How to plan a company holiday party comes down to five decisions, made in order: the budget and headcount, the date, the venue, the food and the invitations. Start early. In ezCater’s 2025 survey, 86 percent of employees hoped to celebrate in December, and Elvia’s Event Hall lists holidays among its popular dates.

At a glance

• 82 percent of employees planned to attend their company party in 2025, up from an estimated 70 percent the year before (ezCater).
• 86 percent hoped to celebrate in December, and 56 percent wanted a Friday (ezCater).
• 53 percent preferred an afternoon party, between noon and 5 p.m. (ezCater).
• Food and drink spend averaged $59 per person (ezCater).
• 64 percent of companies planned holiday celebrations in Challenger, Gray & Christmas’s 2024 survey.

Is a company holiday party still worth doing?

Most companies still plan one, and most employees plan to go. Challenger, Gray & Christmas surveyed 173 HR and business leaders in November and December 2024 and found 64 percent of companies planning holiday celebrations.

ezCater’s 2025 Workplace Holiday Party Trends Report found 82 percent of employees planned to attend, up from an estimated 70 percent the year before, and 83 percent said these events help them bond with colleagues and build workplace friendships. The same report found 51 percent of businesses increasing their party budgets, with 92 percent of decision makers planning to spend the same or more.

Step 1: Set the budget and the headcount

Headcount drives the company holiday party budget, so settle the two together. Food and drink is the easiest line to estimate. ezCater found food and beverage budgets up 31 percent year over year, with spend averaging $59 per person. At that average, a party for 100 people is about $5,900 in food and drink alone, and a party for 200 is about $11,800.

Decide early whether guests can bring a partner. In ezCater’s June 2025 survey of 1,000 full-time US employees, conducted by Sago, 43 percent said their decision to attend depends on bringing a guest. Every plus one is another seat and another meal, so settle the policy before you book a room.

Step 2: Pick the date and the time

ezCater asked employees directly, which makes its numbers useful for when to have a company holiday party. 86 percent hoped to celebrate in December, 56 percent wanted the party on a Friday, and 53 percent preferred an afternoon party between noon and 5 p.m.

If you want December, plan for it early. Elvia’s Event Hall recommends booking as early as possible for popular dates, which it names as weekends, holidays and quinceañera season, and many clients reserve their date 6 to 12 months in advance. There is more on how far in advance to book an event venue on the FAQ page.

Step 3: Choose the venue

Work through the practical list before you look at decor.

• Capacity. The full headcount, plus ones included. Elvia’s Event Hall holds 50 to 300 people, and asks you to contact the hall for details about guest capacity and seating arrangements. For how much floor a headcount needs, see how much space you need per guest.
• Sound. If there are speeches or awards, you need a sound system. At Elvia’s, DJ and sound system is among the items a package may include.
• Food. Packages at Elvia’s may include food and the food crew. Depending on your package, outside vendors may be allowed.
• Setup and cleanup. With the event packages, the team takes care of setup and cleanup, though some packages require the client to set up and clean up. Check which one applies before you sign.
• Parking. Convenient parking is available for guests at Elvia’s.

Elvia’s Event Hall lists corporate events among the celebrations it hosts, and its packages can be customized depending on the type of event and your preferences. There is more on the corporate event venue page, and to compare a full package with booking your own caterer and DJ, see all-inclusive packages vs booking your own vendors.

Step 4: Plan the food

Food is the part employees care about most. In ezCater’s survey, 77 percent said food is what they look forward to most, and 50 percent said the food and drinks influence whether they attend. Among planners, 53 percent were serving buffet style in 2025.

Ask about dietary needs on the RSVP, so the menu covers everyone before it is final.

Step 5: Send the invitations

Send them once the date and venue are confirmed. Good holiday party planning leaves this step until last, because the invitation needs both. Put the plus one policy and a dietary question on the RSVP, and set an RSVP deadline that gets you a final number before the venue needs it.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to have a company holiday party?

In ezCater’s 2025 survey, 86 percent of employees hoped to celebrate in December, 56 percent wanted a Friday, and 53 percent preferred an afternoon party between noon and 5 p.m.

How much should a company spend per person?

ezCater found food and beverage spend averaged $59 per person in 2025, and food and beverage budgets were up 31 percent year over year. Venue and other costs depend on what your package covers, so ask the venue directly for pricing.

Do most companies still have holiday parties?

Yes. In Challenger, Gray & Christmas’s 2024 survey of 173 HR and business leaders, 64 percent of companies were planning holiday celebrations.

Should employees be allowed to bring a guest?

It is worth deciding early. In ezCater’s June 2025 survey of 1,000 full-time US employees, 43 percent said their decision to attend depends on bringing a guest, and every plus one adds to the headcount.

When should office holiday party planning start?

Start office holiday party planning as early as you can. Elvia’s Event Hall recommends booking as early as possible for popular dates, including holidays, and many clients reserve their date 6 to 12 months in advance.

Can Elvia’s Event Hall host a company holiday party?

Yes. The hall lists corporate events among the celebrations it hosts and holds 50 to 300 people. Contact the hall to check availability, request pricing or schedule a tour.

Planning this year’s party? Hold the date first, then build the rest around it. Elvia’s Event Hall has been helping families and communities celebrate since 2013. Book a tour, or see the corporate event venue page. 8807 Thornton Rd Ste C, Stockton, CA 95209. Call (209) 513-3029.