The holiday season is the busiest time of year for event venues in Los Angeles. Between company Christmas parties, client appreciation dinners, family gatherings, and New Year's celebrations, December dates fill up fast. Whether you are planning a corporate holiday party for your team or a festive Christmas celebration with friends and family, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan an event your guests will remember.
When Should You Book a Holiday Party Venue in Los Angeles?
Start looking as early as you can. Friday and Saturday nights in the first three weeks of December are the most requested dates of the year for holiday parties, so planners who wait until November often find their first-choice venue already booked. If your dates are flexible, a weeknight in December or a "holiday party" in early January can open up more options and give your team something to look forward to after the rush.
- ▸3 to 4 months out: Set your budget and guest count, then tour and book your venue
- ▸2 to 3 months out: Book catering, a DJ or entertainment, and any rentals
- ▸6 to 8 weeks out: Send invitations and finalize your theme and decor
- ▸2 to 3 weeks out: Confirm final headcount, menu, and run-of-show with vendors
- ▸Week of: Walk through the timeline with your venue and vendors
Planning a Corporate Holiday Party
A corporate holiday party is your chance to thank your team, celebrate the year's wins, and build connection before the new year. The best company holiday parties balance a little structure with plenty of time for people to relax and enjoy themselves.
Popular Corporate Holiday Party Formats
- ▸Seated holiday dinner: A plated or family-style meal with short remarks from leadership
- ▸Cocktail reception: Passed bites, a bar, and open space for mingling
- ▸Year-end awards night: Recognition and a slideshow of the year, followed by dinner and dancing
- ▸Client appreciation event: An elevated evening to thank your clients and partners
- ▸Holiday party with entertainment: A DJ, photo booth, casino tables, or live performers
Tips for a Successful Company Holiday Party
- ▸Keep speeches short and schedule them early, before the energy shifts to dancing
- ▸Offer food that works for different dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options
- ▸Plan a slideshow or video recapping the year's highlights
- ▸Arrange rideshare codes or transportation so everyone gets home safely
- ▸Consider including partners or families to make it feel more inclusive
Planning a Christmas Party
A Christmas party can be as classic or as creative as you like. Long dinner tables dressed in red and gold, twinkling string lights, a holiday photo backdrop, and a festive playlist go a long way toward setting the mood. Many hosts choose a theme to tie it all together.
Christmas Party Theme Ideas
- ▸Classic Christmas dinner: Red and gold table settings, candles, and a family-style feast
- ▸Winter wonderland: White and silver decor, soft blue lighting, and faux snow accents
- ▸Ugly sweater party: Casual, fun, and perfect for teams that like to keep it light
- ▸Holiday casino night: Card tables, mocktails and cocktails, and prizes
- ▸Holiday movie night: Classic Christmas films on big screens with a hot cocoa bar
Tip: Ask your venue what decor is allowed and how early you can access the space for setup. Holiday decorating takes longer than most people expect, especially for larger rooms.
Hosting a smaller family Christmas gathering or a private holiday party instead of a company event? The same planning steps apply, just on a more personal scale.
Planning a New Year's Celebration
New Year's is all about energy: a great playlist, a packed dance floor, and a countdown everyone remembers. At Art and Space LA, events end by midnight, so a New Year's Eve party here builds toward the midnight countdown as the grand finale. Many companies also host a New Year's kickoff in early January to celebrate the start of the year with their teams, which is a great way to avoid December scheduling conflicts.
- ▸Hire a DJ who can read the room and build energy toward the countdown
- ▸Use lighting to transform the space, with colored uplighting and a disco ball for the dance floor
- ▸Set up a photo booth or backdrop for guests to capture the night
- ▸Hand out party favors like hats, noisemakers, and sparkling cider for the toast
- ▸For a January kickoff, pair a short look-ahead presentation with dinner and drinks
What to Look for in a Holiday Party Venue
- ▸Capacity that fits your guest list comfortably, with room for dining and dancing
- ▸Flexible layouts for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, or a mix of both
- ▸A sound system and screens for music, speeches, and slideshows
- ▸Freedom to bring your own caterer, DJ, and decorators
- ▸Indoor and outdoor areas so guests can move between spaces
- ▸Enough setup time to decorate before guests arrive
Hosting Your Holiday Party at Art and Space LA
Art and Space LA is a 10,000 square foot event venue at 5555 West Washington Boulevard in Mid-City Los Angeles, near Culver City, West Hollywood, and Hollywood. Two connected event spaces with indoor and outdoor areas host up to 300 guests, so you can hold a seated holiday dinner in one space and a dance floor or cocktail lounge in the other. The venue includes a sound system, 7 TV screens and 1 large projector for slideshows and speeches, and outside catering is welcome with vendor approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a holiday party venue in Los Angeles?+
Aim for 3 to 4 months ahead. Friday and Saturday nights in early-to-mid December are the most requested dates of the year.
How many guests can Art and Space LA hold for a holiday party?+
The venue hosts up to 300 guests across two connected indoor and outdoor event spaces.
Can we bring our own caterer and DJ for a Christmas party?+
Yes. Outside caterers, DJs, and other vendors are welcome with vendor approval.
Can we host a New Year's Eve party at Art and Space LA?+
Yes. Events at the venue end by midnight, so New Year's Eve celebrations are planned around the midnight countdown as the finale.
Can we show a slideshow or give an awards presentation?+
Yes. The venue has a sound system, 7 TV screens, and 1 large projector, plus wireless microphones for speeches.
Final Thoughts
The best holiday parties start with early planning and the right space. Lock in your date, choose a format that fits your group, and leave room for the moments people will talk about in January. If your team could use a calmer way to start the new year, a wellness retreat makes a great follow-up to the holiday season.