Every year the same question, every year the same December stress: what are we doing for the Christmas party? Here are 15 work Christmas party ideas that we have produced ourselves or would love to produce, from a cosy chalet evening to a full experience world.
Classic work Christmas party ideas, rethought
1. The chalet in the city: Alpine chalet atmosphere without the journey. Wood, sheepskins and raclette, just like our format The X-mas Hütte.
2. A winter market instead of a banquet: market stalls with food and crafts, mulled wine and time to wander. Scaled up as an experience world, like Zurich’s Finest Christmas Market.
3. Christmas dinner with a year-in-review show: the company takes centre stage, with video clips, awards and anecdotes.
4. A fondue tram or boat: a moving venue, limited seats, bags of charm.
5. Casino Royale: black tie, gaming tables and a charity pot.
For teams who do not like banquets
6. Team cook-off: the Christmas menu is created together.
7. Murder mystery dinner: a case to crack between courses.
8. Winter Olympics: curling on ice, punch pong and a sledge relay, followed by an evening in a mountain hut.
9. Concert or comedy night: an act that suits your people, instead of the obligatory DJ.
10. Charity Christmas: do some good together, then eat together.
For special years
11. The double celebration: Christmas party and anniversary or milestone in a single evening.
12. Family Christmas: a children’s programme in the afternoon, a party for the grown-ups in the evening.
13. Mountain Christmas: cable car, torchlit walk, mountain hut. Davos and St. Moritz create December magic all by themselves.
14. A New Year kick-off instead of December stress: in January venues are free, prices are better and diaries are empty.
15. The quiet format: a small, refined dinner in a special setting instead of a big event, for years when loud does not feel right.
The most important tip: book early
The best Christmas party idea falls apart in a packed December diary. In Zurich, venues for the first half of December are in short supply from August. If you want the idea and the delivery under one roof, we will produce your corporate Christmas party, from suggesting the format to running it on the night.
FAQFrequently asked questions about the work Christmas party
When should you start planning the Christmas party?
Settle the format and venue by August at the latest, because December dates get scarce after that. The detailed planning can follow until October.
How much does a work Christmas party cost per head?
CHF 120 to 250 per head for classic formats with food and a programme. Experience worlds and galas cost more, January dates usually considerably less.
A Christmas party in January: does that really work?
Brilliantly. As a New Year occasion it combines looking back with setting off, nobody is caught up in the pre-Christmas rush, and venues cost less. Many teams see it as an upgrade, not a postponement.
