporate holiday gift ideas:

  • Customized Items: Personalize gifts with names or company logos. Use Etsy to support small business.
  • Experience-Based Gifts: Give the gift of an experience, such as a food tour or art class.
  • Holiday Gift Baskets: There are so many cool holiday gift baskets out there! From pickles to zombie prepared kit and everything in between.
  • Charitable Donations: Consider donating to a charity in the recipient’s name, especially if they support a specific cause.
  • Gift Cards: It’s hard to go wrong with a gift card. Although it may not be the most heartfelt gift, it is a crowd-pleasing and easy option.
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Work Holiday Party FAQs

Company Holiday Party Resources