With the holiday season in full swing and the trend toward last-minute event planning on the rise, we’re excited to share our giant Last-Minute Holiday Planner and introduce you to the creative event pros who helped us curate this valuable collection of BIG event ideas for Holiday events! We know time is tight, but we’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll find hundreds of expert tips and creative ideas from some of the most talented event pros from across Canada. Let’s meet our experts!
Chef Adrian Niman,
Founder & Creator
Food Dudes
What’s the key to great holiday event catering?
When I think of catering, I think of preparation; of being ready and focusing on what matters, and that approach applies to a party in any season. I want to know that my team has side dishes like mashed potatoes and vegetables ready to go so we can execute and finish the cooking on-site.
Anna Zemly
Sales & Marketing Manager
en Ville Event Design and Catering
What’s the key to great holiday event catering?
The key to a great holiday party? Make the food part of the fun! Interactive food stations and customizable menus keep guests engaged and excited. And don’t forget the little details—seasonal dishes that feel comforting but with a creative twist are always crowd-pleasers.
Dwayne Rutherford
Founder & CEO
Debonair Corporate Events
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
My advice would be to ask yourself what your event goal is and what story you are telling. How will your story touch all 5 senses? Answering these questions before starting will allow you to design something unique while wowing your client.
Dionne Bishop
Founder & CEO
Events by Dionne
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
Have fun! Be inclusive of multiple holidays, relax, and call the Christmas tree a Christmas tree. Tapping into nostalgia will also increase the Fun factors and joy. Venues you’re loving right now? Private dining space at Aera at The Well, The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Ricarda’s Restaurant and Event Venue
Elizabeth Nutting, CSEP
Account Director
TK Events
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
It’s your job to create unforgettable memories.
Venues you’re loving right now? The Polygon Gallery offers a gorgeous view of downtown Vancouver. The Commodore Ballroom and Stanley Park Pavilion offer a contemporary space in the middle of the rainforest!
Joannie Langevin
Development & Outreach Director
OPC Événements
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
Ensure that the participants’ experience is reflected in a relevant way that is in line with the values and culture of the company while adding a surprising touch!
Venues you’re loving right now? In Montreal, Maison Alcan, Le bungalow, and La Société des arts technologiques.
Guillaume Clairet
Managing Partner
Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events
What does hospitality mean to you?
Hospitality means taking care of individual needs. Start with dietary inclusivity, then plan for special cases. 15-20% of those we feed have a dietary requirement. A significant portion of your guests have at least one dietary requirement, whether it’s due to culture, religion, an allergy, intolerance, or preferences. It’s important to design an inclusive menu. Once you’ve addressed the needs of the majority, you can tackle the needs of the others.
Rebecca Chan
Owner and Creative Director
Rebecca Chan Events Inc.
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
Pull out all the stops. You’re only as good as your last party!
Venues you’re loving right now?
In Toronto, I love blank canvas spaces like Space On King and Globe and Mail Centre, both are modern blank canvases to build an event. I also love the AGO with its unique architecture serving as the backdrop to a fantastic party.
Judy Duong
Creative Director
Starmuse Entertainment
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
My best tip for hiring and working with great entertainment is, to be sure to focus on personalization and alignment with your company culture. When you’re selecting entertainment, choose acts or experiences that can be customized to reflect the company’s values, industry, or even specific team dynamics.
Evan Aranoff
Co-President, Superior Events Group Inc.
Managing Partner, Luxe Modern Rentals
What’s your go-to idea for creating an experience at the event?
To make your holiday party truly stand out, create an Instagram-worthy photo op with stunning, eye-catching elements that guests will be excited to share on social This adds an interactive layer to the event and extends the experience. Incorporate costumed performers to engage with guests for stand-out moments, combined with carefully curated furniture and decor that reflects the season or event theme.
Sarah Valencia
Owner & Planner
Our Jonrah Events
What’s your number one must-have for holiday events in 2024?
An epic photo booth or vignette-style photo moment for guests as they arrive. People love dressing up for the glam, festive fashion and a night out! Photos are the best keepsakes. Giving guests a fun dress code would be the cherry on top!
Venues you’re loving right now?
In Edmonton, the LAST Modern Event Venue is used for the open concept canvas, Dolly’s Cocktail Bar is used for the intimate and fun vibes, and the Royal Glenora Club is used for the larger and grand gatherings.
Emma Singh
Founder & Creative Director
Emma Singh Creative
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
My number one piece of advice when planning an unforgettable holiday party is to define the purpose and vision for your company’s holiday event, engage your team in the planning process and start planning early!”
Venues you’re loving right now?
You have to find the perfect space. The location sets the stage. Unique and unusual venues to cool spaces are on trend this year… such as outdoor spaces, cultural landmarks, museums, aquariums, theatres etc.
