Though event pros won't be planning over-the-top, end-of-the-year corporate gatherings at extravagant venues this year, the extra time this season can still be put to good use: watching movies, of course. To keep the creative juices flowing for when (yes, when!) live events make their comeback, look to these festive films for some holiday cheer—and a splash of event inspiration.
Christmas & Hannukah Events
Holidate (2020)
Netflix's newest holiday rom-com doesn't just offer inspiration for Christmas and New Year's Eve. From Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day to Halloween and a few in between, this film covered all the bases for themed events.
The Night Before (2015)
This not-so-family-friendly film follows Anthony Mackie, Seth Rogen, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as they're on the hunt for the ultimate holiday party, The Nutcracker Ball.
Photo: Courtesy of Fandango Movie Clips/YouTube
Elf (2003)
You knew this movie would be on the list—and you were right. Buddy's total takeover of Gimbels proves he could have had a career in event design (well, that's a stretch, but you get the gist). The best part? This type of decor can be scaled down to fit your smaller gatherings this season.
Mistletoe & Menorahs (2019)
With this being a Lifetime movie, you can expect over-the-top decor ideas and a happy ending to boot. The movie follows corporate executive Christy who seeks the help of a co-worker, Jonathan, to learn about Hannukah. Conveniently, Jonathan needs Christy's help turning his hime into a winter wonderland to impress his girlfriend's dad. You can see where this is going...
Photo: Courtesy of Lifetime
Office Christmas Party (2016)
A no-brainer for this list, Office Christmas Party featuring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman will give you plenty of good ideas—and many bad ones—for next year's company holiday event. Nothing says team building quite like a sumo snowman dance competition.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
A movie that likely inspired many to go into a career of event planning, Miracle on 34th Street shows just how much work goes into large-scale events like Macy's Christmas Parade.
Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
New Year's Eve Events
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Everyone knows this classic rom-com featuring Billy Crystal as Harry and Meg Ryan as Sally, but not everyone may know the cinema is perfect for event pros looking for New Year's Eve event ideas. Remember this iconic scene?
New Year's Eve (2011)
We'd be remiss not to mention this classic film that features a story within a story within a story, and so on. This film culminates with one of the biggest events in the U.S., New Year's Eve at Times Square in New York, which means there's plenty of outdoor event and entertainment inspiration to go around.
Photo: Courtesy of Movieclips Trailers
About a Boy (2002)
Another love story, this movie starring Hugh Grant offers ample NYE inspiration in this one scene—from lighting design to tablescapes to florals and more.
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Hosting an Old Hollywood-themed NYE party? This 1950s film offers all the glamorous bells and whistles to make your gathering a memorable one—even if too much Champagne is served.
