Posted 5 years ago in Loop List
7 MIN READ - New restaurants, museums, hotels, and more to consider for your corporate holiday party this season
Finding the perfect corporate holiday party venue can be daunting. You have to consider capacity, budget, and aesthetic. But we're here to help make the process easier. These spaces offer a slice of opulence and sophisticated fun in the Chicago Loop, a business district known for its hustle and bustle—just like your employees.
theWit Hotel
Boldly living in the heart of Chicago's Loop, theWit stands as an homage to creativity and expression. It offers dramatic city views, floor-to-ceiling windows, a large 3D video mapping wall with state-of-the-art audio equipment, on-site production managers to create special visual effects and award-winning chefs. Rated one of the “Top 3 Rooftop Bars in the World,” ROOF features an open aired patio with a retractable roof, making it accessible year-round.
Capacity: 40-300
The Art Institute of Chicago
From gardens to galleries, Gilded Age glamour to modern sophistication, the Art Institute of Chicago boasts several exceptional spaces that can accommodate a variety of special occasions and different group sizes. Griffin Court is the heart of the museum’s Modern Wing, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. This expansive, luminous space is a blank canvas that can be arranged to host seated dinners and large-scale receptions and is one of the most sought-after events spaces within the Art Institute.
Capacity: Varies
Well Done Hospitality restaurants
Cochon Volant Brasserie, Francois Frankie, and Taureaux Tavern, owned and operated by Well Done Hospitality, each contribute to the culinary resurgence of Chicago's Loop by providing bustling atmospheres and elevated French and American cuisine to their guests. From breakfast meetings to holiday parties to wedding receptions, Well Done Hospitality is able to accommodate groups of up to 350 guests and customize your event exactly to your liking, making it a memorable experience for your entire party.
Cochon Volant Brasserie is a French-inspired restaurant complete with a dining room, bakery, and bar nestled within the Hyatt Centric hotel. Brand new to the Loop, Francois Frankie offers guests American Brasserie cuisine by Chef Mike Sheerin, alongside the option of hosting events within the dining room or at the rotating Carousel Bar, only the second of its kind in the United States. Taureaux Tavern is Well Done Hospitality’s second French-inspired concept, and boasts first- and second-floor party spaces, as well as an multi-season Veranda.
Capacity: 350
Skydeck at The Willis Tower
The flexible venue space can be set up theater, classroom, or reception style and can seat up to 175 guests and 300 guests non-seated. With a 360-degree view of Chicago, including panoramic views of the lakefront, Skydeck offers the option for private VIP access to The Ledge—glass floor balconies extending four feet outside Willis Tower; 1,353 feet over Chicago. With nearby parking and flexible caterers, this sky-high venue is sure to elevate your event experience. Literally!
Capacity: 175 seated, 300 non-seated
The Dearborn
With its vaulted ceiling, private bar, fresh floral arrangements, burnished mirror panels and crystal chandeliers, The Rialto Room at The Dearborn provides a beautiful setting for private parties. A/V capabilities make it the perfect setting for business-focused events. Customizable menus from Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs.
Capacity: 24 seated, 40 reception style
Goodman Theatre
Housed in a state-of-the-art, two-theater complex, The Goodman offers a variety of private spaces for accommodating holiday events, corporate meetings, lectures, pre-show receptions, and much more. This internationally-renowned theatre offers various spaces including auditoriums, an elegant lounge, dining areas, rehearsal rooms, and areas in the newly-opened Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement. Featuring floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking downtown Chicago, The Center is a magnificently-designed complex recently added to the Goodman’s main facility.
Capacity: Varies (10-850)
The Alfred
Looking for a rooftop oasis located just a block away from Millennium Park? The Alfred, a recent historical renovation, is the perfect venue for any company event including cocktail hours, holiday parties, or fundraisers. The Alfred’s indoor lounge is complete with banquet and lounge seating, pool table, a kitchen, original artwork, and floor to ceiling windows. The indoor space can hold up to 99 people, standing. The expansive outdoor terrace has abundant seating, canopied string lighting, grills, and breathtaking city views. This unique Loop building can accommodate private catering, DJ’s, and security.
Capacity: 99
American Writers Museum
Looking for a unique space to host your holiday party? Plan a holiday party worth writing about at the American Writers Museum. With interactive exhibits and various rooms and seating options, your holiday party can stand out this season. Numerous in-house amenities and high quality equipment are available, and the AWM partners with vendors who have worked extensively in the space to ensure the event experience is unlike any other. Book your holiday party at the American Writers Museum today.
