This post shows you ideas to show your love to your co-workers at an office holiday party.
If you’re looking for some office Holiday Party ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
The holidays provide a fitting occasion to recognize a year of diligent hard work, strengthen relationships with team members with much-needed holiday spirit.
Finding the perfect office party ideas
This will set the tone for an enjoyable, memorable event that your entire staff will love.
This list covers everything from tips to plan an event to activity inspiration for the season.
So, get ready to sprinkle some Christmas spirit into your workplace and plan a party that will make this most wonderful time of the year even better for your team!
How to Throw an Outstanding Holiday Party at Work
Firstly, you need to involve a team member with event planning experience to assist you.
Together brainstorming ideas for your company’s Christmas party and coordinating your theme if you want to throw an interesting party.
Let’s begin
1. Select the right location
Size matters when hosting corporate events. You want your venue to be large enough to hold all of your guests, but not so large that it becomes too big.
If you are not sure how many people will be there, be safe and get a room that is a bit bigger than you anticipate using or that allows for some flexibility.
You will not have to be concerned about crowding or guests feeling claustrophobic that way.
2. Create a spending plan and follow it.
Your Christmas party should be spectacular, but it is also crucial to make sure you do not spend too much.
Before you begin ordering decorations or reserving vendors, discuss with your supervisor how much money you have allocated.
Make every effort to adhere to the amount you have set.
Keep in mind that there are many methods to host a fantastic party without going over budget.
3. Serve beverages.
Food and drink are always important elements for any celebration, despite the season.
For your workplace holiday party, try to serve festive and appropriate fare. Make a decision about whether to serve finger foods or a full dinner.
The festive motif can be incorporated into the appetizers, desserts, and special drinks.
4. Get a professional shooter
You can capture lively and happy images of your staff for future marketing materials by hosting a corporate Christmas party.
These pictures would also be a wonderful way to give!
5. Make it a group endeavor.
Since organizing a corporate holiday party is a significant undertaking, it is critical to assign responsibilities and assemble a reliable team.
6. Have a contingency plan.
There is always a chance that something will go wrong on the day of your business Christmas party, irrespective of how carefully you prepare.
For this reason, it is critical to have a contingency plan for everything, including transportation to the event location.
7. Presents or nothing at all?
When organizing your company Christmas party, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether or not to say yes to gifts.
On the one hand, gifts can heighten the happy atmosphere of the occasion.
However, not everyone may be able to afford them, and they can also be a headache.
Fun Things to Do for Your Holiday Party at Work
8. Virtual Secret Santa with a Twist
Hosting Secret Santa gift exchanges is a fun way to get everyone involved, but you can elevate it with a creative theme.
Ask participants to give gifts based on a specific hobby, color, or even favorite holiday movie characters.
For remote teams, you can host the reveal over a zoom call to keep everyone connected.
9. Holiday Spirit Week
Why limit the fun to just one day? Host a Holiday Spirit Week where each day has a different festive theme.
Monday could be “Pajama Day,” while Tuesday could be dedicated to the ugly sweater party, and Wednesday could feature a holiday trivia game.
This keeps the excitement going throughout the week and ensures that everyone has a chance to participate, even during work hours.
10. Hot Chocolate Station
Create a hot chocolate station in the office, complete with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a variety of flavored syrups.
It’s an easy way to add a cozy atmosphere to the day, and it gives team members a festive break from the usual coffee routine.
11. Holiday Karaoke Battle
Get ready to belt out some Christmas carols!
Organize a holiday karaoke battle where small groups of employees can compete by singing their favorite holiday tunes.
You could have prizes for “Best Performance” and “Most Enthusiastic.”
12. Gingerbread House Building Contest
This holiday work party idea is both creative and competitive.
Set up a gingerbread house decorating contest, where teams or departments can compete to create the most festive and intricate designs.
Prizes for categories like “Most Creative” and “Best Structural Integrity” can add an extra layer of fun!
13. Festive Holiday Luncheon
Why not treat your entire team to a holiday lunch?
You can host a potluck where everyone brings their favorite holiday dishes, or you can cater food from local restaurants.
Either way, it’s a great way to break from the norm and gather everyone together to enjoy some festive fare.
