How to Throw the Best Corporate Christmas Party in NYC

Planning a Christmas party in New York can feel like a big task, especially when you’re juggling budgets, RSVPs, dietary needs, and expectations from every corner of the company. But New York City is built for celebrations, and with the right mix of atmosphere, good food, and a memorable finale, you can turn your corporate holiday party into the most anticipated event of the season.

Whether you’re hosting clients, rewarding your team, or bringing remote employees together for the holidays, here’s your step-by-step guide to planning a seamless and unforgettable corporate holiday party in New York

Set the Tone With Sophisticated Early-Evening Drinks

Every great holiday party starts with the right energy. Instead of jumping straight into dinner, give your team a chance to ease into the evening somewhere warm, elegant, and festive. Early-evening cocktails help people mingle, connect, and unwind after a long day. NYC has countless bars that strike the perfect balance of polished and comfortable.

Where to Go for Elevated Cocktails

Riff Raff: If you want to give your team a taste of the night ahead, stop by Riff Raff early for a round before the full celebration kicks off later. The room feels electric from the moment you walk in, with low, warm lighting, a soundtrack that slips between smooth warm-up beats and early-evening energy, and bartenders who mix cocktails with the kind of precision you only find in NYC’s nightlife icons. It’s polished, playful, and quietly thrilling, making it the perfect teaser for the finale still to come.

Dear Irving on Hudson: This art-deco–inspired bar offers sweeping skyline views and intimate seating. Dear Irving is one of the chicest spots for pre-dinner drinks during the New York Christmas party season.

ART NoMad: A rooftop bar atop the Arlo NoMad hotel, the ART Nomad offers skyline views, bold cocktails and a golden-hour-to-late-night vibe.

Choose a bar that fits the vibe of your team, whether that’s refined and quiet or lively and design-driven. Block out a window of time in the early evening for your group to settle in before the night unfolds.

Choose a Dinner That Feels Like a Celebration

Dinner is where your Christmas party in New York really becomes memorable. A long table, great service, and food worth talking about can elevate the entire experience. Look for a restaurant that offers group-friendly menus, private dining options, or flexible seating for a celebratory group.

Top Dinner Picks for Corporate Holiday Groups

Upland: Fresh, California-inspired dishes in a refined, high-energy dining room. It’s sophisticated without being stiff, making Upland perfect for groups who want amazing food and a lively atmosphere.

Il Fiorista: Warm, floral design meets Mediterranean flavors. Il Fiorista is festive, elegant, and ideal for teams who appreciate design-forward interiors and a menu that feels special for the holidays.

Hawksmoor NYC: A high-end steakhouse with exceptional service, beautifully prepared entrees, and private dining options that work well for a corporate holiday party in New York. Hawksmoor is a classic and impressive choice.

Whether you go modern, cozy, or upscale, choose a place where the team can relax, share a meal, and enjoy a moment away from year-end deadlines.

End the Night at Riff Raff NYC

No holiday party is complete without a finale. For that, The Riff Raff Club is the place to go. When dinner winds down and the team is officially ready to shift from “corporate” to “celebratory,” this is where the night comes alive. Tucked between NoMad and Flatiron, Riff Raff takes the best parts of New York nightlife, great music, incredible drinks, and a crowd that actually gets it, and wraps it in a space that feels intimate, electric, and undeniably festive.

This isn’t the loud, chaotic holiday bar crawl energy you find elsewhere in December. At Riff Raff, the holiday mood feels elevated. Warm light glows across velvet-toned corners, the music slides from smooth warm-up beats into late-night energy, and the bar shakes up cocktails that feel like the perfect mix of celebratory and seasonal. It’s the kind of place where your team walks in and immediately thinks: Oh! This is exactly how the night should end.

Why Riff Raff Is the Perfect Holiday Nightcap

• Curated DJ sets from Thursday through Saturday create a soundtrack that builds the room without overwhelming it, bringing the ideal balance of dance-worthy and conversation-friendly.

• Seasonal cocktails and elevated classics keep the festive mood rolling, whether you’re sipping something warm and spiced or bright and bubbly. Take a look at our menu beforehand and plan everything you want to try!