Capacity: 500 seated dinner, 900 reception style
Renaissance Hotel
With an unbeatable location just steps from the Theatre District, sweeping skyline views, and over 35,000 square feet of flexible event space, Renaissance Hotel has a grand venue for your corporate holiday party. For a more intimate gathering, take your party to Raised, an urban rooftop bar, and enjoy the industrial, eclectic ambiance overlooking the Chicago River. Its experienced event planners can help execute your vision and transform your event space while providing world-class service and a memorable event for your guests.
Capacity:
- Grand Ballroom - Standing 1,100 | Seated 770
- Cloud Gate Ballroom - Standing 400 | Seated 240
- Looking Glass Ballroom - Standing 275 | Seated 190
- Urban Blue - Standing - Standing 130 | Seated 70
- Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar - Inside 107 | Outside 103
- Discover - Standing 150 | Seated 100
AceBounce
AceBounce becomes a festive playground in the winter, featuring décor and pop-up art installations from Bamcreates. With a space that can accommodate up to 500 guests, it offers holiday menus and packages from Chef Rich Gresh and a wide selection of craft beers, premium wine, and cocktails. The venue comes with a complimentary entertainment of a Second City-trained Games Guru.
Capacity: 500
Formento’s
Formento’s offers distinctive, urban spaces perfect for corporate and holiday events, including a loft overlooking Restaurant Row. The private spaces are located on the second floor, with one spacious room fully contained with its own private bar, restrooms, and sound system. It also has another small boardroom for more intimate gatherings. Both rooms are complete with LCD TVs and provide a beautiful atmosphere with natural lighting. In addition, it has a semi-private room for standing receptions or seated dinners, with an old-school Italian feel. With custom menus and beverage packages, and fresh, seasonal cuisine from Chef Todd Stein, Formento's provides unparalleled and personalized hospitality.
Capacity: 10-200
Auditorium Theatre
Make your holiday event unforgettable with the classic beauty and drama of a Golden Age at the National Landmark Auditorium Theatre. Just steps from busy Michigan Avenue, you’ll find a sanctuary of old-world luxury. From a full theatre rental to one of our more intimate spaces, the Auditorium offers many options for your special event or annual party.
Capacity: 60-1,200
Land & Lake Kitchen
Find exquisite catering menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients in a fun and casual ambiance at Land & Lake Kitchen for your corporate holiday event. The restaurant offers both private and semi-private dining options.
Capacity: 12-130
The Berghoff
For 120 years, The Berghoff has been a festive Chicago staple. From frequent Santa stops to breathtaking décor, The Berghoff is a true holiday season wonderland. The Century Room awaits with high ceilings, detailed wood paneling, and hand-painted murals, while the Chef’s Room offers an intimate experience. The historic dining room and new brewery area, the bar, and the lower level cafe are also available for semi-private parties.
Capacity:
- The Century Room: 150-200
- The Chef's Room: 20
- Bar: 25-60
- Lower level cafe: 90-140
The Joffrey Ballet
Host your holiday soiree in The Joffrey’s ballet studio, complete with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, which can be left exposed or covered with drapes.
Capacity: 170 seated, 200 reception style
International Museum of Surgical Science
If your company is looking for a holiday party venue that is both elegant and unconventional, look no further. The International Museum of Surgical Science is housed in a gorgeous historic mansion overlooking the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan. Get your groove on to Jingle Bell Rock among the statues in the Hall of Immortals, and grab a cozy drink next to the rare books in the historic library. Guests have access to all four floors of exhibits on medical history, perfect for those with a curious mind and an adventurous spirit. The space can accommodate elegant plated dinners and casual buffet meals alike.
Capacity: 100 seated, 200 cocktail event
Chicago Architecture Center
Located at the bustling intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) offers contemporary spaces for your holiday party. To add ambiance, conviviality, and delight-for-the-ears to your holiday party, consider Ossia Musical Forum, a group of top-rated performers known for their extraordinary live shows. They specialize in matching up just the right ensemble to your unique event with a range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary.
Capacity:
- CAC Gallery: 300 (reception style)
- Joan & Gary Gand Lecture Hall: 140 (lecture style)
- Arcelormittal Design Studio: 36 (classroom style)
