Planning the perfect holiday party in Chicago starts with choosing the right venue. The Windy City has plenty of event spaces to pick from. From historic landmarks and rooftop bars to trendy lofts and waterfront locations. Whether you’re looking to host an elegant corporate gathering or a fun, casual celebration, choosing the best Chicago holiday party venue will set the tone for a memorable event.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to choosing the best corporate holiday party venue for your team. Also including Chicago party venue ideas and tips for making the event a success.
Chicago Party Venue Ideas
Chicago has so many party venues to choose from, including historic landmarks, rooftop venues, restaurants, and breweries. Here’s a rundown of the different types of venues you’ll find in the city and ideas for where to host your upcoming Chicago holiday event.
Restaurants and Breweries
Chicago’s food scene is known around the world, and many top restaurants and breweries offer private dining and event spaces for parties. If you’re looking for an easy way to serve great food at your upcoming Chicago holiday event, these could be great options.
Rooftop Venues
Chicago’s skyline is iconic, and rooftop venues are a popular choice for people who want to take advantage of the view. Rooftop venues are usually best for summer events, but they can sometimes be heated and enclosed for the colder months, too. A few of our favorites include Londonhouse Chicago, which is a rooftop bar with views of the Chicago River, and Cindy’s Rooftop, a bar at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
Historic Buildings
For a venue with character, Chicago’s historic buildings are perfect. These venues come with both great architecture and interesting history, making them perfect for upscale events. Some of our favorites include The Rookery Building, a historic gem in Chicago’s Loop with beautiful interiors, and the Chicago Cultural Center, which is known for its Tiffany glass dome.
Industrial Spaces
For a mix of modern and rustic, loft and industrial-style venues are a great choice. These types of venues often feature exposed brick, large windows, and open layouts, giving you a blank canvas to customize your event. Some of our favorites are Morgan Manufacturing, a trendy industrial space in the West Loop that’s great for larger parties, and Salvage One, a quirky space with vintage furniture and artifacts.
Unconventional Venues
If you’re looking for something different, Chicago has plenty of unique venues with built-in activities and themed spaces that go beyond a traditional venue. For example, Punch Bowl Social is a fun spot with bowling, karaoke, and arcade games, while our very own Wintrust Sports Complex is a 72,000 square foot entertainment complex with a 4,000 square foot arcade and laser tag arena.
Boat Cruises and Waterfront Venues
With Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, waterfront venues are always a hit for parties. You could host your event on a boat cruise or at a venue with waterfront views. We like Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, where you can rent a boat for a private party on the river or lake, complete with catered meals and music.
Art Museums
For a more sophisticated Chicago party venue, consider renting an art gallery or museum. These venues often feature beautiful backdrops of artwork. Some of our favorites include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).
Hotel Event Spaces
Hotels give you convenience with their event planning services, making them great for larger corporate parties. Many hotels in Chicago also offer ballroom options.
Sports Complexes
Whether you’re hosting a large event or a small one, sports complexes are a great Chicago holiday party venue idea. Here at Wintrust Sports Complex, our 72,000 square foot center can be set up with different sized areas depending on your plans and the size of your guest list. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a range of activities including our 4,000 square foot arcade and laser tag arena. We also offer on-site catering, meaning you can focus on your event while we handle the details. Choose from a variety of menu options or work with our chefs to create a personalized one.
Tips for Choosing a Corporate Holiday Party Venue
With so many options, choosing the best corporate holiday party venue isn’t always easy, but with enough thought and planning, you can find a spot that will make your party a success. Here, we cover a few tips to make it happen.
Decide on a Budget
Before you start researching Chicago holiday party venues, you’ll want to set a budget. Your budget will dictate what types of venues you can afford and how much you can spend on other aspects of the party like catering and entertainment.
Estimate the Guest Count
Start by sending save-the-dates or doing a survey to get an approximate headcount for the party. A general rule of thumb is to send invites eight weeks before the event. Venues typically have capacity limits, so make sure the space can comfortably host your guests without feeling too crowded.
Choose a Central Location
As you’re researching Chicago holiday party venues, think about whether the venue is near public transportation, if it has enough parking, and whether it’s easy to reach from your office. Your venue should be accessible to your guests.
Ask About Catering
Throwing a great holiday office party means serving excellent food and drink. Check if the venue offers in-house catering and whether they can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options.
Consider the Winter Weather
If you’re thinking about an outdoor venue or rooftop space, make sure it has heated areas or indoor options in case the weather turns snowy. To avoid potential discomfort, we recommend picking an indoor venue like Wintrust Sports Complex with climate-controlled event areas.
Contact Wintrust Sports Complex to Book Your Chicago Holiday Event
Ready to start planning your Chicago holiday event? Wintrust Sports Complex’s state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility is here to help. We’re conveniently located in Bedford Park, Chicago and we offer a wide range of options for holiday parties of all sizes. Contact us today to learn more!
