Ho ho ho ... you’ve been asked to plan the Minnesota corporate holiday gathering. If you’re trying to decide whether that’s a holiday miracle or a lump of coal in your stocking, we can help with some direction that will clearly help you see this as a gift.

What’s on your wish list? Begin by considering what kind of team you have. Are they a hard-working crew who like to kick up their heels and party? Or, would they better appreciate an atmosphere that is subdued and stylish? From cozy to cavernous, simple to sophisticated, there is a venue that’s perfect for your bunch.

Home for the Holidays

What better way to treat your guests than with a site that not only provides a place to celebrate, but when the party’s over, a comfy spot to lay a weary head? Then a hotel is just right for you. The accommodating staff at the Country Inn by Carlson St. Paul East welcomes guests to a homey atmosphere with cozy rooms and suites, on-site dining, indoor pool, and enough event space for up to 80 people. Located in the heart of the riverside Mill District, Aloft Minneapolis offers a trendy home away from home with stunning Mississippi River views and close proximity to US Bank Stadium, Target Field, and the Guthrie Theater.

Make the Yuletide Great

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? There is an abundance of unique and unusual places for your crew to congregate. Why not take a few twirls around the Roseville Skating Center featuring the largest outdoor skating facility in North America, along with its exceptional banquet facilities for up to 300? For a more rustic atmosphere, you might want to consider the Minnesota Horse + Hunt Club with its countryside ambience, horse-drawn sleighs, and lodging accommodations for up to 26 guests. Then again, if your group would like to groove to something hot, hot, hot, take a chance on Mystic Lake Casino Hotel with award-winning food, hotel and spa, and of course, slots, blackjack and bingo.

Celebrate in Style

There’s no shortage of elegant, chic venues for the crowd that loves to dress up and spend a stylish night on the town. Explore the historic Minnesota Humanities Center with its beautifully appointed spaces and elegantly furnished overnight rooms for up to 15 guests. With two locations in Blaine and Fridley, Banquets of Minnesota offers you a choice of four exquisite ballrooms, while the Bunker Hills Event Center boasts stunning views and space for up to 480 guests.

And while this may not be golf season, that doesn’t mean your group can’t gather at a spectacular club house to be of good cheer. Host your holiday at Green Haven Golf Course and enjoy lovely views and full service bar and restaurant, conveniently located in historic Anoka.  Majestic Oaks Golf Club invites guests to enjoy the grandeur of its Majestic ballroom or the warmth of its Fireside Ballroom, while TPC of the Twin Cities with its magnificent upscale setting is the perfect backdrop for an elegant evening out. Finally, in its pastoral setting, Rush Creek Golf Club delivers spectacular views and a beautiful banquet space that all will find jolly.

Deck the Halls

Even the most casual gathering can be a festive delight when you combine a welcoming venue, glittering décor, and warm, satisfying food. St Paul Student Center at U of M is ideal with its two ballrooms, two theaters and many other reservable spaces. Keep it local and low key with places like the Shoreview Community Center or the New Brighton Community Center featuring banquet rooms and indoor pools. The Coon Rapids Civic Center invites guests to enjoy one of their four different banquet rooms for up to 230 guests, while the Four Seasons Civic Center keeps things informal with floor space that can serve as an ice rink. The National Sports Center is a grand place to party with over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, or choose the North Metro Event Center where they serve delicious cuisine for up to 300 guests.

Though it’s the season for it, you’re probably looking for more than chestnuts roasting on an open fire to feed your team. No worries. We’ve got some great ideas for your people’s palates.

They’ll definitely be focused on the food when it comes from D’Amico Catering. Their award-winning chefs offer inventive menus, featuring the best of local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Envision Catering + Hospitality will get guests mouths watering with their innovative creations and customizable menus that take food allergies and special dietary restrictions into account. Lancer Catering brings the celebration to you with upscale menus and 30 years experience in the catering industry. Finally, Crave Catering are dedicated people pleasers who will work with you to plan the perfect menu of delectable holiday favorites.

The icing on the cake (or the frosting on the cookies) at any holiday gathering is the entertainment. Our suggestions will provide performances guaranteed to let your guests’ hearts be light.

From hypnotists to casino shows to jugglers, magicians and bands, GL Berg Entertainment has the perfect performer to get the party started. Ace High Casino, Inc. will transform your venue into a casino complete with gaming tables and professional dealers, plus they can add an entertainment carnival to life at the same time. Want to really bring the bunch to their feet? Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater ETC will write, perform, and produce original sketch comedy and improvisation tailored just for you. Now that’s entertainment.

You know the holidays are sure to be holly jolly when you book some of Minnesota’s best event venues, caterers, and entertainers for your gathering. Consider it our gift to you!