Cassie Leblanc
Lead Corporate Planner
The Good Party Planning and Event Production
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
Don’t be afraid to go over the top!
Venues you’re loving right now?
In British Columbia, we love working at The Fairmont Empress Library, Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar, and Sea Cider
Natalie Stanbra
National Director of Event Sales
Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality
What’s the key to great holiday event catering?
Find ways to surprise and delight your guests through your catering planning, and lean into your partners for the event to help you create memories that will last a long time for your guests.
Steven Devine
Chief Operating Officer
Divine Furniture Rental
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday event?
Hire a planner! We have some amazing professionals in this city who are so creative & amazing to work with!! The planner has a unique eye for detail that will bring to life your ideas!!
Raviv K
Owner, CEO, & Creative Director
R5 Event Design and Production
What’s your number one piece of advice for planners to be successful in today’s competitive market?
The secret to success is to always be creative” – Self.
Anita Carlyle
Owner & Managing Partner
Moore Carlyle Consulting &
MCC Destination Management
What’s your number one piece of advice for a successful event?
Don’t leave furniture or decor rentals to the last minute!
Venues you’re loving right now?
In Toronto, Arcadian Earth, AERA, Louix Louis
Laurie Bernardi
Director of Catering
Peter & Paul’s Event Catering
What’s the key to a great holiday event?
A party should be an event message. For me, catering is not just about food; it’s about creating an experience – from the sights, sounds, smells and energy – a party isn’t a party until it’s an event. It should always invoke emotion and provoke the senses.
Hailey Dawood
Chief Huntress
The Idea Hunter
What’s your best advice for delivering epic holiday event entertainment?
Entertainment is a vehicle to deliver a moment, an emotion, a memory. Before jumping to ideas, truly understand your group—how they behave, what matters to them, and what they dislike. If you’re unsure, ask someone who knows them best. Ideas should be designed for people based on insight. Before you shop for a list of ideas, start with your own list of who you’re entertaining. Then, select the ideas that align with your vision, and adjust them as needed. Ideas are moldable, stackable, and adaptable—you don’t have to take anything at face value.
Toben Kochman
Chief Culinary Director
TOBEN Food by Design Catering
What’s the key to great holiday event catering?
Catering can be much more than just food; it can and should be a key part of the conversation. A great way to achieve this is by reflecting the diversity of the corporate landscape through blends of international flavours made with local ingredients. This approach supports the local community and sparks conversations about global culinary traditions. It allows you to celebrate diverse cultures and bring people together over shared tastes from around the world.
Earlyn Joseph
Founder & Creative Director
Creative Event Solutions (CES)
What’s your number one piece of advice for planners aiming to create an unforgettable holiday event?
My number one piece of advice for planners aiming to create an unforgettable holiday event is to focus on creating a cohesive and immersive experience. This can be achieved by integrating your theme, decor, entertainment, and even the smallest details to craft a seamless and engaging environment for your guests.
Venues you’re loving right now?
In Toronto, the three top event venues that stand out for their unique appeal and can make your holiday celebration truly special are The Distillery District, The Globe and Mail Centre and Evergreen Brick Works.
Carol Priest
Chief Executive Officer
Carol Priest Entertainment
What’s your best advice for delivering epic holiday event entertainment?
Balance your music – too loud is a common complaint, so consider satellite speakers for larger venues. Christmas music is great, but mix it up during the event for inclusivity. Provide technical equipment for entertainment to avoid surprises and awkward tear-downs, and ensure a sound tech is present. Lighting is key – make sure your entertainment and decor are well-lit.
Consider spacing: can everyone see the performance? Stick to your agenda, and be aware of entertainers’ overtime fees and exits so you don’t lose talent mid-event or get stuck with unexpected fees.
Grail Noble
Chief Executive Officer
Yellow House Events
What’s the key to a great holiday event?
Put the experience first. Think about how the attendee feels. What moves them?
Design events to make everyone comfortable. Quiet places for introverts and social places for extroverts. Control sound volume and seating options to match both needs. Cozy couches at one end and a vibrant dance floor at the other, with lots to do in between. Build in interesting content, e.g. a food and beverage pairing station, cooking demo, wellness and relaxation spaces. Bring in a few “big” elements and moments that are photo-worthy and share-worthy. Get them talking!
Venues you’re loving right now?
We love unusual venues, e.g. parking garages, galleries, warehouses, storefronts.
Sara Gundy
Managing Director
The Goods BMC
What’s your number one piece of advice for creating an epic event experience?
Make it memorable and personal. Consider the audience the year they’ve had and celebrate it together.”
Venues you’re loving right now?
Bar Henry/Henry Singer, Edmonton – The perfect spot for an intimate gathering + shopping experience for men.
