A Whistler Christmas Party Employees Will Brag About

Let’s face it: most corporate Christmas parties feel like a to-do list item you reluctantly tick off before the real holiday season begins. Lame buffet? Check. Awkward small talk? Double check. A polite yet painful exchange of pleasantries with your boss? Triple check.

But what if this year’s party left your employees buzzing, posting Instagram stories, and actually looking forward to the next one? 

A Whistler Christmas party that’s classy, fun, a little edgy, and totally unforgettable is the way to go. Here’s how to plan an event your team will be talking about well into the New Year.

1. The Dinner That Sets the Mood

Every epic night starts with a solid foundation, and in Whistler, that foundation is food. Your first task? Ditch the boring banquet hall and treat your team to a gourmet dining experience that oozes festive vibes.

Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar

A Whistler classic for a reason, Araxi combines fine dining with a welcoming mountain-town vibe that feels festive and luxurious. 

Think elegant seasonal menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, incredible seafood that melts in your mouth, and a wine list that’ll make your sommelier coworker swoon. 

Add to that its central location in Whistler Village, and you’ve got the perfect spot to set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Want to see more of Araxi? Check out this video from The Near & Away channel that captures the magic of a Whistler getaway.

Bearfoot Bistro

It’s luxe, it’s lively, and—spoiler alert—you can saber champagne here like a 19th-century aristocrat. Known for its avant-garde menu and playful twists on fine dining, Bearfoot Bistro creates an experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious. From their world-class vodka ice room to decadent desserts, every detail feels like a celebration in itself.

Red Door Bistro

Cozy, intimate, and oh-so Whistler-chic, Red Door Bistro is a hidden gem with French-inspired comfort food that warms both the heart and the taste buds. 

Nestled just off the beaten path, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with candlelit tables, attentive service, and dishes that are as artful as they are hearty. Perfect for teams that crave a laid-back vibe while still indulging in an unforgettable meal.

Make it extra festive by opting for multi-course dinners with wine pairings. Yes, it’s a splurge—but hey, your team worked hard all year, right? 

Set the tone with good food, great company, and enough wine to loosen everyone up (but not so much that someone rehashes their Q1 grievances).

Edgy Tip: Wrap up dinner with a sabering contest at Bearfoot Bistro. Nothing says “team bonding” like a competitive attempt to pop champagne with a sword. Plus, it’s Insta-worthy AF.

2. Next Stop: Axe Throwing at Forged

After dinner, it’s time to shake things up. Axe throwing at Forged Axe is the perfect mix of primal energy, friendly competition, and hilarity. You’ll take your team from “Cheers!” to “Hold my beer and watch this!”

Why Axe Throwing?

Let’s be real: nobody bonds over tepid karaoke or cringe-worthy icebreaker games. Axe throwing, on the other hand, brings out everyone’s inner lumberjack (or lumberjill) in the best way.

• Interactive Fun: It’s a high-energy activity that gets everyone moving, laughing, and letting loose.
• No Skill Required: Whether it’s Janet from HR or Dylan the IT guy, everyone has an equal chance to shine (or spectacularly fail) at hitting that bullseye.
• Professional Hosts: The Forged Axe team makes sure everyone feels safe, included, and hyped up.

Spice It Up:

• Organize department-versus-department throwdowns. Nothing builds camaraderie like crushing Marketing in a holiday-themed competition.
• Create games like “Hit the Bullseye Before Rudolph Wins” or “The Grinch’s Revenge.”
• Hand out fun prizes for the best (and worst) throws—think tacky holiday sweaters, quirky office desk toys, or extra PTO hours for the winners.

3. Top It Off with Beers and Cheers

After an adrenaline-packed round of axe throwing, your team will need some time to kick back, catch their breath, and swap stories about how “Karen nailed the bullseye blindfolded.” The good news? Forged Axe Throwing has you covered with craft beers and drinks available on-site! That’s right—you don’t even have to leave the venue to transition from primal competition to social relaxation.

Drinks at Forged Axe

Forged Axe knows how to keep the good times rolling. After perfecting your axe-throwing technique (or at least managing not to embarrass yourself too badly), you can grab a drink and toast to a night well spent. With a selection of craft beers and other beverages, they’ve made sure there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to shift gears while staying immersed in the fun atmosphere of the venue.

Want to Keep the Party Going?

If you’re ready to venture out for more drinks, Whistler has a vibrant scene waiting for you:

• Coast Mountain Brewing: A cozy spot known for its small-batch beers, including winter-themed brews that are perfect for the season. It’s great for teams who enjoy the relaxed vibe of a local brewery.
• The Raven Room: A sleek, upscale option for craft cocktails that taste like Christmas in a glass. Perfect for groups who appreciate a bit of sophistication with their post-axe-throwing chill.

Make It Social

Whether you stay at Forged Axe for drinks or venture out, this is the time to encourage mingling. Let team members from different departments bond over their axe-throwing victories (or fails) and share a laugh or two. You’ll find that a drink in hand and a relaxed atmosphere help people open up, creating connections that carry back into the workplace.

Tip: Want to add an extra layer of fun? Set up a “festive drink challenge.” Whether it’s holiday-themed beer flights, a custom cocktail contest, or silly dares like taking a shot with a candy cane stirrer, the possibilities are endless. 

Just make sure to keep it within HR-approved limits—nobody wants to end the night explaining themselves in a meeting.

4. The Grand Finale: Something Unexpected

Now that the team is well-fed, slightly buzzed, and riding the high of axe-throwing glory, it’s time for the grand finale. This is your chance to really knock it out of the park with a surprise activity that leaves employees grinning all the way home.

Pick Your Finale:

1. Hit an Ice Bar: Nothing screams “Whistler winter magic” like sipping cocktails in a bar made entirely of ice. Everyone gets frosty glasses and the kind of photos that make you look like you’re starring in a Bond movie.
2. Late-Night Ice Skating: Go full Hallmark-movie mode and go skating right in Whistler village at the Olympic Plaza. Ensure one of your staff has just returned home from the big city so they can skate with their high school sweetheart. 
3. Après-Ski Dance Party: For the team that wants to keep the energy up, end the night at Garfinkel’s. It’s a Whistler institution for good reason—think pumping music, a lively crowd, and plenty of room for your IT manager’s questionable dance moves.

Whatever you choose, make sure it fits the vibe of your team. Some groups want to end on a chill, festive note, while others are ready to rage like it’s 1999.

Wrapping It Up: Make It a Christmas Party for the Books

The days of stale office Christmas parties are over. This year, give your employees an experience worth bragging about.

Start strong with a gourmet dinner that sets the celebratory mood.
Keep the energy up with axe throwing that’s as hilarious as it is thrilling.
Wind down (or turn up) with beers, cheers, and a grand finale that fits your crew’s personality.

Ready to give your team a night they’ll never forget? Book your axe-throwing experience at Forged Axe now, and get ready to trade awkward small talk for bullseyes, laughs, and memories that’ll make every other company jealous

👉 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for a sneak peek into the unforgettable fun waiting for you!

👉 Check out our News & Events page at Forged Axe Throwing for ideas, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories!`