The holiday season is a time for celebration, gratitude and making memories, and businesses have an opportunity to bring those traditions into the workplace. From finding the perfect venue and catering a memorable meal to choosing gifts and activities for employees and their families, planning a holiday gathering can be a great way to show appreciation for the people who help make a business successful.
Inviting employees to celebrate with their spouses and children can make the occasion even more meaningful. When employees and their families feel valued and connected to the company, it can help build stronger relationships, boost morale and create a greater sense of investment in the workplace. A well-planned holiday party is more than an end-of-year celebration. It is an opportunity to thank employees for their hard work, recognize their contributions and encourage them to feel like an important part of the team.
As the holiday season fills up tee times and bays at The Back Nine (thebackninegolf.com), it’s a good idea to plan ahead when booking. Bays should be reserved two to three days in advance, while holiday events should be booked at least two to three weeks ahead, especially for those interested in reserving three bays or the entire facility. Even if you know nothing about golf, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. The facility offers a variety of games for golfers of all skill levels and non-golfers alike, including simulator-based skeeball, darts, tic-tac-toe, Connect Four, pitch pong, pirate-themed games and an indoor target golf similar.
For holiday events, every booking includes an additional hour for setup, decorating, bringing in food and drinks and cleanup. While food and drinks are not provided, guests are welcome to bring their own or hire a caterer, and the team is happy to connect guests with great local catering options. Party organizers can also meet with the team before booking to tour the space, discuss details and pricing and get help planning and envisioning their special event this holiday season.
For more information or to book, visit thebackninegolf.com.
When it comes to holiday orders, the sooner the better. For November holiday parties, Specially for You (specially4youinc.com) recommends placing all orders by mid-October, while December holiday parties should have orders placed by the last week of October. Most hard goods have a lead time of seven to 14 working days, although that timeframe can increase during the holiday season, while apparel can take seven to 20 days depending on the quantity ordered. Golf items remain at the top of the list for many companies, with golf balls, tees, towels and ball markers among the most popular choices. Branded apparel is also increasingly popular, with companies giving employees items such as embroidered vests, polos, hats and beanies. Drinkware continues to be a favorite, while fidget-related items, including pens with fidget spinners and ice cube stress toys, are becoming increasingly popular.
What truly sets Specially for You apart is its commitment to personal service. Customers can always reach a real person by phone or email, and the team is happy to meet at a client’s office, sit down to discuss options or show products in person before an order is placed. That personal approach has been a cornerstone of the business for 40 years and continues to guide its commitment to its customers. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful employee gift, a branded item for your team or something unique for your next holiday gathering, Specially for You can help make the process easy from start to finish.
For more information or to book, visit specially4youinc.com.
Planning a holiday gathering that offers something for everyone can be easier than you think, especially when you choose a venue with plenty of activities and flexibility. There really are no typical event bookings at Sun Valley Lanes & Games (sunvalleylanes.com) because every event is independently designed around each group’s needs. Regardless of the size of the group or what they’re looking for, the team can help create an experience that fits. For those looking to plan an event, especially during the busy holiday season, it’s never too early to start. Sun Valley recommends looking at dates four to six months in advance to secure the time you want, while other details can be worked out along the way.
What makes Sun Valley Lanes & Games stand out is that there truly is something for everyone. Guests can go beyond bowling with options including laser tag, Lucky Putt, an arcade and a variety of food options, making it a fun and flexible destination for holiday gatherings of all kinds. With so many activities and options to choose from, Sun Valley Lanes & Games makes it easy to create a memorable holiday event that everyone in the group can enjoy.
For more information or to book, visit sunvalleylanes.com.
Looking for gifts and activities that bring people together this holiday season? HobbyTown (hobbytownlincoln.store) has plenty of options for families, friends and coworkers, from puzzles and games to the latest LEGO sets and popular Nee-Doh and squishy toys. Party games can be a great addition to an office holiday party, giving coworkers a fun way to interact, laugh and enjoy some friendly competition outside the workplace.
LEGO sets and puzzles also make great gifts for creative minds, while HobbyTown’s huge selection of trendy toys offers something fun for teens and adults. Whether you’re shopping for a holiday gift or looking for an entertaining activity for your office celebration, HobbyTown has something for everyone.
For more information, visit hobbytownlincoln.store.
As the holiday season approaches, finding the right venue can make all the difference when planning a celebration. It doesn’t matter if you’re organizing a company holiday party, a family gathering or a festive get-together with friends, having a space that brings everyone together makes the occasion that much more special.
Venue Restaurant & Lounge (yourvenue.net) in Lincoln offers a welcoming setting for holiday gatherings, with five private dining rooms that accommodate groups of 30 to 90 guests. Whether planning an office celebration or getting together with family and friends, guests can enjoy a night out without having to worry about hosting at home.
With chef-inspired dining, fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks and catering options, Venue makes it easy to bring good food and good company together. It’s a place to catch up, celebrate the year and enjoy time with the people who make the holidays special.
For more information, visit yourvenue.net.
