After months of social distancing and limited gatherings, the upcoming traditional holiday work party may seem a bit uncertain and pending. You may be wondering how to host a holiday work party this season that is still festive and fun, but remains safe for your entire team. What are the options out there? Should your event be virtual, in-person, or hybrid? We know that with just some imagination and a few adjustments, there are plenty of unique and engaging ways to host a safe corporate holiday party this season! 

• Decide Between a Virtual, in-Person or Hybrid Party

2021 requires one extra step in planning your holiday work party, thanks to the global pandemic. First, you need to decide how your event will be hosted. When the pandemic first came about, all in-person events went strictly virtual. Since then, the events industry has worked incredibly hard to create a third possibility, hybrid events, as our world has slowly started to open back up. This last option allows for the most amount of people to be included safely in your holiday work party. Choose what kind of hosting best suits your holiday party this year based on your company’s current gathering policy. 

Now that you’ve decided how your event will be held, here are some fun and unique holiday work party ideas:

• Game Night

Whether you’re meeting in-person, virtually, or both, you can count on a game night to get everyone in a silly and competitive mood. Get the party started with a trivia night! Your team can tune in on Zoom and/or in person and play a few rounds. Working in couples or small groups definitely makes it more fun and collaborative. Since it is a holiday work party, add in some holiday-themed questions and offer an exciting prize to enhance the competition!

If your office is now entirely remote or just prefers to go virtual this season, online versions of escape rooms, murder mystery parties, charades, and more, are all just as easy as getting together in person! This inclusive option allows your team to relax and play from the comfort of their homes.

• Holiday Scavenger Hunt

While your employees will probably appreciate a party at the office, they’ll love a day out even more! A change in scenery and doing something active often brings people together and lifts spirits. Take the afternoon off and try a holiday scavenger hunt! Scavenger hunts are a fun and affordable way to get the team having a blast and working together. Preparing a scavenger hunt does involve some work. You need to search locations, collect the materials and set up clues, but there are loads of nifty websites that can help you get started and figure out all of the logistics. Set your guests loose in the city and get their brains working with a list of holiday-themed riddles and/or objects to find. Make it a little more competitive and offer an exciting prize. The first person or team to complete the hunt wins! 

• Live Entertainment

Do you want a magician at your holiday party this year? How about an Elvis impersonator or a stand-up comedian? A lively and interactive performance can take your holiday work party to the next level. Try choosing entertainment that your team hasn’t ever experienced before. Many performers have now created innovative virtual performances in addition to their traditional live showings, making this a perfect solution for a hybrid work party. Be sure to plan ahead of time and book well in advance. Choosing professional entertainment is sure to make your holiday work party unforgettable!

• Cooking Classes

Whether your team is into sushi or homemade pasta, a large variety of live, interactive online cooking classes are a great way for your team to work together and make memories during your holiday work party. Get the conversation flowing and learn new skills from talented chefs and devour a scrumptious meal at the end of the night! What kind of cuisine will challenge your team and get them excited? Browse the cooking classes near you and pick your favorite! 

• Mixology Classes

Cooking not your thing? Shake it up with a cocktail hour and learn to master the art of cocktails with an interactive mixology class. Keep things festive and choose a class that offers holiday mixed drinks like boozy hot cocoa or spiced eggnog cocktails! Your team will learn to understand the art and science of mixology and leave feeling inspired and ready to create!

Do you have some team members that don’t or can’t drink alcohol? Be sure to check with the mixology class to see if they offer mocktails too. Everyone in your group should be able to indulge and have fun!

• Wine, Beer, or Whiskey Tastings

If you’re hosting an adults-only event, a tasting soirée makes a fun and posh holiday party! Wine, beer, or whiskey tastings can open your eyes to the world of gourmet drinks and food pairings you always dreamt of! Wine tastings connect your team with world-renowned sommeliers, while a chef will provide recipes for delicious foods that perfectly complement each glass of wine. If your team prefers a fresh lager or IPA over a glass of pinot noir, consider a beer tasting for your holiday work party. For something different, try whiskey tasting and sample flights of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch from around the world. These tastings are a special and immersive way to connect with colleagues while enjoying your drink of choice.

The holiday season may look a bit different this year, but it’s still possible to curate a fun and innovative holiday party that is sure to bring joy to everyone in the office! Hosting your party this season will just need a little imagination and creativity. Don’t forget that the best gift of the season is spending quality time with your team and making them feel appreciated. Make this year’s holiday work party a memorable one! If you are still feeling stumped and unsure what kind of party you should throw, contact the experts at Wizard Studios for all your holiday event’s needs!