Corporate Holiday Party Ideas That Your Team Will Actually Love

Planning a corporate holiday party that people genuinely want to attend takes more than booking a conference room and ordering a veggie tray. The good news? Employee enthusiasm for holiday parties is at an all-time high, and the best ideas combine great food, interactive fun, and a festive atmosphere that brings your team together. Whether you are organizing a company holiday party in Spokane or anywhere across the Inland Northwest, this guide covers everything you need to make it happen.

Key Takeaways

• 82% of employees plan to attend their company holiday party, up from 70% the prior year, so your team actually wants to celebrate.

• The best corporate holiday party ideas focus on interactive experiences, great food, and inclusive themes that fit your company culture.

• Food is the number one driver of attendance and social interaction, so invest in the menu.

• Start planning early, especially if you need to lock down December dates, a party venue, and rental items in the Spokane or CDA area.

Ready to start building your holiday party rental list? Browse the Event Rents product catalog or contact our team for a custom quote.

Why the Corporate Holiday Party Is Making a Comeback

The corporate holiday party is no longer optional. It is a real investment in your team. According to ezCater's 2025 Workplace Holiday Party Trends Report, 82% of employees said they plan to attend their company's holiday celebration, a significant jump from an estimated 70% the year before.

Companies are backing that enthusiasm with their budgets, too. 51% of businesses increased their holiday party spending, and overall budgets rose by 13%. Food and beverage spending alone climbed 31% year over year to an average of $59 per employee.

Why does it matter? 83% of employees say holiday parties help them bond with coworkers, and 80% say these events are even more important for building connections on hybrid and remote teams. The holiday season is your chance to bring everyone together in the same room, celebrate wins from the past year, and build momentum for the year ahead.

Pro Tip: 85% of U.S. companies hold office holiday parties. If your organization is not one of them, you are in the minority, and your employees notice.

Best Corporate Holiday Party Themes

Picking the right theme sets the tone for your entire event. The best ideas match your company values and give your team a reason to get excited. Here are some of the most popular corporate holiday party themes.

Theme Comparison Table

Winter Wonderland

Transform your party venue into a winter wonderland with white draping, twinkling lights, and silver accents. This theme works especially well in tented outdoor spaces across Spokane and CDA, even in colder weather, when paired with climate control. Add snowflake centerpieces, candy canes at each place setting, and a signature cocktail menu for a polished holiday style.

Ugly Sweater Party

An ugly sweater party is one of the best ideas for teams that want casual fun without the pressure of a formal event. Hand out Santa hats at the door, run an ugly sweater contest with prizes, and keep the holiday cheer going with a hot cocoa bar and tasty treats. This theme works well for office holiday parties held in your own office building or break room.

Casino Night

A casino night is perfect for creating a festive atmosphere built on friendly competition. Set up blackjack, poker, and roulette tables alongside a signature cocktails bar. Give every guest a stack of play chips, and award prizes to the top winners at the end of the night.

Pro Tip: Event Rents carries farm tables and bars that work perfectly as cocktail stations or casino game tables. Our standard rental period covers 3-4 days, so you have plenty of time for setup and teardown.

Food and Drink Ideas to Keep the Holiday Cheer Going

Food is the single biggest factor in whether your team actually shows up. 93% of party planners say food is the top driver of social interaction at holiday events, and 77% of employees say it is the part of the party they look forward to most.

Build a Menu That Works for Everyone

When planning delicious food for your corporate holiday party, keep food allergies and dietary preferences top of mind. Offer a mix of options that cover common restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan). A buffet-style setup with clearly labeled dishes is the easiest way to handle this for large groups.

Rent china and glassware from Event Rents to give your buffet a polished look without the hassle. And here is the best part: you do not need to wash dishes. Just scrape and rinse them, return everything to the crates, and Event Rents handles all the washing and sanitization.

Signature Cocktails and Cocoa Bar

Set up a cocoa bar with all the fixings (marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, candy canes) alongside a signature cocktails station. Offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options is a key trend. Companies are embracing dedicated mocktail bars with the same level of presentation as their cocktail menus.

