Why Now Is the Time to Book Your Holiday Party (And What to Look For in a Venue)
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The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it's Thanksgiving, and the next your inbox is full of calendar invites and someone at work is asking, "So, are we doing a party this year?"
If you're the one planning it, whether it's for your team, your clients or your family, the best thing you can do is start now. Here's why, plus what to look for when you're choosing a venue.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Book
Most venues fill up three to four months ahead of December, so October is right in the middle of booking season. The good news is that there's still space on the calendar and time to plan without feeling rushed.
Booking now doesn't mean you need every detail figured out. You don't need a final headcount or a menu yet. You just need a date. Once that's locked in, everything else can come together over the next few weeks.
And it's a nice feeling to have the big decision out of the way before the busy season hits. When December comes, you can actually enjoy it.
What to Look For in a Holiday Party Venue
Whether you're planning a year-end party for 200 employees or a holiday dinner for the whole family, the right venue makes things a lot easier. Here's what to keep in mind.
Enough space for your group. Some holiday parties are sit-down dinners. Others are cocktail receptions, or a full night of speeches, awards and dancing. Look for a space that works for the kind of event you have in mind. Winona Vine Estates sits on an 11-acre private estate with an 18,000 square foot facility and a ballroom that holds more than 500 guests, so it works for smaller groups and big ones.
Good food. People always remember the food. Look for a venue with its own kitchen and a chef who can build a menu for your group, including vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. At Winona, our chef-led team prepares and serves everything on-site, so the food, timing and service are all handled by the same people.
AV and lighting that's already set up. If there are speeches, a slideshow or music, you want the sound and lighting to work without a hitch. A venue with built-in AV and staff to run it means you don't have to rent equipment or hire another vendor.
Easy to get to in the winter. December weather can be unpredictable. An indoor venue that's easy to find, with plenty of parking, makes it simple for everyone to show up. We're just minutes from the QEW in the Golden Horseshoe, with fully paved and lit parking for all your guests.
One team handling everything. This is the big one. When the venue, food, AV and service all come from one team, you have one person to call, fewer emails and a lot less to keep track of. That's what an all-inclusive venue is all about, and it's how we do things at Winona.
Tips for Corporate Planners
If you've been put in charge of the office party this year, here are a few things that will make it easier:
- Have two or three dates in mind. Being a bit flexible gives you more options.
- Start with a rough headcount. A ballpark number is enough to get a quote. You can adjust it as RSVPs come in.
- Think about a weeknight. Thursday nights and early December dates are popular choices and can give you more flexibility.
- Decide on the feel of the night. Is it more formal, with awards and speeches, or more relaxed, with good food and time to mingle? Knowing this early helps with everything else.
- Talk to your venue early. An experienced event team can help you work out the timing, menu and flow of the night. Our team has planned everything from holiday parties to galas and conferences, so we're happy to help you figure it out.
Hosting Family or Friends? This Is for You Too
Not every holiday party is a work event. December is also a time for family get-togethers, dinners with friends and birthday celebrations that happen to fall during the holidays. These deserve just as much care.
The same advice applies: pick your date early, think about what kind of night you want, and choose a venue where you can spend time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Questions to Ask When You Tour a Venue
When you visit a venue, these questions will help you figure out if it's the right fit:
- What's included, and what costs extra?
- Is the food made on-site, and can the menu work around dietary needs?
- Is AV equipment included, and is someone there to run it?
- How flexible is the layout and décor?
- Who's my main contact, before and during the event?
- What's parking like, and how easy is it for guests to get in and out?
We're always happy to answer these, and if you'd like to come see the space in person, reach out to our team to set up a visit.
There's Still Time to Book Your Date
If you've been meaning to get your holiday party booked, now is a great time to do it. Dates are starting to fill, like they do every fall, but there's still time to find one that works for you.
We'd love to help you plan it. You'll have a great space, a chef-led menu, in-house AV and one team taking care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy the night with your guests.
Request a quote to check availability for your dates. We can't wait to celebrate with you.
Friday October 9, 2026