Corporate holiday parties have long been a staple of company culture, but employees increasingly find them outdated and unappealing. As a result, the number of companies hosting holiday events has dropped significantly, from 90% to 64%. Yet when they’re done well, corporate holiday parties are the highlight of the year.
So, how do you avoid the shame of throwing a lackluster party no one wants to attend? Pay attention to the nine event trends you’ll regret ignoring at your next corporate holiday bash.
1. Meaningful Interactions
Today’s employees value their time and expect employers to value them as people. That’s why meaningful interactions are a top trend in successful corporate holiday parties. Give your employees what they want with fun activities that encourage meaningful interaction, like:
-
- Ice skating
- Art lessons
- Escape rooms
- Cookie decorating
- Gourmet cooking classes
2. Intimate Gatherings
Along with a preference for more meaningful interactions, there has been a shift toward intimate gatherings. Instead of a huge party where guests don’t spend much time with one another, consider booking a smaller venue, and provide plenty of cozy seating arrangements that invite guests to take a break from the festivities to enjoy some good conversation.
3. Inclusivity
We live in a multicultural world, and nowhere is that more evident than right here in NYC. That’s why one of the biggest trends in corporate holiday parties is inclusivity. Make sure all your guests feel welcomed and respected by incorporating a wide range of holiday decor and traditions into your party or by choosing a neutral theme, like winter wonderland.
4. Non-Alcoholic Drink Options
Offering non-alcoholic drink options has become a top trend for corporate holiday parties. It shows respect for employees struggling with sobriety, provides fun and tasty drinks for those who choose not to consume alcohol, and reduces the risk that guests overindulge and slip into bad behavior.
Ways to incorporate the trend:
-
- Mocktail mixing class
- Gourmet coffee bar
- Craft sodas
- Zero-proof cocktails
- Water infused with fruit or herbs
5. Zero-Waste Catering
Guests want to feel good about attending parties, not guilty over huge amounts of trash and wasted food. Embrace the trend of zero-waste catering by:
-
- Substituting single-use plastics with reusable containers and cutlery.
- Using locally-sourced ingredients.
- Recycling.
- Composting.
- Donating leftovers.
6. Immersive Events
With so many competing demands around the holidays, your employees need to feel like your party is worth attending. Turn your holiday party into an immersive experience guests won’t want to miss with:
-
- Themed parties.
- Interactive games.
- A stunning venue.
- Innovative performers.
- 7. AI Photobooths
Photobooths have always been fun, but AI takes them to a whole new level. Your employees will love creating and sharing Insta-worthy photos of themselves as movie stars, superheroes, and rockstars, or surrounded by stunning backgrounds.
Bonus: AI can incorporate your branding, too.
8. Friendly Competition With a Charitable Twist
While it’s tacky to expect your employees to fork over their hard-earned money for a corporate holiday party, many people welcome the opportunity to be charitable during the holiday season, especially when it comes in the form of friendly competition.
Try:
-
- A team competition to see which department collects the most toys for donation.
- A cookie-decorating contest, where the cookies donated to a homeless shelter after.
- A scavenger hunt, where the prize is a corporate donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.
9. Virtual and Hybrid Events
Corporate teams are increasingly global, making it difficult for everyone to attend parties in person. Virtual and hybrid events ensure no one has to miss the festivities.
Pro tip: Seamlessly integrating the virtual experience is essential for a successful hybrid event. It’s wise to hire professionals, like the event planners at EMRG Media, to ensure all your guests have an amazing time.
Make Your Next Holiday Party a Hit With EMRG
The expectations for corporate holiday parties are constantly evolving. Take the guesswork out of your holiday festivities by hiring the pros at EMRG media to plan your next holiday bash.
Are you an event-planning pro who wants to stay on top of the very latest corporate event trends? You can’t afford to miss the events industry’s premier conference… The Event Planner Expo 2025, happening right here in NYC in just a couple of short weeks. Get your tickets here!
