What instead of herring? 5 ideas for a creative company Christmas Eve
December in the office. The same scenario every year. Booking a table at a restaurant, beetroot soup with dumplings, exchanging polite wishes, and... silence, only interrupted by the clinking of cutlery. Some team members nervously glance at their watches, while others try to keep the conversation about the weather going. Sound familiar? The traditional corporate 'herring parties' are increasingly becoming a burdensome duty rather than a reward for employees. And yet, the Christmas gathering is the perfect moment to thank the team for a whole year of work and to build relationships in a more relaxed atmosphere. If this year you want to avoid stiffness and boredom, opt for a formula that engages. Here are 5 proven alternatives to the classic dinner that will turn the corporate Christmas Eve into an event that employees will look forward to.
Why is it worth changing the formula of Christmas Eve?
Before we move on to ideas, let's answer the question: why change it at all? A modern corporate Christmas Eve is a hybrid: good food + shared experience. Food alone is not enough to integrate the team. It's the shared activity that breaks the ice, generates memories, and makes people naturally start talking to each other, not just about work.
5 ideas for a creative corporate Christmas Eve
Here is a list of formats that are most popular among companies looking for variety at Fabryka Atrakcji.
1. Christmas Casino Night
It's an absolute hit of the recent years. Instead of sitting at a table for 4 hours, we invite employees to the world of The Great Gatsby or James Bond.
What does it involve? In the room, we set up professional roulette, Black Jack, and poker tables. They are manned by elegant croupiers who explain the rules. Important: we do not play for real money! Employees receive company currency (fictional chips) which they can use to multiply and eventually participate in the auction of prizes.
Why does it work? The casino provides a thrill, but in safe conditions. It's an excellent form of "networking". People move between tables, cheer each other on, and experience wins together. It's the perfect option for groups that want to combine elegance with great fun.
2. DIY Christmas Workshops (Do It Yourself)
If your team enjoys hands-on activities, creative workshops will be right on target. It's a calmer, but very unifying alternative.
What can one do?
- Forests in a jar (winter version): Creating small ecosystems with winter accents.
- Natural soy candles: Creating your own scents (e.g., cinnamon, cloves, orange).
- Christmas wreaths: Creating professional decorations for doors or tables.
Why does it work? Employees leave the party not only with a full stomach but also with a handmade gift or decoration. Working together at the table facilitates casual conversations ("Pass me the scissors", "How did you make that braid?"), which naturally builds relationships.
3. Feast with a Secret (Murder Mystery Dinner)
This is a proposal for those who do not want to give up dinner, but want to add some spice to it. It's a combination of exquisite food with a live crime game.
What does it involve? During dinner, a (fictional!) crime occurs. Actors step in (e.g., playing the role of a police commissioner), and the staff turn into detectives. Between courses, they must analyze evidence, interrogate witnesses, and connect the facts to identify the perpetrator, who might be hiding... at the next table.
Why does this work? It's a brilliant way to engage intellectually. Boredom at the table is impossible when you're trying to solve a murder mystery. The scenario naturally forces discussion and cooperation of the whole group.
4. Christmas Quiz Show
Instead of the president's speeches – host your own show in the style of "Awantury o Kasę" or "Name That Tune", but in a festive edition.
What does it involve? We divide the employees into teams that compete in various challenges: from company knowledge quizzes and musical puzzles (holiday hits) to dexterity tasks. All using professional voting consoles and under the watchful eye of an energetic emcee.
Why does it work? Competition (with a wink) incredibly boosts the energy in the group. It's a format full of laughter, allowing employees to demonstrate their knowledge and quick reflexes.
5. Culinary Workshops – Cooking Together
Instead of being served by waiters, the team prepares the Christmas Eve dinner themselves under the supervision of the chef.
What does it involve? It could be making dumplings in 10 different ways, baking gingerbread, or preparing modern versions of traditional dishes. The finale is, of course, a communal consumption of the prepared meals.
Why does this work? The kitchen is the heart of the home and... the company. Cooking is one of the most natural activities that bring people together. Hierarchical barriers disappear – at the chopping board, the CEO and the Assistant are equals.
Surprise your team this year
Company holidays don't have to be boring. Choosing a different formula is a signal to employees: "We care about you and want you to have a good time."
If you're looking for ready-made solutions, check out our offer for corporate Christmas Eve parties. Whether you choose a casino night, or a murder mystery – we will help you create an event that your team will remember until Easter.
Ekspertka w organizacji eventów firmowych, specjalizująca się w tworzeniu angażujących doświadczeń, które wzmacniają relacje zespołowe i biznesowe.
Written by Julię
Ekspertka w tworzeniu eventów firmowych
