As the year draws to a close, hosting a holiday office party is a great way to get together outside the workplace and celebrate your company’s achievements. Though planning big events isn’t always easy, with the right preparation, you can host a memorable holiday office party that your employees will love. 

In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why you should host a holiday party event, share a step by step guide to planning a Christmas party in Chicago, and discuss why Wintrust Sports Complex would make a great venue for the big event. 

Should You Host a Holiday Party Event? 

There are many great reasons why you should host a holiday party event. For many, holiday parties are a chance to take a break from the regular work routine and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. Holiday office parties can also help teams bond and boost morale since social events outside the office encourage employees to connect on a more personal level. This can be especially valuable for large companies or teams working remotely, where employees may not have a chance to interact face-to-face. Finally, hosting a holiday party event is an excellent way to show employees that their hard work throughout the year has been appreciated. 

Step by Step Guide to Planning a Christmas Party in Chicago

Though throwing a Christmas party in Chicago will take some planning, with the right preparation, your holiday office party will be a hit. Here, we offer a step by step guide to planning the big event. 

Set a Budget

Before making any decisions, determine how much money you want to spend on the party. Setting a budget will help guide your choices for the venue, food, entertainment, and décor. 

Pick a Date and Time

The holiday season is busy for everyone, so it’s important to choose a date that works for the majority of the staff. Fridays or Thursdays in mid-December tend to be popular choices for Christmas parties in Chicago since they give employees a chance to enjoy the festivities without worrying about an early start the next day. Send out save-the-dates as soon as you confirm the details to make sure people can attend.

Choose a Venue

Your budget and the size of your company will help determine whether the party should be held at the office or at a company holiday party venue. For a small, casual gathering, your office space may work fine. However, if you want to host a more formal affair, if you have a larger guest list, or if you want to make your party more special, renting an event space may be ideal. When choosing a venue, make sure it’s located in a central location and has enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Plan the Menu

As you’re planning the menu, it’s a good idea to consider your guests’ preferences and ask about dietary restrictions. If you’re hosting the event at a location like Wintrust Sports Complex that provides on-site catering, work with the venue to nail down the menu. If your budget allows, you can also include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options like a hot chocolate bar or festive cocktails.

Arrange Entertainment and Activities

Entertainment can range from a simple playlist of holiday tunes to a DJ or live band, depending on the atmosphere you want to create. You can also plan activities like a photo booth, karaoke, or games. If you want to add a charitable twist to the event, consider organizing a gift exchange or charity drive to support a cause. Raffles, contests, and prizes are great holiday office party activities. 

Send Invitations and Get RSVPs

Once all the details are in place, send out formal invitations with the event date, time, location, theme, and dress code. A general rule of thumb is to send invites eight weeks before the event. Make sure to include an RSVP so you can track attendance, which will help with planning food, seating, and activities. Encourage early responses by setting a deadline.

Why Wintrust Sports Complex is the Perfect Holiday Party Venue 

Looking for the perfect spot for your holiday celebration? Wintrust Sports Complex is one of the best company holiday party venues in Chicago. Here, we cover a few of the reasons you’ll love hosting with us. 

On-Site Catering 

Wintrust Sports Complex offers 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. No need for the headache and complexity of external vendors. Everything is handled in-house.

Space for Large and Small Groups 

Our sports complex is both modern and inviting, making it the perfect spot to host your next holiday party event. Whether you’re throwing a large event or a small one, we have options for mingling, dining, and games all throughout our 72,000 square foot center. 

Indoor Comfort

Winter weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, but hosting your Christmas party at our indoor center means you won’t be affected by cold, snow, or rain. We offer a climate-controlled event area, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.

Family-Friendly

Looking to host a family-friendly Christmas party in Chicago? Wintrust Sports Complex welcomes guests of all ages. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a range of activities including our 4,000 square foot arcade and laser tag arena. 

Affordable Pricing

Our event packages are more affordable than traditional venues of the same size, especially if you’re throwing a party for a large group. We also offer deals that include access to activities and equipment for those who want an all-inclusive option.

Experienced Event Coordinators

Our Wintrust Sports Complex team is here to help your party run smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your event. We’ll work with you to understand your plans and make them happen, including coordinating with vendors, managing timelines, and addressing last-minute changes. 

Host Your Office Holiday Party at Wintrust Sports Complex 

Ready to start planning a Christmas office party in Chicago? Wintrust Sports Complex’s state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility is conveniently located in Bedford Park, Chicago, and we welcome groups of all sizes. Contact us today to learn more about hosting your holiday office party with us!