Planning a holiday party? DAVINCI’S (davincis.com) makes catering easy, whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large office celebration. Catering orders can be delivered anywhere in Lincoln, with free setup, paper products and serving utensils included.
For holiday gatherings, the pasta package is a popular choice, featuring baked mostaccioli or lasagna rollups with homemade Alfredo, marinara or creamy tomato sauce, along with garlic cheese rolls and garden salad.
Another crowd-pleaser is the gourmet pizza package, which includes three large gourmet pizzas, garlic cheese rolls, garden salad and mini chocolate chip cookies. With delicious food and convenient service, DAVINCI’S can help take the stress out of your holiday party.
Simply email catering@davincis.com or call Krista at (402) 434-3301 with your event details and food preferences, and the team can offer recommendations based on your group size and the style of your event.
Sweet Things by Marcy (sweetthingsbymarcy.com) is welcoming the cooler months with the return of soup season. Beginning this fall and continuing through early spring, Chicken & Dumplings will be a mainstay, joined by two rotating soups throughout the season. The rotating selections will feature Southern comfort-food favorites and seasonal flavors, while seasonal desserts and limited-time specials will also be available throughout the fall and holiday season.
For the holidays, Sweet Things by Marcy will focus on Southern comfort and nostalgia with favorites such as Southern Tea Cakes, Southern Pecan Pralines, Kentucky Butter Cake and other rotating Southern desserts. The bakery will also offer Southern dessert gift boxes in a variety of combinations and price points, making them a thoughtful option for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, clients and hosts. Boxes may include tea cakes, pecan pralines, miniature Kentucky Butter Cakes, individually wrapped cake slices and other seasonal treats. As a Southern-inspired bakery, deli and catering business in downtown Lincoln, Sweet Things by Marcy brings a taste of Alabama upbringing and Southern hospitality to the holiday season.
For more information, visit sweetthingsbymarcy.com.
The holidays are a great time to get together and enjoy something a little different. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or planning a holiday party, The Nebraska Communities Playhouse (NCP) – Hickman Theater (neplayhouse.com) offers opportunities to bring theater into the season. Attending a show is a great way to spend an evening with friends, family or coworkers, while adding live entertainment to a holiday gathering can make the event even more memorable.
For a fun group or family outing, consider attending one of NCP’s performances of Disney’s Frozen. If you’d like to bring the fun to you, NCP is making its Cabaret Singers available to businesses and organizations this holiday season to provide entertainment for your seasonal celebrations. For more information on how to secure tickets to Frozen or reserve your holiday musical entertainment, please reach out to info@neplayhouse.com.
For more information on NCP, visit neplayhouse.com.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and Venue 5 Twenty-Two (venue5twenty-two.com) is ready to help local businesses, organizations and families celebrate in style. With open event space, flexible layouts, built-in AV and on-site parking, the venue can transform to fit everything from an intimate holiday gathering to a large company Christmas party. December dates can fill quickly, so businesses and organizations are encouraged to start planning and booking early.
For those looking for a little more flexibility during the busy holiday season, weekday events can be a great option for Christmas parties, celebrations, showers, corporate gatherings, meetings and more. Venue 5 Twenty-Two can help customize each event and they offer vendors that customers can find a list of on their website. Whether the goal is a festive office celebration, a family gathering or a memorable end-of-year event, the venue offers a versatile space to bring holiday plans to life. Weddings are also booking well into 2028, with couples encouraged to reserve their preferred date 12–18 months in advance when possible.
For more information or to book, visit venue5twenty-two.com.
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the man who has everything can be a challenge, but Gary Michaels (garymichaels.com) has several options for the fashion-forward man on your list. Unconstructed stretch sport coats are a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down, pairing with premium denim and a sweater for a more casual look or dress pants, a shirt and tie for a special holiday occasion. Cashmere sweaters also make a thoughtful gift, with Gary Michaels offering modern styles in both solid colors and patterns, from classic crew necks to full-zip options.
For shoppers who are unsure about sizing, the experts at Gary Michaels can help take some of the guesswork out of gifting. Knowing the recipient’s height and weight can help, and even a photo from your phone may help the staff select the right size. Gift cards are another popular option for the difficult-to-buy-for man, giving him the opportunity to come in and choose something he will love. Shoppers can also look forward to Gary Michaels’ annual Anniversary promotion, taking place Oct. 15-24 in celebration of the store’s 43rd anniversary. The store is grateful for the clients who have supported Gary Michaels throughout its 43 years in business.
For more information, visit garymichaels.com.
Planning a holiday party? Talon Room (talonroom.com) in downtown Lincoln offers a space for businesses, families and friends to get together and celebrate the season. Whether it’s an annual company party or a gathering with friends, the venue provides a setting for enjoying good food, drinks and time together.
With event space, catering and bar services available, Talon Room makes it easy to bring the pieces of a holiday celebration together. Hosts can focus on spending time with their guests while celebrating the end of another year.
For more information, visit talonroom.com.
Make this holiday season a little more memorable with a gift that feels personal. At STATUS Haymarket (mystatusluxhaymarket.com), Lincoln’s only locally and woman-owned boutique specializing in pre-authenticated, second-hand luxury handbags, shoppers can find unique pieces that are stylish, timeless and anything but ordinary.
