Company Holiday Party Ideas To Surprise Your Staff

Last updated on April 13th, 2021

As businesses reopen, employees are returning to the office. With 2021 in full swing, that means another calendar packed with holidays to celebrate. But, company holiday parties have a dubious reputation of being clichéd and unimaginative. Have no fear! There are plenty of ideas that are creative and original. Need some help? We’ve got 10 company holiday party ideas that aren’t just fun; they’ll also bring your team together. So, let’s take a closer look at how you can make your next company holiday party an event to remember.

1. GAME DAY AT THE OFFICE

February may be in the books, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for 2022. Other than Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl is the most anticipated event in the shortest month of the year. For next year’s Super Bowl, host a pre-game party at the office with classic tailgating food and let your employees dress up in jerseys and t-shirts representing their favorite teams and players. And for staff who aren’t football fanatics? The Flair Exchange offers free printable Bingo cards based on those must-watch Super Bowl commercials.

2. VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT EXCHANGE

Valentine’s Day isn’t just a romantic holiday but an opportunity to show love for your employees. “Secret Cupid” works the same as “Secret Santa,” allowing co-workers to give each other gifts. Online company Draw Names has a Secret Valentine Generator that will help get you started. After sending invitations and everyone completes their wish list, names are drawn out of a virtual hat. You can anonymously access the recipient’s wish list and ask them questions, so you choose the perfect gift.

3. REWARD YOUR TEAM ON EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

Your staff works hard for you all year long. Creating an annual office tradition with a day that’s just about them will go a long way toward winning them over. The first Friday in March is Employee Appreciation Day. Time and again, research shows employees who feel appreciated are more productive and likelier to stay with their company longer. San Francisco-based company Blueboard specializes in developing meaningful and exciting employee recognition experiences that are creative and engaging.

4. ADD INSTANT IRISH TO YOUR ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY

St. Patrick’s Day is a ready-made holiday party primed for good times. Deck your office in green streamers, confetti, and plastic shamrocks, and let your employees decorate their workspaces too. If you allow alcohol, ditch that green beer and upgrade with craft brews. And Spotify’s St. Patrick’s Day playlist will have your staff feeling the luck of the Irish all day long.

5. NACHO AVERAGE CINCO DE MAYO

Celebrated each year on May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla. Here in the U.S., it’s also a day to have fun and enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine. And Mexican food is perfect for parties because most Mexican staples are easy on your company budget. Try celebrating this year’s Cinco de Mayo with build-your-own nachos and margaritas bars.

6. FESTIVE 4TH OF JULY TREATS

Bustle offers seven 4th of July company holiday party ideas that are sure to bring fireworks to your event. One that we love? Colorful desserts that get everyone in the holiday spirit. If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, whip up a batch of your famous homemade cookies and make them red, white, and blue. But, if you’re not the next Martha Stewart, there are dessert companies that offer freshly baked goods that are equally colorful and mouthwatering.

7. ENJOY THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER WITH A LABOR DAY PARTY

You know the rules, no wearing white after Labor Day, or so the fashion gods say. Before the weather cools, say goodbye to summer in style with a chic party that’s all-white. And it doesn’t have to be limited to everyone’s fashion choices. You can have fun with company holiday party ideas like these by incorporating color-coordinated decorations, like white linen tablecloths and white flowers, and desserts like a fondue station with marshmallows and angel food cake dipped in white chocolate.

8. PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY FOR SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

Halloween costume parties at work are a given by now. So, what else is there to do? Hosting a pumpkin carving party may be a little messy, but your staff will enjoy showing off their artistic side or at least providing some laughs. Maniac Pumpkin Carvers offers team-bonding virtual classes that’ll teach your team the ins and outs of pumpkin carving while having a great time in the process. You can even hold a “Best Pumpkin” contest and award the winner some fabulous prizes.

9. SKIP THE TURKEY AND HOST AN INTERNATIONAL THANKSGIVING

Your employees are about to get a major dose of tryptophan on Thanksgiving Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t whet their appetites with a smorgasbord of your own around a Thanksgiving cornucopia. Take a trip around the world without using up your vacation time with Thanksgiving catering celebrating different cultures and cuisines. From Asian-fusion to Greek and everything in between, there are plenty of vendors and caterers ready to feed your employees.

10. HOLIDAY MOVIE MARATHON FOR YOUR OFFICE PARTY

Everyone in your office is different, and some celebrate Christmas, while others may celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Plan a party that’s festive and inclusive, so all employees feel welcomed. It’s safe to say everyone has a favorite holiday movie. Whether “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Die Hard,” let your staff choose a couple of classics. While major theater chains currently rent private screenings for as little as $100, turning your office into a movie theater is also cheaper than you might think. Projectors and beanbag chairs or comfy couches can all be rented at reasonable prices. And there are a host of companies that will take care of the popcorn and other classic movie snacks.

THESE COMPANY HOLIDAY PARTY IDEAS WILL INSPIRE AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT

No matter your budget, there are company holiday party ideas perfect for your employees. If you’re still unsure of what kind of party you should throw, ask your staff. They’d enjoy a party more if they had a say in it. And, if you don’t know how to make your fun festivities a reality, there are professional companies across the U.S. who make good times happen every day. But the most important thing to remember for your party is to spend quality time with your team and celebrate all that they do for your business.