A Must-Attend Holiday Party Guide for Employers

The holiday season reminds us to be hospitable, compassionate and united. From November 1st until the New Year, we are surrounded by kindred spirits and cheer, even when we’re on the clock. Workplace morale can often feel low around this time, wildly as everyone scrambles to make plans to celebrate with friends and family. As employers, you can take this as an opportunity to declare your appreciation for your team’s hard work throughout the year. Like any party, a well-planned holiday company event that makes the must-attend list for the season requires attention and time. Get started with this curated guide to avoid a snowman meltdown and successfully throw a Rockin-Around-the-Christmas-Tree bash.

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1. Start with ample timing

The earlier you begin planning, the better your holiday party will be. Taking the time ahead will give you every opportunity to ensure you have the proper budget, find the perfect venue, and select the right activities for the event. Budgeting should be the first step. Factor in all expenses by considering transportation costs, food and beverage services, location, party decorations, and miscellaneous. The next step is setting a date and time. This is the most critical step because it decides who can actually attend. A weekend is much easier for full-time employees to squeeze something into their schedule if the event is after work hours. If not, you should plan for a time during the week that works for all employees to attend, like in place of a usual meeting or break. Surveys are a great way to ensure you know what works for them. One reliable method employers use is creating a fill-out form and mass sending it to all employees. It’s efficient and convenient, and employees can answer with some thought. Include questions like their preferences on food, theme, activities, and location options so that it is tailored to what they consider a true holiday celebration.

2. Venue ideas outside the office

One thing employees love more than free donuts is a team event outside of the workplace. Although an in-office party can be more cost-efficient and convenient, a holiday party will always be better outside the four walls they call work. There are many affordable and fun venue options. A restaurant with a large private room is an easily accessible location and can offer space for food and entertainment. These spaces can often accommodate large groups with a quick call in advance. You can also go for an indoor-outdoor space, depending on your climate. Spaces like country clubs, lodges, and banquet halls are an excellent option for this route. Indoor-outdoor offers a cozy and relaxed environment where you can make smores by a firepit or sit cozy at a table. If you wanna go big, explore the city-wide holiday activity guide. Large cities typically make room for Christmas-themed public spaces like ice-skating rinks around this time of year. I trust that ice skating will be an unforgettable company holiday party memory. Wherever you decide, there are excellent sources that will help you book whatever event you’re thinking of to take the entire burden off you, just be sure to reach out as soon as possible!

3. Activate activity planning

The very heart of any holiday event is the laughter and togetherness shared by everyone who attends. Plenty of activity options will suit your team’s vibe depending on the tone you want to set—whether it’s fun, relaxed, or more formal.

1. Ugly Sweater Contest: An ugly sweater contest is a lighthearted and inclusive activity that can help get everyone in the holiday spirit. Offer prizes for the most creative, funniest, or most festive sweaters. Set a clear theme so that the contest is easy for everyone to participate in. Taking the time after the official contest is a great option to segue into a formal speech or declaration to the team because the entire team is already together.
2. DIY Craft Station: A DIY ornament or gingerbread house decorating station can appeal to creative and less craft-inclined employees. It gives attendees something to do and lets them take home a personalized souvenir from the party. Craft stores like Michaels, Dollar Tree, or Hobby Lobby are cost-effective places to find all the supplies needed for this activity idea.

3. Photo Booth: Rent a photo booth with fun props and backdrops. This activity encourages mingling and provides guests with memories they can take home. To make it even more memorable, create a hashtag for the party so employees can share their photos on social media.

Planning an enjoyable holiday company party requires a balance of creativity, organization, and inclusivity. By setting a budget, choosing a memorable venue, and offering a variety of engaging activities, employers can host an event that employees will look forward to and talk about for years to come.