The holiday season is the perfect time to bring everyone together! Whether you’re planning an office holiday party, a family celebration, or a festive evening with friends, the Willmar Lakes Area offers a variety of venues to make your gathering special.

From elegant event centers and lakeside gathering spaces to local breweries and community halls, you’ll find options for groups of different sizes and styles. And with hotels nearby, it’s easy to turn your holiday celebration into an overnight getaway.

Find the Perfect Place for Your Holiday Party

Every gathering is different, so start by thinking about your guest list, budget, and the atmosphere you want to create. Here are a few places to consider when planning your holiday celebration.

Event Centers with Convenient Lodging

If convenience is at the top of your list, consider a venue with a hotel attached or nearby. These locations make it easy for guests to celebrate, spend time together, and settle in for the night.

Little Crow Hotel and Conference – Located between Spicer and New London, Little Crow offers event space for up to 250 guests, catering services, and on-site dining and a full bar. The attached hotel makes it a convenient choice for company parties, banquets, and family celebrations. Enjoy the scenic setting overlooking the golf course while gathering for a festive meal or evening of fun.

Willmar Conference Center – Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large holiday celebration, the Willmar Conference Center offers flexible event space for groups of 10 to 750 people. With a Grand Ballroom and individual galleries that can be arranged to fit your needs, it’s a versatile choice for company holiday parties, family celebrations, banquets, and organizational gatherings. Catering services and two on-site restaurants make it easy to plan a meal, while the attached Best Western Plus and neighboring Holiday Inn Express & Suites offer convenient overnight accommodations for your guests.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Smaller Event Spaces

Want a more casual atmosphere or a venue with a little local flavor? Consider one of these options for your next holiday gathering.

O’Neil’s Event Center – Located near beautiful Green Lake in Spicer, O’Neil’s offers a modern, welcoming space for up to 150 guests. With a full bar and the restaurant on-site to provide catering, it’s a convenient option for company holiday parties, family celebrations, and festive gatherings with friends. Guests can enjoy a great meal and drinks while celebrating together, all in one location.

Foxhole Brewhouse – Looking for a relaxed atmosphere for your holiday gathering? Foxhole Brewhouse in Willmar offers flexible event space for private celebrations, company parties, and get-togethers with friends. The space accommodates up to 55 guests for formal dining, 85–100 for cocktail-style events, or 45 for classroom-style gatherings. A large Smart TV and microphone system make it easy to add presentations, holiday slideshows, or group activities to your celebration.

Goat Ridge Brewing Co. – Located in New London, Goat Ridge combines craft beverages with a welcoming brewery atmosphere. Its back room provides a cozy setting for intimate conversations, community gatherings, and special events, accommodating up to 35 people. Guests can enjoy food from the artisan pizza kitchen, which serves pizza, calzones, tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, pretzels, and desserts. The back room also features a dedicated bar and private restroom, making it a distinctive setting for a private holiday party with friends, family, or coworkers.

Country Inn & Suites – Planning a smaller gathering or a celebration the kids will love? This hotel offers meeting space for up to 30 people, along with options for pool and waterslide parties. It’s a fun alternative to a traditional holiday party venue, especially for families and groups with children.

Community Halls and Gathering Spaces

Sometimes, the best holiday parties are the ones that bring everyone together in a familiar community setting. Local American Legion posts can be practical options for family gatherings, company celebrations, and group dinners.

Consider contacting the American Legion in New London, Spicer, or Willmar to ask about rental availability, capacity, food and beverage options, and holiday party arrangements.

For groups looking for a retreat-style experience, Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer and Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp near New London offer gathering spaces and retreat accommodations. These properties can be especially appealing for church groups, organizations, and family gatherings looking for more than a traditional banquet room. Contact the camps directly to discuss seasonal availability and event options.

Find a Hotel for Your Holiday Stay

Make your holiday gathering even more enjoyable by booking an overnight stay. Whether you’re traveling from out of town or simply want to avoid driving home after the festivities, the Willmar Lakes Area has comfortable lodging options for your group.

Looking for a little extra fun during your stay? Several area hotels feature indoor pools, hot tubs, or waterslides, making them great choices for families and guests who want to unwind after the celebration. All of the hotels listed below offer complimentary breakfast, so you can start the next morning together before heading home or exploring more of the area.

Hotels in Willmar

• Best Western Plus – Conveniently connected to the Willmar Conference Center, this hotel offers an indoor pool, hot tub, and on-site dining. Pet-friendly accommodations are available (fees and restrictions may apply).
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Located next to the Willmar Conference Center, this hotel features an indoor pool and whirlpool, making it a convenient choice for guests attending events nearby.
• Country Inn & Suites – A family-friendly option with an indoor pool, hot tub, and waterslide on weekends. It’s a fun choice for guests traveling with kids.
• AmericInn by Wyndham – Unwind after a busy day of holiday festivities with an indoor pool and hot tub. Pets are welcome (fees and restrictions may apply).
• Days Inn by Wyndham – A convenient Willmar lodging option for guests looking for a comfortable place to stay near local event venues. Pets are welcome (fees and restrictions may apply).

Hotels Near Spicer and New London

• Little Crow Hotel and Conference – Stay close to your celebration at this hotel overlooking the golf course. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, hot tub, and on-site restaurant and bar.
• Hampton Inn Spicer Green Lake – Located near Green Lake, this hotel offers an indoor pool and a convenient home base for enjoying the Spicer area. Pets are welcome (fees and restrictions may apply).
• GrandStay Hotel & Suites – Another convenient option near Green Lake, with an indoor pool and hot tub for guests looking to relax during their stay. Pets are welcome (fees and restrictions may apply).

If you’re planning a holiday gathering, contact hotels directly to ask about room blocks, group rates, and availability for your event dates. Pool and hot tub amenities, hours, and access policies can vary, so confirm details with the property when booking. Pet policies, including applicable fees and restrictions, should also be confirmed directly with the hotel.

Make a Holiday Party into a Getaway

Why limit the celebration to one evening? If you’re hosting out-of-town guests or planning a group gathering, make a little extra time to explore the Willmar Lakes Area together. Meet up for dinner before the party, enjoy a drink at a local brewery, catch a local performance, or browse local boutiques. You can also discover indoor attractions or enjoy outdoor recreation before gathering for a leisurely breakfast the next morning.

With great places to eat, shop, and explore, it’s easy to turn a holiday celebration into a memorable Willmar Lakes Area getaway.

Start Planning Your Holiday Celebration

From large event centers with convenient lodging to casual breweries and community gathering spaces, the Willmar Lakes Area has plenty of ways to bring people together this holiday season.

Start exploring your options early to find the right venue, confirm availability, and arrange accommodations for your guests.

Ready to plan your holiday gathering? Explore the Willmar Lakes Area’s meeting and event facilities to find the perfect space for your group. Then, make a little extra time to enjoy everything the area has to offer!