Written by Lindsey Chronert

Planning a holiday party for your company amidst personal plans, travel, and end-of-year deadlines can feel overwhelming. Your team deserves an event that celebrates their hard work and fosters a sense of togetherness. Here are eight unique and exciting ideas and venue recommendations to make your corporate holiday party unforgettable.

Enchanted Forest

Immerse your guests in a magical realm with an Enchanted Forest theme—drawing inspiration from Narnia, Harry Potter or Court of Thorns & Roses. Transform the venue into a whimsical woodland with lush greenery, twinkling fairy lights, and faux snow. Enhance the atmosphere with enchanted creatures and interactive elements like a crystal ball or tarot card reader. This theme offers an enchanting experience combining fantasy with elegance.

Suggested Venue: Venue 808, Flora

Après Ski

Create a chic, warm and inviting atmosphere with an Après Ski theme. Use wooden accents and faux fur throws to evoke the charm of a luxe mountain lodge. Modernize the look with branded elements, glasses of champagne, and freshly shucked oysters. Add ski-themed elements like branded skis or even a chairlift photobooth. This theme combines nostalgia with a modern twist—evoking a sense of travel, luxury, cheer, and warmth.

Venue suggestions: Ultimate Skybox, Elks Lodge, Leichtag’s The Hive, Fox Point Farms

Tropical Holiday Party

Escape the winter cold with a tropical holiday party theme. Transform your event space with warm colors, tiki drinks, slow-roasted meats, palms and foliage. Set up a tiki bar serving tropical cocktails and a menu featuring fresh seafood, island flavors and tropical fruits. Enhance the tropical feel with a steel drum band. This theme provides a lively and festive escape, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Suggested Venues: Your Boss’ House, Coronado Community Center, Scripps Seaside Forum

Disco Holiday Extravaganza

Bring a vibrant and energetic vibe to your corporate holiday party with a Disco Holiday theme. Set the stage with a giant dazzling disco ball, colorful LED lights, and a light up dance floor that encourages guests to groove. Bring in a roller rink (yes, that’s a thing) or encourage guests to dress up for a night of fun. Use bold, metallic and retro décor to enhance the disco atmosphere.

Suggested Venues: Building 177, Luce on Kettner, Julep

Polar Express Adventure

Take your guests and their kiddos on a magical journey with a Polar Express theme for your corporate holiday party. Decorate with elements from the beloved story, such as a replica train, twinkling stars, and snowy landscapes. Serve hot chocolate and cookies and go big and bold with the festive holiday decorations. Consider hiring a storyteller to read from the book or setting up a miniature train ride for an immersive experience. This theme brings nostalgia and wonder and makes for a perfect for a family-friendly corporate event.

Suggested Venue: North Promenade at Liberty Station, Flower Fields, Mission Bay Beach Club, Campus of Life

Rat Pack Holidays

Step back in time to the glamorous era of the Rat Pack with a holiday party theme inspired by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Encourage guests to dress in suits and ties or elegant cocktail dresses. Decorate with vintage Hollywood glam, including black and white photos, velvet drapes, and classic holiday tunes from the Rat Pack era. Serve classic cocktails and gourmet hors d'oeuvres to complete the sophisticated atmosphere.

Suggested Venues: MCASD, Veloce Motors The Vault, Garage Collective, The Guild Hotel

Felices Fiestas

Celebrate the holidays with a tasteful and vibrant Latin themed corporate holiday party. The “Felices Fiestas” theme brings in festive lights, live music and delicious catering. Offer a menu featuring Latin holiday dishes such as tamales, tacos, empanadas, and churros. Include lively entertainment like a Mariachi band or salsa dancers to keep the energy high. This theme brings warmth, joy, and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for a dynamic corporate holiday party.

Suggested Venues: One Bunk, Darlington House, Junipero Serra

Land of Snow

Create a sophisticated holiday party atmosphere with a Nutcracker-inspired Land of Snow theme. Decorate with icy blue tones, glittering snowflakes, and nutcracker soldiers. Add luxury elements like a seafood bar with fresh caviar and an ice luge for cocktails. Include a live performance of the Nutcracker Suite or an ice sculpture display for a grand touch. Opulent, charming and ideal for a high-end corporate event.

Suggested Venues: The Lane, Private Loft, Adams Ave Theater