10 Festive & Fun Holiday Party Games to Bring Cheer to Your Work Celebration
Holiday party games are a fantastic way to infuse holiday spirit and fun into any workplace celebration, whether it’s an in-person office holiday party, a virtual holiday gathering, or even a hybrid event. Incorporating games into your holiday party adds a lively element, bringing coworkers together in friendly competition and helping everyone unwind. Games also encourage remote employees to participate in the holiday cheer, making them feel connected and appreciated. Below, we’ve curated 10 holiday party games, from classic choices like Secret Santa to creative new ideas like Christmas Movie Trivia and Jingle Bell Toss. This list has something for everyone, making your holiday gathering an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, holiday cheer, and team spirit.
10 Fun Holiday Party Games for the Ultimate Office Celebration
1. Christmas Movie Trivia
In this game, participants can divide into teams and test their knowledge of holiday classics like Home Alone, Elf, and A Christmas Carol. Prepare questions covering iconic scenes, quotes, or characters, and add a time limit for extra excitement. Teams can buzz in or raise their hands to answer, with correct answers earning points. Christmas Movie Trivia brings out holiday nostalgia and is easy to play at in-person or virtual gatherings, making it a fun way for everyone to share their favorite holiday memories.
2. Christmas Bingo
Christmas Bingo is a simple, crowd-pleasing game that’s perfect for large groups and virtual holiday parties alike. Create festive bingo cards featuring holiday-themed items like Christmas trees, Santa hats, and candy canes, and distribute them to players. As you call out items, players mark off their squares, and the first person to complete a row or full card wins. This classic game adds a lighthearted competition to any party and works well with prizes to keep participants excited.
3. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
For a more active game, try a holiday scavenger hunt. Create a list of festive items, like a candy cane, ugly Christmas sweater, or something red and green. Set a time limit and let players search for the items around their workspace, home, or party area. This game is flexible for remote or in-office events, as participants can snap photos of items to show off their finds. A holiday scavenger hunt brings a lively and energetic element to the party, helping participants feel engaged.
4. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Secret Santa is a holiday tradition that’s always a hit at office parties. A week or two before the party, assign everyone a coworker to buy a gift for (there are online tools available to manage the exchange anonymously). At the holiday party, gifts are exchanged, adding surprise and fun as everyone guesses who their “Santa” was. Secret Santa fosters holiday spirit and is an excellent way for coworkers to show thoughtfulness, making it perfect for both large and smaller groups.
5. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
Nothing says holiday party fun like an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Invite everyone to show up wearing their tackiest Christmas attire, from jingle bells to overly festive designs. During the party, let attendees vote on who wore it best—or worst. Award titles like “Ugliest Sweater” or “Most Festive” for added fun. This lighthearted competition is perfect for holiday gatherings, as it adds a festive and humorous element, encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit.
6. Christmas Carol Pictionary
For a holiday twist on the classic drawing game, try Christmas Carol Pictionary. Divide the group into teams and have players take turns drawing clues from well-known Christmas carols like “Jingle Bells” or “Silent Night.” Teammates try to guess the song within a set time limit. It’s a fast-paced, interactive game that works well in both virtual and in-person settings, making it a great choice to bring out laughter and creativity.
7. Virtual Holiday Happy Hour
For remote teams, hosting a virtual holiday happy hour can be a fantastic way to connect and unwind together. Invite everyone to join a video call, bring their favorite drink, and celebrate with a lineup of holiday-themed games. Incorporate activities like holiday trivia, Christmas song guessing games, or a toast to the year’s accomplishments. Virtual holiday happy hours offer a relaxed setting that allows remote employees to feel included and enjoy the holiday cheer with coworkers.
8. Jingle Bell Toss
The Jingle Bell Toss is a festive and easy-to-set-up game for any holiday party. Similar to ring toss, this game uses small jingle bells as players aim to throw them onto targets like decorated bottles or holiday-themed cutouts. Give points based on difficulty, and add a time limit to make it more competitive. Jingle Bell Toss is a playful, engaging activity that gets people moving, perfect for large groups looking to add a bit of holiday cheer to their gathering.
9. Holiday Gift Card Raffle
A holiday gift card raffle adds excitement to any office holiday party. Distribute raffle tickets to each attendee, then draw winners at random to receive gift cards to popular spots like coffee shops or bookstores. This game requires minimal setup and can be customized with a variety of prizes, making it ideal for any office holiday party. The anticipation of winning adds to the festive spirit, ensuring everyone enjoys the holiday celebration.
10. Christmas Song Guessing Game
Bring out the holiday spirit with a Christmas song guessing game. Play short clips from popular Christmas songs—like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”—and challenge participants to guess the song title. This game can be played with teams or individually, making it adaptable for different group sizes. The Christmas Song Guessing Game is ideal for both office and virtual holiday parties, as it brings everyone together to enjoy the sounds of the season.
Tips for Hosting a Fun and Engaging Holiday Party
Choose Games Based on Group Size
When planning party games, think about your group’s size. For large groups, games like Christmas Bingo or a holiday gift card raffle keep everyone engaged without feeling overwhelming. For smaller groups, you can opt for more interactive games, like Christmas Carol Pictionary or a Christmas song guessing game, which allows for more one-on-one interactions and team bonding.
Set a Time Limit to Keep the Energy Up
Time limits add excitement and keep games moving, ensuring everyone stays engaged without the event dragging on. Games like holiday scavenger hunts or Jingle Bell Toss benefit from quick rounds, giving attendees the chance to try multiple games in a relaxed, festive environment.
Include a Mix of Classic Games and New Ideas
Balancing classic holiday traditions with fresh ideas keeps things interesting. For instance, Secret Santa and Christmas Bingo offer the familiarity of tradition, while Virtual Holiday Happy Hour or Christmas Movie Trivia can introduce something new to bring out the festive spirit.
Encourage Friendly Competition and Holiday Spirit
Keeping the games lighthearted ensures everyone enjoys the celebration without feeling too competitive. Offer fun prizes for winners, such as a gift card, a holiday treat, or even a title like “Holiday Cheer Champion” to foster a fun and cheerful atmosphere that brings everyone together.
Consider Remote Team Members with Virtual Game Options
For a fully inclusive celebration, incorporate games that remote employees can join. Games like virtual holiday trivia, online scavenger hunts, or even a Virtual Holiday Happy Hour give remote team members the chance to feel just as involved in the festivities, enhancing their connection to the team.
The Value of Hosting Holiday Parties at Roam
When it comes to hosting memorable and seamless holiday celebrations, Roam provides the ideal setting with its flexible event spaces and attentive onsite hospitality team. Roam’s spaces are perfect for corporate holiday parties, offering customizable layouts and tech support to suit any gathering size, from smaller office parties to large team events.
With Roam’s full-service catering, you can create a festive menu that keeps everyone energized, whether with a build-your-own snack bar, protein-packed bowls, or holiday-themed treats. A dedicated Roam Meeting Coordinator will handle every detail, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration and connecting with your team. By choosing Roam, you’ll ensure an exceptional holiday experience that allows everyone to relax, celebrate, and spread holiday cheer together.