If you’re planning an office Christmas party this year, here’s the single most important thing you need to know:

Order early. Seriously.

Not a few days early—1 to 2 weeks early.
Holiday-specific menus and seasonal packages book up faster than any other time of year. The closer you get to Christmas, the harder it becomes to secure those limited-run festive menus everyone loves.

And this year, demand is even higher.

According to CaterCow’s 2025 Workplace Food Habits Report, 53% of employees say their company now caters lunch at least once per week. Food has become the centerpiece of return-to-office culture, and holiday catering is no exception.

Food isn’t just a perk anymore. It’s the glue that brings everyone together—especially during the holidays.

So to help you plan a memorable (and stress-free) celebration, here are five office Christmas catering ideas your team will love—plus tips on how early you need to book.

1. A Build-Your-Own Hot Chocolate Bar

Make your holiday party feel instantly cozy with a gourmet hot chocolate bar. Think:

Velvet-rich hot cocoa
Whipped cream towers
Marshmallows, peppermint bark, cinnamon sticks
Optional dairy-free and dark chocolate bases
Add-ons like caramel drizzle or crushed cookies

Perfect for: afternoon holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or winter-themed spirit weeks.

When to book:
⭐️ At least 2 weeks early.
Hot chocolate stations are one of the first holiday add-ons to sell out. Check out this hot chocolate bar in NYC or this hot chocolate bar in Boston.

2. On-Site Made-to-Order Crêpes

On-site crepe catering from Two Crepes in NYC

Want something interactive and memorable? Bring in an on-site crêpe chef who cooks sweet or savory crêpes right in your office.

Popular fillings include:

Nutella + banana
Strawberry cheesecake
Turkey + spinach
Ham + gruyère
Lemon sugar (a classic!)

The live cooking experience becomes the centerpiece of the event—and employees love the novelty.

When to book:
⭐️ 2+ weeks early.
Chef-on-site experiences are limited and get snapped up quickly for December. Schedule your crepe bar in San Francisco today!

3. Holiday-Themed Specialty Cupcakes, Cookies & Ice Pops

Frosty Holiday Cookies from Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery in NYC

Whether you’re hosting a dessert table or gifting treats to employees, custom holiday sweets always deliver.

Think:

When to book:
⭐️ 1–2 weeks early.
Custom decorated sweets require lead time, especially near Christmas.

4. Cozy Winter Buffet: Roasts, Pastas & Seasonal Sides

Classic holiday eats from Arguello Catering in SF Bay Area

If your team prefers a more traditional catered meal, go for a warm winter buffet featuring:

Herb-roasted turkey or chicken
Short rib or brisket with pan jus
Creamy mashed potatoes
Truffle mac & cheese
Winter vegetables (Brussels sprouts, maple carrots)
Vegetarian mains like mushroom lasagna or butternut squash ravioli

Feeding a big group? A buffet offers the best cost-per-person value and appeases multiple dietary needs.

When to book:
⭐️ 1–2 weeks early minimum.
Holiday buffet menus are limited—especially the “special edition” ones.

5. Festive “Around the World” Food Stations

A hearty mediterranean buffet from Tanoor Kabob in Chicago, perfect for an 'around the world' party

Not every office wants a traditional Christmas spread—global tasting stations are a great way to celebrate diverse cultures and keep things fun:

Italian: arancini, antipasti, lasagna cups

Mexican: tacos, enchiladas, pozole

Japanese: sushi, gyoza, teriyaki bowls

Mediterranean: falafel, shawarma, hummus spreads

Indian: butter chicken, samosas, biryani

Perfect for large offices that want a high-energy walk-around event rather than a sit-down meal.

When to book:
⭐️ 1–2 weeks early.
Popular global cuisines book fast as offices try to avoid the “same old holiday turkey.”

Why Booking Early Matters More Than Ever

Between weekly catering becoming the new norm and teams increasingly prioritizing food over traditional perks, December catering demand is at an all-time high.

Restaurants create only so many holiday packages—and once they hit capacity, they’re done.

Book 1–2 weeks ahead, and you’ll secure:

The caterer you actually want
The seasonal menu you’re craving
A guaranteed delivery slot
Better pricing and lower stress

Book a few days ahead, and you may get:

Limited menu choices
No on-site chefs available
Fewer dessert and beverage options
Last-minute delivery windows

Or… nothing at all (yes, it happens every year)

Make This Year Effortless

Food is the heart of modern workplace culture—more impactful than happy hours, more appreciated than one-off perks, and far more inclusive.

If you want a smooth, well-fed, and festive holiday celebration, the formula is simple:

🎄 Decide early.
🍽️ Book early.
🎉 Enjoy a stress-free office Christmas party everyone actually wants.