As the holiday season approaches, planning a corporate holiday party offers an opportunity to bring employees together, celebrate the year’s successes, and build camaraderie. Whether you are a small office or a large corporation, you can make your party stand out by going beyond the standard buffet and festive decor. Your employees will feel more appreciated and have more fun if you go that extra cheery mile. Precon has helped bring a lot of holiday cheer over the years, and we have helped create some amazing themes. Here are some unique corporate holiday party ideas and themes to inspire your next celebration.
1. Winter Wonderland Gala
Transform your venue into a magical winter escape with icy blue lighting, faux snow, and elegant decor. Incorporate interactive elements like a snow globe photo booth or an ice sculpture carving station. A gourmet hot chocolate bar or a signature winter cocktail can add a special touch.
- Why it works: The immersive experience makes attendees feel like they’ve entered a new world, creating a memorable event.
- Pro tip: Partner with local vendors for unique decor pieces like LED-lit trees or snow machines.
2. Retro Holiday Party
Throw it back to the 80s, 90s, or even the Roaring Twenties with a retro-themed holiday party. Encourage employees to dress up in costumes from the chosen decade, and decorate the space with nostalgic props. Think arcade games, disco balls, or jazz bands to match the era.
- Why it works: Nostalgia resonates with people, and a themed dress code adds an extra layer of fun.
- Pro tip: Include a playlist of top hits from the decade–or remixed/updated versions of older songs–to get everyone dancing.
3. Global Holidays Around the World
Celebrate diversity by showcasing holiday traditions from different cultures. Set up food stations featuring dishes from various countries, like Italian panettone, Mexican tamales, or Japanese Christmas cakes. Decorate each area with traditional colors and elements.
- Why it works: This theme fosters inclusivity and offers variety, encouraging attendees to engage in learning about global celebrations.
- Pro tip: Include a brief description of each tradition at the stations to make it interactive and educational. Take a look at this Holidays Around The World Guide from WorldSmart to get started.
4. Corporate Carnival
Turn your holiday party into a carnival extravaganza with games, live performances, and festive treats like cotton candy and popcorn. Set up booths for activities like ring toss, caricature drawing, or a fortune-teller station.
- Why it works: A carnival theme brings out the inner child in everyone and creates an energetic, light-hearted atmosphere.
- Pro tip: Rent carnival rides, carnival game booths, and/or a photo booth with carnival-themed props to elevate the experience.
5. Charity-Centric Celebration
Spread holiday cheer by giving back. Partner with a local charity and incorporate a donation drive into your party. You could host a silent auction, collect gifts for families in need, or organize a volunteer activity during the event.
- Why it works: Aligning with a charitable cause boosts morale and reinforces your company’s values.
- Pro tip: Use digital signage to highlight the charity’s mission and show live updates of the donations raised.
6. Escape Room Adventure
For a smaller team, consider hosting an escape room holiday party. Many companies offer portable escape room setups that can be brought to your office or venue. Customize the storyline to include holiday-themed puzzles.
- Why it works: It’s interactive, promotes teamwork, and adds an element of surprise.
- Pro tip: Incorporate company-specific references into the puzzles for a personalized touch.
7. Masquerade Ball
Go glam with a masquerade ball theme, complete with formal attire, masks, and live orchestral music or a jazz band. Use rich colors like gold, black, ivory/white, and deep jewel tones for decor, add sparkle with glittering accents on tablescapes, and wash the room in dramatic lighting to enhance the ambiance.
- Why it works: It’s an elevated vibe that allows employees to feel like they’re part of a grand event.
- Pro tip: Provide masks at the entrance or include a mask-making station as a creative icebreaker.
Planning Tips for a Successful Corporate Holiday Party
- Choose a Convenient Date: Ensure your date doesn’t conflict with other major events or holidays.
- Book Early: Popular venues and vendors fill up quickly during the holiday season.
- Send Invitations in Advance: Give your employees ample time to RSVP and plan around the event by announcing your event date at least 2 months in advance.
- Gather Feedback: Send a post-event survey to learn what worked and what could be improved for next year.
Final Thoughts
A corporate holiday party is more than just an end-of-year gathering; it’s a chance to show appreciation for your team and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. By selecting a unique theme and incorporating thoughtful details, you’ll create an event that your employees will talk about long after the decorations are taken down.
Precon is a full-service event production company based in the DC metro area, serving clients around the world. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you plan and execute your next event.
