As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about celebrating successes, boosting team morale, and setting intentions for the new year. Corporate events during this season offer a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, show appreciation, and build stronger relationships among colleagues. If you’re planning a company gathering, holiday-inspired themes and engaging activities can turn a typical work event into a memorable celebration.
From holiday parties to end-of-year workshops, here are 20 corporate event ideas that can bring seasonal spirit and connection to your team.
1. Festive Holiday Cocktail Party
Bring the team together with a festive cocktail party featuring seasonal drinks like spiced cider, mulled wine, and creative holiday cocktails. Decorate with twinkling lights, seasonal foliage, and cozy lounge areas for mingling. This relaxed, festive event encourages team bonding and allows colleagues to unwind as the year comes to a close.
2. Winter Wonderland Gala
Transform your event space into a winter wonderland with icy blue and silver decor, snowy centerpieces, and a winter-themed photo booth. A gala-style event can be a formal yet festive way to celebrate the season. Include a catered dinner, live music, or even a dance floor for an unforgettable night.
3. End-of-Year Reflection & Goal-Setting Workshop
Wrap up the year by reflecting on achievements and setting new goals for the future. Start with an engaging workshop on personal and professional growth, followed by breakout sessions where teams can discuss objectives for the upcoming year. Include holiday-themed treats and warm beverages to keep things cozy.
4. Ugly Sweater Networking Mixer
Add some lighthearted fun to a networking event by making it an “ugly sweater” mixer. Encourage attendees to wear their best (or worst!) holiday sweaters and offer a prize for the most creative outfit. With holiday music and a hot cocoa bar, this event blends networking with a festive twist.
5. Holiday Team-Building Games
Plan a team-building day that incorporates holiday-themed games and activities. From gingerbread house decorating competitions to holiday trivia, these games are a fun way to foster team spirit. Include a prize for the winning team to add an extra layer of friendly competition.
6. Outdoor Hot Chocolate & S’mores Social
For a casual, winter-inspired gathering, host an outdoor hot chocolate and s’mores social. Set up fire pits, provide blankets, and offer a DIY hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks. This is a cozy way to bring the team together for relaxed conversation and seasonal treats.
7. Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch
Encourage team members to bring their favorite holiday dishes for a Thanksgiving potluck lunch. This event allows everyone to share a part of their culture or family tradition, creating a more intimate and community-focused gathering. Make it a weekly or monthly event to keep the tradition alive.
8. Employee Appreciation Awards Ceremony
Close the year by recognizing and rewarding employees’ hard work. Host an awards ceremony with fun, personalized awards, such as “Best Team Player” or “Most Creative Thinker.” Include a catered dinner, music, and a photo wall for employees to capture the evening’s memories.
9. Charity Gift-Wrapping Party
Plan a gift-wrapping party for a local charity, where employees can wrap donated presents for families in need. Provide holiday music, snacks, and decorations to create a festive atmosphere. This type of event helps build team spirit and connects your company with the local community.
10. Winter Wellness Day
Support employee well-being with a winter wellness day that includes yoga or meditation sessions, chair massages, and workshops on mindfulness and stress management. Offer healthy snacks, herbal teas, and small wellness gifts like essential oils or stress-relief kits.
11. New Year’s Vision Board Workshop
Inspire employees to set personal and professional goals with a New Year’s vision board workshop. Provide art supplies, magazines, and other materials so attendees can create vision boards that reflect their goals and aspirations. This activity is creative, reflective, and helps employees visualize their future.
12. Product Launch with a Holiday Twist
If you’re launching a new product or service, consider turning the event into a holiday celebration. Add seasonal touches to the launch event, like festive decorations or winter-themed demonstrations, to make it feel unique and memorable.
13. Client Appreciation Open House
Invite clients to an open house event where they can learn more about your company’s work over the past year and plans for the next. Include holiday-themed decor, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks to create a welcoming and festive environment.
14. Holiday Pop-Up Market
Host a holiday pop-up market featuring local artisans, where employees can do some holiday shopping while supporting small businesses. Offer gift-wrapping services and include holiday music to create a festive shopping experience. It’s a great way to encourage corporate social responsibility.
15. Virtual Holiday Party (for Remote Teams)
For remote teams, a virtual holiday party can bring everyone together online. Include activities like a virtual Secret Santa, holiday-themed trivia, or a virtual escape room. Send gift packages to participants ahead of time with festive treats and small surprises.
16. Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Organize a holiday scavenger hunt within the venue or around the city. Teams can solve clues to find seasonal items or complete holiday-themed challenges. This interactive event is ideal for team bonding and can be customized to reflect your company’s culture.
17. Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a projector and screen outdoors for a holiday movie night featuring classics like Home Alone or Elf. Provide warm blankets, popcorn, and seasonal snacks. This cozy, fun event allows employees to relax and enjoy a favorite holiday tradition.
18. Cookie Decorating Workshop
Arrange a cookie-decorating workshop where employees can get creative with icing, sprinkles, and holiday-themed cookie cutters. This hands-on activity brings out creativity and can double as a take-home treat for the participants.
19. Year-End Presentation & Luncheon
Host a year-end luncheon with a company-wide presentation that highlights key achievements, goals, and milestones. Include a catered lunch and end with a toast to the team. This type of event reinforces a sense of accomplishment and unites the team around shared goals for the future.
20. Gift Exchange & White Elephant Party
A classic holiday event, a gift exchange or white elephant party can bring a lot of laughter to your corporate gathering. Set a budget, and encourage employees to get creative with their gifts. The white elephant format is perfect for adding humor and interaction to your holiday party.
Why Host Your Holiday Event in a Dedicated Event Venue?
Choosing a dedicated venue for your corporate holiday gathering elevates the experience, offering the space and flexibility to create a memorable atmosphere. A well-equipped event space provides access to indoor and outdoor areas, professional decor options, and amenities like seating, tables, and audio-visual setups. This allows you to transform your ideas into a seamless event that leaves a lasting impression on employees and clients alike.
The Martin Event Space: A Perfect Setting for Corporate Celebrations
If you’re looking for a place to bring your corporate holiday vision to life, The Martin Event Space is an event venue in Kansas City that offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities that make it a standout choice. With flexible packages designed to suit various budgets, The Martin Event Space provides a beautiful, character-rich environment where you can host anything from formal awards banquets to cozy winter gatherings.
We’re known not only for our elegant setting but also for our commitment to exceptional service. With a 4.7-star rating from over 140 reviews, our clients consistently praise our attentive, responsive team. We understand that planning a corporate event requires a personal touch, and we’re here to make sure your event runs smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying the time with your team and guests.
For more information about how The Martin Event Space can bring warmth, joy, and elegance to your holiday corporate gathering, stop by for a free venue tour. Let’s create an unforgettable celebration together!
