At Legacy, we pride ourselves on creating fun, memorable experiences for our clients all year long – and the same goes for our own employees each holiday season. Our company parties have ranged from cooking competitions to murder mysteries to scavenger hunts to awards shows. No matter the theme or the venue, we have tips to make your next holiday party one to remember.
Whether you’re an HR professional planning this year’s special event or a corporate employee brainstorming with colleagues, you may be searching for creative ways to break free from the same old office holiday party routines. Employees have had their fill of bland event spaces, predictable buffets, and awkward icebreakers. The great news? It doesn’t have to be this way.
Your company holiday party is a golden opportunity to reward your employees, show appreciation, and bring everyone together. From interactive activities and memorable experiences to innovative locations, here are 10 unique ways to transform your holiday party into something everyone will actually look forward to—and talk about long after the event.
1. Pick a Unique Venue
Why settle for a hotel ballroom or conference center when your venue can set the tone for an extraordinary event? Consider hosting your holiday party in unexpected spaces like an art gallery, rooftop terrace, modern warehouse, cooking classroom or winery. Want something livelier? Think hosting it at an arcade bar, bowling alley, concert hall, boat, sports venue suite, or even a private movie theater.
Unusual venues instantly create an atmosphere that feels fresh and exciting. Pair the setting with thoughtful decor to elevate the experience. Consider fairy lights in a chic loft or winter wonderland props in a botanical garden. Employees will step into a space that surprises and delights, creating memories before the festivities even begin.
2. Interactive Food Stations
Make the food experience more engaging by including interactive stations where employees can customize their dishes or create something from scratch. For example, how about a build-your-own taco station, a DIY sushi bar, or a made-to-order dessert crepe station?
Interactive dining encourages mingling, sparks fun conversations, and makes a meal more memorable. You can even bring in specialty chefs or mixologists to add flair by preparing food or unique cocktails live. Bonus points if you tie in the station themes to the overall holiday party vibe.
3. Add a Touch of Nostalgia with Retro Activities
Bring back childhood joy with activities that tap into nostalgia. Set up a photo booth with 90’s props, include an adult coloring corner with stress-free mandalas, or host a mini arcade with classic games like Pac-Man and pinball.
Nostalgic fun isn’t just entertaining—it creates connections among employees across generations while encouraging a genuinely lighthearted environment.
4. Bring the Competition with Team Games
Our Legacy parties often involve some form of contests or competition. Transform friendly competition into genuine fun! Host team-based activities like holiday trivia, office-themed escape rooms, or giant outdoor games like Jenga or Connect Four. Want to level it up? A mini “Office Olympics” with quirky challenges can generate laughter and bonding.
Games not only entertain—they also help build camaraderie, spark collaboration, and allow employees to showcase skills (or fun talents). Prizes for the winning team add extra motivation!
5. Go Hands-On with Craft and DIY Workshops
Why not give employees something they can take home while having fun creating? Offer DIY workshops like wreath-making, cookie decorating, or ornament painting. Craft cocktails, anyone? Set up a bar where a mixologist guides employees in creating their signature holiday drink. This time of year, we’re quite partial to an Absolut & Kahlua Espresso Martini or a Jameson Irish Coffee.
Hands-on experiences allow employees to relax creatively while indulging in meaningful, personal projects—something that feels more fulfilling than simply socializing.
6. Bring in Unforgettable Entertainment
Step up your entertainment game by thinking beyond the typical DJ. Consider booking a live band, hiring an improv comedy group, or even bringing in a magician or mentalist to wow the audience. Another fun idea? A silent disco where employees can choose their own musical vibe with wireless headphones.
Interactive and unique entertainment keeps energy levels high and ensures no one zones out halfway through the event. Employees will walk away raving about the experience.
7. Unique Holiday Gifting Options
Show your appreciation by going beyond generic gift cards. Think personalized or experiential gifts—like curated self-care kits, hand-picked books, or even pre-paid classes for cooking, wellness, or art. Or, offer employees the freedom to choose from an exclusive selection of gifts online.
For an altruistic twist, incorporate charitable giving. Allow employees to choose a charity where a donation will be made in their name. Gifts like these reflect thoughtful appreciation and leave a lasting impression. At Legacy, we love to incorporate giving into our gifting.
8. Host a Holiday-Themed “Taste Tour”
Take employees on a culinary adventure without leaving the party. Set up tasting stations featuring holiday favorites from around the world—a French aperitif, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Gin popsicles, or even savory Latin American dishes.
Partner with caterers or local craft makers for authenticity and an elevated experience. The taste tour not only delights culinary enthusiasts but also introduces employees to new cultural traditions, sparking connections and conversation.
9. Winter Photo Zones
Photo ops are a surefire way to make memories. Set up Instagram-worthy zones with creative props or backdrops that embody the holiday spirit—think giant snow globes, festive sleighs, or glowing forest scenes.
Provide a photographer or instant cameras so employees can keep their memorable shots. Bonus idea? Turn it into an Instagram contest encouraging employees to post photos using a custom hashtag.
10. Send Guests Home with a Personal Touch
What’s the perfect finishing touch to your holiday party? Memorable parting gifts. Consider giving a small, custom token to thank attendees for sharing this special moment. Great options include branded travel mugs, cool crewnecks, luxury coffee blends, or even holiday grow kits to spread some green cheer.
Employees will feel genuinely valued, and every time they use their gift, they’ll associate it with your fun and thoughtful event.
Make This Your Most Memorable Holiday Party Yet
Your employees work hard all year—it’s time to reward them with a holiday event that makes them feel appreciated, engaged, and connected. Move beyond the ordinary and create a celebration that’ll leave everyone talking for months.
Need help planning or ideas to bring your vision to life? Bring in the experts! We specialize in creating one-of-a-kind experiences that wow employees and solidify team culture. Start planning your best holiday party yet—it all begins here. #ExperienceLegacy #CorporateEvents #HolidayEventPlanning #HolidayEvents #OfficeParty #OfficeHolidayParty