Holiday Party Catering in New York City
Every December, someone in every NYC office gets the job nobody wants: figure out the holiday party. If that's you, holiday party catering in New York City doesn't have to mean another tray of lukewarm pasta or a $150-a-head dinner nobody remembers.
Harlem Shake® brings award-winning smash burgers, fries and organic milkshake bars to office parties, family get-togethers and private events across the city, with catering from our Harlem and Park Slope, Brooklyn restaurants. You can also skip the conference room and book one of our old-school-style restaurants for your party.
Here's everything you need to plan it: what to order, how much, when to book and what it looks like.
Key Takeaways
Harlem Shake® caters holiday parties across the NYC metro area from our Harlem and Park Slope, Brooklyn locations.
Groups of up to 75 people can be served through catering or private events.
The menu covers everyone: Pat LaFrieda smash burgers, Impossible and veggie burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries and organic milkshakes.
Shake bars turn dessert into the part of the party everyone remembers.
Order at least two business days ahead
Private parties are available at both restaurants, with beer and wine served.
Why Burgers and Shakes Beat the Usual Holiday Catering
Typical Holiday Catering
Menu: Pasta trays, wraps, chicken
Dessert: Cookie platter
Vegetarian options: Often an afterthought
Vibe: Another work lunch
Setup: Chafing dishes and sternos
Harlem Shake® Catering
Menu: Smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries
Dessert: Organic milkshake bar
Vegetarian Options: Impossible and homemade veggie burgers
Vibe: A real celebration
Setup: Simple combo packages that are easy to hand out
Burgers are something everyone actually wants to eat, and milkshakes make adults act like kids in the best way. Picture your team debating Hot Mess vs. Harlem Classic and voting on the best shake flavor. That's what makes a holiday party feel like one.
Holiday Events We Cater
Office Holiday Parties and Corporate Lunches
Whether it's a Midtown team lunch, a department celebration or an all-hands appreciation event, combo packages (burger, side and drink) make it easy to feed everyone without a complicated order. Collect preferences ahead of time and flag vegetarian guests and allergies early.
Family and Friends Holiday Get-Togethers
Hosting in your apartment? Spend the night with your guests instead of at the stove. Burgers, hot dogs and fries work for every age, and kids' meal combos are available too.
Small Business and Team Appreciation Events
You don't need a giant budget to say thank you. A catered lunch with a shake bar is an easy, affordable win for small teams in Harlem, Park Slope and across the city.
New Year's, Winter Birthdays and January Kickoffs
The season doesn't end on December 25. We cater New Year's parties, winter birthdays and January team kickoffs, which are a smart move if your December calendar is already packed.
The Holiday Catering Menu
Smash Burgers
Every beef burger starts with a custom Pat LaFrieda blend of chuck, rib and brisket, smashed and griddled for crispy edges. Our burgers have made Eater's and The Infatuation's lists of NYC's best smash burgers.
Harlem Classic: two patties, American cheese, homemade pickles, onions and special sauce on a toasted Martin's potato roll
Hot Mess: the Classic plus our Hot Mess relish (pickled cherry pepper and bacon) and smoky chipotle mayo
Harlem Jerk: topped with jerk fries and jerk mayo
Impossible Classic and Impossible Jerk: plant-based patties
Veggie Burger: two homemade, award-winning veggie patties (contains nuts)
Chicken Sandwiches and Hot Dogs
Fried chicken sandwiches, classic hot dogs and chili cheese dogs round out the spread for guests who don't want a burger.
Fries and Sides
Regular fries, jerk fries, sweet yam fries and cheese fries. Mix a few so the table has variety.
Milkshake Catering and Shake Bars
This is where the party gets fun. Our shakes are made with organic Blue Marble ice cream and organic New York whole milk. Popular catering flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, salted caramel, peanut butter and mocha. Don't skip The Harlem Shake®, our signature shake blended with red velvet cake from Harlem bakery Make My Cake.
For bigger groups, ask about a shake bar package so guests can pick and try different flavors.
See the full menu and all of our burger and shake catering options.
When to Book Holiday Catering in NYC
The two-business-day minimum is real, but December is a different game.
Mid-November: Lock in your date and guest count for any December party.
