December dates go fast. If you’re planning a company Christmas party, an end-of-year employee celebration, or a family holiday gathering, The Great Rivers has the space, the catering, and the guest rooms under one roof. Nobody has to drive home after the toast.
Why plan your holiday party at The Great Rivers
- Space for any size group: A 4,512 sq ft ballroom plus six flexible meeting rooms, for groups from 10 to 250 guests.
- Catering handled on-site: Plated dinners, buffets, and appetizer receptions, with no outside caterer to coordinate.
- Guest rooms upstairs: Special group rates keep your team safe and off the road after the party.
- Free parking: For every guest.
- Easy to reach: Right on College Avenue in Alton, about 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Holiday events we host
Company Christmas parties. Dinner, awards, a DJ, and a dance floor. We’ll set up the room, run the AV for slideshows and speeches, and time the meal around your program.
Employee appreciation dinners. A quieter option: a private meeting room, a plated dinner, and a room block for out-of-town staff.
Family and friends gatherings. Holiday reunions, cookie-exchange brunches, and multigenerational dinners without anyone hosting at their house.
New Year’s Eve parties. Ring in 2027 with a private ballroom celebration, and walk to your room afterward.
What’s included
- Tables, chairs, linens and place settings
- Dance floor and staging
- Audio-visual equipment and microphone
- Dedicated event coordinator
- Group room block at a discounted rate
Popular holiday party dates
Fridays and Saturdays in early to mid-December fill first, often by early fall. If your team is flexible, weeknight parties and early-January “after the holidays” celebrations offer more date choice and are often easier on the budget.
Planning tips for a stress-free holiday party
- Lock the date by October. Prime December weekends go first.
- Book a room block. It’s the simplest way to keep everyone safe after an open bar.
- Plan the program first, then the menu. Awards and speeches go smoother before dinner service winds down.
- Send invites 6–8 weeks out. December calendars fill up fast.
Also planning a spring event?
The same space hosts weddings and receptions, corporate retreats and conferences, showers, and reunions all year.
FAQ
How many guests can your holiday party venue hold?
Our ballroom seats up to 250 guests, and our meeting rooms are right-sized for smaller groups starting at 10.
Do you offer catering?
Yes. All catering is handled on-site, with plated, buffet, and reception-style menus.
Can our guests stay overnight?
Yes. We offer discounted group room blocks for holiday party guests.
How far in advance should we book?
For December weekends, as early as possible. September and October is ideal.