Banquet Bars (Ice District, Edmonton + University District and Mahogany, Calgary) is an upscale dive bar already equipped with bowling, games and other activities.
Pop-up holiday spots like – Wilfred’s Tropical Christmas Pop-Up Bar (Edmonton) or Holly Dolly’s Xmas Pop-Up (Edmonton) technicolour take on Christmas. Fully decorated, fully festive and a unique seasonal experience.
Sebastien Centner
Founder & Creative Director
Eatertainment Events & Catering
What’s your best advice for integrating catering into a great corporate holiday party?
Think about your catering early in the planning process. Food is generally one of the things people will most remember about a party, but it is often one of the last items planned out. Often, clients think of catering last when building their budget, which can limit how much or how great the food will be. Plan it out early so you allocate budget to make the catering great.
Venues you’re loving right now? In Toronto, the Design Exchange (especially because of the immersive projection mapping system), The Pearl (because it offers a cool club-like environment but one with limitless possibilities) and The Globe and Mail Centre (because it remains one of the most beautiful contemporary settings in the city – and the view of course)
Julia Livia and Samantha Kostopoulos
Co-Founders & Creative Directors
RISE Event Planning
What’s the key to a great holiday party?
Our top piece of advice for planners this year is to focus on customizing every aspect of the guest experience. Start telling a story from the moment they receive their invitation, and carry that narrative through to their entry into the venue, their journey to their seat, and the entire evening’s experience. We believe in engaging all five senses—from the scents that fill the room to the sights that captivate them. By transporting guests into a new reality, you create an event that is not only immersive but also unforgettable, ensuring it remains in their memories for a lifetime.
Venues you’re loving right now?
If we had to choose, we would say that you need to check out The Globe and Mail Centre, The Symes and East Room.
Jennifer Rabanillo
Founder & Event Producer
StyleWorthy Studio
What’s your number one piece of advice to create an unforgettable holiday party?
Focus on creating a seamless, immersive experience that engages all the senses, from personalized decor and interactive entertainment to thoughtfully curated food and drink, leaving guests with lasting memories.
Venues you’re loving right now?
In Toronto, there are three standout venues. The Fermenting Cellar – Located in the historic Distillery District, Casa Loma – This iconic castle offers an unparalleled, fairy-tale backdrop for holiday events. Evergreen Brick Works – A unique and eco-friendly venue, Evergreen Brick Works combines industrial charm with lush, natural surroundings.
Kriya Preisler
Owner & Lead Designer
Coven Creative
What’s your best advice for creating an unforgettable event space?
My best advice for integrating decor into a corporate holiday party is to focus on creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages connection and celebration. Use lighting as a tool to set the mood—warm, ambient lighting can create an elegant, festive feel, while statement pieces like chandeliers, street lights or themed pendant lights add visual interest. Incorporate thoughtful touches, like branded or personalized elements, to make the decor feel unique to the company/attendees, and tie it all together with a cohesive colour palette that reflects the spirit of the season.
Marc Katz
Chief Executive Officer
Abbey Road Entertainment
What’s your best advice for delivering epic holiday party entertainment?
The best advice for making a holiday party stand out is to focus on unique, interactive touches that create lasting memories. Incorporate elements like themed games, immersive photo ops, and festive decor that engage guests and encourage participation. When attendees feel part of the experience, whether through a fun competition or capturing a moment inside a giant snow globe, it transforms the event from ordinary to unforgettable. These special, creative details leave a lasting impression and make your party truly memorable.
Vivian Luc
Marketing Manager
Bespoke Decor and Habitat Staging
What’s your best advice for integrating decor into a great corporate holiday party?
Think of everything from the client’s perspective and what kind of experience you want to create. From there, come up with goals of what you want to achieve for your guests and anchor yourself with these concepts. With this, it’ll be hard to lose sight when planning the event!
List of Holiday Guide Article Contributors:
Adam Sammut, Lead Mixologist, Delixir Bar + Event Services
Andrew Zimbel, National Director Special Projects, Element Event Solutions
Ariel Marciano, Private Chef & Founder, Chef De La Mesa
Corinne Kessel, Principal, Greenscape Design and Decor
Dylan Goulet, Corporate Agent, Paquin Entertainment
Isaac Rayment, Co-Founder, Awe-nest
Jamie Crackower, Account Manager, Spotlight AVI
Jason Koop, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Canadian Special Events
Julie Danaylov, Co-Founder, Cirque Revolution
Kenn Kristoffersen, President & Chief Strategy Officer, POP Kollaborative
Marita Schmidt, Marketing Manager, Toben Food By Design
Shannon Collins, President & Owner, Chair Flair
Tennille Jago, Social Media Manager & Corporate Sales Representative, Paquin Entertainment