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If you’ve ever watched The Office’s unforgettable Christmas episodes, you know that Dunder Mifflin’s holiday parties were… chaotic, to say the least. Between last-minute planning, cringe-worthy karaoke, and awkward gift exchanges, those parties were pure comedy gold — for viewers, at least.
Watching the Scranton branch celebrate is hilarious on TV, but your real-life Kansas City office holiday party doesn’t have to be a sitcom disaster. Whether your team works downtown, in the Crossroads, or anywhere else in KCMO, here’s how to plan an office celebration your coworkers will actually enjoy, with absolutely no Michael Scott moments.
DO Set the Scene (Don’t Use the Breakroom)
Dunder Mifflin made do with a few strands of tinsel and a dusty tree, but your team is worthy of something far more memorable. Hosting your company holiday party outside of the office instantly transforms it from another work event into a true celebration.
At UNION in Kansas City, the possibilities are endless. With three floors of event space, including The Goldfinch Room – perfect for more intimate events – our venue offers the perfect mix of historic charm and modern style. Whether you’re envisioning a cocktail-style soirée or a formal dinner party, UNION’s exposed brick walls, twinkling market lights, and it’s open-concept layout allows you to customize the space to match your company’s culture and aesthetic.
DO Plan Ahead (Don’t Send Invites the Day Before)
If there’s one thing we learned from The Office, it’s that throwing a party together at the last minute rarely ends well. Don’t leave your Kansas City office holiday party to chance; the city’s event calendar fills up fast once December hits, from corporate galas to weddings and winter fundraisers.
Booking early gives you access to the best venues, vendors, and planners. At UNION, we recommend securing your date as soon as possible so you can take advantage of our flexible setup options and planning resources. And instead of relying on your own “party planning committee,” partner with our in-house experienced planners to bring your vision to life seamlessly.
Pro tip: The earlier you book your Kansas City holiday party venue, the better your chances of scoring your ideal date and setup.
DO Keep It Classy (Don’t Let It Turn into a Meredith Moment)
We all love Meredith, but some of her “festive” decisions might not pass HR review. Keep your celebration elegant (and safe) with a well-thought-out beverage plan. Whether that means offering an open bar, a curated cocktail menu, or festive mocktails, UNION’s flexible bar setup makes it easy to choose what works best for your team.
Want to add a Kansas City touch? Pair drinks with elevated catering options from your favorite local vendors like small bites, grazing tables, or a plated dinner to keep guests fueled and happy. Our staff ensures everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on mingling instead of micromanaging.
Want to add a Kansas City touch? Swap traditional eggnog for local craft beers or a spiked cider featuring flavors from nearby distilleries.
DO Make It About the Team (Don’t Make It Awkward Like Secret Santa)
No one wants a repeat of The Office’s disastrous gift exchange. Skip the awkwardness and make your Kansas City holiday party about genuine connection and appreciation.
Incorporate team-friendly activities like raffle prizes, recognition awards, or even a local-themed gift swap featuring KC-made goodies. UNION’s adaptable floor plan allows you to design an experience that fits your company culture, whether it’s an intimate gathering, a lively dance floor, or a dinner that transitions into a late-night celebration.
DO Capture the Moment (Don’t Rely on Blurry Photos from HR)
If your only proof of the night is a blurry HR snapshot, you’re missing out. Invest in a professional photographer or photo booth to capture your event in style.
UNION’s brick walls, string lights, and architectural details create the perfect backdrop for festive photos. Want to go a step further? Our team can help you incorporate branded décor or a themed photo setup that highlights your company’s personality.
Ask about our photo booth and décor add-ons to make your Kansas City holiday party picture-perfect.
Leave the Cringe Moments to The Office Reruns
Your office holiday party should be one your team looks forward to, not one they laugh about later for all the wrong reasons. With thoughtful planning, a beautiful space, and the right atmosphere, your celebration can set the tone for a strong, connected team heading into the new year.
With industrial charm, flexible design, and historic Kansas City character, UNION is the ideal office holiday party venue for teams that want a celebration they’ll actually remember..
Book your Kansas City office holiday party today — before Dwight starts making the rules.
Related Reading: Every The Office Christmas Episode to Watch Now If You’re Craving Some Festive Chaos
