As the holiday season approaches, many businesses are looking for ways to close out the year on a high note. Planning an office holiday party can be a great way to show appreciation for your employees and give everyone a chance to celebrate the season outside of work. In a city as vibrant as Chicago, you have countless options for food, activities, and entertainment. Here, we go over how to choose a holiday party venue in Chicago, holiday activities ideas for the event, and our top tips for throwing the best holiday office party ever.
Tips for Choosing a Holiday Party Venue in Chicago
The venue you choose for your office holiday party will set the tone for the event and can even impact how much fun people have. With so many options, selecting the perfect space isn’t always easy, but with enough thought and planning, you can choose a venue that will make your party a success.
Decide on a Budget
Before you start researching holiday party venues in Chicago, you’ll want to establish a budget. Your budget will dictate what types of venues are within reach and how much you can spend on other parts of the party like catering, décor, and entertainment. Be sure to include potential extra costs like service fees, taxes, and tips. If you’re working with a smaller budget, look for venues that offer in-house catering or allow you to bring your own food and drinks.
Estimate the Guest Count
Start by sending out a save-the-date or doing a survey to get an approximate headcount. A general rule of thumb is to send invites eight weeks before the event. Venues typically offer capacity limits, so make sure the space can comfortably accommodate your guests without feeling too crowded. A venue that’s too large can make the event feel empty, while one that’s too small will make people feel cramped and uncomfortable.
Choose a Central Location
Your venue should be accessible to your employees. As you’re researching holiday party venues in Chicago, think about whether the venue is near public transportation, if it has enough parking, and whether it’s easy to reach from your office. If most of your employees will need to travel far, you could consider providing transportation.
Ask About Catering and Beverage Options
Part of throwing the best holiday office party of the year involves serving great 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. Some venues may allow you to bring in outside catering, but check with them first. When it comes to drinks, ask if the venue has a bar package or if you can bring your own alcohol. Be sure to clarify whether there are corkage fees.
Consider the Winter Weather
Office holiday parties are held during the busy winter months, and many holiday party venues in Chicago book up quickly for December events. If you have a specific date in mind, make sure you secure your venue early. Also, keep in mind 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 cold or snowy. Or, to avoid potential complications, choose an indoor venue like Wintrust Sports Complex. We offer a climate-controlled event area, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
Holiday Activities in Chicago for Your Office Party
To make your holiday office party memorable, it’s always a good idea to plan some entertainment. You might book a local band to provide music for the night or set up a photo booth with Chicago-themed props like deep dish pizza slices. For smaller teams or more laid-back events, karaoke can be a great way to break the ice, as can raffles, trivia games, or scavenger hunts. For more adventurous crowds or holiday parties that include families, Wintrust Sports Complex welcomes you to enjoy our range of activities including our 4,000 square foot arcade and laser tag arena.
Tips for Throwing the Best Holiday Office Party
Everyone wants to throw the best holiday office party, but how do you pull it off? In addition to choosing the right venue and including entertainment, we’ve put together a list of our top tips for hosting a great office holiday party.
Choose a Festive Theme
Adding a theme to your holiday office party can make the event more fun for everyone. The ideas for themes are endless, but the theme should match the general vibe of your event. For example, you could host a winter wonderland theme, transforming your venue into a magical, snowy escape. (Think twinkling lights, frosted décor, and cozy touches like hot chocolate bars or snow-themed photo booths.) For a more humorous approach, go with an ugly sweater theme. It’s casual, and fun, and you can also host a contest for the “ugliest” sweater, with prizes for the winners.
Plan a Chicago-Inspired Menu
No party in Chicago is complete without great food. As you’re planning the menu, it’s a good idea to ask about your guests’ preferences and 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.
Give Away Party Favors
If your budget allows, consider sending guests home with party favors to remember the event. You could opt for Chicago-themed gifts or gift cards to local restaurants. Even simple, personalized thank you notes can go a long way in showing appreciation for your team.
Throw the Best Holiday Office Party at Wintrust Sports Complex
Ready to start planning the best holiday 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’d love to help you host your next event. Contact us today to learn more about throwing your holiday office party with us!
