Planning the Perfect Holiday Party
A Bear and Bison Inn

Canmore's Best Bed & Breakfast
and Wedding Venue

September 16, 2024

Planning the Perfect Holiday Party

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to end the year than with a memorable corporate Holiday party? Whether you’re planning a festive event for your employees or a get-together with business partners, creating an unforgettable experience is key. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planning the perfect corporate Holiday party at A Bear and Bison Inn in Canmore, nestled in the stunning Canadian Rockies.

1. Start Early: Timing is Everything

To secure the best venues and ensure all your plans come together seamlessly, start planning your corporate Holiday party as early as July. With limited dates in December and high demand, early planning guarantees you get the ideal location and all the amenities you need.

2. Choose A Bear and Bison Inn for Your Venue

A Bear and Bison Inn is the perfect venue to set the tone for your party. Offering a cozy and intimate setting with top-notch amenities, it ensures a memorable experience for your guests. Here are some considerations:

  • Private or Shared Party: Decide whether you want an exclusive event or prefer the lively atmosphere of a shared party. Private parties at A Bear and Bison Inn allow for personalized touches and customized experiences.
  • Layout and Accessibility: Our inn offers a convenient layout with easy access to all essential areas, including the bar, dance floor, restrooms, and parking. We ensure adequate disabled access and a managed cloakroom for guests’ belongings.
  • Festive Ambiance: A Bear and Bison Inn provides a warm and festive ambiance. Our decorations, themes, and lighting
  •  play a crucial role in creating a magical Christmas atmosphere.

3. Craft a Memorable Menu

Food is a highlight of any Holiday party. Work with our team to create a menu that caters to all tastes and dietary requirements. Consider offering:

  • Festive Dinners: Seasonal dishes and holiday favorites.
  • Drink Packages: Pre-ordered drinks, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options, to suit all guests.

Arrange a tasting session if possible to ensure the quality of the food and service meets your expectations.

4. Plan Engaging Entertainment

Entertainment is vital for a memorable Holiday party. Here are some ideas:

  • Live Music and DJs: Keep the energy high with a mix of live performances and DJ sets.
  • Immersive Entertainment: Consider themed entertainment that interacts with guests throughout the evening.
  • Interactive Activities: Casino tables, photo booths, and gaming stations add an extra layer of fun.

5. Add Personal Touches

Personalized touches make your party unique. Whether it’s branded table settings, customized awards, or special speeches, these elements show your guests you’ve thought about every detail.

6. Ensure Smooth Logistics

Smooth logistics are essential for a stress-free event. Confirm details such as:

  • Transportation: Ensure easy access for cars, buses, and taxis, with safe and convenient parking.
  • Technical Equipment: Have the necessary equipment for speeches, awards, and presentations.
  • Host or Point of Contact: Designate a person to handle special dietary needs and other guest concerns.

7. Consider Alternative Formats

If an evening party isn’t suitable, think about other options:

  • Lunchtime Events: A festive lunch can be just as enjoyable.
  • Family-Friendly Celebrations: Include activities for children and make it a family affair.

8. Promote Your Event Internally

While this guide focuses on corporate events, if you’re planning a family get-together or another private event, these tips will still apply. To make your company Holiday party trend and potentially go viral, consider these additional strategies:

  • Create a Unique Theme: An innovative and exciting theme can capture attention and make your event stand out.
  • Social Media Engagement: Share behind-the-scenes planning, sneak peeks, and live updates on your company’s social media platforms. Encourage attendees to use a custom hashtag.
  • Professional Photography and Videography: Capture high-quality images and videos during the event and share them on your social channels and website.
  • Post-Event Content: Write a blog post or create a video recap highlighting the event’s success and key moments.

Make This Christmas Unforgettable

By following these steps, you can plan a corporate Holiday party that will be the highlight of the year. With early planning, the right venue, delicious food, engaging entertainment, and personal touches, your Holiday celebration at A Bear and Bison Inn in Canmore will be a magical experience for all. Start planning now and ensure your holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to Plan Your Corporate Christmas Party? Contact us today to start planning your perfect Holiday party at A Bear and Bison Inn in Canmore. Let’s create a festive event that everyone will remember!


Words can hardly express the gratitude and admiration we have for the entire team at the Bear & Bison Inn in Canmore. From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey to the final farewell on Sunday morning, every moment was handled with such care, professionalism, and heartfelt attention that we were left speechless more times than we can count.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the Bear & Bison made it feel effortless. Their team was not only incredibly organized but also intuitivethey seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Every detail was handled with such precision, from the ceremony setup to the timing of each meal, that we were able to be fully present and truly enjoy every second of the weekend. That is a rare and priceless gift to give a couple on their most important day.

One of the standout features was the food. “Out of this world” doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Each dish was crafted with obvious love and expertise—beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and consistently praised by all our guests. Whether it was the thoughtfully curated breakfasts or the exquisite wedding dinner, every bite was unforgettable. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. It truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

The inn itself is warm, inviting, and steeped in charm. It felt like home the moment we arrived, but better—like the kind of cozy retreat you dream of escaping to. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and offered stunning mountain views that added a magical touch to every morning. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the venue was and how relaxing and enjoyable their stay had been.

What really made the Bear & Bison so special, though, was the people. The staff’s dedication to excellence and their genuine kindness were felt in everything they did. We never once felt like “just another event” or like things were being done out of routine. Instead, we felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. There was heart behind every decision, and that made all the difference.

Our wedding weekend turned out better than we ever could have imagined. It was filled with love, laughter, beauty, and unforgettable memories—all thanks to the incredible team at the Bear & Bison Inn. We are forever grateful for the role they played in the most meaningful weekend of our lives. If you are considering hosting your wedding here, do not hesitate—it will be the best decision you make.

James M. June 2025

A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Experience at the Bear & Bison Inn

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