Peak dates: Fridays December 4, 11 and 18 are the busiest office party days of the season.
One to two weeks out: Confirm your final headcount, dietary needs and delivery window.
Two business days out: The latest you can place a catering order.
If your date's already taken, early January is wide open and just as fun.
Host Your Holiday Party at Harlem Shake®
Sometimes the best move is getting everyone out of the office. Both of our restaurants host private events for up to 75 guests, and they come with built-in personality:
The Wall of Fame, covered in signed photos from actors, musicians, athletes and politicians with ties to Harlem and Brooklyn
"Miss Harlem Shake®," our giant lenticular photo that's made for group pictures
A vintage jukebox and old-school diner design in Brooklyn
Beer and wine to make it a party
Harlem
100 W. 124th Street at Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10027
Our original 2013 flagship, steps from 125th Street. A great pick for Upper Manhattan teams and anyone who wants a true Harlem experience. Learn about our Harlem location.
Park Slope, Brooklyn
119 5th Avenue at Sterling Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217
A restored 1800s building with a tin ceiling, a jukebox and plenty of character, about 10 minutes from Barclays Center. Learn about our Park Slope Brooklyn location.
See all catering and private event details.
Holiday Catering Delivery Across NYC
We deliver catering throughout the New York City metro area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, depending on your event location. To keep everything hot and on time:
Schedule delivery for 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to eat. Fries are best fresh.
Share your building's rules up front: security check-in, freight elevator, loading dock or COI requirements.
Plan for traffic. Holiday traffic in Midtown is no joke, so give yourself a cushion.
How Much Does Holiday Party Catering Cost in NYC?
Cost depends on your guest count, menu mix, shake add-ons and delivery location. When you compare caterers, look at the total cost, not just the price per person:
Package price and what's included
Delivery fees
Shake bar or dessert add-ons
Any minimums
Tax and gratuity
Email us your date, location and headcount for an exact quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Party Catering in NYC
Does Harlem Shake® offer holiday party catering in NYC?
Yes. Harlem Shake® caters office holiday parties, corporate events, family gatherings and private celebrations from its Harlem and Park Slope, Brooklyn locations, with delivery across the NYC metro area.
How far in advance should I book holiday catering in NYC?
Harlem Shake® requires at least two business days' notice. For December parties, book by mid-November, especially for the peak Fridays of December 4, 11 and 18, 2026.
How many people can Harlem Shake® cater for?
Harlem Shake® catering and private events serve groups of up to 75 people. Contact the events team to confirm the best setup for your group.
Can we have our holiday party at a Harlem Shake® restaurant?
Yes. Both the Harlem and Brooklyn locations host private events for up to 75 guests, with beer and wine, old-school decor and the famous Wall of Fame of signed celebrity photos.
Does Harlem Shake® deliver catering to Midtown Manhattan offices?
Harlem Shake® delivers catering throughout the NYC metro area, including Midtown, depending on your location and timing. Share your building's delivery rules when you book.
What are good vegetarian options for holiday catering?
Harlem Shake® offers Impossible burgers and homemade veggie burgers (which contain nuts), plus fries and milkshakes. Guests with allergies should confirm ingredients with the catering team before ordering.
Can we add a milkshake bar to our holiday party?
Yes. Harlem Shake® offers shake bar packages made with organic Blue Marble ice cream, with flavors like cookies and cream, salted caramel, mocha and the signature red velvet Harlem Shake®.
How much food should I order for an office holiday party?
Plan on one burger or sandwich per guest plus about 10% extra for a lunch, and 1.25 to 1.5 mains per guest for a longer evening party. Order one side per guest and add shakes or a shake bar for dessert.
Is Harlem Shake® good for corporate holiday catering in Manhattan?
Yes. Harlem Shake®'s combo packages make it easy to feed a group, the menu works for meat eaters and vegetarians, and the shake bar makes it feel like a real celebration instead of another office lunch.
Make This Year's Holiday Party the One Everyone Remembers
The holidays are busy enough. Let us handle the food. Tell us your date, location, headcount and the kind of party you're planning, and we'll help you build the right menu.
Email: events@harlemshake.com
Harlem: 100 W. 124th Street, New York, NY 10027 | (212) 222-8300
Brooklyn: 119 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 | (877) 71-SHAKE
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