Traditional holiday parties and happy hours are the most common ways to celebrate the holidays in the workplace, but they are not the only way to bring people together. A holiday luncheon offers a fresh alternative. It’s less formal than a sit-down dinner, but still special enough to show appreciation and spread holiday cheer.
Unlike evening events, a holiday luncheon can fit seamlessly into the workday, making it easier for more employees to attend. It also gives you room to tailor the vibe—whether that’s cozy and casual with festive finger foods, or elevated and elegant with plated courses and entertainment. Most importantly, it’s a chance to pause, share a meal, and connect as a team before closing out the year.
In this guide, you’ll find holiday luncheon ideas for work that go beyond the basics. We’ll cover planning tips, creative menus, drink options, and activities that spark laughter, gratitude, and team bonding. Consider this your complete roadmap to hosting a holiday luncheon that feels fun, memorable, and uniquely yours.
Setting the Stage for the Holiday Luncheon
Before the food and festivities come together, you’ll want to set the right foundation for your office holiday luncheon. Thoughtful planning ensures that the event feels intentional, not rushed.
Start with the big-picture questions:
- Theme: Will your luncheon be festive and traditional, or something creative like a winter wonderland, holiday movie theme, or international food celebration? Choosing a theme early makes every detail (decor, invitations, and even menu) fall into place.
- Location: Decide whether the luncheon will be hosted on-site in a breakroom or cafeteria, or off-site at a restaurant, banquet hall, or coworking space. On-site tends to be convenient and cost-friendly, while off-site can feel like a bigger treat.
- Timing: A late-morning or midday slot works best, but make sure it doesn’t conflict with project deadlines or busy work cycles.
Once you’ve locked in the basics, think about the extras that shape the atmosphere. Simple touches like background music, holiday-themed centerpieces, or festive attire guidelines can transform a standard meal into a memorable employee luncheon.
Don’t forget invitations—yes, even for a workplace event. A well-designed office holiday luncheon invitation helps set the tone, gives people something to look forward to, and ensures everyone marks their calendars. Whether you send a printed card, a fun digital design, or even a Slack announcement with a save the date, getting details out early is key to strong attendance.
Planning the Employee Holiday Lunch Menu
It’s easy to get caught up in themes and décor, but never overlook the “lunch” in a holiday office lunch. The menu sets the tone for the entire experience: great food makes people linger longer, chat more, and leave with fond memories.
When planning, start by considering inclusivity. Ask ahead about dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences so every team member feels welcome at the table. Providing vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and non-dairy options shows thoughtfulness and ensures no one is left out.
Next, decide whether you’ll handle food in-house, order from local favorites, or bring in a caterer. In-house potlucks can be a fun way to showcase cultural traditions or family recipes, while catering offers the ease of professionally prepared dishes that feel like a true Christmas luncheon spread. Some companies even do a hybrid: catering the main course while encouraging employees to bring holiday desserts to share.
Think also about the format. Do you want a plated meal where everyone sits down together, or a buffet-style setup that encourages mingling? For a more interactive twist, consider a DIY food station, like a baked potato bar, taco station, or festive pasta corner. These options not only provide variety but also get people moving and chatting.
With a little planning, your menu can do more than feed your team. It can reflect company culture, spark conversations, and add to the overall holiday spirit.
Food Holiday Luncheon Ideas
When it comes to the holiday luncheon, the food is often the star. Beyond just satisfying hunger, the right menu brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates shared memories. Here are some festive options to inspire your spread:
Appetizers:
Appetizers:
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board: Arrange a charcuterie board in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Pigs in a Blanket: A simple classic elevated with holiday herbs that smell and taste like the season.
- Holiday Veggie Tray: Create a wreath shape with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, with a ranch or hummus “ornament” dip in the center.
Mains:
- Holiday Quiche Trio: Offer a mix of spinach & cheese, roasted red pepper, and mushroom varieties for a colorful and inclusive option.
- Festive Wreath Pizza: Use basil, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes to form a holiday wreath design; fun for both kids-at-heart and adults.
- Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs: A seasonal twist on a crowd favorite, these work perfectly as sliders or skewered bites.
Sides:
- Gingerbread Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, making this side a seasonal must-have.
- Winter Salad: Combine mixed greens, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and feta cheese for a fresh yet festive option.
- Mac & Cheese Bar: A DIY twist where employees can add toppings like bacon, scallions, or breadcrumbs.
Deserts:
- Yule Log Cake: A holiday showstopper that’s both impressive and easy to slice for large groups.