14. White Elephant Gift Exchange
A White Elephant Gift Exchange is always a hit at corporate holiday parties. Set a budget, and let the gift-giving chaos begin!
Participants can “steal” each other’s gifts, which adds a layer of fun and predictability.
Make sure the gifts are lighthearted and funny for the best results.
15. Virtual Holiday Trivia
For remote employees, a virtual holiday trivia session is a great way to keep everyone engaged.
Divide the office into small groups or larger teams and have a friendly competition over video chat.
Cover topics like holiday traditions, movies, songs, and even company-related trivia.
16. Office Holiday Bake-Off
Do you have talented bakers on your team? Host an office holiday bake-off where employees can bring in their best holiday desserts.
You can have judges taste and vote on the treats, or let everyone cast their votes to determine the winners.
Either way, it’s still a great opportunity for some sweet treats and holiday fun.
17. Virtual Holiday Cocktail Class
For remote teams, why not host a virtual holiday cocktail or mocktail-making class?
Send out kits with ingredients in advance, and then bring in a professional mixologist to guide your team through the drink-making process over a video call.
This is a fun way to bond and learn something new together.
18. Holiday Photo Booth
Set up a holiday-themed photo booth at your party with fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf costumes.
This is a great way to capture memories, and the photos can be shared with the whole team after the event.
For a virtual twist, you could use a digital photo booth app.
19. Festive Ice Skating
If you’re looking for an active holiday work party idea, take your team ice skating!
Whether you rent out an event venue or hit a local rink, this is a great opportunity to get outside, have some fun, and even get a little competitive with friendly races.
20. Charity Holiday Drive
Incorporate some holiday spirit into your company holiday party by organizing a charity drive.
Employees can donate toys, clothes, or non-perishable food items for local families or a food bank.
It’s a meaningful way to give back during the holiday season.
21. Virtual Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
For remote employees, send out gingerbread cookie kits and host a virtual cookie decorating contest.
Everyone can decorate during an office teams call, and you can vote on the most creative designs.
This is a simple, hands-on activity that can be done from anywhere.
22. Christmas Caroling Competition
Nothing spreads holiday cheer like singing Christmas carols! Organize a caroling competition where employees perform holiday classics, either individually or in teams.
You can even host the competition virtually for remote employees. Prizes can be given for the best performances.
23. Live Music Performance
Hire a local band, choir, or DJ to perform holiday music during your party.
Live music always adds a festive touch and can elevate the whole experience.
If you’re hosting a virtual party, consider booking a live-streamed performance for everyone to enjoy.
24. Themed Holiday Potluck
Organize a themed potluck where each staff member brings a dish related to a specific holiday or cultural tradition.
`It’s a great way to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of your team while enjoying a wide variety of delicious holiday foods.
25. Ugly Sweater Fashion Show
Encourage employees to show off their most outlandish holiday sweaters by hosting an ugly sweater fashion show.
You can walk the “runway” in the conference room or do it virtually for remote teams. Award prizes for the “ugliest” and most creative sweaters.
26. Holiday Movie Marathon
Set up a cozy area in the event space or conference room, and host a holiday movie marathon.
You can show classics like Home Alone, Elf, and The Grinch. Add some popcorn, cozy blankets, and a hot chocolate bar to really make it a special experience.
27. Virtual Secret Recipe Swap
For remote employees, organize a virtual secret recipe swap.
Have each participant share their favorite holiday recipe with someone else, then try making that dish at home.
You can all discuss the results over a zoom call.
28. Office Decoration Contest
Encourage each department or team to decorate their workspace for the holidays.
You can provide decorating supplies, and teams can get creative with Christmas trees, lights, and festive décor.
Award prizes for the most unique or festive setup.
29. Virtual Winter Wonderland Party
For virtual events, create a Winter Wonderland theme where participants can dress in cozy holiday outfits, and you can add a festive background to the zoom call.
Host fun activities like holiday trivia, a virtual snowball fight, or an online holiday-themed scavenger hunt.
30. Ice Skating & Hot Chocolate
Take the team out for an afternoon of ice skating followed by a hot chocolate bar. You can either rent a local rink or visit one nearby.
After skating, warm up with some hot cocoa and share a few laughs together.
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31. Gift Wrapping Party for Charity
Hosting a gift-wrapping party where employees wrap presents for a local charity.
