The foundation of planning a corporate holiday party is the right venue. While some businesses in the Windy City choose to hold their festive company gathering at company headquarters, others opt for a more creative off-site venue with all the holiday spirit and amenities there is to offer. For the latter, we’ve compiled a list of creative holiday party venue ideas to use—-as well as holiday entertainment options that boost company holiday party attendance.
Theater
One of our unique Chicago theaters can be quite the draw for corporate holiday party guests, offering unforgettable entertainment and the perfect setting for a themed holiday party gathering. As an added benefit, depending on the theater, this option gives companies the flexibility of holding an afternoon show away from the office or a formal evening affair. If the theater doesn’t offer entertainment during the holiday season, contact a local entertainment company about their options for a memorable holiday show.
Sports Venue
A sports stadium can be the perfect host for a one-of-a-kind event, such as a venue near Wrigley Field. For a more sophisticated atmosphere, choose a venue packed with interesting sports history, charm, and amenities. These venues can be pubs or a site filled with sports displays, such as the Chicago Sports Museum. To attract a more active crowd, opt for a venue with numerous gyms and spaces for activities that can keep guests moving and entertained.
Museum
A museum can give your corporate holiday party guests something to look forward to—and Chicago has so many wonderful museums to choose from. There are obvious choices, such as The Museum of Science and Industry of the Museum of Contemporary Art, or other wonderful museums throughout the Windy City that are suitable for an adult guest list. These holiday events can be themed to fit the venue and can be paired with appropriate cuisine and entertainment (contact us to help locate the right combination of venue and entertainers). For a family holiday event, pair one of Chicago’s children museums with holiday characters (i.e. Father Christmas, Toy Soldiers, Elves, etc.) to create a draw that employees and their families flock to.
Room with a View
The Windy City has some breath-taking views that capture the attention and leave guests talking even after the corporate holiday party is over. There are a number of options in Chicago, such as the Metropolitan in the iconic Willis Tower or the City View Loft. When guests are not enjoying the views, entertain them with one of Chicago’s favorite bands, orchestra, dueling pianos (playing holiday tunes), or a comedian that is as high-quality as the view (contact an entertainment agent to select the entertainer that fits the atmosphere and holiday party budget).
Historic Venue
Chicago is full of historic venues with unique details and one-of-a-kind stories. These venues can be the perfect site for a vintage holiday party. Depending on the venue, the event can be a jazz lounge from the Roaring 20’s or a classic diner party. Contact a local professional to select the right historic venue for the desired atmosphere and location for the target audience. Location should always be a factor when choosing a venue; this simple step can increase attendance and accessibility for guests.
Wine Cellar/Brewery
A wine cellar or brewery can be a fantastic site for a corporate holiday party venue, creating a unique backdrop and an opportunity for enjoying local tastes while networking. Add an ice bar to add a holiday flair while guests mingle and enjoy the local tastes of the Windy City. Contact an entertainment agent to locate the right wine cellar or brewery for the specific gathering, then follow up to combine a unique venue with exceptional entertainment that takes the event to another level. There may be some legal risk associated with holding a corporate holiday party at a venue associated with alcohol; contact legal counsel and an insurance provider to ensure that all bases are covered.
Bowling Lounge
A bowling lounge is the perfect foundation for an upscale and entertaining corporate holiday party. To find the right bowling venue for the desired atmosphere, contact a local and experienced Windy City entertainment agent.Â
Aquarium
There is no other Chicago venue like the Shedd Aquarium. Holiday party guests are going to rave about the displays and breath-taking views of Lake Michigan. Guests can enjoy the sights and décor; to up the ante, add subtle holiday entertainers (like carolers!). For a corporate holiday party, there is not another holiday party venue like Shedd Aquarium—or a more memorable one.