Use drink tickets to manage consumption responsibly while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

Food Trucks

For a more casual vibe, hire local food trucks to park outside your party venue. This gives your team variety and keeps the energy moving. Food trucks work especially well for company parties held outdoors under a tent or in a parking lot setting.

Pro Tip: Event Rents carries beverage service equipment and food service, and prep items like chafing dishes and beverage dispensers that make any catering setup feel professional.

Entertainment and Activities That Create Lasting Memories

The trend in corporate Christmas party entertainment is clear: companies are moving away from passive, sit-down dinners and investing in interactive experiences that encourage employee participation. Here are the best entertainment and fun activity options.

Photo Booth

A photo booth is one of the most reliable crowd-pleasers at any holiday work party. Set up a station with festive props, Santa hats, and ugly sweater accessories. AI-enhanced photo booths that generate themed portraits are growing in popularity and give guests shareable keepsakes.

Dance Floor

Nothing brings holiday cheer like a packed dance floor. Rent a dance floor from Event Rents and pair it with a DJ spinning holiday hits and crowd favorites. A dance floor is a must for large groups and helps create a memorable event that people actually talk about.

Team Building Activities

Incorporate team building into your holiday work party with activities like:

• Holiday bingo with small prizes for each round

• Holiday trivia covering movies, music, and traditions

• Holiday-themed office Olympics with relay races and silly challenges

• Holiday scavenger hunt around your party venue or office building

These activities bring friendly competition to the party and encourage employees to mix with people outside their usual teams.

Gift Exchanges

Gift exchanges are a holiday party staple. Two of the most popular formats:

• Secret Santa: Each person draws a name and buys a gift within a set budget.

• White elephant: Guests bring wrapped gifts and take turns choosing or "stealing" from each other. This format usually generates the biggest laughs.

How to Plan a Corporate Holiday Party Step by Step

Great corporate holiday party ideas only work if the logistics come together. Here is a simple planning timeline to keep you on track.

1. Form a planning committee (8-10 weeks out). Gather 3-5 people who represent different departments. This ensures the party reflects the whole company, not just one team's preferences.

2. Set your budget and pick December dates (6-8 weeks out). Lock in a date early. December fills up fast, especially in Spokane and the Inland Northwest. Decide what percentage of the budget goes to food, venue, entertainment, and rentals.

3. Choose the right venue (5-7 weeks out). Your party venue should match your group's size and the vibe you want. Options include restaurants, hotel ballrooms, outdoor tented spaces, or even your own office building with the right rentals. For larger outdoor events in Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls, a tent rental with lighting creates a stunning setup.

4. Book entertainment and rentals (4-6 weeks out). Reserve your tables, chairs, linens, dance floors, and glassware as early as possible. Event Rents recommends reserving items early to ensure availability for your date.

5. Plan the menu and confirm vendors (3-4 weeks out). Finalize your catering, bar setup, and any dietary accommodation details. Order food service and prep equipment if you are self-catering.

6. Send invitations (2-3 weeks out). Give your team enough notice to plan. Include the date, time, dress code, parking details, and whether plus-ones are welcome. Nearly half of employees (43%) say their decision to attend depends on being able to bring a guest.

7. Final confirmations (1 week out). Confirm headcount, delivery times, and setup details with all vendors. Event Rents offers full-service delivery across the Inland Northwest, and for smaller orders, clients can pick up directly from the Spokane warehouse.

Pro Tip: Event Rents' standard rental period is 3-4 days, so you can pick up or receive your delivery before the event and return everything after the weekend without feeling rushed. You also do not need to wash dishes or glassware. Just scrape food off the plates, empty the glasses, and return them to their crates.

FAQ

What is a holiday scavenger hunt, and how do I run one?

A holiday scavenger hunt is a team-based activity where groups race to find or complete a list of holiday-related items or tasks. You can run one in your office building, around your party venue, or even outdoors. Create a list of 15-20 prompts (find something red and green, take a photo with someone wearing a Santa hat, locate a hidden ornament) and set a time limit. It works great as an icebreaker before dinner.