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Encourage employees to bring in cookies from family recipes for a communal, personal touch.
- Peppermint Bark Bites: Simple to prep ahead of time and perfect for snacking between activities.
With these Christmas luncheon ideas for the office, you’ll give your team more than just lunch. You’ll create a festive experience that feels thoughtful, creative, and worth remembering.
Holiday Office Lunch Drinks
No holiday luncheon is complete without drinks to complement the food and keep the energy festive. Whether your team prefers cocktails, mocktails, or warm seasonal classics, the right beverages can elevate the entire experience.
Alcoholic Options:
- Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: A cozy blend of red wine, spiced apple cider, sliced apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks: fruity, seasonal, and easy to batch.
- Classic Spiked Eggnog: Eggnog with a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy topped with nutmeg.
- Holiday Mule: A festive spin on the Moscow Mule with cranberry juice, vodka, ginger beer, and a sprig of rosemary.
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Cranberry Citrus Punch: Cranberry juice, sparkling water, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds for a light but festive holiday punch.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: A crowd-pleaser where employees can top their cocoa with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, cinnamon, or whipped cream.
- Winter Mocktail Spritzers: Mix sparkling water, cranberry juice, and rosemary sprigs for a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
If you’re looking for something more interactive, consider turning your drink setup into an activity. TeamBonding’s Team Mixology program lets employees learn from an expert mixologist and craft their own signature cocktails or mocktails: a fun and memorable way to add customization to your employee luncheon.
Holiday Luncheon Activities
The food and drinks may be what gets people in the door, but activities are what make your holiday luncheon ideas for work stand out. A shared experience, whether it’s playful, heartfelt, or charitable, turns an ordinary office meal into a meaningful celebration.
On top of making your event more memorable, holiday team building has its own benefits. There are events that focus on everything from creativity and innovation to teamwork and efficiency. You can improve your team while bonding and having a fun time at your luncheon.
Here are some engaging directions you can take:
Gift Exchange
Simple, fun, and always festive. The gift exchanges are one of the most common holiday activities for a reason. Whether you go with Secret Santa or White Elephant, employees get to laugh, surprise one another, and feel the holiday spirit. To keep things fresh, set themes like “handmade gifts,” “favorite snacks,” or “cozy comforts under $20.”
Employee Recognition
Turn part of your employee luncheon into a year-end awards ceremony. Employees want to be recognized for their accomplishments, and an awards ceremony is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Recognize both big wins and small contributions with certificates, novelty trophies, or even superlatives (“Most Likely to Brighten Your Day”). Pair recognition with a slideshow of highlights from the year for an extra personal touch.
Charitable Activities
The holidays are a perfect time to give back. A holiday charity activity is a great way to break up lunch and dessert that embraces the holiday spirit and can bring your team together through a powerful shared experience.
An event like Toys for Tykes lets teams assemble and decorate toys for children in need, blending creativity with corporate social responsibility. It’s a way to reinforce your company values while creating a memorable bonding experience.
Holiday Games
Playful competition can make a holiday office lunch unforgettable. A few crowd favorites include:
- Gingerbread House Hunters – Build gingerbread houses as teams in this fast-paced, team-based, challenge and trivia filled event that is just as fun as it is delicious.
- The Ultimate Holiday Party – Feeling indecisive? This event lets your team experience a variety of holiday themed events and challenges in 30-minute rounds, giving you a smorgasbord of festive fun.
- Go Team Festive-us – Embrace Festivus with this high-tech holiday-themed scavenger hunt that will get your team engaged and excited that’s also perfect for remote or in-person teams.
By weaving in the right activity, you’ll transform your office holiday luncheon into more than just a meal. It becomes a moment of connection, celebration, and fun.
Make Your Holiday Luncheon a Blast with TeamBonding
A holiday luncheon is more than just a midday meal: it’s a chance to pause, celebrate, and bring your team closer before the year wraps up. By planning thoughtfully, offering inclusive menu options, and adding activities that encourage connection, you can transform an ordinary gathering into one of the most memorable moments of the season.
The best holiday luncheon ideas combine celebration with impact. Whether you’re highlighting employee achievements, giving back through charitable programs, or simply sharing laughter over festive games, the event sets a positive tone that carries into the new year.
If you want to make your celebration seamless and unforgettable, TeamBonding can help. Our holiday team building activities are designed to energize, engage, and unite your team, whether at the office, virtually, or off-site. With hundreds of customizable programs, we’ll help you craft a luncheon that reflects your company culture and leaves employees talking long after the last cookie is gone.
