When you think of celebrating the holidays with your company, you likely think of a simple office gift exchange or—if you’re lucky—a tasty potluck filled with festive treats in your breakroom. Maybe you even enjoy a well-timed bonus recognizing your hard work throughout the year.
Sure, those are all great things! But, there are many organizations that have kissed those standard bonuses or white elephant gifts goodbye in favor of holiday celebrations that are unbelievably flashy and grandiose.
From the fun and creative to the ridiculously extravagant, here are five companies that really take things to the next level for the holidays. Prepare to be filled with intense jealousy.
1. 4moms
4moms is a startup that aims to create better baby products by incorporating technology into many different baby gear items—because who doesn’t need an MP3 connection in a baby swing? But, aside from their extreme innovation and ingenuity, 4moms ultimately prides itself on its collaborative and friendly company culture.
So, it’s really no surprise that their employee holiday celebration combines tons of creativity and teamwork, with just a little bit of friendly competition. Of course, they host a more standard end-of-year holiday party for employees. But, in 2012, 4moms decided to take things up a notch and incorporate an additional element into their holiday festivities.
Each year, the 4moms team is divided into different groups. Then, each group is provided a small budget and charged with the task of creating a fun and festive holiday space within the office. Not only is it a fun way for the company to bring some holiday cheer into the office, but it’s also a great way for employees to work with people they don’t interact with as part of their daily jobs. Teamwork for the win!
2. Google
When it comes to lavish soirees, you had to anticipate that tech giant Google would make it onto the list. Famous for their fun work culture and their futuristic and playful office spaces, you just know that Google is going to go over the top for the holidays.
Obviously, the Google team is huge and based all over the world. So, throwing one large party is basically out of the question. So, each year the company’s different teams enjoy their own festive get-togethers.
In 2013, Google’s People Operations team enjoyed some holiday cheer at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, complete with a fancy bar, caricature drawings, fake snow, and even a giant snow globe that employees could climb inside. The Finance Team also let their hair down at an ocean-themed party at the Computer History Museum. The bash included performances from a Cirque du Soleil troupe, where employees could also take pictures with the performers. Suddenly, your company’s holiday music playlist seems incredibly inadequate.
Of course, Google’s festivities never lack in creativity. In 2006, they even hosted their own Googlympus at San Francisco’s Pier 48. During the huge event, employees competed in tons of different activities, such as wine cork shooting and even wig wearing.
It’s safe to say that if Google sets the bar any higher, they’ll have a hard time topping their holiday celebrations year after year.
3. GoDaddy
Web domain company, GoDaddy, knocks holiday festivities out of the park—literally. In 2008, the organization rented out Chase Field, which is typically used as the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The giant bash hosted more than 5,000 guests, and reportedly had a price tag in the millions. Not many companies have that sort of budget for their holiday party! But, the company even flew out-of-town employees in for the giant celebration. The event also featured performances by ZZ Top and Jewel, and concluded with an extravagant fireworks display over the entire field.
That sort of makes the free hors d’oeuvres at your company holiday party seem pretty disappointing, doesn’t it?
4. FlexJobs
With consistent advancements in technology, remote working has become even more popular. But, FlexJobs, a site that helps people find telecommuting, part-time, freelance, or flextime positions, knows that location should never compromise holiday cheer.
Of course, their team works completely remotely. So, to incorporate a little holiday cheer and spread some camaraderie, the company organizes a virtual gift exchange for employees. Using Elfster.com, everyone is randomly assigned a Secret Santa from within the organization. Throughout the course of the activity, employees receive gifts from their office Secret Santa.
Apparently, FlexJobs’ workers have a great time trying to narrow down who their Secret Santa is—which is made even more challenging by the fact that they’re all based remotely. It’s definitely a step up from your standard company gift exchange! Plus, who doesn’t love receiving gifts in the mail?
5. Tumblr
Microblogging platform and social media network, Tumblr, is all about connecting people and celebrating creativity. So, without a doubt, there are some pretty high expectations for their holiday celebrations.
In 2013, the company definitely didn’t disappoint. They hosted a major bash at at the Brooklyn Night Bazaar. With a carnival theme, the event boasted games, delicious food stands, and even a giant ball pit. Plus, Reggie Watts and the 1975 performed for the party, making it a perfect combination of sophisticated celebration and juvenile fun!
Sure, the details of these extravagant holiday soirees are enough to make your office cheese and sausage plate seem positively drab. But, the important thing to remember is that your company holiday party is a chance to connect with your co-workers, have some fun, and share in the joy of the holiday season. So, get out there and enjoy it anyway! After all, we can’t all be Google.
