2026 Holiday Party Ideas to Inspire Your Corporate Or Office Party

By Kirkbrae Corporate Party

Group of people at a corporate holiday party opening gifts, drinking, and having fun

Your company gives its all 100% of the time. That sentiment should extend to the holiday season, so you can give your colleagues an all-out corporate holiday party that rewards them for a year well-done. And if you need help making your event feel unique, engaging, and fun, Kirkbrae has you covered. Below, find 10 holiday party ideas, trends, and inspirations to plan your next office holiday party. Plus, discover the perfect Rhode Island event venue to make it happen.

10 Holiday Party Ideas & Trends for 2026

Provide a Holiday Mocktail Bar

Cocktail bars are a staple of a company holiday party. But with the number of Americans who don’t drink alcohol at an all-time low, expanding into holiday mocktails is a must for a more inclusive experience.

Christmas has plenty of non-alcoholic drinks on the menu already, like hot chocolate and plain eggnog. But you can also expand your guests’ palettes with ideas like cranberry and peppermint coolers, non-alcoholic Christmas punch, or spiced apple cider. You definitely don’t need alcohol to have a cup of cheer!

Curate Global Appetizers For Flavorful Holiday Party Ideas

If you don’t have the time for a sit-down dinner, finger foods and appetizers pair perfectly with cocktails to give your guests a tasty bite without stopping them from mingling.

It’s currently a holiday trend to offer appetizers from across the globe. Think spanakopita, samosas, or empanadas. But if you prefer your party menu to feel more nostalgic or classical, options like fondue, meatball skewers, or stuffed mushrooms can also provide savory, hearty snacks sure to warm your guests through.

Go For Nostalgic Decor In Your Holiday Theme

The internet is ditching highly curated, monochromatic Christmas decor in favor of maximalist, multicolor styles they remember from the 80s and 90s. With traditional Christmas decor back in style, now is an excellent time to embrace classic color palettes and nostalgic decor styles to help your guests feel right at home.

Go Immersive With Your Holiday Party Decor

On the other hand, it’s a secondary holiday trend to create an immersive atmosphere at themed parties. When your guests walk in, they should feel like they’re stepping into a different time or place, whether that’s vintage Hollywood or a fantasy winter wonderland.

Use your holiday party decorations to up the immersion factor, with elements like drapery and garlands to create dimensionality and make your guests feel transported. No detail is too small here, from theming tablecloths and centerpieces to the Christmas trees.

Theme Your Soundtrack For Immersive Holiday Party Ideas

Immersion isn’t just in your holiday party decorations. Pay attention to the sounds of your party venue, too! For example, classic European carols could help transport your guests at an international party. Meanwhile, 80s or 90s Christmas hits from Britney Spears or NSYNC can inspire more upbeat celebrations and nostalgic

While you can always get by with Spotify and a Bluetooth speaker, a DJ can turn your holiday party into a dance event!

Kirkbrae grand ballroom decorated for an upcoming corporate holiday party

Make It Multi-Sensory

Smell often goes overlooked in event planning. But giving your event a signature smell can make your holiday party venue feel more immersive and stand out in your guests’ memories. The specific scent you choose depends on the theming of your party and the brand of diffuser you go with. But scents with elements like spiced cloves, cinnamon, or apples can all evoke a classic holiday vibe.

You don’t want to be overwhelming here: A small, well-placed diffuser with abholiday scent can do the trick. You want enough to bring a new sensory experience to your guests that enhances the sights and sounds of your party.

Choose Interactive Entertainment

In an era marked by passive media consumption, your party guests are sure to appreciate more interactive entertainment options. Some festive ideas to try at your party include:

Murder Mystery Games
Quiz Challenges and Holiday Trivia
Ornament Crafting Challenges

By encouraging your guests to compete or work together, you’re fostering connections and helping them create memories that will last all throughout the year.

Offer DIY Dessert Tables

Interactivity doesn’t have to be limited to entertainment: It can also extend to your food offerings. Consider giving your dessert bar a DIY spin by providing your guests with options to make or customize their own treats.

Try any of the following ideas to give your DIY desserts a holiday flair.

Hot chocolate bar - With marshmallows, sprinkles, and flavored syrups
Customizable Christmas cookies - With frosting, sprinkles, and other holiday party decorations to tweak a guest’s base cookie to their heart’s content
A S'mores station - Complete with multiple chocolate brands, spreads (like Nutella or peanut butter), and different types of crackers

Providing Keepsakes For Memorable Holiday Party Ideas

With more of our lives online than ever before, physical keepsakes can help cut through digital clutter and give your guests a concrete item to hold onto. Physical keepsakes that are excellent for a holiday party include:

Polaroid photos Bonus points if you provide a customized backdrop wall or photobooth for guests to stage their photos!
Snow globes or customized ornaments.
Small potted plants like a Christmas cactus or mini poinsettia.

Offer A Way To Give Back

In the season of giving, sometimes it’s more rewarding for guests to share the holiday fun with others. Consider adding a donation option for items like toys or winter coats. You could also raise money for a good cause, like local non-profits or animal shelters. This way, you’re not just creating a fun night for your guests. You’re paying it forward, so others can have a better, brighter holiday season, too.

Plan Your Rhode Island Holiday Event With Kirkbrae

If you’re looking for the perfect canvas to bring all your holiday party ideas to life or just some overall holiday inspiration, trust Kirkbrae Country Club to be your Rhode Island event venue.

Our event spaces can accommodate up to 300 guests, from an intimate tea room to a newly renovated ballroom, ready for your holiday decorations. Our on-site caterers can help you curate the perfect appetizers and cocktail (or mocktail!) menu.