The Corporate Holiday Party Comeback: 10 Experiences to Light Up the Season

Welcome to the new age of corporate holiday parties—a comeback, but not the one you were imagining. Gone are the days of awkward gift exchanges and icebreakers that make you cringe. In 2023, it’s all about innovative experiences, from bumper cars on ice to skiing simulators, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, is ready to jingle all the way.

The New Office Norm: The Return to the Workspace

It’s important to start with context. In 2023, many corporations have returned to the office, embracing a new dynamic between remote and in-person work. Companies like Google, Apple, and Goldman Sachs are leading the way in requiring their employees to work from offices, according to Business Insider and BuildRemote.

This shift back to the office is more than just a return to cubicles and meeting rooms; it’s an opportunity to reignite corporate culture, and what better way to do this than through a spectacular holiday event? So without further adu, keep reading for five trends and 10 experiences taking holiday parties by (snow) storm:

Trend #1: Creating an Inclusive Environment for All

The shift toward more inclusive celebrations recognizes the cultural and religious diversity in the workforce, moving away from a Christmas-centric view to embrace a more global perspective.

Multiball LED Snowballs | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupMultiball LED brings everyone into the fold with an activity that is not tied to any particular holiday but is universally enjoyable.

Curling Track | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupCurling’s straightforward yet engaging gameplay ensures that everyone, regardless of background, can join in the fun and feel included.

Trend #2: Interactive Engagement That Goes Beyond The Gift Exchange

Interactive experiences are the new currency for corporate bonding. By steering clear of humdrum gift exchanges and focusing on interactive activities, companies can forge real connections among employees, facilitating a culture of teamwork and collaboration.

Roll-a-Ball Reindeer Racing | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupAs the reindeer race along, team members find themselves invested in the outcome, chatting, and laughing with each other, breaking the ice in a truly interactive way.

Mechanical Reindeer | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupRiding the Mechanical Reindeer isn’t just a hoot; it’s a shared experience that cultivates community and breaks down the walls of corporate hierarchy.

Trend #3: High-Tech Elements for a Festive Future

Technology is seamlessly integrating into our lives, so why should holiday parties be any different? The introduction of high-tech elements reflects a company’s forward-thinking approach, making the event a showcase for innovation.

Holographic Santa Claus | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupUsing cutting-edge holographic technology, an ultra-realistic Santa materializes and converses with guests in real time, proving that innovation isn’t just for the boardroom.

Skiing Simulator | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupThis is not your average skiing trip; it’s a fully immersive, virtual skiing experience right in your office. Using advanced motion sensors and real-time graphics, this simulator turns your holiday party into a hub for innovative entertainment.

Trend #4: Make Your Venue Your HQ

In 2023, the emphasis is on bringing extraordinary experiences to everyday settings. Having a local party minimizes logistical hurdles, ensuring a higher turnout and making it easier for people to engage and let their hair down post-workday.

Bumper Cars On Ice | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupThese bumper cars use a special frictionless surface to simulate the experience of ice, meaning you can set them up for an outdoor thrill regardless of temperature or climate. Whether your HQ is in New York or California, the ice-bumper action is now just a step away.

Giant Snow Tubing Slide | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupA downhill slide structure that simulates the thrill of snow tubing without the need for actual snow. Set this up on your corporate premises, and you’ve got an after-work winter wonderland that employees can enjoy without commuting anywhere.

Trend #5: Multigenerational Experiences

In today’s hybrid work landscape, the boundaries between professional and personal have blurred, offering a unique vantage point into the lives of coworkers and their families via virtual interactions. This year’s holiday parties are an extension of that intimate experience. More than just being family-inclusive, they’re designed to engage employees across generations, from fresh-faced interns to seasoned execs. These are activities that everyone, regardless of age or familial status, can enjoy and learn from.

Giant Snow Globe Deluxe | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupWhether you’re taking a family photo or snapping a group selfie with your team, this oversized, walk-in snow globe provides a unique, intergenerational bonding moment. The whimsical winter scene inside appeals to the child in all of us, serving as a perfect backdrop for those holiday Instagram posts that bridge the generational divide.

Santa's Workshop Escape Room | Experience by Interactive Entertainment GroupPhoto: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment GroupSet with clues and puzzles, this escape room experience is designed for group participation. Kids and adults alike will find themselves working together to solve problems and “escape,” creating a multi-generational interactive experience that translates well into corporate teamwork.

At Interactive Entertainment Group, we’re excited to turn these groundbreaking trends into life-changing experiences. Not only do these next-level holiday parties illuminate your brand in the best light, but they also lay the foundation for a more interconnected, inclusive, and innovative corporate culture. So, let’s ring in the new year with renewed spirit and optimism, forging an ethos that will set the tone for an exceptional 2024.