How to Plan the Perfect Office Holiday Party: Tips, Themes, and Activities
Planning your office holiday party now might feel early, but the truth is venues and vendors book up fast! If you want to host a memorable corporate holiday celebration that fits your budget, now is the time to start. From picking the right date and venue to choosing a theme, activities, food, and décor, here’s your step-by-step guide to stress-free holiday party planning from the planners at BW Studio.
Why You Should Start Office Holiday Party Planning Early
The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have for dates, venues, and catering. Begin by picking a date (or even a few options) that work for your executives and team. Nothing’s worse than finding out your leadership can’t attend! Always keep backup dates in case your preferred venue isn’t available.
Choosing the Best Venue for Your Company Holiday Party
One of the biggest decisions is whether to host your event in the office or book an outside venue. Both options have their perks and downsides, so here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Pros and Cons of Hosting in the Office
Pros:
Total control over the setup and breakdown
Flexibility with timing of the event
Easy to handle leftovers
Cons:
You’ll need to bring in décor, catering, and staffing
Cleanup falls on you and your team
May not feel like a “special” occasion - consider all of your “office” furniture
Pros and Cons of Hosting at an Outside Venue
Pros:
Access to larger, more unique spaces
Venue staff often handle all of your setup, service, and cleanup
Built-in festive atmosphere
Cons:
Can be more expensive
Limited menu or décor flexibility
Logistics of transporting the team from the office to the venue
Corporate Travel Planning
Even if your company’s holiday celebration takes place at the office or at a local offsite venue, travel can still play a huge role in creating a memorable experience for the whole team. Travel may includes flights into town, transport from the airport, or to and from venues.
For remote employees or team members in different branches, traveling in for the party is more than just logistics, it’s an opportunity to reconnect face-to-face, strengthen relationships, and build camaraderie beyond video calls. Corporate travel tied to a holiday gathering turns the event into a true company-wide celebration, fostering a sense of belonging and making the investment in both time and travel well worth it.
For more information on Corporate Travel, here’s a great resource - Corporate Travel Planning
Corporate Holiday Party Themes and Activities
Once the date and location are set, focus on a holiday party theme that feels fun and authentic to your company culture. Most employees simply want to connect, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. Still, adding a theme or a few activities makes the party more engaging, especially for smaller groups.
Classic Office Holiday Party Games
Holiday Charades – Act out Christmas movies, carols, or seasonal activities.
Name That Tune: Holiday Edition – Guess the song after hearing just a few seconds.
Holiday Bingo – Use cards with seasonal items like “ugly sweater,” “snowman,” or “mistletoe.”
White Elephant Gift Exchange – Always a crowd favorite
Deck the Halls Ornament Station – Guests make their own festive ornaments.
Interactive + Team-Building Activities
Christmas Carol Pictionary – Draw holiday songs for teammates to guess.
Guess the Ornament Count – Fill a jar with ornaments and have everyone guess the number.
Reindeer Antler Ring Toss – One person wears antlers while others toss rings.
Gingerbread House Contest – Teams compete to build the best holiday house. Easy to incorporate other winter holidays.
Wrap Race – Pairs wrap a gift using only one hand each.
Charitable Holiday Party Ideas
Give back while celebrating with your team:
Donation Collection Station – Collect coats, toys, or canned goods for a local charity.
Volunteer as a Team – Pair your party with a volunteer outing for a cause.
Food and Décor Ideas for Office Holiday Parties
Food
Keep the food options simple and filling. Most corporate holiday parties only last 1–2 hours, so offer hearty bites and grab-and-go options instead of formal meals. Include tasty proteins and cater to a variety of dietary needs so everyone can enjoy.
Décor
Choose a festive color palette and go all-in. Whether you stick with traditional red and green, wintery white and blue, or your company’s brand colors, consistency creates a polished and cheerful atmosphere. For example, at OpenX’s holiday party seen in these photos, we used classic red and green to tie everything together.
Holiday Party Color Palette Ideas
Your holiday party décor sets the tone for the whole event. Choosing a color palette is an easy way to create a cohesive look and vibe. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
Classic (Red & Green) – Timeless and festive, especially with gold accents.
Winter Wonderland (White, Silver & Blue) – Elegant, icy, and perfect for formal gatherings.
Glam Gold & Black – Sophisticated and chic, ideal for black-tie corporate parties.
Rustic Cozy (Burgundy, Forest Green & Cream) – Warm and inviting, great for casual or lodge-style venues.
Modern Metallics (Rose Gold, Silver & Champagne) – Trendy and stylish with a celebratory edge.
Jewel Tones (Emerald, Sapphire & Ruby) – Rich and bold for a luxurious vibe.
Candy Cane Brights (Red, White & Peppermint Pink) – Playful and cheerful, perfect for casual celebrations.
Neutral Luxe (Ivory, Taupe & Gold) – Minimalist yet elevated, great for companies with modern style.
Company Colors with a Festive Twist – Incorporate brand colors with metallic or sparkling accents to make the party feel uniquely yours.
FAQs About Office Holiday Party Planning
When should you start planning an office holiday party?
At BW Studio, we recommend booking venues and vendors at least 3 months in advance to secure the best options.
What are good themes for a company holiday party?
Classic winter wonderland, ugly sweater contests, festive cocktail parties, or even activities like gingerbread contests and holiday trivia all work well.
What food should you serve at an office holiday party?
Think small bites and finger foods—sliders, skewers, charcuterie, and seasonal desserts. Avoid anything that requires a fork-and-knife meal unless the event includes a cocktail hour plus sit down meal that plated or served buffet style.
How can I make my corporate holiday party more fun?
Add interactive games, photo booths, or team contests. Even a simple activity like a White Elephant gift exchange boosts energy and connection.
Work with BW Studio for Custom Holiday Party Planning
Ready to take the stress out of office holiday party planning? At BW Studio, we help companies design customized holiday events that fit their team, culture, and budget. From finding the perfect venue to creating engaging themes and activities, we’ll make your corporate holiday party one to remember.
Contact us today to start planning your company’s best holiday celebration yet!
Photos Courtesy of Sandra Armenteros Photography