Hosting a Holiday Party in Erie, PA

Hosting a holiday party is all about pairing a festive atmosphere with the right venue, good food, and memorable touches (like premium cigars). Our guide below will help you plan a smooth, on‑brand event that feels uniquely “Erie.”​

An afternoon event hosted at The Brig Cigar Lounge

Finding the Perfect Event Venue in Erie, PA

Choosing the right event venue in Erie, PA is the foundation of a successful holiday party. You want a space that fits your guest count, matches your vibe, and is easy for everyone to reach in winter weather.​

• Start with The Brig Cigar Lounge

  • For a sophisticated, adults‑only holiday celebration, The Brig Cigar Lounge in downtown Erie should be at the top of your list.​

  • It offers a premium lounge environment with plush seating, a walk‑in humidor, and a relaxed, club‑like feel that works perfectly for corporate holiday parties, client appreciation events, and intimate gatherings.​

• Use specific local keywords when you search

  • When researching options, search phrases like “holiday party venue in Erie PA,” “private event space Erie PA,” and “corporate Christmas party venues in Erie PA” to uncover restaurants, lounges, and waterfront spaces that can accommodate seasonal events.​

  • Compare options based on parking, capacity, downtown vs. bayfront location, and whether they allow outside catering or BYOB so your party logistics stay simple.​

• Match venue style to your group

  • For a polished, conversation‑first atmosphere, a cigar lounge or upscale bar is typically better than a loud, open restaurant.​

  • For more traditional holiday dinners, look for private dining rooms or banquet‑style event venues in Erie, PA that offer preset holiday menus.​

Incorporating Cigars Into Your Holiday Event

The main room at The Brig Cigar Lounge

Adding cigars to your holiday party instantly changes the tone from “standard office function” to a more elevated, curated experience. Done thoughtfully, it becomes a built‑in activity that encourages guests to linger, talk, and celebrate.​

• Why cigars work especially well at The Brig

  • A dedicated cigar lounge like The Brig is already set up with proper ventilation, a curated cigar selection, and staff who can help beginners feel comfortable choosing something they’ll enjoy.​

  • Guests can move naturally between conversation, watching the game, and enjoying a cigar without feeling rushed or crowded the way they might in a typical bar.​

• Not hosting at The Brig? Here’s how to offer cigars at your party

  • The Brig can work with you on a bulk order to provide great cigars for your event, regardless of its location!

  • We can set up a “cigar bar” station where guests can choose from a small, intentional lineup—mild, medium, and full‑bodied options, plus a few smaller, shorter cigars for people who want to try one without a long time commitment.​

  • We can also provide cutters, matches or soft‑flame lighters, and simple tasting notes or recommendations so even first‑timers feel included.​

• Be thoughtful about guest comfort

  • Make it clear on the invitation that the event is cigar‑friendly or held in a cigar lounge, so guests with sensitivities can plan accordingly.​

  • If your venue allows, create a non‑smoking zone or an area farther from the main smoking space for those who just want the social atmosphere without the smoke.​

  • If you love the space but don’t want anyone to smoke, that’s okay! Renting out the full lounge means you can do what you want with it. Smoking or non!

“The Conference Room” - The smaller of two rooms available at The Brig Cigar Lounge

Best Practices for Booking Venues, Catering, and Vendors

Once you know your style and have your short list of holiday party venues in Erie, PA, it’s time to lock in the details: dates, contracts, food, and timing. A little structure goes a long way toward avoiding last‑minute stress.​

• Book the venue early and confirm policies

  • For December dates—especially Thursday through Saturday—start reaching out to venues like The Brig Cigar Lounge at least 6–8 weeks in advance.​

  • Ask clear questions about minimum spend, room rental fees, BYOB or bar options, cigar policies, outside catering rules, and any noise or time restrictions so there are no surprises.​

• Coordinate catering that fits the space

  • If your Erie event venue doesn’t have a full kitchen, choose caterers or local restaurants comfortable with drop‑off or buffet‑style setups in smaller spaces.​

  • For a cigar lounge event, consider passed appetizers, charcuterie, sliders, or small plates that pair well with cigars and don’t require formal seating for every guest.​

• Plan the flow of the evening

  • A simple structure works best: a welcome drink and mingling, food service (buffet or passed apps), a short speech or toast, then unstructured time for cigars and conversation.​

  • If you’re pairing multiple Erie, PA event venues—such as dinner at a waterfront restaurant followed by cigars at The Brig—build in travel time and communicate clear start and end times for each stop.​

• Get everything in writing

  • Request written confirmations or contracts from your venue and caterer outlining timing, fees, headcount deadlines, and what each party is responsible for providing.​

  • Share those details with any internal planners or managers so everyone knows the plan and you’re not answering basic logistical questions on the day of the event.​

Handled with this level of planning, a holiday party in Erie that centers around The Brig Cigar Lounge and thoughtfully chosen food and vendors will be memorable for everyone who attends!