7 Tips for Your Cambridge Holiday Party

There are so many unique event venues in Cambridge, Massachusetts where you can host an enchanting holiday event. Whether you are planning a memorable corporate gathering for your esteemed peers or a festive celebration with your family and friends, you will find plenty of holiday inspiration at a number of incredible locations. Here are our seven go-to tips for bringing the cheer to your holiday affair across the Charles.

Switch Up Your Space

Hosting your holiday party at the same spot every year has left everyone with some amazing memories, but you are ready to give them a different space to bring out the holiday spirit. If you are looking for the magic this season, you will love celebrating locally and hosting your party at the beautiful Harvard Art Museums:

  • Calderwood Courtyard – Turn up the holiday tunes and dance the night away inside the stunning Calderwood Courtyard. The iconic arches, glass ceilings and world-renowned galleries make for an inspiring backdrop for a festive gathering that your guests will never forget. There is ample room for a lavish seated dinner or intimate cocktail reception with a lounge vibe—perfect for a large corporate function. Bonus: There is a rental discount for Calderwood Courtyard in December and January!
  • Adolphus Busch Hall – Treat your guests to a medieval holiday dining experience. This extravagant hall features intricate stonework and breathtaking murals. The setting alone is enough to inspire conversations for years to come.

Elevate Your Menu

Indulge in a customized menu featuring seasonal dishes like orange-marinated turkey with cranberry-orange relish and honey-roasted root vegetables with balsamic glaze. Surprise your team with a holiday feast featuring a carving station with herb-marinated sirloin. Don’t forget to include plenty options for guests with vegan and vegetarian preferences.

Add the Sparkle

Go beyond the standard garlands and tree lights and design a vibrant scene of winter wonder that will make your guests feel like they are a part of their favorite holiday story. Brilliant blues, shimmering crystal and snowy white should blend together to create a whimsical wintery backdrop for your evening.

The key to sparkle is lights and glittery materials that complement the scene in all the right ways. Metallic centerpieces, uplighting and ornaments that glisten go a long way. And do yourself a favor—go with the sparkly dress or pair of shoes. You will fit right into the spectacular scene. Everyone deserves to feel glamorous during a joyous special occasion.

A signature cocktail with a seasonal sprig or glass of sparkling wine is the ultimate greeting to kick off a night full of holiday fun. Sweet drinks and flavorful, seasonal bites are enough to get any party started.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Elevate your dessert spread with tiny cranberry sorbet cones or chocolate and peppermint whoopie pies. Or consider a festive dessert holiday station! Try an adult hot chocolate bar complete with flavored whipped creams, peppermint sticks and other candy add-ins. Be sure to use elegant dining ware that gets people excited.

Tap into Tech

Modernize your holiday party and give everyone an Instagrammable backdrop that they can share with all their friends. A photo booth and an event hashtag are easy ways to incorporate simple tech into your event while creating lasting memorabilia for the night. Encourage the conversation with creative signage throughout your venue.

Give the Gift of Inspiration

At the Harvard Art Museums, you can get exclusive access to the first floor galleries during your event. By hosting your event at this prestigious location, you offer an experience unlike any other and contribute to the enrichment of thousands of visitors and scholars through one of the world’s leading visual arts institutions.

Host Your Next Party at the Harvard Art Museums!

The Harvard Art Museums is one of the best Cambridge event venues to host a holiday party. Make it yours for one unforgettable night.

Click here to get your holiday event planning started today!