The holidays are always a stressful time! There are presents to buy, decorations to put up, family to visit…..and holiday parties to plan. Tired of being too stressed from party planning that you don’t even get to enjoy it? Does it turn you into the Grinch just thinking about it? Let Riverbanks Zoo & Garden make holidays fun again! Our packages make it super easy to plan the perfect party that is sure to keep you on everyone’s nice list this year. By offering a choice of event space, menu, bar package, and additional extras you are able to customize your party to meet your preferences. Parties can be tailored to meet just about any budget.
Step 1
Choosing the facility is the first step in this 4 step planning process! Riverbanks has 4 different event spaces that can be used for holiday parties. Three of these venues give your guests the truly memorable experience of Lights Before Christmas, the Zoo’s annual holiday event featuring nearly 1 million lights. Tickets are required, but available at a discounted rate. If this doesn’t sound like the best fit for your group, no worries! The Magnolia Room in the Botanical Gardens is for you.
- Ndoki Lodge: With exposed beams and wood paneling, this room has a rustic feel with views of the forest. It comes with a working outdoor fire pit that is perfect for S’mores!
- The A.R.C: A truly unique space allowing guests to mingle among the aquatic animals and the reptiles. With several different rooms, the possibilities are endless in this space.
- The Birdhouse: Come party with the penguins…and other exotic birds! The Birdhouse is perfect for smaller groups or those looking for something a little different.
- Magnolia Room: Located in our beautiful Botanical Garden, this room is a blank canvas allowing for any themed party.
All of these facilities are decorated during the holiday season with trees and other Christmas décor, with the exception of the Magnolia Room. Rental prices and seating capacities vary. Think this still might be a little out of your budget? Holiday parties booked in January come with 50% off the facility rental!
Step 2
Food is the best part of any party! Step two is picking the menu. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers full service catering! Our holiday package comes with three standard menus to meet varying budgets. Check out the menus here. Prefer a more formal menu with a plated or dinner buffet? We do that too! Those menus can be found separate from the package here.
Step 3
What’s a party without a little alcohol? Step 3 is all about the booze. Choose between our 4 different bar packages:
- Full Bar Package
- Beer & Wine Package
- Consumption Bar
- Cash Bar
Standard or premium brands can be stocked in the bars. Bar packages are available for 1 to 4 hours. You can keep one bar package the whole night, or switch packages. Also, champagne or a festive cocktail can be added for an extra $2 to any hourly rate!
Step 4
The final step you must take before you breathe a sigh of relief is to pick any additional enhancements or entertainment!
Enhancements allow for customization to fit your group. Have some real sweet eaters in your group? Add on some assorted dessert bars or flavored pound cake. Think your menu just doesn’t have enough food for your crowd? Add on extra food stations and hors d’oeuvres. Our action stations such as the mashed potato bar and the mac and cheese bar are real crowd pleasers.
Keep your guests on their toes with a strolling magician. He will be sure to wow them with the tricks up his sleeve. Or let your guests create their own memories with a photo booth. Those photos will document what a great time everyone had and what a fantastic party planner you are!
Book Now
Make things even easier on yourself, by going ahead and booking your holiday party now, giving you plenty of time for everything else on your to-do list!
Let Riverbanks Zoo & Garden make planning a holiday party ZOOper easy. Your guests will be raving about your hostess abilities for years to come. For more information, please visit our website at http://planyourevent.riverbanks.org/ or call our Private Events Department at (803) 602-0900 to speak to one of our representatives.
