Your guide to an epic end-of-year party! 25 unique event ideas

Article by Sinead Clarke Communications Manager 11 November 2024

When discussing an end-of-year party, you probably think of the epic bashes showcased in the movies, like Office Christmas Party and Die Hard (well, before things turned sour anyway). While we can’t guarantee Bruce Willis or Jennifer Aniston will appear at your party, we can give you 25 unique ideas to get even the biggest grinches in a celebratory mood.

We conducted a poll, asking our community members what they value most in team events. 54% of respondents shared that they value a laidback and fun event, allowing them to unwind after a long year. Other popular responses included relaxing and rejuvenating events, heart-racing fun and formal evening events. P.S. If you’d like to be part of upcoming polls, sign up for our Monthly Insider newsletter here. With that being said, let’s jump into the event ideas!

Laidback and fun events

1. A pub crawl is the perfect way to loosen the office up and allow people to come and go as they please. Do you want to take it a step further? Provide fun Christmas costumes to get in the spirit.

2. Barefoot lawn bowls are a great way to combine leisurely activity and healthy competition without exerting too much effort.

3. A BBQ in the park is one of the best ways to allow everyone in your office to feel relaxed and comfortable. You could even hire carolers to give the event a special touch.

4. Talking about carols, Carol-oke is our Christmas take on karaoke. Rent out a room, and get the team involved, Last Christmas by Wham is a good place to begin.

5. Christmas around the World is great for those wanting to host something in-office. It’s a great way to bring the team together as everyone brings dishes that are special to them and their culture.

Relaxing and rejuvenating events

6. Bottomless brunch has been a longstanding tradition for Bachelorette parties and Mother’s Day events. Why not extend that to your end-of-year celebration?

7. After a long year, you and your team could use some R&R. That’s where a spa day comes in! Think team facials, massages and mimosas.

8. Deep relaxation may be what you’re after, this is where a meditation and sound bath workshop comes in. Follow the workshop up with a lovely lunch or afternoon tea to mark the end of the year.

9. Everyone loves a Christmas film, from Love Actually to Elf! So hire a projector and set up a Christmas film night in the office. If your budget allows you could even rent out a local cinema, fit out with snacks and drinks.

10. While Christmas parties are fun, the end-of-year period can be stressful for many. So the best gift to your staff could be a half day to relax or catch up on holiday shopping.

Heart racing events

11. Paintball or laser tag are not just for kids, but also for the children at heart. Get the office together for an hour of heart-racing fun.

12. Corporate Survivor is one of the most unique event ideas on this list. It allows the team to get competitive and ensures a high engagement level. You can find Corporate Survivor game packs online or create your own.

13. Bubble soccer pairs the athletically minded with those who love chaos and child-like fun. Your team can compete in Zorb balls to score the most points or simply try to knock each other over.

14. If you’re an adrenaline lover we suggest booking a speed boat ride! This will be sure to get your team’s heart rates up and provide plenty of laughs and thrills. You can find these in any major city.

15. Rock climbing has had a surge in popularity in 2024, with Gen Z adopting it as a fun way to exercise. As such, many centres facilitate parties and special events.

Formal and glamorous events

16. A rooftop cocktail party may seem like your stereotypical end-of-year party, but for good reason. If you want to add a spin to it, we suggest creating a dress-up theme such as black tie, Christmas colours or winter wonderland.

17. If you’ve got a smaller team a murder mystery event could be perfect. Allow your coworkers to dress up and dial up the theatrics, it’d be sure to provide a night of entertainment.

18. Travel back to the 1920s with a speakeasy adventure. Most major cities have a plentiful bar scene that would provide the perfect moody backdrop.

19. In the same vein a champagne and jazz soiree is the perfect classy event that would allow the team to experience some old-world charm.

20. An awards night while simple, is effective. It allows the team to feel recognised for their work, whilst getting dressed to the nines and enjoying a glass of bubbly… or two.

All day or night affairs

21. A lunch cruise on the lake or harbour is the picture of relaxation, with the gentle motion of the waves, nibbles and sunshine. Just make sure you have a wet weather backup plan!

22. Close with your team? Then a day-long wine or cider tour is perfect. Sample your region’s best vino, and pile into the bus between stops to chatter and have a sing-a-long.

23. Got a need for speed? Go-karting is the best way to exercise that. Who knows, you might find the next Max Verstappen.

24. It’s time to get in the holiday spirit! Your office can do so on a Christmas lights tour. Hire out a bus, map a route and get the Christmas tunes blaring. Bonus points for anyone who dons an ugly holiday sweater.

25. It’s time to hit the rollercoasters with a theme park trip! This is perfect for a family-friendly office, as the team can bring along their kiddos for a day of fun.