The office holiday party is supposed to be a reward, not a cringe-fest. Yet every year, companies struggle with the same challenge: how do you keep people engaged without forcing them into awkward icebreakers?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need cheesy games to get people talking. You just need the right atmosphere and entertainment.
Step 1: Mix Up the Space
Avoid the trap of just pushing desks aside and calling it a “party.” A venue change — even to a local brewery, winery, or event space in OKC — instantly makes the event feel special.
Step 2: Don’t Skip the Food & Drinks
Let’s be real: nobody gets excited about deli trays and soda. Holiday parties are the time to step it up. Whether it’s a caterer, food trucks, or a themed dessert table, people bond over good food.
Step 3: Plan “Pockets of Fun”
The secret to engagement is having multiple activities happening at once. Think:
A photo booth in one corner
A DIY cocoa station in another
An entertainer roaming the room
This way, guests have options and nobody feels stuck.
Step 4: Add Live Entertainment
Here’s the real game-changer: live entertainment creates instant energy. A comedian makes people laugh together. A magician gets strangers talking (“Did you see that?!”). Live acts naturally break the ice in ways no HR-approved game ever could.
Step 5: Keep It Short & Sweet
A 3-hour event is plenty. Any longer, and people start eyeing the exits. Structure it: a welcome, food/drinks, entertainment, mingling, and a thank-you.
Final Thought:
You don’t need cheesy games to create engagement. You just need entertainment that makes people laugh, gasp, and connect naturally.
That’s why companies like Boeing, Bank of Oklahoma, and Rose State College have trusted me to bring their events to life. Because when people are entertained, they stay engaged.
👉 Want your office holiday party to be unforgettable?
