4 Steps to Easy Holiday Party Planning in Chicago

Planning a holiday party for your company doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach—and the right Holiday Party Planner in Chicago—it is easy to create an event that employees look forward to all year long. The key is breaking it down into four simple steps: Who, What, When, and Where.

Step 1: Who – Define Your Guest List

The first step in planning your holiday party is deciding who will attend. Your guest list determines almost every other detail, from venue size to food and entertainment.

• Employees Only – The most common holiday celebration focused on the employees.
• Employees + Spouses/Guests – Creates a more social atmosphere and typically requires a larger venue, additional entertainment and catering.
• Families Included – A family-friendly holiday party that includes activities for kids, interactive entertainment, and a wider variety of menu options.

Knowing your “who” ensures you plan a party that’s welcoming and entertaining for everyone invited.

Step 2: What – Design the Experience

Next, decide what type of event you want to host. This step sets the tone for the entire evening.

• Reception-Style Happy Hour – Casual, social, and perfect for mingling
• Themed Party – Casino night, winter wonderland, or holiday trivia adds excitement and engagement.
• Charitable Component – Activities like toy drives or team based charity challenges give your event a feel good twist.
• Interactive Entertainment – Live music, photo booths, or team building activities keep the energy high.
• Family Activities – Family appropriate fun paired with other entertainment for the employees without kids.

As an experienced Chicago Holiday Party Planner, WCF helps you match your “what” with  your ‘who” to create perfect entertainment package and flow, ensuring the party reflects your company.

Step 3: When – Lock in the Date

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for Chicago venues, so deciding when is crucial.

• Peak Dates – Fridays and Saturdays in December are the most in-demand and often book quickly.
• Weekday Events – A great way to save on venue costs while still creating a festive celebration.
• Daytime vs. Evening – Lunch or brunch events can be family friendly, while evening receptions create a more upscale atmosphere.
• January & February Dates – Booking outside of the peak season gives you more flexibility and lower minimums.

If you’re flexible, you’ll have more options for venues and pricing. If your company has one specific date in mind, lock it in early to avoid disappointment.

Step 4: Where – Choose the Perfect Chicago Venue

Finally, it’s time to choose where your party will take place. Chicago offers an incredible range of venues:

• Upscale ballrooms for formal galas
• Trendy lofts and rooftop spaces for modern vibes
• Casual breweries and restaurants for a laid-back atmosphere
• Family-friendly venues with room for activities and entertainment
• Custom in-office experiences to help get the most out of your budget

Finding a space that matches your “who”, “what” and “when” can be overwhelming—but that’s where WCF Events comes in. As a leading Holiday Party Planner in Chicago, we simplify the process by presenting a curated list of venue options that fit your availability, size, style, and budget.

Make Holiday Party Planning Stress-Free

By breaking your holiday party planning into four simple steps—Who, What, When, and Where—it becomes much easier to create a celebration that accommodates all your priorities. Partnering with WCF Events means you don’t have to handle it all alone. From securing Chicago’s best venues to coordinating entertainment, catering, and logistics, we go one step further to ensure a stress free, convenient and fun planning process.

Ready to plan your holiday party? Contact WCF Events today and let’s bring your vision to life!