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Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season in Seattle? We’ve got you covered!
Seattle comes alive with its festive spirit and vibrant atmosphere during the holiday season, making it that much more exciting for your company holiday party.
From a trip to the Space Needle, to a rooftop cocktail party, to a holiday team building volunteer day, Seattle is brimming with unique holiday party ideas.
We’ve curated a list of seven holiday party ideas that will make this year’s event truly unforgettable. Get ready to indulge in the spirit of the season, create memories that will last a lifetime, and throw a holiday party in Seattle that your team will talk about for years to come.
1. Christmas Ships Parade
Take advantage of Seattle’s nautical heritage by hosting the best holiday party out at sea!
Bring your team out on Lake Union during the annual Christmas Ships Parade to enjoy live music, festive decorations, and stunning views of the shimmering ships and the Seattle skyline. As part of the experience, the brightly-lit boats will make stops at pre-planned locations, and the lead ship will have a group of carolers singing for the community.
This is of the most unique and beloved experiences in the city, so be sure to book your event as soon as time slots open for the season! Cruises are three hours long, so we suggest providing heavy appetizers and an open bar through one of the ship’s private dining caterers.
If you plan to give a gift to your team members in addition to this experience, a customized blanket in your company’s colors would be the perfect pairing in case of a potentially chilly night!
2. Pike Place Market Food Crawl
Make this year’s company Christmas party interactive with a food crawl experience at Pike Place Market. Indulge in a variety of delicious small bites and beverages from market vendors as you explore the different stalls.
Finish off the evening with a cup of hot cocoa, and give small gifts from local market vendors to each team member. While this might not be a traditional office celebration, it’s the perfect Seattle party experience.
We suggest taking a survey of your team’s allergies and food preferences, and contacting the vendors you plan to make stops at beforehand to ensure they are prepared for your group. Head to Pike Place Market’s website, where you can save a list of the stalls you want to visit, and plan your itinerary.
3. Host a Festive Holiday Celebration at THE 101
That’s us!
THE 101 is a blank canvas venue located in the heart of Pioneer Square. With over five years of being named as one of the best holiday party venues in Seattle, we’re happy to share our expertise on holiday party planning.
Since THE 101 is a versatile and neutral space, making any event theme or color scheme look magnificent. Whether you want to challenge your colleagues to a a holiday karaoke competition, bring in a trapeze artist, or anything in between, our space accommodates it all.
THE 101 includes amenities such as tables, chairs, a flexible vendor policy, wifi, and more. Plus, our team of event planning experts are available to help you plan the perfect holiday party!
Here are a few advantages of hosting a holiday party at THE 101:
- Event Planning and Execution. Our event planning team is here to help you find the perfect party theme, the best vendors, and ensure that your event goes off seamlessly.
- Flexible Layouts and Unique Backdrops. Want to incorporate multiple photo ops? We have white brick, red brick, and large windows to choose from as your backdrop. Have a smaller team and want to keep the evening more intimate? No problem. Our venue offers in-house draping to section off the space and make it the right fit and feel for your crowd.
- In-House Decor. Thinking about a photo booth? We’ve got it. Need draping, a dance floor outline, or a timelapse to remember your day? You’re fully covered! THE 101 offers a variety of in-house rentals, as well as the flexibility to use the remaining vendors of your choice. Take a look at the full list of what we offer.
Seattle is home to many incredible venues, but we are confident that THE 101 will be the perfect space for your annual holiday party.
4. Seattle Holiday Brewery Hop
Who doesn’t love craft beer these days? Seattle has a booming beer scene, so why not experience it with your team?
Book private transportation to chauffeur the team around town to visit local breweries. At each one, sample seasonal brews, and even book a tour to learn about the brewing process. During the drive, admire the holiday lights in downtown Seattle to get into the holiday spirit!
Many event spaces in Seattle also have the ability to bring in craft beer, so if you’re worried about the logistics of hopping around town (pun intended), we can suggest spaces some of our favorite spaces for rent in Seattle — including THE 101, of course!
Our brewery suggestions include Fremont Brewing Company, Pike Brewing Company, and Holy Mountain Brewing. Each spot has a unique selection of brews to sample, as well as light bites.
5. Woodland Park Zoo WildLanterns
Illuminate your holiday party at WildLanterns, an immersive and interactive experience at Woodland Park Zoo. The annual WildLights event runs from November to January, and features a world of themed lanterns.
Take a magical walk through the zoo, adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and festive displays. From a magical snow world with glistening ice, to the Fine Feathered Friends zone where giant parrots and toucans shine bright, your team will enjoy the various sights.
Concessions are available during WildLanterns, but you could also book one of the zoo’s private dining rooms and work with their chef to create a holiday-themed meal prior to your adventure.
5. Seahawks Tailgate Party
If your team members are Seahawks fans, organize a tailgate party before attending a home game. Bring the spirit of the holidays to the parking lot with festive decorations, holiday cocktails, and team bonding activities.
Reserve a suite (or row, depending on your budget and size of your team), so that everyone can enjoy the game together.
Want to extend the evening? Host a post-game dinner at THE 101, just 0.3 miles from Lumen Field.
6. Virtual Reality Gaming Party
Host a unique holiday party at one of Seattle’s virtual reality gaming venues.
Let your team take part in this immersive experience through virtual worlds, and compete in multiplayer games for a fun and interactive experience. Virtual Reality experiences are trending in the Seattle area, and although these are not traditional Christmas party venues, most spaces will be able to host provide corporate events.
While VR is a different take on venues with a view, companies like Maverick VR can also create custom experiences for your event, no matter where you choose to host the party.
7. Holiday Karaoke Competition: Ugly Sweater Edition
There’s nothing like hearing your boss belt out “Jingle Bell Rock” to end the year on a high note. Encourage your colleagues to don their most festive holiday sweaters, and sing the night away in the emerald city.
No matter your group size, karaoke is always hilariously entertaining. Focus on holiday classics and crowd-pleasing jams to upkeep the vibe.
Seattle is home to several karaoke bars, including Dreamland, Monkey Pub, and, if you want to make things really interesting, the Southgate Roller Rink Bar. Roller skating while singing karaoke? Why not! If you find yourself looking for a more formal setting, bringing a DJ and uplighting to THE 101 is always a great option!
Book Your Holiday Party in Seattle Today
When it comes to hosting events in Seattle, the team at THE 101 are experts.
We’ll provide you with a stress-free planning process, and act as the perfect backdrop for your company’s event.
Get in touch with our dedicated team today to learn how THE 101 can arrange a holiday party you’ll always remember.
