Planning a Christmas party at a restaurant: the checklist.
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For many teams, a Christmas party at a restaurant is the easiest option: no setting up, no washing up, and everyone at one table. To keep the evening relaxed, a few things are worth settling early. Here they are in the order they come up.
1. Book early
Fridays and Saturdays in December are usually the first to go at popular restaurants, often as early as October. If you are flexible, weekdays offer far more choice. Late November is also a good option before December fills up.
Tip: give two or three preferred dates straight away. That way the restaurant can tell you faster what works.
2. Numbers and guest list
Collect replies early and decide whether partners are invited. An approximate number is enough for the request, the exact number follows a few days before.
Ask about preferences and intolerances at the same time: vegetarian, vegan, allergies. The sooner the restaurant knows, the easier it is to plan for.
3. Budget and tax
Plan food, drinks and any extras per person. A fixed budget per head makes it easier for the restaurant to suggest something that fits.
Important for companies in Germany: under § 19 (1) no. 1a EStG, up to 110 euros per attending person are tax-free for a company event, including VAT and for at most two events a year. The event must be open to all employees of the business or a department. Costs for accompanying guests are attributed to the respective employee. As of October 2026, this is not tax advice.
4. Food: set menu or à la carte?
For smaller groups the regular menu works well. With a larger group it is often more relaxed to agree on the food in advance so everyone eats at the same time and nobody waits long. Ask the restaurant what it offers for groups.
5. Getting there
A place everyone can reach easily makes a big difference. In the city, closeness to trains and buses counts, in the countryside it is parking. And if the evening runs late, a bar in the same place is a plus.
The checklist at a glance
- Fix two or three preferred dates, ideally now.
- Estimate numbers and decide whether partners are invited.
- Set a budget per person, keeping the 110 euro allowance in mind.
- Ask about preferences and intolerances.
- Send the restaurant a request and agree on food and drinks.
- Sort out travel: trains, parking, the way home.
- Confirm the exact number a few days before.
remos Frankfurt
Ulmenstraße 30, 60325 Frankfurt am Main
Take the U6 or U7 to Westend, then about four minutes on foot.
remos Koblenz
Bahnhofplatz 5, 56068 Koblenz
Directly opposite Koblenz main station, a few steps from the exit.
remos Köln
Aachener Straße 21, 50674 Köln
Light rail lines 1, 7, 12 and 15 stop at Rudolfplatz.
remos Westerwald
Westerwaldpark 4, 56587 Oberhonnefeld-Gierend
Right off the A3 motorway, Neuwied exit.
remos Wiesbaden
Langgasse 36, 65183 Wiesbaden
In the middle of Langgasse, the northern continuation of Kirchgasse.
When should you book a Christmas party at a restaurant?
As early as possible, ideally in October. Fridays and Saturdays in December usually go first, weekdays offer more choice.
How much can a Christmas party cost per employee tax-free in Germany?
Up to 110 euros per attending person including VAT, for at most two company events a year (§ 19 (1) no. 1a EStG). As of October 2026, not tax advice.
From how many people should you send a request?
From about six people a request is worth it, so the restaurant can put the tables together and prepare everything.
Can I hold a Christmas party at remos?
Yes, in all five houses: Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, the Westerwald and Wiesbaden. Send the occasion, preferred date and number of guests through the celebrations page of the house, and it will come back with a suggestion.
