The company holiday party season has arrived. If you’re still searching for ideas to entertain corporate groups in Toronto—be it an office party, after-work drinks in a bar, or a big blowout—check out these resources for food, entertainment, gifts, event decor, rentals, group activities, and more.
Let co-workers share some irreverent laughs by hosting a group outing to the Second City Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue. Showing at Toronto’s legendary comedy theatre for the entire month of December, the revue is a new collection of hilarious sketches, songs, and improvisations inspired by the season of merriment. Group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more.
Photo: Courtesy of The Second City
On December 8, 15, and 22, you can treat a group to a Victorian-themed Christmas with an outing to the Christmas by Lamplight event at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Wander through the historic village lit by the glow of lanterns, roast chestnuts on an open fire, listen to the Village Carolers sing traditional and contemporary Christmas music, and take part in demonstrations of wreath-making, blacksmithing, and tinsmithing. The program is also available with a dinner option. Adult tickets start from $29.95 for nonmembers.
Photo: Courtesy of Black Creek Pioneer Village
If you need a last-minute florist, don’t fret: King West Flowers is available to craft seasonal bouquets like the he Ice Queen, a display of calla lilies, kiwi lime branches, and assorted greens in a tall vase.
Photo: Courtesy of King West Flowers
Send guests home with the most decadent of party favours: tins of Cocoa Caviar, $18, from MoRoCo, Toronto’s leading chocolate and confection boutique. The 55 percent dark Valrhona cocoa bits can be served as a dessert garnish.
Photo: Courtesy of MoRoCo Chocolat
This season, Lindsey Shaw Catering is offering creative menu options like poached lobster in petite wood cups and savory ice-cream cones, which can be augmented with customized wine selections from the company’s dedicated sommelier.
Photo: Courtesy of Lindsey Shaw Catering
Nothing sets the stage for an elegant evening like a table laden with champagne flutes. Higgins Event Rentals has an assortment of chic glassware options, perfect for that just-chilled Dom Perignon.
Photo: Courtesy of Higgins Event Rentals
Give a nod to Canadian winters by decorating tables with kitschy retro maple-syrup candle tins, $15, from the Drake General Store. The lovely scent of maple certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
Photo: Courtesy of the Drake General Store
Make sure guests have a place to relax by setting up a festive all-red lounge area, complete with red plexi bars, red sofas, and red Charles Ghost barstools, all available to rent from Contemporary Furniture Rentals Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Contemporary Furniture Rentals Inc.
Forget singing "Jingle Bells" out of tune in the conference room. Instead, treat employees with tickets to see eight-time Juno award-winning band Barenaked Ladies. The group joins the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on Friday, December 14, for Barenaked Ladies: Hits and Holiday Songs, featuring new orchestral arrangements of the band’s chart-topping hits and holiday favourites.
Photo: Courtesy of Barenaked Ladies
Turn the aluminum 67-inch tall floor stand from Higgins Event Rentals into a display of potted seasonal greenery. Party guests can each take home a plant at the end of the night as a favour.
Photo: Courtesy of Higgins Event Rentals
