17 Christmas party ideas for work: let’s celebrate!

Do you want to transform your work environment into a holly, jolly celebration your employees will remember? Look no further. We’ve got plenty of Christmas party ideas for work to spread cheer among your colleagues and get everyone in the Holiday mood!

Christmas parties are a cornerstone of this merry time, offering a chance for workers to step away from their desks, bond with their team, and create memories that will last long after the decorations are packed away. Whether you’re planning a glittery evening event, a cozy midday gathering, or a virtual, theme-based experience, finding the perfect office Christmas celebration activities can be as exciting as it is challenging.

The good news is that, at deskbird, we love providing you with modern ideas to make your workplace people-centric and enjoyable for everyone to celebrate the holiday season. In this blog post, we’ll unwrap a sleigh full of traditional but also creative corporate Christmas party ideas to ensure your Christmas festivities are as unique and special as your team.

So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, cozy up, and let’s dive into a winter wonderland of workplace merrymaking!

5 fun Christmas party ideas for work to do during December

1. Play secret hall deckers

Let’s start with the fun game“Secret Hall Deckers”! This festive activity is about transforming your office into a whimsical winter wonderland where every workspace leads to a new surprise. Employees become “Secret Deckers”, each assigned a specific desk to decorate anonymously. As the big reveal draws near, people get excited to see the creative displays of their mystery coworkers. 

This game fosters a sense of community and holiday spirit while making fun team memories. You can also offer prizes for the most original, amusing, or elaborate decorations. If you have a hybrid workforce, organizing this Christmas activity is even easier. By checking your colleagues’ weekly schedules, you can know when they work from home and take the opportunity to do a Christmas makeover of their desks! Are you ready to watch your workplace turn into a joyful holiday gallery?

2. Organize a cookie decorating class

Beautiful Christmas sweets and cookies get everyone into the holiday feeling. Why not suggest a cookie decorating class before Christmas? Not only is it a fun activity that enhances teamwork, but it also appeals to the sweet tooth in everyone. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of icing, sprinkling, and personalizing delicious treats. 

The question is: where can you bake these delicious treats? This workshop can be easily organized in the office break room or conference area. If there is no oven in your building, provide a variety of cookies with multiple shapes like stars, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men. Don’t forget to supply colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations as well. Cookie decoration is an excellent opportunity for employees to bond over the shared enjoyment of creating (and eating!) their festive confections and bring out everyone’s inner child.

3. Invite your team to a sustainable Christmas ideas competition

Embarking on a sustainable Christmas ideas competition boosts team spirit and promotes environmental consciousness during the festive season. Encourage your colleagues to come up with innovative and eco-friendly holiday party concepts that minimize waste and maximize merriment. Whether it’s crafting decorations from recycled materials, proposing a menu of locally sourced, organic fare, or arranging a gift exchange featuring handmade or second-hand finds, the possibilities for a green celebration are endless. 

This fun activity will not only shine a light on your team’s creativity and commitment to sustainability but also help your organization stand out as a leader in green office challenges. With a little ingenuity, your sustainable Christmas party can become the talk of the season and maybe set new trends for years to come. Moreover, to inspire even more people, you can share your entries on the company’s social media channels using hashtags like #SustainableChristmas and #EcoFriendlyHoliday to engage a broader audience.

4. Plan a collective office tree decoration

The merry spirit of the holiday season lends itself perfectly to team-building exercises. What better way to foster camaraderie among colleagues than by collectively decorating a Christmas tree? This activity encourages creativity and festivity, but it also serves as a metaphor for the diverse contributions that each person brings to the table. The idea is simple: set up a Christmas tree in a common area of the workplace and invite teams to decorate it together. 

Employees could bring in unique ornaments that represent their personalities, cultural backgrounds, or simply their artistic skills. Each bauble, tinsel strand, and string of lights becomes a testament to the mosaic of talents within the team. The finished product stands not just as a holiday centerpiece but also as a visual reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration and the joy of shared moments. This tradition can instill a sense of pride and ownership while also adding a dose of holiday cheer into the work environment.

5. Set up a Christmas photo booth in the office

Creating a Christmas photo booth in the office brings a cool and interactive element that captures the holiday spirit in a snap. It’s not just about preserving memories but also about lightening the atmosphere and giving coworkers a reason to showcase their holiday cheer. When setting up your holiday-themed photo corner, consider using props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and fun, seasonal backdrops with a winter wonderland or a cozy Christmas scene. 

As most people have a social media account nowadays, there is a high chance your colleagues share their playful photos on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and so on. This social engagement will not only spread the holiday joy but can also increase your company’s online visibility while showcasing your positive workplace culture.

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6 office Christmas celebration activities to do on the day of the event

1. Organize a Christmas potluck

Christmas is also about sharing a meal and eating delicious food together. So why not organize a Christmas potluck? Assign categories to your colleagues to ensure a well-rounded menu. It should include appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and drinks. Encourage your staff to share their favorite family recipes! This way, you’ll have plenty of different food, and everyone can add a personal touch to the feast. 