You and your team members can provide all the wrapping supplies, and have festive music playing in the background.
It’s a perfect way to give back while getting into the holiday spirit.
32. Outdoor Winter Festival
If you have access to an outdoor event venue, consider hosting an outdoor winter festival.
You can set up booths with hot cocoa, s’mores, and seasonal treats, along with games like ring toss or snowball throwing!.
33. Holiday Happy Hour
It’s a great opportunity to relax and unwind with colleagues after a long day.
34. Friendly Competitions
Another corporate holiday party idea is a friendly competition by organizing a holiday-themed trivia contest, gingerbread decorating challenge, or holiday relay race.
These are great options for getting the whole team involved and engaged.
35. Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Host a wreath-making workshop where employees can create their own wreaths to take home or use as decorations in the office.
You can either bring in a local florist or have a DIY session with supplies available to all.
36. Holiday-Themed Relay Races
Add some excitement to your office Christmas party by organizing holiday-themed relay races.
You can set up obstacles like carrying presents or racing with a Santa hat on. The team with the fastest time wins!
37. Holiday Trivia Night
Organize a holiday trivia night either in person or virtually.
Employees can team up to answer questions about holiday movies, traditions, and even the company’s history.
It’s a great way to promote team spirit and test everyone’s holiday knowledge.
38. Ugly Sweater Design Contest
Give your team blank sweaters and a variety of craft supplies (felt, tinsel, ornaments, etc.) to design their own ugly holiday sweaters.
Host a runway show afterward and award prizes for the most creative designs.
39. Winter Wonderland Office Theme
Transform your office into a Winter Wonderland by decorating with twinkling lights, snowflakes, and holiday trees.
You can even bring in fake snow machines for that extra festive touch. It’s a great way to immerse your team in the holiday spirit.
40. Office “Snowball Fight”
Use soft, fake snowballs and set up an indoor snowball fight for your entire team.
You can divide the office into small groups, creating a playful and competitive environment where everyone can let loose.
41. Santa’s Workshop Craft Day
Host a crafting day where employees can create DIY holiday decorations, cards, or ornaments.
Set up craft stations in the conference room and provide materials like glitter, paint, and ribbon. This hands-on activity is a fun way to relax and get creative.
42. Outdoor Ice Sculpting
If you’re hosting an outdoor holiday work party, bring in an ice sculptor or have a DIY ice sculpting station where employees can try their hand at creating their own ice masterpieces.
It’s a unique and interactive activity that’s sure to impress.
43. Christmas Carol Flash Mob
Surprise everyone with a Christmas carol flash mob!
Have a group of employees suddenly break out in song during lunch or at a planned moment during the party.
It’s a lighthearted and unexpected way to spread some holiday cheer.
44. Holiday Office Olympics
Create a series of team-building activities themed around holiday games, such as wrapping presents blindfolded or stacking holiday decorations as fast as possible.
You can award medals to the winning team for each event.
45. Local Charity Volunteer Day
Take a break from the office by spending the day volunteering for a local charity.
It’s a good opportunity to give back and spread the holiday spirit.
46. Cookie Decorating Contest
Set up a cookie decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and candy toppings, and let employees decorate their own holiday cookies.
You can then have a vote for the best designs. This activity is perfect for both in-person and virtual parties.
47. Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
Have teams or departments compete to decorate the best Christmas trees. You can provide the trees and decorations, or let each team bring their own items.
Prizes can be awarded for categories like “Most Creative” and “Most Festive.”
48. Virtual Holiday Bingo
Host a virtual holiday bingo game for remote teams. You can then create holiday-themed bingo cards and have prizes for the winners.
It’s just a simple to interactive with everyone, no matter where they are.
49. Holiday Movie Trivia
Test your team’s knowledge of holiday movies with a trivia competition.
You can divide into teams and see who knows the most about classic films like It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story.
50. Festive Cocktail-Making Contest
Set up a station with holiday cocktail ingredients, and let employees compete to create the best holiday drink.
Judges can vote on the best-tasting or most creative cocktail, and the winner can take home a gift card or special prize.
51. Christmas Caroling Around the Office
Form a small group of carolers to go from department to department, spreading Christmas cheer with holiday songs.
You can also organize a caroling session during the party itself.
