Hosting the best holiday party for the office.

Want to surprise your coworkers? Tired of the same office party set-up? Left it to the last minute? Then look no further. Here’s some compiled office holiday party ideas of how to spice up the office bash (or to provide inspo for next year).

BAKIN IT, MAKIN IT

Holiday parties focused on making or baking or decorating can be a whole heap of fun. It’s a great team building exercise, and everyone has something to take home at the end of the session.

BREWIN IT

Going to a brewery is a bit of a cheat, but trust us, they’ll love you for this. These days, there’s practically a micro-brewery on every street corner, staffed entirely by people with beards and flannel shirts, so you won’t be out of options. Most places also have other drinks on hand, for those not fond of beer.

THEMED PARTIES

I’m not a big believer in themed parties, but I appear to be in the minority here. Themed parties are often a bit too restrictive, and the themes are generally fairly uninspiring. I can’t count the amount of 80s themed parties I’ve been to. If you feel like you must do a theme, go for something that can have multiple interpretations. For example: “Space Opera” – it’s specific enough and it’s vague enough. The duality ensures you’ll get a strong mix of people in silver, glittery dresses, to people in full blown alien outfits, and a bunch of die hard fans in Star Wars get up. A solid combo.

Low budget? No worries

Little bit less in the party kitty this year? Never fear, with enough holiday spirit, you can go a long way by just hosting it in the office. Think a holiday breakfast or lunch, or a Christmas movie night with drinks, snacks, and fairy lights. Elf, Home Alone, and It’s a Wonderful Life are all classics. But if you’re thinking of off kilter Christmas watches, then there’s plenty to choose from: Die Hard, Batman Returns, Edward Scissorhands, and even Cast Away.

0% Alcohol

Nowadays a lot of people don’t drink, for a variety of reasons. Chances are you have some teetotallers in your office. Office parties tend to be heavily focused around drinking, and while the argument that you don’t need booze to have fun may ring true, it’s still pretty boring to be around coworkers who are completely battered when you’re stone cold sober. Make it fair by having a meal or party in the evening, preceded by a fun afternoon activity with no alcohol involved. Anything from go-karting to escape rooms, and from VR gaming or a trip to the zoo.

HOME TIME

Ensuring you’re employees get home safely can go a long way after the office party. Either through giving out gift cards for Uber, Lyft, or ViaVan, or booking some pre-paid taxis. It’ll make you sleep easier knowing everyone got home safe, and shows your employees that you care. You can’t put a price on safety, so dipping into the party budget for this is worth it. If you want to read more on how to keep your staff safe at Christmas, check out our article on it here.

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