What are holiday-themed office Olympics?

Holiday-themed office Olympics are a series of silly, competitive mini-games played in teams. Think wrapping-paper relay races, candy cane stacking, ornament tossing, and snowball (cotton ball) spoon races. This is a great option for a work holiday party when you want to encourage employees to loosen up and have fun.

How do I include remote employees in a holiday party?

For remote employees who cannot attend in person, consider setting up a live stream of key moments or hosting a parallel virtual event. Virtual events can include holiday trivia, online bingo, or a virtual gift exchange. Send a festive care package ahead of time so remote team members feel included, even if they are not in the same room.

What is a white elephant gift exchange?

A white elephant gift exchange is a group gift-swapping game where participants bring a wrapped, usually funny or quirky gift. Players take turns either opening a new gift or "stealing" an already-opened one from someone else. It is a crowd favorite that creates big laughs and lasting memories with minimal planning.

How do I organize a Secret Santa exchange?

To run a Secret Santa, have each participant draw a name (or use an online tool for remote teams). Set a clear budget, usually 15-25, and a deadline for bringing gifts. Exchange gifts at the party, letting each person guess who their secret Santa was.

Is ice skating a good holiday party activity?

Ice skating is a fantastic option for a corporate holiday party, especially in the Inland Northwest, where winter weather sets the mood. Book a group session at a local rink for a fun activity that gets people moving and creates a festive atmosphere outside the typical party venue.

How do I set up a curated wine or cocktail tasting?

A curated wine tasting is a great addition to a holiday party. Partner with a local winery or sommelier to guide your team through 4-6 selections. Pair each pour with small bites for a hands-on activity that feels special. This works well for smaller groups or as one station at a larger event.

What is a casino night party?

A casino night turns your company holiday party into a high-energy, Vegas-style experience. Set up tables for poker, blackjack, and roulette, give each guest a starting stack of play chips, and offer prizes for top winners. It is one of the best entertainment options for creating friendly competition and keeping the holiday atmosphere lively.

Can I incorporate charity into my holiday party?

Absolutely. Partnering with a local nonprofit adds meaning to your celebration. Ideas include a toy drive, assembling care packages for a local shelter, or setting up a donation station. Some companies even organize a phone bank during the event to raise funds. Giving back together reinforces company values and builds holiday spirit.

What are good hands-on activities for a holiday party?

Popular hands-on activity options include cookie decorating stations, ornament-making workshops, wreath-building tables, and gingerbread house competitions. These give guests something creative to do while socializing, and they get to take home a keepsake. Pair any of these with a Christmas carol sing-along or holiday hits playlist for extra fun.

Should I host my holiday party in the office or at an outside venue?

It depends on your team size and budget. Conference rooms and break rooms work fine for smaller teams, especially with the right decor. For larger company parties, booking an outside party venue or setting up a tented space gives you more flexibility. Many companies in Spokane and the Inland Northwest host outdoor events under tents with full setups from Event Rents.

How do I celebrate Christmas at work without excluding anyone?

Focus on inclusive holiday themes like "Winter Celebration" or "End of Year Party" rather than centering the event on a single holiday. You can still celebrate Christmas and the holiday season while making space for all traditions. Offer diverse food options, play a variety of holiday hits, and use fun prompts that do not assume everyone celebrates the same way. The goal is to invite employees into the holiday spirit on their own terms.

What should I do about food allergies at a corporate holiday party?

Ask about food allergies and dietary preferences on your RSVP form. Work with your caterer to offer clearly labeled dishes, and always provide at least one option that covers the most common allergies (nuts, gluten, dairy). A buffet with variety is the simplest approach for large groups.

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This article presents a general overview of event planning and rental options; it does not constitute a formal quote or guarantee of item availability. Event Rents recommends reserving items as early as possible to ensure availability for your date. Please contact our sales office for specific pricing and service details.