When work gets busy and the year winds down, a company holiday party might feel easy to skip. While it may just look like a social event, the holiday party is actually one of the most valuable career-building opportunities of the year, and most people overlook it. 

It’s low-pressure and brings together people you rarely get face time with, including leaders who shape decisions about promotions, projects, budgets, and advancement. 

Showing up and engaging puts you a step ahead in terms of visibility, relationships, and positioning yourself for what comes next. Here’s why attending matters, and how to make the most of it. 

1. It Signals Engagement 

In any workplace, visibility is one of the most underutilized paths to growth. Simply attending a company holiday party communicates something important about you: 

• You’re invested in the company beyond your day-to-day tasks 

• You care about culture and connection 

• You show up, even when it’s optional 

These moments are a major way to be present and build trust, and leaders notice that. 

2. It Expands Your Internal Network Naturally 

Company holiday parties allow you to connect with people you may only interact with via email or Slack, and those casual touchpoints often lead to better collaboration later. 

You’ll have opportunities to: 

• Meet colleagues from other departments 

• Strengthen relationships with cross-functional partners 

• Connect with new employees and emerging leaders 

• Build rapport with decision-makers in a relaxed setting 

Small talk may seem inconsequential, but building better relationships has an impact that lasts well into the new year. 

3. It Humanizes You to Leadership 

If you don’t have much interaction with leadership, a company holiday party is the perfect time to connect with them. It helps you foster a genuine relationship with them and it gives them a chance to create a link between you as a person and your accomplishments.  

A brief conversation at the party creates visibility in a way that formal meetings rarely do. It gives people a chance to see who you are beyond your role: curious, thoughtful, and engaged. 

Those impressions help shape how you’re perceived when new opportunities arise. 

4. It Keeps You Top-of-Mind During a Critical Planning Window 

Many professional decisions are made in Q1 including promotions, team expansions, priority assignments, budget approvals, and new initiatives. 

Showing up in December keeps your name present in the minds of people who influence those decisions. When leaders are discussing who to involve in a new initiative, they’re often thinking of the last people they had meaningful interactions with, and the holiday party helps you stay in that circle. 

How to Make the Most of the Company Holiday Party

This is not about “networking” in the traditional sense. Don’t worry so much about pitching yourself professionally, and instead focus on building rapport with your team.  

1. Set a Simple Goal Before You Arrive 

Choose one: 

• Meet at least two people outside your immediate team 

• Reconnect with someone you want to collaborate with next year 

• Introduce yourself to a leader you’ve only interacted with virtually 

• Take a moment to thank someone who supported your work this year 

A single intentional action can turn a company holiday party into a career catalyst. 

2. Have a Few Natural Conversation Starters Ready 

You don’t need a script, just a few light, professional prompts: 

• “I heard your group launched something big this fall, how did it go?” 

• “Any fun holiday plans coming up?” 

• “What project or accomplishment stood out for you this year?” 

Questions that show genuine interest make conversations effortless and memorable. 

3. Express Gratitude 

Gratitude is simple, memorable, and one of the most effective forms of relationship building. Sincere appreciation stays with people long after the event ends. 

Try: 

• “I really appreciated your guidance on the analytics project, it made a big difference.” 

• “Thank you again for including me in the Q3 workshop. I learned so much.” 

• “I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed working with your team this year.” 

4. Read the Room: Don’t Force the Work Talk 

If someone wants to talk about initiatives, great. If they’re talking about their favorite holiday dish, go with it. Go with the natural flow of the conversation. You don’t want to exclusively steer the conversation to be about work. Small talk is important too. The goal is connection, not a pitch. Let relationships build naturally. 

5. Follow Up the Next Week 

This step is small but helps maximize the company holiday party’s impact. A brief message extends the connection and builds momentum heading into the new year: 

• “It was great catching up at the holiday party. I’d love to reconnect in January and explore ways we might collaborate.” 

•  “Really enjoyed chatting last week, hope you have a restful holiday season!” 

A thoughtful follow-up is often what turns a casual conversation into a meaningful professional relationship. 

What Not to Do 

There are a few things you should avoid doing at a company holiday party to make the most of the evening. These are small matters of etiquette that can leave a lasting impression on your team.  

• Don’t overdo it with drinks 

• Don’t spend the entire evening with the same small group 

• Don’t leave without a quick goodbye to your manager or key leaders if they’re there 

Professional, relaxed, and respectful always wins. 

Showing Up Is One of the Easiest Career Advantages You Have 

You don’t need to be the most outgoing or the most visible person in the room. What’s important is that you are present, intentional, and open. 

The company holiday party is a rare moment where culture, connection, and opportunity intersect. If you use it well, it can help you build trust, expand your network, and stay top-of-mind when the next wave of decisions hits in January. 

Sometimes the simplest career move you can make is also the most underestimated. 

Just show up, future you will be glad you did.