Work Holiday Party Ideas in NYC

‘Tis the season to celebrate your company’s achievements with a spectacular end-of-year work holiday party. It’s the perfect time to unwind and connect socially rather than focusing on work.

Making the final social event of the year memorable can be a challenge, especially when trying to find a venue with activities that will please everyone. But fear not—we’ve compiled a list of crowd-pleasing holiday party ideas to ensure your event is a hit.

Get Competitive 

Photo Credit: Swingers Crazy Golf 

Show off your hidden mini-golf skills and impress your colleagues. Want to raise the stakes? Swingers NoMad can organize a tournament with prizes to fuel the friendly competition.

Dance the night away to a live DJ and capture team photos against the backdrop of our iconic three courses. Recharge with delicious food from New York’s top street food vendors and expertly crafted cocktails from our mixologists.

Swingers NoMad also offers a range of festive group packages to suit various party sizes and needs. Choose the Holly Set at $57 per person or the Sleigh Set at $128 per person, both of which include rounds of mini-golf, food, drinks, and holiday-themed items. These packages allow you to customize the best experience to fit your team’s style.

Enjoy a Casual Affair at Brooklyn Winery

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Savor wine crafted from boutique vineyards and locally sourced cuisine at Brooklyn Winery. Engage in wine-themed team-building activities, including cheese and wine pairings and wine trivia.

Challenge Your Colleagues to a Gingerbread House Competition

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You don’t need to be a baking pro to enjoy this festive gingerbread house decorating competition. Form teams, build and decorate your gingerbread masterpieces using provided kits, and enjoy some sweet treats afterwards. Not into gingerbread? The venue offers catering options throughout.

Experience a Private Screening

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If your company has between 20 and 70 people and you’re looking to celebrate the year’s successes, consider booking a private screening at 100 Sutton Screening Room. Enjoy a premium theater experience with top-notch projection and sound. Be sure to arrange dinner and drinks separately, as many venues don’t provide catering.

Have Fun at Brooklyn Bowl

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Bowl  

Take your holiday party to Brooklyn Bowl, where you’ll have access to 16 bowling lanes and full concert lighting for an evening of entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or not, this venue has enough to keep everyone engaged. With 14 screens available for a brand takeover, everyone will know who’s hosting the event!

Revisit Your Inner Child at Dave & Buster’s

Photo Credit: City Days 

Let loose and embrace your playful side at Dave & Buster’s. Perfect for ending the year on a high note, this venue features classic arcade games, VR experiences, and a festive menu. With over 140 games to choose from, your team will stay entertained all night long.

Go Ice-Skating at Bryant Park

Twirl around the 17,000-square-foot rink at Bryant Park with free admission. Test your ice-skating skills or watch professional ice-skating shows. The rink is open daily throughout the winter village season. For a cozy retreat, relax in one of Bryant Park’s igloos or visit the park’s shop that supports its programs and maintenance.

Take a Carriage Ride Through Central Park

Experience Central Park in a whole new way with a classic horse-drawn carriage ride. With room for up to four adults or three adults and two children, this ride offers a unique view of NYC’s largest green space, featured in countless movies. Carriages are fully narrated by knowledgeable drivers, and you can even feed the horses and take photos along the way.

Explore the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

Photo Credit: New Amsterdam History 

From November to January, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx hosts an enchanting train show. Watch model trains navigate through intricate miniature displays of NYC landmarks, crafted from natural materials like bark and twigs. With options to visit by day or night, this show is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike, featuring over 25 G-scale trains on a half-mile track.

Host Your Own Party

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If you’re running out of time to book a venue or prefer a more personal touch, consider hosting your holiday party at your office. It’s cost-effective and convenient, allowing for more budget to be spent on food and drinks. Turn up the music and pop the prosecco—just remember to keep the photocopier out of sight!

Here are some in-office party ideas to spread holiday cheer:

• Achievement Board: Set up a board where employees can anonymously share their proudest professional moments or what they appreciate about their colleagues. Share the board with everyone at the end of the activity to reflect on accomplishments and the positive impact of colleagues.
• Office Bingo: Create bingo cards with common workplace scenarios or phrases (e.g., “Someone uses a buzzword like ‘synergy’,” “A meeting goes off-topic”). Distribute the cards at the start of the event and mark off items as they occur. The first to get bingo wins a small prize.
• Speeches and Awards: Celebrate the company’s achievements with speeches and awards. Recognize standout colleagues with special prizes for added excitement.

These activities will lighten the office mood, bring everyone closer together, and create a relaxed atmosphere for the year ahead.