From statement handbags to one-of-a-kind accessories, every piece at STATUS is thoughtfully selected, making it easy to find something special for a best friend, partner, family member or someone who is simply hard to shop for. Each handbag has its own story, offering a meaningful alternative to traditional holiday gifts.
For those who need a little help finding the right gift, the STATUS team offers complimentary personal styling and handbag sourcing to help shoppers find a piece that fits their recipient’s personality and style. Holiday gift wrapping is also available, making each purchase ready to go under the tree. This Christmas, stop by STATUS Haymarket for a unique luxury shopping experience where thoughtful gifting and personal style come together.
For more information, visit mystatusluxhaymarket.com.
The holiday season is a time for thoughtful giving, and Ryan’s Market (ryansmkt.com) in Lincoln offers a variety of unique gifts for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Specializing in wild bird feeding supplies, the locally focused shop carries bird feeders, houses, birdbaths, feed and pole systems to help customers welcome feathered visitors to their yards. Shoppers can also find specialty jams, honeys, syrups and other gift items, making it easy to find something meaningful for friends and family who enjoy the outdoors.
Beyond its products, Ryan’s Market is built around a mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities. The business is committed to providing quality products while helping employees thrive with purpose. This holiday season, shopping at Ryan’s Market offers an opportunity to find thoughtful gifts while supporting a business dedicated to making a difference in the community.
For more information, visit ryansmkt.com.
The holiday season is a time for family, friends and making memories, but for pet owners, holiday travel can also mean finding a trusted place for their furry family members to stay. Kenl Inn (kenl-inn.com) in Lincoln offers boarding for dogs, cats and other pets, whether they need a place for an overnight stay or a longer visit. With a caring team and a comfortable environment, pet owners can enjoy their holiday plans knowing their pets are receiving attention and care while they’re away.
For pets staying closer to home, Kenl Inn also offers daycare, professional grooming and dog training services. From keeping pets active and socialized to helping them look and feel their best, the team provides services to support pets and their families throughout the year. As holiday plans fill the calendar, Kenl Inn can help make caring for four-legged family members one less thing to worry about.
For more information, visit kenl-inn.com.
The holiday season is all about bringing people together, and Salt Mine City Brewing Co. (saltminecity.com) in Lincoln’s Haymarket District offers a welcoming spot to celebrate with friends, family and coworkers. Whether planning a holiday get-together, a casual evening out or a work celebration, guests can enjoy small-batch craft beers brewed on-site alongside a menu of food favorites. From hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers, the brewery offers a variety of options for guests to enjoy while catching up and making memories.
For those looking to host a seasonal gathering, Salt Mine City also offers a private party room for birthdays, work events and other get-togethers. With food, craft beer and a space designed for connecting with others, the brewery provides an option for celebrating the season without hosting at home. Located at 801 R St. in the Haymarket, Salt Mine City brings together good food, locally brewed beer and a relaxed atmosphere for holiday gatherings
For more information, visit saltminecity.com.
The holidays are a busy time of year, and keeping up with household cleaning can add to an already full schedule. Whether preparing for family to visit, hosting a holiday dinner or simply wanting a clean home to enjoy throughout the season, Maid To Please (maid-to-please.com) offers professional cleaning services in Lincoln to help make things a little easier. Homeowners can choose from seasonal cleaning, one-time deep cleaning and recurring services based on their needs.
For those looking for a practical holiday gift, Maid To Please also offers house cleaning gift certificates in any denomination. Certificates can be mailed directly to the recipient and include an occasion card of choice. It’s a way to give someone a little extra help around the house and more time to enjoy the holidays.
For more information, visit maid-to-please.com.
The holidays don’t always have to involve a long trip to feel like a getaway. For Lincoln residents looking for a change of scenery this season, a quick trip to downtown Omaha can offer the opportunity to slow down, explore and enjoy a night away without venturing too far from home.
The Peregrine Hotel (hilton.com/en/hotels/omaneqq-the-peregrine-omaha-downtown) provides a home base for a holiday staycation, with guest rooms, accessible accommodations and suites that allow guests to settle in for a weekend away. Pet-friendly rooms also make it possible to bring four-legged family members along. Guests can choose to spend their time relaxing at the hotel or step outside to explore the dining, shopping and entertainment available throughout downtown Omaha.
Those looking to keep their plans close to the hotel can make dining part of the experience. The Peregrine’s signature restaurant, The Gilded Feather, features seasonal menus, chef-inspired pairings and a weekly happy hour. Later in the evening, Perch Rooftop offers craft cocktails alongside views of Omaha’s downtown landscape.
Between holiday shopping, gatherings and packed schedules, even a short change of scenery can provide a welcome break with Omaha close enough for an easy trip from Lincoln.
The best holiday celebrations are the ones employees remember long after the decorations come down. As businesses look toward a new year, taking the time to celebrate together can help carry that sense of connection, gratitude and camaraderie forward, giving employees another reason to feel proud of where they work and the role they play in its success.