Pick a Date for the Holiday Party

Every December the same thing happens: by the time you ask "when works for everyone?", half the good weekends are gone. School concerts, work parties, travel and family plans all land on the same few Saturdays, and a group chat is the worst place to sort that out.

This template sets up a short poll with four evening options. Fill in real dates, share the link, and within a day you'll see which night most people can actually make. When you pick the winner, voting closes and everyone can add the party to their calendar from the same page.

Use this template — it's free No account or email needed. Everything is editable.

What's on the sheet

This is the starting point. Rename, add or remove anything before you share it.

When should we have the holiday party?

Help us pick a night! Mark Yes, If need be or No for each date.
Voting closes soon so we can send out the details.

🗓️ Options to vote on
  • Option 1 · your date6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Option 2 · your date6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Option 3 · your date6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Option 4 · your date6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Everyone answers Yes, If need be or No for each option.

Start with this sheet Start blank instead

Choosing which dates to offer

The poll can only find the best of the dates you offer, so a little thought up front saves a second round:

  • Ask early. Send the poll in late October or the first week of November, before calendars fill with school and work events.
  • Mix weeknights and weekends. A Thursday in early December often beats a Saturday everyone has already promised to family.
  • Skip the obvious conflicts. Leave out the weekend right before the winter break and any date you already know is a big local event.
  • Keep the time consistent unless the time is genuinely up for debate. Four dates at 6:30 PM is easier to answer than four dates at four different times.

From poll to party

  • Give people a deadline in the description ("voting closes Friday") and set the same date under "Voting closes".
  • Look at "If need be" answers before you decide: a date with five yeses and no maybes is usually better than one with six yeses and four people stretching to make it.
  • Pick the date. Voting closes, the date becomes the event date, and everyone gets an "Add to calendar" button.
  • Post an update with the address and what to bring. If you need a headcount or a dish list, create a holiday party RSVP or potluck sheet next.
  • Duplicate the poll next year — your options and wording carry over; just change the dates.

Frequently asked questions

Can people vote without an account?

Yes. They open the link, type a name and answer each date. Nobody gives an email address, and each person gets a private link to change their answers.

What if two dates tie?

Check the "If need be" answers and the comments. If it is still a tie, pick the earlier date — attendance usually drops as December goes on.

Can I add another date after people have voted?

Yes. As the organizer you can add options at any time. People who already voted can open the poll and answer the new date too.

Will people get reminders?

There are no emails or texts. Once you pick a date, guests can add it to Google, Outlook or Apple Calendar with a reminder from their own phone.

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Ready when you are

Set it up in about a minute, share one link, and let people sign themselves up.

Use the Holiday Party Date Poll template