We know, we know. You’ve hardly packed away the barbecue after an unforgettable summer, and we’re already talking about the *C-word*. But the fact is, if you want to do something a little out of the ordinary for your office Christmas party, now is the time to start planning – before all of the really good stuff is booked out.
The Christmas party is a fantastic chance to let loose and reward yourselves for putting in a solid year, so why not go above and beyond to make sure it’s an unforgettable night and do something a little more unique? We also know that every office is different – so we’ve rounded up a variety of nights out that will cater for all sorts of groups – big, small, adventurous or chilled.
Cocktails and a movie is always a winning combo and you can’t beat the glitz and glam at the Stella Theatre in Rathmines. The cinema is available for private hire, or smaller groups can book the The Stella Cocktail Club upstairs. The ridiculously luxurious cocktail bar has an outdoor terrace and a mouth-watering menu to boot.
Hold on tight for this one – it’s not for the faint of heart. The Bingo Loco craze has taken Ireland by storm in the last year – entertaining over 50,000 people all over the country with their “Frankenstein creation” that has transformed Bingo forever. Bingo Loco – Jingle Balls brings its signature attitude, distasteful chaos and playful antics to a mental Christmas soiree near you.
Jingle Balls is all the signature madness of Bingo Loco but with all the cheese and embarrassment that Christmas can offer. Snow machines, carol sing offs, reindeer pinata, semi naked santa…. you get the idea! Dull and dreary Christmas night out this is not.
Basically the opposite of Bingo Loco Jingle Balls – this is a chilled out, elegant evening of delicious food and warming whiskey over gorgeous views of Grafton Street. Your work crew can book two floors of the Irish Whiskey Museum with a host to cater to your every need. Parties can choose from a one, two or three course menu with 3 whiskey tastings on the top floor tasting bar, or you can also book a pre-Christmas dinner package which includes an amazing Whiskey Blending experience.
For groups of 10 to 25 people – a private poker tournament in one of Dublin’s best casino clubs is brilliant craic. Don’t know how to play poker? No worries, the Christmas package comes complete with a 30 minute training session as well as welcome drinks and food in the Private Balcony Room before the three-hour tournament. If you get knocked out of the tournament early, you can visit the Main Casino Floor to try your hand on a casino game such as Roulette & Blackjack, from as little as 50 cents a go.
5. Christmas Cruise
There are numerous options in Dublin for Christmas Cruises including La Peniche restaurant boat or The Canal Boat restaurant. Sip on prosecco while you glide down the canal, savouring delicious Christmas menus as you go. This one really encapsulates Christmas Disney magic.
Descend into the vaults of the city at Ely or Urban Brewing at the CHQ building for food and drinks in an incredibly cosy and unusal setting. At Urban Brewing, you can choose from the Vault bar or the Tapas bar and enjoy a set Christmas menu at the Stack, a restaurant which seats 90 per vaulted alcove.
This is a relaxed, casual shindig on the fifth floor of the Storehouse and includes a visit to the ground floor/ first floor visitor experience, a Guinness or mulled wine reception, interactive supper club menu and entertainment into the night with a late bar until 1:30am. There’s also a festive lunch option in the 1837 Bar & Brasserie if you’d rather a daytime affair – with a complimentary pint of the black stuff in the Gravity Bar afterwards. Perfect for bringing colleagues from abroad for a truly Irish Christmas Experience.
8. Road Trip
Re-live your school tour days and pack everyone onto a bus for a road trip. Whether you just head up the mountains to Johnnie Foxes for a hoolie and some grub, or do an overnight in another city, you know the best craic will be on the bus to and from the party.