Holiday Party Planning in 2025

Trends, tips, and creative ideas to make this year’s celebrations unforgettable.

Part One of Three

Holiday party planning 2025 isn’t what it used to be. It used to be simple (or you could make it an over-the-top snow globe, of course): the boss tells HR to “put something together,” a committee is formed, the guest count gets determined, a date is picked, a venue booked, menu selected, DJ in the corner, poinsettias on every table, open bar — done and dusted.

But 2025 is different. Hybrid teams, shifting priorities, tighter budgets, and changing employee expectations mean companies are rethinking how they celebrate — and what makes a holiday gathering worth showing up for.

“I’ve seen a lot of corporate holiday parties over the years, and the ones checking a box and making attendance mandatory ‘just because’ are missing the opportunity to build company culture and morale.
If you’re going to host an end-of-year party, make the most of it — make a great memory.”
— Dawn Williams, VendrHub/VenuHub

When’s the Best Time to Book Your Holiday Party Venue?

People ask this all the time, but here’s the honest answer: as soon as you know your date, guest count, vision, and preliminary budget — book it. That’s your moment. Waiting “just to wait” doesn’t help you.

The real question most people are asking is: “If I wait until November, will there still be venues available?”

• For large groups (500+ guests) → Venue options are slim, and the most popular spaces are already booking into November and December.

• For smaller teams → You’ll have more flexibility, but inventory shrinks and those prime dates disappear quickly if you wait too long.

• Pre-pandemic, larger companies often booked the following year’s party before that year’s even happened.

What Employees Actually Want at Holiday Parties

Employees today are craving flexibility, connection, and choice — not mandatory mingling and late-night open bars.

This Reddit comment nails it:

“Any event should have a barely-participate option. Topgolf is excellent… improv or pottery or even VR require people to participate, and no one fucking likes to be voluntold what to do outside of work.”

Should you take the hint: choose interactive but optional activities that give people permission to join in or hang back without pressure.

Experiences That Bring People Together

The best events now focus on memorable, shareable moments instead of predictable buffets and background DJs:

• Holey Moley → Denver-themed indoor mini golf with fun event spaces and an incredible catering menu.

• The Plant Gallery → Wine, cheese, and terrarium-building workshops for hands-on, relaxed team time.

• Crafty Chassis (Kiki’s mobile craft truck) → Make keychains, sun catchers, or photo frames — she brings the activity to you.

• Blanchard Family Wines → Cozy LoDo wine tastings with curated pairings for elevated, laid-back groups.

• Southern Gourmet Catering Co → Build-your-own taco bars — endlessly popular, easy, and social.

• Fun Productions → Giant cup pong, Jenga, Connect Four, and throwing stars. Colorado’s largest inventory of life-sized games.

• The Lobby Restaurant → Brunch parties + mimosa stations are becoming the go-to for companies preferring daytime celebrations.

• Kara Kara → A build-your-own bouquet bar with fresh seasonal flowers, ribbons, and greenery — guests create their own floral takeaway to enjoy at home.

• Bridget’s Botanicals → Design your own tea or essential oil blends with Bridget’s guidance — a calming, wellness-forward hands-on activity that works beautifully for hybrid teams. Plus you get a take away gift!

Holiday parties are evolving.

Employees want experiences over expectations, planners can always book early, and the most successful events are designed to bring people together without forcing connection.

Use the form at VendrHub to connect with Colorado’s best florists, planners, décor pros, entertainment companies, DJs, photo booths, caterers, and more — all in one place.