Before you break out the party hats and plan this year’s team gift swap, take note: the holiday party scene is getting a refresh. Over the past few years, work party trends have shifted, and the 2024 season promises a few twists that might surprise you.

To see what’s changed, ezCater surveyed over a thousand employees and company decision-makers to find out what’s really going on behind the scenes of the modern office holiday party, and put those answers into our 2024 Holiday Party Report. Turns out, 2024 is bringing higher attendance, bigger budgets, and — spoiler alert — a serious emphasis on good food. 

From hip cocktails to self-serve stations, let’s see how these holiday party trends can inspire a special event your team won’t want to miss.

1. Expect a full house this year

More employees will attend holiday parties this 2024, with attendance expecting to jump from last year’s 69% to 81%. More employees are ready to celebrate than ever — millennials, especially, who are 11% more likely to look forward to these events than any other generation.

With higher attendance comes more energy, more mingling, and a chance for teams to come together in ways that might not happen during the usual workday. With nearly everyone RSVPing “yes,” this year’s holiday parties are shaping up to be bigger and more memorable than ever.

2. Good food is putting employees in a party mood

If there’s one thing that can make or break an office holiday party, it’s the food — at least, that’s what this year’s survey on work party trends is telling us. Turns out, a whopping 78% of employees consider it to be the highlight of their party.

But why the big focus on food? Our 2024 Lunch Report already showed that good food can get more people to show up at work, but at an office party, it’s so much more—it’s the universal icebreaker! A good 85% of employees say sharing a meal gets conversations going, even among people who don’t know each other very well.

So, if you want to make your party unforgettable, sweet treats are a great start. Think cake pops, a macaron tower, or even an international dessert spread to celebrate diversity. Need more ideas? Check out our list of party dessert inspirations for that extra touch.

Fun fact: Food tops the list of reasons employees are excited to attend office holiday parties in 2024 — beating out festive cocktails at 48%, activities and games at 24%, and entertainment at 22%.

3. Seasonal sips are trending, but not as you might expect

Festive drinks are a holiday party classic, but here’s the twist: it’s not the youngest crowd driving the trend for holiday cocktails this year, but the millennials — 71% of them, to be precise. Meanwhile, 66% of Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers combined would like alcohol to be an option at holiday parties.

So, why are millennials now the biggest fans of that extra cheer on the menu? This may very well be due to Gen Z drinking, on average, 20% less than them.

4. Younger employees are making surprising sly exits

Even though Gen Z and millennials are most likely to attend holiday parties, they’re also the ones most likely to make an early exit. About 28% of Gen Z say they stay just long enough for the food before heading out, while 39% of millennials admit to “ghosting” their parties, quietly slipping away without saying goodbye.

So, while younger employees might bring the energy to start the party, don’t be too surprised if they’re also the first ones to call it a night.

5. Fall is for planning, December is for celebrating

Planning a holiday party takes time, so companies kick off the prep well before the winter chill sets in. In fact, about 28% of decision-makers start thinking about the party as early as September, with October (35%) marking the official planning season.

As for the main event, December takes the crown — 86% of companies host their holiday celebrations that month. No surprises there.

Pro tip: Running a bit late on planning? Check out these crowd-pleasing dishes that are perfect for any office holiday party!

6. Holiday party budgets are getting a boost

Recent holiday party trends show companies are stepping up to create events that employees actually look forward to. With 43% upping their holiday party budgets for 2024, the average holiday party spending is close to $30,000.

And even those holding steady aren’t scaling back — 49% plan to match last year’s budget. This doesn’t mean these parties are getting bigger, though — 54% still plan to keep the guest list under 100.

Note: Food and beverage budgets vary by company size, but we found the average per guest hovers around $46.

7. Self-serve options are a hot trend this holiday season

Still wondering what’s on the menu this season? Self-serve options like buffets, with their relaxed and flexible atmosphere, are winning over planners and employees this year — about 66% of decision-makers are opting for buffets at their 2024 office holiday parties. Other fun things to expect are heavy appetizers (34%), carving and salad stations (25%), and build-your-own bars (20%). Only 25% are going the formal route with sit-down meals.

That’s because 64% of employees prefer choosing their own meals (rather than having someone order for the entire group), and there’s nothing better than letting everyone enjoy exactly what they’re craving, especially during the holidays.

Now you’re up to speed with 2024’s work party trends

Higher attendance, tasty self-serve options, and an extra boost in budget — 2024’s office holiday party trends are all about creating special celebrations. With millennials embracing festive cocktails and food as the go-to icebreaker, this year’s parties are shaping up to be unforgettable.

For the full scoop on what’s driving these work party trends, download ezCater’s 2024 Holiday Party Report. Get inspired to plan a party your team will love.