6 Easy-to-Plan Christmas Party Ideas for Small Businesses
by Avya Hlaváč |
Are you in charge of the company Christmas party but don't want planning to become a full-time job? You've come to the right place.
Work Christmas parties don't need to be stuffy and repetitive, and they don't need to be time-consuming to plan.
We're flipping the narrative and showing you how to easily plan a banging Christmas party for your small business of 10 to 50 staff.
Without even trying too hard, it'll be the event of the year.
The secret to success? Choose a format that fits your people. Consider team size, social dynamics, and how your crew likes to celebrate.
Here are 6 easy-to-plan Christmas party ideas for small businesses in New Zealand, with venue and supplier recommendations, balanced reviews and pricing to help bring your event to life.
Ocean Groove Cruises offers private cruises around the Waitemata Harbour, complete with a fully stocked bar and flexible catering packages by Little Wolf.
Key features
A plug-and-play sound system, top-tier catering partner and an all-weather top deck - making for a great day rain or shine!
Definite pros
Many cruise operators require a minimum of 50+ guests. Ocean Groove Cruises is a rare gem that welcomes smaller groups under 20.
Potential cons
The downside? Potential seasickness for those with sensitive stomachs.
The renowned restaurant with The Hotel Britomart, kingi, offers sustainability-led fine dining with a beautifully designed private room named kingi Private.
Key features
The glass-boxed ‘larder kitchen’, which gives diners a fascinating glimpse of the chefs preparing seasonal dishes.
Definite pros
Mouth-watering cuisine, award-winning service, and a discount on your accommodation should you stay the night? Sounds pretty damn good to us.
Potential cons
Parking around Britomart can suck. Opt for Uber or public transport!
Mediterranean architecture meets quintessential New Zealand at Tantalus Estate. This renowned venue includes plenty of room for lawn games and lounging in the December sunshine.
Beautiful indoor and outdoor to explore, lounge, and play lawn games.
Potential cons
The journey to Waiheke involves catching a ferry followed by a shuttle or taxi on the other side, so if your team is not one for adventure, an event on Waiheke Island may not be the right fit.
Kauri Bay specialises in Christmas parties and team-building events. Elevated in the hills of Clevedon countryside, this epic venue offers archery, axe throwing, and extreme hole-in-one golf—perfect for team bonding before enjoying the view with a gin and tonic.
Key features
Kauri Bay offers the best of both worlds - a beautiful, scenic venue with incredible catering and a plethora of team-building activities to suit your specific group.
Definite pros
Kauri Bay offers complete itineraries that include transport to and from the venue, activities, and catering. So, all you need to do is book!
Potential cons
Weather Dependence: While scenic, some of the venue's open-air elements may be disrupted by poor weather.
Pricing
Starts at $250 per person, based on a minimum of 5 guests.
Good From Scratch is a cookery school and venue located in the beautiful Muriwai, on the West Coast. Owned and run by celebrity chefs Michael & Belinda Van de Elzen (The Food Truck), Good from Scratch is all about off-the-grid, farm-to-table experiences.
Rating - 5.0 stars (14 Google Reviews)
Key features
Enjoy a refreshing, rural setting with fresh, seasonal produce. Good from Scratch is unlike commercial kitchens; it provides a real community-focused setting for a team-building event.
Definite pros
There is a beautiful rural setting, various cooking classes (from 1 to 3 hours), and hospitable and knowledgeable hosts!
Potential cons
Transport logistics: Due to limited transport options to Muriwai, you'll likely need to organise a bus or designated drivers for those who plan to enjoy a few wines.
Pricing
Group classes start at $89 per person, but tailored pricing will be provided for private events.
Tap into your creative side with Pinot & Picasso! With a wide range of artworks to choose from - simply choose your artwork and the expert painters will lead your team through a 2-3 hour session - all while you sip along!
Key features
Pinot & Picasso has several studios across Auckland and offers mobile services, bringing the party to you!
Definite pros
A paint and sip evening is the perfect activity for teams with introverts, as it involves low-pressure socialising. The ability to bring your own drinks and nibbles gives you ultimate flexibility over what's on the menu.
Potential cons
There's limited opportunity for mingling or movement during the activity, which may not suit teams looking for a more dynamic or social format.
Pricing
From $69 per person (min. 12 guests for private sessions).
For a banging Christmas party - expect to spend anywhere from $100–$250 per person, depending on whether you go for a simple dinner, an activity-based event, or a premium all-inclusive package.
For small teams, it’s often achievable — and worthwhile — to invite partners. If it's an ultra-small team, inviting partners often brings fresh energy to the party, lifting the overall morale. It makes the event feel more celebratory and helps build stronger connections between colleagues outside of work.
Though planning for a small team generally means more flexibility, popular venues and suppliers still book out quickly in November and December. They are also more likely to prioritise larger bookings - so secure your spot early to get the best options.
The best part about all of these Christmas party ideas? Most of them require little more than a booking.
