The holiday season sneaks up faster than you think. Before you know it, calendars are packed with family gatherings, school concerts, and year-end deadlines. That’s why sending out a save the date holiday party notice early is one of the smartest moves you can make. It ensures your employees actually mark their calendars, keeps you ahead of the holiday rush, and sets the tone for a celebration everyone can look forward to.
In this post, you’ll find practical tips, creative ideas, and ready-to-use templates to make your office holiday party planning stress-free and memorable. Whether you’re hosting an in-person gathering, a hybrid event, or a fully virtual celebration, sending a well-crafted holiday save the date can mean the difference between half-empty tables and a full house of engaged employees.
Why Do You Need to Send a Holiday Save the Date?
Sending a holiday save the date is more than a courtesy. It’s a smart engagement strategy. Holiday calendars fill up quickly, and the earlier you claim your team’s attention, the better.
Here’s why it matters:
- Guarantees better attendance. People can’t come if they don’t know about it, and early notice helps them plan around your event.
- Eases your planning stress. You’ll get a clearer headcount sooner, which means better catering, space, and budget decisions.
- Builds excitement. A save the date is a teaser, giving your team something fun to anticipate during a hectic season.
Think of it as your opening act before the main invitation arrives. By the time the formal invite goes out, your team will already be buzzing about the event.
When Should You Send Your Save the Date Holiday Party Notice?
Timing is everything. So when’s the best time to send out your save the date holiday party message?
- 6–8 weeks before the event is ideal. This window gives people plenty of time to block their calendars but isn’t so early that they’ll forget.
- Send earlier if travel is required. If your company brings together multiple offices or remote teams, sending notice 2–3 months in advance is even better.
- Follow up with a formal invitation. A save the date is just the first step. The detailed invite should follow closer to the event, usually 3–4 weeks out.
Send it too late, and you risk running into double-booked schedules, especially in December when people are juggling personal and professional commitments. Early communication also helps you secure vendors, caterers, and venues that book up fast during the holiday season. A timely save the date will make life easier for your team and it will smooth the entire planning process for you, too.
How to Write a Company Holiday Party Save the Date
So what should your company holiday party invitation wording include? The beauty of a save the date is its simplicity. You don’t need every detail yet, just the essentials:
- Date and time – Non-negotiable.
- Location – Whether it’s a hotel ballroom, the office, or a virtual holiday party.
- RSVP instructions – Even a simple “formal invitation to follow” is helpful.
- Teaser or theme – A short, fun line that sparks curiosity.
Here’s a quick formula: “Save the date! [Company Name] invites you to our annual holiday celebration on [Date]. Get ready for [theme or activity]. Formal invitation coming soon.”
It’s short, clear, and gets the job done without overwhelming details.
Fun Holiday Invite Wording Ideas
Your wording can set the mood before the party even begins. Want something festive and playful? Try:
- “Eat, drink, and be merry — it’s time for our holiday celebration!”
- “Let’s jingle and mingle! Save the date for a night of fun.”
Need something more professional? Go with:
- “Please reserve the date as we celebrate another successful year together.”
- “Join us as we close the year with gratitude and holiday cheer.”
Planning a CSR-driven celebration? Incorporate giving back:
- “Celebrate the season while helping us give back to the community.”
While you might think wording doesn’t matter, it builds excitement and sets expectations for what’s to come.
Save the Date Holiday Party Templates
Save the dates work best when they’re clear, eye-catching, and aligned with your company culture. Whether you prefer something playful and colorful or sleek and professional, a well-designed card makes your announcement memorable.
At TeamBonding, we’ve created a set of digitally designed save the date holiday party templates you can use and customize. They’re designed to spark excitement, grab attention, and take the guesswork out of formatting.
These templates are ready to plug into your planning process, helping you spread the word quickly and beautifully.
Download our editable Save the Date Holiday Party template.
Download our editable Office Holiday Party Invitation.
Ideas to Make Your Holiday Party Unforgettable
Of course, a save the date is just the first step. What really makes a holiday party shine are the experiences you create. That’s where TeamBonding comes in.
Here are some crowd-pleasing holiday programs that turn an ordinary event into something extraordinary:
- Hope for the Holidays: A heartfelt activity where teams assemble care packages for families in need.
- Meal Pack Give Back: High-energy, assembly-line fun with a charitable twist, providing meals for local communities.
- Donation Station: Flexible and fast-paced, this program lets your team contribute to meaningful causes while having fun together.
- The Ultimate Holiday Party: A customizable, all-in-one event packed with festive activities, music, and games for a lively celebration.
- Escape the Blizzard: A winter-themed escape challenge perfect for hybrid or virtual teams who want a shared adventure.
Whether your goal is giving back during the holidays, celebrating milestones, or simply having fun, these programs can be customized to fit your company’s culture and values. No two parties are ever the same, which is why TeamBonding designs each experience to reflect the personality and preferences of your team. Adding CSR-focused activities ensures your holiday celebration feels purposeful and memorable.
Are You Ready to Save the Date?
Planning a holiday celebration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sending a save the date holiday party notice early keeps your team engaged, helps you organize smarter, and ensures everyone shows up ready to celebrate.
The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, but they’re also one of the best opportunities to strengthen connections and thank your employees for their hard work through the year. So don’t wait: send your holiday party save the date now, and set the stage for a celebration your team will talk about well into the new year.
Explore our Holiday Team Building Events and find the perfect program to make this year’s party unforgettable.