Remember to cater to different dietary requirements by having vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. A successful Christmas potluck is all about variety and inclusivity. So, ensure that there’s something delicious for every colleague to indulge in as you all celebrate the festive season together. You can create a shared online document or use a potluck planning app where everyone can list what they’re bringing.

2. Plan a seasonal Scavenger Hunt

To keep the Christmas spirit alive at your office, consider orchestrating a seasonal Scavenger Hunt that employees can participate in together. This interactive adventure not only fosters teamwork but is also a delightful way to break the monotony of the daily routine. Craft a list of holiday-themed items for teams to find within the office or even outside if you’re up for a bit of chilly fun. 

To spice things up, each clue could be tied to a fun fact or riddle about your company or the Christmas season, making the scavenger hunt an educational experience as well. Don’t forget to reward the winning team with enticing prizes, like an extra day of holiday leave or festive hampers. A scavenger hunt is a great way to end the year on a positive note and boost your employee morale for the new year!

3. Host the traditional ugly Christmas sweater challenge

We cannot talk about the best Christmas party ideas for work without mentioning the ugly Christmas sweater competition. It is a classic but beloved and time-honored tradition that invites employees to showcase their most over-the-top, kitschy, and hilariously tacky holiday knits. By turning this quirky contest into the centerpiece of your Christmas party, you can guarantee a flurry of laughter and camaraderie. 

Encourage everyone to participate by offering appealing incentives, such as a box of the best chocolate in town or a sought-after parking spot, to kindle the competitive fires. This challenge not only serves as a fantastic icebreaker for team members but also provides the ideal opportunity for an unforgettable photo session! Remember, the uglier the sweater, the better the memories. Prepare yourself for an avalanche of sequins, pom-poms, and festive cheer as employees fight for the coveted title of Ugly Sweater Champion.

4. Organize a Christmas auction to raise funds

Incorporate a sense of generosity and sharing in your Christmas party by hosting a charity auction. This Christmas activity is not as common as the ugly Christmas sweater challenge, but it aligns perfectly with the season of giving. 

You can source objects for the auction from local businesses that may be willing to donate gifts or even consider asking attendees to contribute items or services themselves. Be sure to promote your Christmas charity auction in advance through your company’s social media channels, email newsletters, and website. This will draw more participation and increase the chances of making your event a success and a highlight of the holiday season. 

Remember, the key here is to create an engaging and memorable experience that supports a good cause while also fostering team camaraderie and spirit. The cause can be anything from helping people to the planet, animals, etc.

5. Send a Christmas wellness package

If you’re looking for a unique twist on the traditional workplace holiday celebration, consider sending personalized Christmas wellness packages to your team members. Employee well-being is a core topic in the workplace. While it should be your priority all year long, Christmas is the perfect occasion to go the extra mile. 

These thoughtfully curated wellness kits can include items such as stress-relief teas, aromatherapy candles, cozy socks, nutritious snacks, and perhaps a beautifully illustrated mindfulness or gratitude journal. By including a combination of relaxing and revitalizing goodies, you create an opportunity for your colleagues to indulge in some much-deserved self-care. Plus, this thoughtful gesture is perfectly in line with the festive spirit of giving and can do wonders for team morale.

6. End the year with a Christmas awards ceremony

A lack of genuine recognition is a rising concern that leads to employee disengagement, quiet quitting, and talent loss. As the festive season approaches, this is the perfect moment to show gratitude to your staff. So, why not plan a personalized awards ceremony that acknowledges the hard work and dedication of your team? 

December is the ideal time for managers and business owners to express their heartfelt appreciation for their employees’ efforts throughout the year. During your Christmas celebration, plan a special moment to spotlight each team member’s unique contributions with personalized awards or tokens of appreciation. This can range from serious accolades aligned with professional achievements to light-hearted, funny superlatives that will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. 

This approach not only strengthens team bonds but also boosts morale and motivation as you head into the new year. By recognizing the individuals’ talents and achievements, you cultivate a culture of appreciation that resonates beyond the holiday season, making this one of the most impactful Christmas party ideas for work.

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6 cool corporate holiday party ideas for remote and hybrid teams

1. Host a virtual Christmas party

Hosting a virtual Christmas party for hybrid and remote teams offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season together, even when miles apart. By using your favorite video conferencing platform, you ensure everyone can join the fun regardless of their location. Before the event, organizers can send out digital invitations with a festive theme, allowing employees to RSVP and mark their calendars. 

To enhance the festive atmosphere, participants can be encouraged to decorate their home workspaces and wear holiday attire. For a personalized touch, the company could also arrange for small gifts or food hampers to be delivered to employees’ homes in advance. This thoughtful consideration helps everyone feel connected and appreciated, making the virtual Christmas party a memorable and inclusive celebration for all team members. 

