For those who live for the holiday season, there is that special kind of joy that comes with it. Festive decorations, great food, and most importantly, celebrating with family, friends, and workmates. One really cool way to focus on the holiday cheer is by having or attending a Christmas happy hour. These festive celebrations call for unwinding, good company, and enjoying holiday-themed drinks, bites, and deals. You can host the work celebration, plan for a night out with friends, or look for ways to get into the spirit with a Christmas happy hour. Here are ten great ways to make the most of your Christmas happy hour so that it is not forgotten easily.
1. Choose a Festive Venue
The right setting would make a Christmas happy hour. It can be a cozy pub, chic cocktail bar, or a busy restaurant, but the ambiance should be merry and bright. Look for venues that decorate to the nines with holiday finery and decorations, seasonal lighting, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Some establishments will even have themed rooms or private spaces that can be designed into winter wonderlands to make your event uniquely special.
2. Offer Holiday-Themed Cocktails
If drinks are among the many fabulous things about a Christmas happy hour, then there is certainly no lack of fun, festive cocktails. Think spiced cocktails that contain mulled wines, eggnog lattes or winter martinis. A cranberry mule or a peppermint mocha martini could add just the right special touch to your holiday drink menu. Attract people to it and give an atmosphere as if a jolly get-together is going on; offer special holiday cocktails at discounted prices during happy hour.
3. Special Deals
Besides mentioning deals, it is also one of the wonderful things about attending a Christmas happy hour-the ability to have budget-friendly prices. Most bars and restaurants make special promotions during the holiday season, such as discount drinks, two-for-one cocktails, or low prices on appetizers. Just keep an eye out for these happy hour specials as it is the great way to enjoy the holiday festivities without breaking your bank.
4. Design a celebratory snack menu
No party during the end year will be complete without having an appetizing selection of appetizers or small bites. For a Christmas-themed event, try to bring in seasonal flavors to the snack menu. Think cheese platters with festive jams, mini gingerbread cookies, sweet potato fries, or even tiny turkey sliders. Other holiday-specific events might feature certain dishes such as shrimp cocktails served in a festive manner, adding a gourmet feel to this gathering.
5. Secret Santa Drink Exchange
In a Secret Santa drink exchange, people draw names from a hat and end up purchasing or creating a drink for the other. It’s a fantastic activity to bring some interactivity to your Christmas happy hour. It is a great activity to keep your guests engaged and add a dash of mystery to your Christmas happy hour. You can also encourage creative or festive drink ideas to make the exchange more exciting.
6. Charity Christmas
Happy Hour Themed Party The holidays are a time when everyone wants to be merry, have lots of fun, and play, but it is also a time for giving. Consider using this Christmas happy hour as an opportunity to give something back by either pairing with a local charity or by making it a donation drive. You may donate a percentage of the drink sales to a cause or ask people to bring toys, food, or clothing for those in need. This fosters the real spirit of the season and allows everyone to feel good about the event.
7. Create a Holiday Playlist
No holiday party is complete without music, and a Christmas happy hour is no exception. Get people in the mood with a fun holiday playlist that’s guaranteed to get people singing- if not Jingle Bells, then perhaps more modern treats like “Last Christmas.” Listening to your music from a speaker or live band will probably perform holiday tunes, which should be varied to something for all to enjoy. A perfect playlist sets the mood and makes things feel even more legit.
8. Add Fun Games and Activities
Make it more fun by including fun games or activities. For example, you could have a holiday trivia contest based on the history of Christmas, traditions, or music. You can also let your guests visit your DIY ornament decorating station or even a building contest for gingerbread houses. Such games can break the ice and invite mingling among the guests, so everyone will surely have a good time.
9. Provide Non-Beer Alternatives
Beer won’t be the drink of choice of every reveler during this holiday season. Consider adding some non-alcoholic choices. Festival mocktails such as fizzy apple cider, a non-alcoholic mulled wine, or peppermint hot chocolate are ideas for those who do not want to drink the holiday eggnog but want to join the celebrations. Offer several drink options. All your guests will feel welcome and can participate in the fun, not minding any particular preference.
10. Promote Advance Reservations for a Group Event
If it is the holiday season and you plan to have a business happy hour, then this is an excellent opportunity to interact with employees or clients. If it is a corporate Christmas happy hour, make sure advance reservations are taken so that there is adequate space for your group. An organized event will also help plan a budget. You can book a venue, pre-order food, and have drinks in advance to avoid any last-minute stress associated with a party. Most restaurants and bars offer discounts or packages for groups, so it would be best if asked in advance when booking the reservations.
Conclusion: The Perfect Way to Celebrate the Holidays
A Christmas happy hour is a great way to immerse in the fun and pleasure of the season. With the proper selection of a venue, holiday-themed drinks and snacks, and much more by having fun activities, the event is made memorable for everyone. Added special deals and promotions do well for an affordable celebration of the season, to top it off. For those who love lazy mornings, Christmas happy hour can also be matched with brunch offers that add even more festive fun. From sipping a signature cocktail to sharing laughs and memories with loved ones, your Christmas happy hour will surely be a holiday highlight!
