A company holiday party is more than a run-of-the-mill celebration—it’s an opportunity to thank your employees for all their hard work throughout the year. Whether you’re hosting a traditional office party or an informal group gathering, it’s important to put time and energy into the planning process. A fun, engaging event is the perfect way to show your employees appreciation and end the year on a joyful note.

Tips for planning a company holiday party

As you plan your company’s end-of-year party, keep these tips in mind:

  • Set a budget. Determine a budget early in the planning process; it will inform every decision.
  • Consider the context. Consider what happens at your company around the winter holidays. Are employees working long hours? Can everyone stop working at the same time? Then, plan an event that meets the team’s needs and allows more people to participate. If your party happens right after the holiday rush, an off-site activity can be a fun opportunity to let loose.
  • Talk to the team. Ask employees about their ideal company holiday party. You might discover that everyone wants an opportunity to dress up, for example, or that they’d prefer a relaxed outing. Tailoring the event to their preferences can encourage more people to participate.
  • Include everyone. Make the entire company feel welcome by hosting a celebration that’s inclusive. Consider planning foods or activities that honor multiple winter holidays or asking workers to share their personal traditions.

5 ideas for a work holiday party

Not sure where to start? Use these company holiday party ideas for inspiration to plan your company’s event:

1. Afternoon adventure
Chances are your employees’ schedules are filled with traditional holiday events at the end of the year. Switch things up by taking the entire company out for an activity, such as:

  • Bowling and beer
  • Go-karting
  • Private karaoke room
  • Renting out a movie theater
  • Escape room
  • Cooking or cocktail class
  • Ice skating

Employees will relish the chance to get out of the office and have fun with their colleagues, especially during the busy holiday season. The unexpected time off work is a nice perk.

2. Holiday potluck
Give your employees an opportunity to show off their culinary skills with an end-of-year potluck. For a festive twist, ask each person to bring a favorite holiday recipe and share a story that goes along with it. It’s a great way to get to know each other and incorporate a wide range of traditions into the celebration. Depending on the budget and the needs of the organization, the company might provide the main dish or beverages.

3. Caroling party
If you have a small business, organize a caroling outing at a local nursing home or children’s hospital. Plan a set list of beloved holiday songs, and sing them as a group. Don’t worry if your employees aren’t performers—the familiar tunes will bring joy to your audience, and everyone will walk away feeling the warmth of the season. Keep the festive spirit going by meeting back at the office or a local bar for hot drinks and snacks.

4. Gingerbread house contest
Stir up your employees’ competitive spirit by hosting a gingerbread house decorating contest. Hand out the same kit to everyone, and provide a buffet of candies and treats to use for decorations. Come up with prizes to incentivize creativity, including:

  • Best design
  • Funniest
  • Most colorful
  • Least architecturally sound
  • Most unexpected use of materials
  • Most festive
  • Most creative

Valuable prizes can encourage team members to participate. Hand out gift cards, theater tickets, or tickets to a local holiday event.

5. Wine-pairing party
Take a traditional party to the next level with a wine-pairing session. Order a selection of main dishes and appetizers from local restaurants, and hire a wine expert to select wines that pair well with each food. During the party, ask the expert to explain each pairing, focusing on how the notes and flavors work together.

A wine pairing elevates a traditional drinks-and-snacks event, making it more interactive and engaging. It also works for remote teams; if your employees work from home in other cities, send each one a box filled with snacks and drinks and host the event virtually. Be sure to include some non alcoholic options as well for employees to enjoy.

As you plan a company holiday party, keep an eye out for ways to streamline your workload; even a few time-saving tactics can make the process more manageable during the busy fourth quarter. If your party includes food, for example, turn to Grubhub Corporate Accounts to browse menus and place your order in advance. With options for holiday catering, group orders, and individual orders, Grubhub accommodates any type of celebration. To find out how we can help you host a memorable end-of-year event, get started with Grubhub Corporate Accounts today.