15 Office Holiday Party Ideas, Games & Activities for Work

The end of the year is a perfect time to celebrate your team’s hard work and achievements. An end-of-year holiday work party provides an opportunity for employees to relax, enjoy each other's company, and build stronger connections. Here are ten creative ideas that will help you plan an unforgettable holiday work party that your team will talk about well into the new year.

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• small office Christmas party ideas

• corporate Christmas party ideas

• Christmas games for work parties

• work Christmas party activities

• work Christmas party games

• Christmas office games

• themes for office Christmas parties

• Christmas party entertainment ideas

1. Mystery Desk Decorators

Mystery Desk Decorators is a fun hybrid of a desk decorating contest and Secret Santa. In this activity, employees are paired up, but instead of exchanging gifts, they secretly decorate their assigned colleague’s desk. To maintain the element of surprise and keep things organized, you can arrange specific times when the assigned employee is away from their desk, and ask surrounding coworkers to keep the secret. After the decorations are revealed, the decorated employee has to guess which teammate was responsible for their festive space.

2. Escape Room: “Crack the Christmas Code”

Get your team together to tackle the ultimate holiday challenge in a Escape Room! Work together to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out. 

Learn more about our escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and other games!

3. Virtual Wine-Tasting: “Sip, Savor, and Celebrate”

Treat your team to a sophisticated wine-tasting experience that’s all about indulgence and celebration. Whether you’re gathering in person or virtually, this event allows participants to explore a selection of carefully curated wines, complete with tasting notes and expert guidance. As you sip and savor each glass, enjoy discussions on flavor profiles, wine-making regions, and pairing tips. This classy event is the perfect way to unwind, connect, and toast to the achievements of the past year, making it a holiday party your team won’t forget.

Learn more about 3-Wine tasting kit + Live Stream!

4. Group Magic Lesson: “Holiday Hocus Pocus”

Add a touch of enchantment to your holiday party with a “Holiday Hocus Pocus” Magic Lesson! A professional magician will guide your team through the secrets of simple but impressive tricks, perfect for entertaining friends and family during the holiday season. Whether you’re mastering card tricks, learning how to make objects disappear, or practicing sleight of hand, this magical experience will leave everyone spellbound. It’s an engaging and interactive way to bring a little wonder and amazement to your end-of-year celebration.

Learn more about Learn the Art of Magic from a Pro!

5. Cocktail Making Class: “Mix, Mingle, and Be Merry”

Shake things up at your holiday party with a “Mix, Mingle, and Be Merry” Cocktail Making Class! A professional mixologist will guide your team through the art of crafting delicious holiday-themed cocktails, from peppermint martinis to gingerbread old fashioneds. Whether in person or online, participants will learn the techniques behind mixing, shaking, and garnishing drinks while enjoying a fun, social atmosphere. This hands-on experience not only boosts morale but also leaves your team with new skills to show off at their next holiday gathering.

Learn more about Mixology 101: Learn to shake like an Expert.

6. DIY Christmas Wreath: “Deck the Halls with DIY”

Get crafty this holiday season with a “Deck the Halls with DIY” Moss Wreath workshop. Provide your team with all the materials they need to create beautiful, nature-inspired wreaths from scratch. This hands-on activity allows participants to express their creativity while making a unique holiday decoration they can proudly display at home. As they weave together lush greenery, moss, and festive accents, your team will enjoy a relaxing, meditative experience that celebrates the joy of crafting and the beauty of the season.

Learn more about DIY Moss Wreath workshop.

7. Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

A Gingerbread House Decorating Contest is a classic holiday activity that encourages creativity and teamwork. Provide each team with a gingerbread house kit and an assortment of candies, icing, and decorations. Give participants a set amount of time to create their masterpiece, then have a panel of judges select the most creative, festive, or technically impressive house. This activity is not only fun but also adds a sweet touch to your holiday party.

8. Secret Santa Gift Exchange

The Secret Santa gift exchange is a timeless tradition that never fails to bring joy and surprises. Have each participant draw a name from a hat (or use an online generator) and buy a thoughtful gift for their selected colleague. To add a twist, set a unique theme for the gifts, such as "something cozy," "a favorite book," or "holiday decor." During the party, take turns opening the gifts and guessing who their Secret Santa might be.

9. Holiday Potluck

A Holiday Potluck is a fantastic way to celebrate diverse culinary traditions within your team. Encourage each employee to bring a dish that represents their holiday traditions or a family favorite. To ensure variety, create a sign-up sheet where participants can list what they plan to bring, from appetizers and main dishes to desserts and drinks. A potluck fosters a sense of community and allows everyone to share a piece of their holiday heritage.

10. Christmas Karaoke

Get the party started with Christmas Karaoke! Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app, and let your team belt out their favorite holiday tunes. From classic carols to modern holiday hits, there's a song for everyone. This activity is sure to bring laughter, fun, and maybe even a bit of friendly competition as employees showcase their vocal talents.

11. Ugly Sweater Contest

An Ugly Sweater Contest is a hilarious way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Invite your team to come to the party wearing their most outrageous holiday sweaters. You can even set up a DIY station with decorations like tinsel, ornaments, and fabric glue for those who want to craft their own creations. At the end of the party, vote on the ugliest, most creative, or most festive sweater and award prizes to the winners.

12. Holiday Photo Booth

Set up a holiday-themed photo booth where employees can take festive pictures. Provide props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf ears, and holiday-themed signs. Create a winter wonderland backdrop with fake snow, Christmas trees, and twinkling lights. A photo booth adds a fun, interactive element to your party and gives everyone a memorable keepsake to take home.

13. Hot Cocoa Bar

Warm up your holiday party with a DIY Hot Cocoa Bar. Offer a variety of hot cocoa flavors, from classic milk chocolate to peppermint and salted caramel. Provide toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings. You can also include non-dairy milk options to accommodate all guests. A hot cocoa bar is a cozy addition that will make everyone feel warm and festive.

14. Sharing Good Food and Drinks at a Restaurant

Sometimes the best way to celebrate is by sharing good food and drinks at a nice restaurant. Book a private dining room at a local restaurant where your team can enjoy a delicious meal together. This setting allows employees to relax and bond over great food, and it also provides an opportunity to toast to the achievements of the past year. Make sure to choose a menu that accommodates various dietary preferences to ensure everyone has a great time.

Learn more about Boozy Pizza Making.

15. End-of-Year Awards Ceremony

Recognize your team's hard work and accomplishments with an End-of-Year Awards Ceremony. Create fun and lighthearted awards like "Most Festive Desk," "Best Team Player," or "Office Comedian." You can also present more formal awards for achievements throughout the year. This ceremony not only highlights individual contributions but also reinforces a positive team culture as you close out the year.

Learn more about Bondly's personalized employee rewards

Final Thoughts

A well-planned holiday work party is more than just a festive celebration—it's a way to show appreciation for your team's efforts and build stronger bonds as you head into the new year. By incorporating these creative ideas, you'll create a memorable event that your employees will cherish. So, get ready to deck the halls and spread the holiday cheer!