The holiday season in New York City is nothing short of magical. The Big Apple transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive displays, and iconic holiday attractions. It’s an ideal backdrop to any corporate holiday party, and NYC boasts a variety of extraordinary and diverse venues from which to choose. With careful planning, you can make sure your company guests enjoy a memorable and joyous holiday event that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting an intimate cocktail party or a large corporate event, there are different kinds of venues to choose from that will accommodate any size or style of party that will reflect your company’s brand and culture. Plus, the guests will have a great time!
It’s important to start planning early as these venues book up months in advance. We are still in the middle of summer, but the winter months will be here before we know it. We explore some of our favorite NYC venues for holiday parties so you can start booking early and get your holiday plans underway.
1. NEBULA, Midtown
NEBULA is a cutting-edge nightclub known for its futuristic design and immersive environment. They have a unique blend of top-notch technology and high-end luxury, creating a dazzling space for guests to experience. The interior is sleek and modern while also being versatile enough to bring your event vision to life. They offer a curated special event menu and customizable packages to appeal to your event’s needs. Additionally, NEBULA is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown near Bryant Park, making it easily accessible for all your guests.
2. Lavan, Midtown
Lavan Midtown is an iconic NYC event venue that was established exclusively for private and corporate events. It is modern and luxurious with high-tech white canvas, making customizing any event a breeze. This venue features a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines, high ceilings, and neutral tones, so you’re able to personalize and decorate your event however you’d like. They have an extensive list of amenities to consider, and their team of professionals will help you every step of the way.
3. Hammerstein Ballroom, Midtown
Hammerstein Ballroom is a legendary NYC event venue known for its rich history and stunning architecture, dating back to its opening in 1906. Many prestigious events have been hosted at this venue and it’s an iconic space for large-scale events as it is able to host over 3,000 guests. Hammerstein Ballroom exudes timeless elegance with its impressive size, grand balconies, and intricate woodwork. It’s the perfect spot to host a grand holiday celebration that is quintessential New York City.
4. The Glasshouse, Midtown West
The Glasshouse is a contemporary event space offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the NYC skyline. Known for its modern architectural design, this venue features floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting the panoramic city views. Their high-end finishes and customizable layouts create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere for all your party guests. The Glasshouse can accommodate smaller gatherings or large-scale events across two levels or their variety of private suites and breakout rooms. This sophisticated NYC setting is sure to create a memorable experience for your event attendees.
5. The Standard, Meatpacking District
The Standard is a trendy and upscale hotel that’s home to multiple dynamic private event spaces. Guests can enjoy picturesque (and selfie-worthy) views of the Hudson River and the High Line. Described as “urban chic,” this venue is stylish and contemporary while also having an approachable comfort factor. Their private venues include a luxurious ballroom, a penthouse & rooftop bar, a biergarten, and a classic NYC restaurant. Whatever size party you’re hosting, The Standard has a variety of venue options.
6. Gansevoort, Meatpacking District
Gansevoort Hotel is a premiere downtown destination and private event venue. The hotel offers various venue options to accommodate any size or style of party. Their team will coordinate with you to ensure every detail is taken care of and your party is planned to perfection. Gansevoort has countless amenities, including custom event menus, personalized party packages, flexible room setup, and more! One of the most popular perks to this venue is the rooftop pool that is open year-round and has panoramic views of NYC. This rooftop space is a unique and stylish setting to host any seasonal party.
7. Gotham Hall, Midtown
Gotham Hall is the perfect combination of historic charm and modern functionality that will undoubtedly create a majestic and elegant NYC holiday party. This venue is a landmark building that previously housed the Greenwich Savings Bank. And many of the original architectural features have remained over the years. Gotham Hall’s most striking feature is the extraordinary rotunda, a soaring domed ceiling with gold leaf detailing and a remarkable chandelier that serves as a focal point for those in attendance. This timeless and sophisticated venue is perfect for large-scale corporate events but also includes several smaller rooms for more intimate gatherings. Let your guests experience the old-world charm that some of the best NYC venues have to offer.
8. Somewhere Nowhere, Chelsea
Somewhere Nowhere is a garden-inspired event space with a rooftop lounge and stunning panoramic NYC views. Situated on top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, this venue has a chic and modern aesthetic with beautiful visuals and an elegant ambiance. Their indoor/outdoor space allows guests to seamlessly move throughout the venue with ease. Their experienced events team will help you create a memorable party for an evening of drinks, dancing, socializing, and of course, celebrating the season!
9. Guastavino’s, Upper East Side
Guastavino’s is a renowned and historic event space that is visually stunning with its vaulted ceilings, complex tilework, and expansive layout. Situated under the 59th Street Bridge, this venue has picture-perfect views of the East River and the city skyline. The versatile space can host any number of events, and it brings an elevated level of allure and sophistication to every party. The ballroom can be configured into numerous floor plan options that are best suited for your holiday event. Guastavino’s event coordinator will help you with all of the details to ensure your guests have an enchanting and enjoyable evening.
10. Upstairs, Midtown
Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel is known as “the lounge in the sky” and boasts a rooftop garden oasis with perfect views of the iconic Chrysler Building. Be transported 30 floors above Manhattan for a majestic city escape with carefully curated decor that’s a blend of modern and glamorous. They offer a versatile layout that can allow for a number of setups that are ideal for any size party, including seated dinners, cocktail parties, and casual socializing. The experienced staff at Upstairs will help make sure every detail is taken care of while they assist you with every aspect of your holiday event.
A Few Bonus Tips to Consider Before Choosing the Perfect NYC Venue
Choosing a venue in New York City can make all the difference in the world in creating an unforgettable event for your guests. There are a lot of venues to consider, and narrowing your choices down can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you select the best venue for your holiday party.
How do I budget for a NYC event venue?
Determining an event budget should be at the very top of your planning checklist. NYC venues can vary greatly in price, so once you’ve established a clear budget, that should narrow down your options and help start the search.
Is venue size important?
Next is considering your guest list and how many people will be invited and attending the party. You’ll want a venue that can comfortably fit everyone, whether that be standing and/or sitting. Additionally, if there are activities planned, such as dancing or event entertainment, make sure the venue has adequate space for those things.
Where is the best venue location to consider in NYC?
Choose a venue that is centrally located so your guests can easily get to and from the event. Consider if the venue is close to public transportation or has convenient parking options. If you’re planning a work holiday party, choose a location that’s close to your place of employment.
What amenities and services should I prioritize?
Many venues have a long list of venue amenities that are included in the price. Make sure to know exactly what is included for things like in-house catering, bar services, AV equipment, parking, furniture, cleaning services, and more. On the flip side, always ask what isn’t included and what you’re responsible for.
Consider these tips before starting your NYC venue search and you’ll be better equipped to choose a spot that’s in budget and has everything you’re looking for when hosting your upcoming holiday party!
EMRG Media Has All Your NYC Holiday Party Solutions
The event planning pros at EMRG Media have over 25 years of event production experience planning all kinds of events at numerous venues all over New York City. Trust you’re in good hands when seeking our assistance. Planning a holiday party, whether it’s corporate or social, can come with its challenges. We’re here to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to checking off your to-do list, securing a venue, finding the best event entertainment, discovering delicious catering options, and more! Our team of dedicated experts will make every detail stress-free and carefully curate experiences that exceed all your expectations. If you want us to take the lead or follow yours, we want to make the process as stress-free as possible. The holiday season is an exciting time, so let’s start planning!
