Small Holiday Party Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Booking costs of small holiday party venues average $50 per person. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

• Bootleg at Everything Bar in West Town - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘The venue is just like the pictures. We were able to book the pool room and then migrate to their lower level.’

• The Clybourn at iO Theater in Near North Side - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘The venue was even more spacious than I expected and plenty of bars to accommodate my guests.’

• Bar Room at Port & Park Bistro in Lakeview - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘We hosted my birthday party in the Bar Room and had a wonderful time.’

These are the venues within 0.7 mi from central Chicago, available to book on Tagvenue:

• Chicago River Ballroom at Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown on 511 North Columbus Drive - 0.4 mi from center.
  Venue said: The spacious prefunction space surrounds the ballroom, serving as the ideal space for receptions or exhibit space. Private restrooms are also located on the ML level.
• Fins Porch at Margaritaville Restaurant - Chicago on 700 East Grand Avenue #118 - 0.7 mi from center.
  Venue said: This space is ideal for group dining and events as it has floor to ceiling windows that look out to the Navy Pier and lake, while still offering a warm space safe from the windy Chicago weather.
• Dining Space at Maharaj Chicago on 8 East Van Buren Street Unit C13 - 0.7 mi from center.
  Venue said: The venue also features a semi-private space available for hire, making it ideal for hosting intimate private events such as small celebrations, family gatherings, or business lunches.

Cheap small holiday party venues in Chicago start from $1000 hire fee per day or $500 minimum spend per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

• Bootleg at Everything Bar, from $1000 hire fee per day (up to 50 guests standing)
  Our user said: ‘Beautiful place and affordable prices...’

• Entire Space at Angelo's Stuffed Pizza, from $500 minimum spend per event (up to 50 guests standing)
  Venue said: Tables can be set up according to your needs. Decorations on the walls add expression to the space, and the atmosphere is casual. You can hold a private party, birthday party, and more in our space.

• Back Dining at Kitsch'n on Roscoe, from $300 hire fee per event (up to 64 guests standing)
  Venue said: The entire venue is available for private hire. Our spaces are suitable for small to medium-sized intimate gatherings like birthday parties, corporate events and anniversary parties.

If you are looking for a cozy venue to host a small holiday party in Chicago, there are six types of venues available: 

• Cozy Restaurants: Many cozy restaurants in Chicago offer private dining rooms or intimate event spaces, perfect for small holiday gatherings. 
• Charming Cafes: Quaint cafes and coffee shops in the city provide a warm and inviting setting ideal for small, casual holiday parties or brunch celebrations. 
• Private Lounges: Chic and stylish lounges with comfortable seating can create an intimate atmosphere for upscale small holiday events.
• Wine Bars: Intimate wine bars offer a relaxed ambiance and a wide selection of wines, making them excellent choices for small, wine-themed holiday gatherings.
• Historic Pubs: Chicago's rich history includes charming historic pubs and taverns, some offering private rooms or cozy corners for smaller, informal holiday parties. 
• Art Galleries: Smaller art galleries and studios in Chicago can serve as unique and creative venues for intimate holiday gatherings. These venues often allow for personalized decorations and themes.

When planning a small holiday party venue in Chicago, booking well in advance is essential, especially during the busy holiday season when popular venues fill up fast. To ensure you get the best venue, it is advised to start looking and booking at least 3 to 6 months before your event, particularly if you have a specific date in mind or if your event falls during the peak holiday season, such as December. This early booking allows you to have a broader range of venues to choose from and gives you peace of mind when planning the other aspects of your holiday party, such as catering, decorations, and entertainment. However, if you are flexible with your event date or are planning a smaller gathering, suitable options may still be available within a shorter booking window. Nevertheless, it's always better to be safe than sorry and book early to secure your desired venue.