Well I thought about it last night.. and I can't really think of anything remarkable to suggest in those areas as I have limited knowledge..
However.. for an Xmas party may I suggest the following...
1.) My office rented a box to watch a Canucks vs the LA Kings game. You could probably rent a box or two for that... Will take some big time planning. They served a lovely dinner too.
2.) You could rent a venue (hotel penthouse, banquet room)
http://www.tourismsurrey.ca/cms_docs/Surrey%20Facilities%20less%20than%2065.pdf has all the listings of places in Surrey you can host this sort of an event for under 65 people).
Hire entertainment like Vancouver Theatresports (hilarious improv comedy. They can cater the skits to be about your work environment or office.
http://www.vtsl.com/), or the Underground Circus (former Cirque Du Soliel Performers, called Circus Phoenix,
http://www.undergroundcircus.ca/promo/photovideo.html)
3.) A view overlooking the city at Horizons Restaurant, burnaby.
http://www.horizonsrestaurant.com/
4.) Book the Beluga room at the Vancouver Aquarium for a Catered affair.
http://www.vanaqua.org/cateringandevents/. They are even hosting an event with the catering, parking, and entertainment included
http://www.vanaqua.org/cateringandev...ariumParty.pdf.
5.) Sanafir (sanafir.ca) is also a hot new venue downtown that serves everyhing tapas style and the decor is to KILL FOR. Intimate and exotic check out their image gallery. Might be a little too sexy for work
Lots of beautiful people but you could reserve the entire upstairs section.
Hope this helps. I'll think about it some more... if you want something more family oriented or rustic please specify.
I'm planning on attending that Special Ultimate Holiday venue Event on Thursday. I'll tell you how it goes.