So, how can you create a festive environment online? The following virtual Christmas party ideas are cool activities to start with!

2. Play digital Christmas icebreaker games to get into the holiday atmosphere

In the age of digital transformation, using workplace technology to enhance the festive atmosphere at a work Christmas party has become increasingly popular. Virtual Christmas icebreaker games are an engaging way to start your Christmas celebration!

Incorporating a variety of virtual games designed to break down barriers and warm up the social atmosphere can spark laughter and conversation among workers who might not interact on a daily basis. Imagine your employees bonding and sharing laughs over a hilarious round of Christmas trivia. 

Employees could also participate in funny and creative online polls or festive photo challenges. It could be sharing their favorite holiday memories or the ugliest Christmas sweaters. Such activities set the tone for a cheerful party while fostering a sense of inclusivity and collective holiday spirit. Ultimately, it provides an opportunity for everyone to contribute, connect, and get into the merry vibe of the season, regardless of their physical location.

3. Enjoy an interactive Christmas escape game session

Keeping the festive spirit high, get your team engaged with a virtual Christmas-themed escape game that challenges their problem-solving skills while fostering teamwork. Picture your group being locked in a winter wonderland or Santa’s workshop, working together to crack puzzles and decipher clues before time runs out. This experience is perfect for bringing coworkers closer and adding a unique twist to your holiday celebrations. 

Not only does it serve as a great icebreaker for new teams, but it also reignites the collaborative spark in established groups. As hybrid work is on the rise, so are virtual escape rooms. It ensures remote teams don’t miss out on the holiday fun. Flexibility in participation allows for everyone to join, regardless of their location, making it an inclusive and accessible corporate Christmas activity for those working hybrid.

4. Organize an online giving campaign for a good cause

As mentioned, one of the most rewarding Christmas party ideas for work is to bring your team together to make a true difference. For example, you can run a digital giving campaign for a good cause that resonates with your values. This initiative not only fosters a spirit of generosity but also reflects well on your company’s social responsibility. 

Start by choosing a charity or cause that aligns with your brand or is important to employees. Then, set a collective fundraising goal and create a fun online strategy to encourage donations. Not only does this bring a unique twist to Christmas festivities, but it also provides an opportunity to bond and spread holiday cheer beyond the workplace. 

Remember to promote your giving campaign through all of your communication channels, from internal newsletters to social media. Additionally, encourage your staff to talk about this event to their families and friends. By uniting your team in a cause bigger than themselves, you’ll be creating a truly special holiday memory that will have a lasting impact after the party ends.

5. Set up a virtual gift-opening ceremony

The notion of a virtual gift-opening ceremony embraces the excitement of the season while acknowledging the modern realities of remote work environments. People could participate in a Secret Santa exchange, sending presents directly to their colleagues’ homes or digitally delivering gift cards and e-vouchers. 

If you prefer to be Santa Claus and have the financial means for it, you can send a gift by email to all your team members during your online Christmas party. Make it a surprise and ask them to open the link all at the same time to see their reactions. It can be a Holiday gift box with small treats, a 6-month subscription to a wellness app, a dinner for two in a local restaurant, etc. The goal is to make it as personal and aligned with your values as possible.

This virtual ceremony brings your team together in a meaningful exchange of appreciation and allows for a collective celebration of the holiday spirit that can be enjoyed by all. Whether they’re in the office, at home, or halfway across the world.

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6. End with a session of gratitude

Similar to hosting an in-person event, as you reach the close of your online Christmas work party, ending with a session of gratitude can leave everyone with a warm, lasting memory of the evening. This isn’t just an uplifting way to finish the festivity and the year. It is also a moment that embraces the spirit of the season while giving thanks and appreciating one another. 

Team members can also share what they’re grateful for. It can be an accomplishment of the past year or an appreciation for their colleagues’ support. This practice not only fosters a sense of community and belonging but also uplifts the overall mood. As a takeaway, you could even create customized thank-you cards or thoughtful keepsakes that your coworkers can display on their desks. 

Remember, a workplace that celebrates together grows together. Therefore,  expressing collective gratitude is a valuable moment that will truly resonate with employees, enhancing their engagement and satisfaction.

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Celebrating Christmas in the workplace involves a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of holiday spirit, and a commitment to inclusivity to ensure that all team members feel valued and recognized. From interactive virtual gatherings to traditional Christmas party ideas for work, the activities shared above offer a range of options that can be tailored to any company culture or budget.

Remember that the goal is to create memorable moments that foster camaraderie, inclusivity, and kindness. Quite often, the most successful gatherings are those with personal touches and meaningful interactions that resonate long after the holiday lights dim. We hope that these tips will inspire you and that our office events feature will simplify your planning process. Your office Christmas celebration activities have the potential to end the year on a high note, making it truly the most wonderful time of the year for your company.

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