52. Holiday-Themed Bingo Night
Host a holiday bingo night for your employees, complete with festive bingo cards and holiday-themed prizes like stockings, treats, or gift cards.
It’s a great holiday work party idea that’s both simple and fun.
53. Personalized Holiday Stockings
Hang up stockings for each employee in the office, and have their coworkers add small treats, notes of appreciation, or tokens of friendship throughout the week.
It’s a personal touch that spreads holiday goodwill.
54. Secret Recipe Exchange
Encourage employees to exchange holiday recipes instead of gifts.
It’s a simple and heartfelt way to share personal traditions with colleagues while also giving everyone some new holiday recipes to try at home.
55. Outdoor Ice Skating & S’mores
Take your team ice skating, then warm up with a s’mores station.
You can rent a rink or find one locally and set up an outdoor space for roasting marshmallows and enjoying hot drinks.
56. Holiday Potluck Breakfast
Host a holiday breakfast potluck where employees can bring in their favorite holiday breakfast dishes.
Add seasonal items like eggnog pancakes, cranberry muffins, and holiday lattes for an extra festive touch.
57. Holiday Cookie Swap
Host a cookie swap where each employee brings in a batch of their favorite holiday cookies to share with the team.
Everyone leaves with a variety of cookies and a smile!
58. Virtual Holiday Bake-Off
For remote employees, host a virtual holiday bake-off. Each person can bake their favorite holiday treat and share the results over an office team call.
Prizes can be awarded for categories like “Best Looking” and “Most Creative.”
59. Winter Wonderland Carnival
Set up a carnival-style event with holiday-themed booths, games, and activities like ring toss or a holiday fishing game.
Add festive decorations and holiday treats to complete the experience.
60. Holiday Guessing Games
Set up a guessing game where employees have to guess how many ornaments are on the tree, how many cookies are in a jar, or the number of holiday candies in a bowl.
It’s a quick and easy activity that adds some light-hearted fun to your party.
61. Virtual Holiday Craft Workshop
For remote teams, host a virtual holiday craft workshop where employees can create their own holiday ornaments, wreaths, or gift tags.
You can mail out kits ahead of time, and then everyone can craft together over a Zoom call.
62. Virtual Holiday Happy Hour with Wine Tasting
Host a virtual holiday happy hour where employees can participate in a wine-tasting session led by a professional sommelier.
Send out a selection of wines ahead of time, and have everyone enjoy the experience together from home.
63. Holiday-Themed Escape Room
Take the holiday fun to the next level with a holiday-themed escape room!
You can either bring an escape room to your office or set one up virtually for remote employees.
Teams can work together to solve puzzles and find their way out, creating a fun and challenging team-building activity.
64. Holiday-Themed Raffle
Organize a raffle where employees can buy tickets to win holiday-themed prizes like gift cards, holiday décor, or seasonal experiences.
All proceeds from the raffle can go to a local charity, adding a charitable twist to your holiday work party.
65. Christmas Carol Lip Sync Battle
Host a lip sync battle where employees can perform their favorite Christmas carols.
This is a hilarious and light-hearted activity that’s guaranteed to bring out lots of laughter and team spirit.
66. DIY Holiday Ornament Workshop
Set up a crafting station where employees can create their own ornaments to hang on the office Christmas trees or take home.
Provide materials like glitter, paint, and ribbon for a fun, hands-on activity.
67. Holiday Ice Cream Social
For a cool twist, host a holiday-themed ice cream social.
Set up a DIY ice cream bar with festive toppings like peppermint sprinkles, holiday cookies, and hot fudge.
It’s a delicious and unexpected addition to your office Christmas party!
Conclusion
You can arrange a memorable event that will leave your employees buzzing with fun with these 60 creative Christmas party ideas.
These innovative ideas are made to accommodate a variety of team dynamics, hobbies, and preferences.
Whether you are throwing an in-person party or organizing a virtual Christmas celebration for your remote workers,.
Keep in mind that the main goals of the holiday season are to promote happiness, honor the achievements of the previous year and strengthen bonds among coworkers.
An event that your company will remember long after the Christmas decorations are taken down can be created by personalizing it and combining a variety of enjoyable activities and team–building exercises.
I hope this extended guide helps make your holiday office party planning process a breeze. Happy planning and happy holidays to you and your entire team!
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