How to Plan a Holiday Office Party (That Won’t Get as Crazy as Office Christmas Party)

We all remember the chaos that ensued in Office Christmas Party. If you haven't seen it, think corporate mayhem with enough holiday spirit (and adult beverages) to fuel some questionable decisions. Now, if you're reading this, I’m guessing you want your holiday office party to be memorable—but maybe not that memorable. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to plan a festive, fun, and dare I say, responsible office party, with a few perfect venues that will keep things classy, but still entertaining.

Scroll down to find out how to plan an office holiday party!

1. Choose a Venue That Matches Your Team's Vibe

The venue sets the tone for the whole event. Do you want a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere or something more laid-back and fun? No matter your office vibe, there’s a perfect spot in NYC or beyond to host your holiday party.

Step into the cozy charm of The Laurels

The Laurels is a charming venue in the East Village that’s perfect if you want to keep things cozy and stylish. Its rustic-chic décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday retreat, minus the awkward family conversations. With a warm, intimate setting, this space is great for a smaller office that wants a festive but relaxed evening.

Learn more about The Laurels here!

Vibrant, modern, and full of energy

If you want to go a little more “wow” without turning your party into a movie-worthy disaster, check out Purple Bee. Located in Volente, Texas this venue is bright, modern, and full of vibrant energy. It’s great if your office crew leans toward a younger, creative crowd that wants a colorful, Instagram-worthy backdrop for their party selfies.

Learn more about Purple Bee here!

2. Add a Little Extra Fun

Let’s face it, sometimes “traditional” office parties can feel a bit...boring. Spice things up by adding some unexpected activities to keep everyone entertained (and awake) as the night goes on.

ime for games, cocktails, and plenty of nostalgia.

Freeplay Bar Arcade – Worcester is the perfect venue if you want to give your coworkers a chance to unleash their inner kid. It’s basically an adult playground—imagine throwing a holiday party where everyone can compete in arcade games, sip on cocktails, and relive the glory days of Pac-Man and Street Fighter. Bonus: It’s a great way to see which coworkers are secretly super competitive (watch out for Bob from accounting).

Learn more about Freeplay Arcade Bar here!

3. Offer Food and Drinks People Actually Like

Your team probably doesn’t want the same old sad catered sandwiches and warm soda for their holiday party. Give them something they’ll actually be excited about—because everyone knows the real MVPs of any holiday party are the food and drinks.

Warm up your holiday party with Southern comfort food at Greer Southern Table

Greer Southern Table in Norwalk, Connecticut, brings the comfort of Southern cuisine to your holiday gathering. Think fried chicken, mac and cheese, and classic comfort food done right. This venue is perfect if you want to add a warm, down-home touch to your party that makes everyone feel like they’re celebrating at Grandma’s house (but with better cocktails).

Learn more about Greer Southern Table here!

Celebrate the season in plant-based style at Plant City.

For plant-based or health-conscious teams, Plant City in Providence is a dream come true. This fully vegan food hall offers a variety of delicious plant-based dishes, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for health. Whether your office is full of vegans or just trying to keep things a little lighter this season, this venue has everyone covered.

Learn more about Plant City here!

4. Keep the Rooftop Vibes Alive

There’s something magical about a rooftop holiday party—city skyline views, twinkling lights, and crisp winter air (just don’t forget your coat!). If you’re looking for a rooftop experience that feels exclusive but without the Office Christmas Party levels of chaos, WallFlower in the West Village has you covered.

Enjoy holiday vibes with rooftop views and cozy cocktails

With its stylish rooftop space and cozy Parisian-inspired atmosphere, WallFlower offers the perfect setting for a classy yet fun office holiday gathering. Sip on killer cocktails while enjoying the rooftop views, and rest easy knowing the vibe will stay festive without turning into a wild office legend. It’s the ideal mix of sophistication and holiday cheer!

Learn more about WallFlower here!

Ready to Plan Your Office Holiday Party?

There you have it—no need to recreate the wild scenes from Office Christmas Party (unless that’s your thing, in which case, good luck). With the right venue, good food, fun activities, and just the right amount of holiday cheer, you can throw a party that your office will love—without anyone needing to call HR the next day.

Check out venues like The Laurels, Purple Bee, Greer Southern Table, Plant City, Freeplay Bar Arcade, and WallFlower on RestauRent, and start planning your unforgettable (and HR-friendly) office holiday party today!