Is the office holiday party dead? Long Island companies are partying like it's, well, 2025

Liberty Moving and Storage's holiday party is in its third iteration. The December celebration for the company's 120 employees came pre-pandemic in the form of a catered lunch in the office with raffles, service awards and food. Then, the party pared down to various smaller groups.

Now, it's back — and bigger.

Employees of the Commack company know to expect a sit-down dinner with live music, games, dancing, prizes and "plenty of laughs," says Jeannie Catapano Provencher, the human resource manager. This year, the office's front lobby will be transformed into a "Winter Wonderland" by the holiday committee. "We’ve added new, lighthearted touches like casino tables, games, a tarot card reader and whatever else we can dream up to keep things fun, interactive and memorable," Provencher says.

'Tis the season for holiday parties and, after a pandemic pause, many companies are adding new features and otherwise making it a bigger deal, while some businesses have cut back. It’s hardly partying like it’s 1999, but partying in 2025 looks different. Nicole Craveiro, founder of Smithtown-based human resource consulting company CraveHRO, says the phrase "Christmas party" is history, but not the gathering itself.

"The language has evolved. 'Holiday' or 'end-of-year celebration' has largely replaced 'Christmas party' to reflect a more inclusive workplace," Craveiro says. "Some employers even hold their events in January to avoid December chaos and trim costs."

At Deer Park-based audio visual consulting firm Mason Technologies, founder Jennifer Mason and her husband, Adam Mason, host an annual "Mason Holiday Party" at a catering hall for employees and their families including dinner, drinks, a live band, games and crafts for children, and a visit from Santa, who gives out gifts. They say they go all-in around the holidays to foster a sense of connection.

A TRADITION OF FEELING VALUED

Marketing expert Craveiro says the traditional holiday dinner is still alive and well, especially among white-collar employers, but companies are adding giveaways, photo booths, karaoke, gift swaps and charitable tie-ins to make it more interactive and meaningful. Many use the event to express appreciation with small gifts, raffles or bonuses. 

"The focus isn’t on going big; it’s on making people feel valued," she says.

Still, Rick Lewis, chief executive officer for the Suffolk YJCC in Commack and the Mid Island YJCC in Plainview, says they try to find a bit extra to help their celebration stand out.

"The last two years, we had casino tables," Lewis says, noting this year's event will be held at the Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale. "I believe it is important to let the staff know you appreciate them and to thank them for their loyalty."

While remote work has made it tougher to bring people together for an office party, some managers say it has amplified the gathering's importance. "Since we work all over, it’s great to get everyone together in a fun environment to bond and just have fun," says Joel Horowitz, Hauppauge-based cybersecurity company Stetson Cybergroup’s director of compliance.

But lower in-office attendance means "securing participation means more effort," says Rick Collins, senior vice president for World Insurance Associates, a commercial insurance broker in Farmingville. 

Craveiro suggests companies pay employees if attendance is required. "If it’s optional and outside normal hours, it typically isn’t," she says. "Many companies now frame their parties as optional and hold them within paid hours to stay compliant and avoid the awkward ‘mandatory fun’ problem."

KEEPING MORALE AND CONNECTION 

Companies that see parties as team building work hard all year to make them welcoming, sometimes holding other holiday parties and get-togethers.

Liberty holds a Thanksgiving potluck and Halloween celebration as an extended lunch during business hours in addition to their December holiday party where they close the office early. "We make an effort to mark every holiday in some way," Provencher says. "Whether it’s bringing in pizza or sandwiches, or treating the team to breakfast. It’s all about keeping morale high and giving people a chance to connect."

Companies see parties as ways that employees can relax and relate to each other in a festive environment. "It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, fun and togetherness," Provencher says. 

Caterers say companies both seek venues and food to throw their own parties, led by in-house staff charged with planning memorable events that help build, maintain and reward teams.

"A caterer that is looking to add opportunity for camaraderie and culture in the office has plenty of office managers, HR Directors, and CEOs that understand the value and importance of these get-togethers in an ever changing work environment," says John Robertson, owner of The Sexy Salad in Hauppauge.

TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK

Mixing alcohol with a work function can pose its own set of unique risks and legal concerns, human resources experts say. Horowitz says Stetson typically has alcohol at its holiday party, but not hard liquor, as workers can "unwind." "No one gets drunk or out of control whatsoever. It’s usually just beer and wine. It really is just a great team having fun," Horowitz says. "The bowling alley is way less formal than any sit-down location party."

Craveiro says alcohol often is part of the mix, but should be "handled more responsibly" with options such as drink tickets and ride share reimbursements.

CHANGING FAMILY 

Craveiro says inviting family makes parties bigger and more expensive, so it’s less common these days for employees’ significant others to attend. 

Derek Peterson, CEO of Soter Technologies in Ronkonkoma, says before the pandemic, they hosted "a huge holiday party" where employees could invite family and friends. They now have a smaller office party for employees.

Some companies are expanding to include guests, which can impact venue and atmosphere. Mason Technologies' catering hall party is for employees and their families, and Horowitz says Stetson moved parties from country clubs to Bowlero, a bowling alley in Commack. "It was a great turnout last year by almost all 25 to 30 employees plus significant others and kids," he says.

The atmosphere of the party, Craveiro says, has often changed where the event is designed to reward, honor and respect.

"Overall, the modern holiday party is about gratitude, connection and culture," she says. "Not open bars and regret."