Best Office Holiday Party Locations

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

holiday party in restaurant

There are many options for office holiday party locations, especially in a city as large as Chicago. From classic choices such as a restaurant to unique spaces like the zoo and activities such as bowling or an arcade, there is plenty to choose from. Wintrust Sports Complex combines a restaurant, arcade, laser tag arena, and sports facility all into one, making it the best office holiday party location. 

Food and Drink Venues

Restaurants, breweries, and other food and drink-based venues are usually one of the first thoughts for Christmas party venues. No matter where you’re looking to celebrate, there is bound to be at least one restaurant that can accommodate your group. Plus, having a party at a restaurant takes “finding a caterer” right off the to-do list. 

Restaurants 

Restaurants often have private dining rooms, the option to rent the entire space, or the ability to simply reserve a table depending on your group size. When it comes to office holiday parties, popular restaurants may book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve your space early. 

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Rooftop Bars

If the weather allows, rooftop bars can provide stunning city views, quality food and drink, and a lively atmosphere for an office holiday party. Many rooftop bars even adapt their outdoor space for colder weather with fireplaces and heaters, even igloos, and themed ice bars. 

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

Breweries, distilleries, and even some wineries offer a laid-back, more casual atmosphere. With the rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages and NA beers, even coworkers who choose not to drink can enjoy the environment. Many breweries are known for being family-friendly and dog-friendly, and even those that do not have a kitchen often partner with local restaurants or food trucks. 

Cultural Venues 

Combining a holiday party with a taste of art, culture, and history is a win-win situation. Plus, many of these cultural venues are non-profits, and money spent on renting event spaces will support the institutions. 

Theaters and Performing Arts Venues

Theaters and performing arts venues add a dramatic flair to your holiday party, which fits especially well if your holiday party is also an annual employee recognition or awards ceremony. Many performing arts spaces and venues have specific areas you can rent out for your own event. You can even offer employees the option of catching a show or performance before or after your company gathering. 

Museums and Cultural Venues

Hosting your party in a museum or cultural venue, such as a historic home adds a touch of sophistication and culture. Employees can enjoy museum exhibits and historical holiday decorations, all while mingling. Some museums offer very unique event spaces. For example, the Field Museum’s Stanley Field Hall offers the chance for an event among  African elephants flying pterosaurs and Máximo the Titanosaur.

Botanical Gardens and Conservatories

Gardens and conservations blend parties with nature at any time of year.  Botanical gardens offer indoor and outdoor spaces, and the perfect opportunity for a festive, yet tranquil office holiday party.

Aquariums and Zoos 

A zoo or aquarium venue for a Christmas party is sure to be memorable. These places are often covered in lights and decorations for the holiday season, making it even more festive. The Lincoln Park Zoo has venues perfect for as few as ten people, or the ability to rent out the entire zoo for a crowd of 20,000. Both Zoos and aquariums offer the chance to visit wildlife, while still enjoying your corporate party. 

Cruise Ships and Yachts

With Chicago bordering Lake Michigan and being home to the Chicago River, there are opportunities to host holiday parties on a boat. Private charters and event packages offer a wide range of services, food and drink options, and of course, price range. 

Convention and Conference Centers 

These are large, flexible event venues that can host thousands of people. Centers are often bare and simple in design and ready to be decorated to fit your event. Conference and convention centers can be great holiday party locations for a massive team, especially if folks are traveling from other areas. However, no matter how well decorated, a convention center can still feel more like an industry conference than a Christmas party venue. 

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Activity-Based Venues

Hosting an office holiday party at a venue that offers activities like bowling, escape rooms, or laser tag can add an element of fun and engagement to your holiday party. This option is great for team-building. Looking at a list of places where children’s birthday parties are held can give you plenty of ideas for an office holiday party. These activity-based venues are not limited to kid’s parties! They also add a sense of nostalgia and often some friendly competition. Before choosing an activity-based venue, be sure to ask the team what activities they may enjoy and what activities they are able to participate in. 

Activities that require slight levels of athletic ability include a paintball competition, an indoor rock climbing party, or an evening at a roller or ice skating rink. However, these are all still casual and generally have a fun and inviting atmosphere. 

Less active, energetic activities can include bowling, mini golf, axe throwing, and escape rooms. 

Many venues with these activities offer party packages with food and drinks. 

Activities geared more toward adults include karaoke bars and a paint-and-sip activity.  While no rule says everyone has to drink alcohol at these events, confirm any corporate alcohol policies and your team’s comfort level with alcohol-based events before booking anything. 

Sports Clubs

Sports-oriented clubs and venues such as sports complexes offer space for team-building activities, games, or large gatherings. Wintrust Sports Complex’s hardwood gym space is the perfect blank slate for any type of event. The space can be dressed up and filled with tables and chairs for a party, or left as a gym for some classic corporate holiday party dodgeball! 

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Laser Tag

Laser tag arenas, such as Wintrust Sports Complex’s 2000 square foot arena, are the perfect holiday party location to blend activity, friendly competition, and nostalgia. After a few rounds of laser tag, enjoy a catered meal or head on over to The Station Grille restaurant for a sit-down dinner and some drinks. 

Arcades 

Why should your office holiday party be at an arcade? The better question is, “Why not?” Arcade games are known to relieve stress, and they can also encourage socialization and camaraderie among employees. Arcades like Wintrust’s 4,000-square-foot redemption arcade are the perfect spot for your office holiday party!

Wintrust Sports Complex is the Best Holiday Party Location 

Wintrust Sports Complex is a perfect holiday party venue in Chicago. Our facility has plenty of options to customize your company holiday party to your needs for nearly any size team. The Station Grille,  gym, arcade, and laser tag arena can all host your next office holiday party!