The holiday season is one of the best times of year to bring people together. From company holiday parties and family celebrations to nonprofit gatherings and festive dinners, holiday events create opportunities to celebrate accomplishments, strengthen relationships, and make lasting memories.
But planning a holiday event can come with plenty of details. Choosing a venue, coordinating vendors, creating a menu, decorating the space, and organizing entertainment all take time and preparation.
At The Fillmore KC, we believe holiday celebrations should feel just as enjoyable to plan as they are to attend. Our modern and flexible event venue in Lenexa provides a versatile setting for holiday gatherings of all kinds. With a little preparation, you can create a festive event that your guests will remember long after the holidays are over.
1. Start Planning Early
Holiday calendars fill up quickly, so one of the most important things you can do is start planning early.
Begin by deciding on your event date, estimated guest count, budget, and overall vision. Booking your venue and key vendors early can give you more flexibility when selecting the details that will make your event unique.
Starting early also gives you time to address unexpected changes without feeling rushed.
2. Choose a Venue That Fits Your Celebration
The venue sets the foundation for your holiday event. Think about how many people you’re inviting, the type of food you’ll serve, entertainment needs, seating arrangements, parking, and the atmosphere you want to create.
The Fillmore KC offers flexible event spaces in Lenexa with adaptable layouts, built-in AV, custom lighting, a lounge area, catering options, and on-site parking. The Main Ballroom can accommodate more than 200 seated guests, while The Studio provides a more intimate setting for gatherings of up to 100 guests.
That flexibility makes it possible to create everything from an elegant company holiday party to a cozy seasonal celebration.
3. Create a Festive Atmosphere
Holiday events are an opportunity to have fun with décor. Choose a color palette and theme that reflect the type of celebration you’re planning.
Classic greenery, twinkling lights, elegant table settings, winter-inspired centerpieces, or metallic accents can instantly transform an event space.
The Fillmore KC’s neutral aesthetic provides a clean backdrop that can be customized around your holiday theme. Dimmable lighting and ambient uplighting can also help create the mood you want throughout the event.
4. Plan a Menu Guests Will Enjoy
Food is often one of the highlights of a holiday celebration. When planning your menu, consider the time of day, type of event, guest preferences, and dietary needs.
The Fillmore KC works with preferred catering partners as well as licensed outside vendors through its open-vendor policy. Vendors are required to provide valid proof of insurance.
Whether you’re serving a formal dinner, appetizers and cocktails, or a dessert-focused spread, choose options that complement your event and make it easy for guests to mingle.
5. Add Entertainment
Entertainment can take a holiday party from a simple gathering to a memorable celebration. Depending on your event, consider a DJ, live music, games, a photo experience, or another activity that encourages guests to participate.
The Fillmore KC’s preferred partner Icon Event Group provides DJ services, specialty lighting, and event technology for events throughout Kansas City.
Entertainment can also help establish the flow of the evening, from welcoming guests to opening the dance floor.
6. Build a Simple Timeline
A holiday event doesn’t have to follow a complicated schedule, but having a basic timeline can help everything run smoothly.
Determine when guests will arrive, when food will be served, when speeches or presentations will happen, and when entertainment or activities will begin. Share important timing information with your vendors ahead of time.
The Fillmore KC offers hosted packages that include setup and teardown, an on-site event manager, custom table and chair layouts, and basic AV, providing additional structure for events that need extra support.
7. Give Guests a Reason to Celebrate
Above all, remember why you’re hosting the event.
A holiday gathering is an opportunity to thank employees, reconnect with friends and family, celebrate a successful year, or bring your community together. Don’t feel pressured to make every detail elaborate. Focus on creating a welcoming environment where people can connect and enjoy themselves.
At The Fillmore KC, our goal is to provide a flexible space where those meaningful moments can happen. Whether you’re planning a corporate holiday party, private celebration, or community gathering, our venue can be customized to fit your vision.
Make Your Holiday Celebration Memorable
The holidays are about connection, celebration, and creating memories with the people who matter. With early planning, the right venue, thoughtful décor, delicious food, and engaging entertainment, your holiday event can become a celebration your guests look forward to all year.
Ready to start planning? Contact The Fillmore KC to schedule a tour and start creating your holiday event in Lenexa.