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25 Fun Work Christmas Party Ideas in 2024

December 01, 2023 by

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‘Tis the season for office shenanigans! Whether your workplace gives Nutcracker, Jingle Bell Rock, or Silent Night vibes, we’ve got a Christmas party idea that will have your colleagues chilling, vibing, laughing, and dancing around the water cooler. 

How do you host a good Christmas party at work?

Close up image of co-workers clinking together festive cocktails in a bright modern office space

A successful office Christmas party hinges on a blend of festive ambiance, inclusive activities, and thoughtful planning. We like to incorporate festive decorations, music, and a variety of entertainment to create a lively atmosphere. Providing delicious food and drinks adds to the enjoyment. Keep everyone well-fed and watered!  

Consider team-building games and activities that cater to diverse interests. This ensures that everyone feels included and encourages participation. By fostering an upbeat and inclusive environment, a good office Christmas party leaves lasting memories and strengthens team camaraderie. 

1. Interactive cooking classes 

Top view of co-workers enjoying interactive cooking classes at a year-end function

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: 10-20 people 

Best for: The team that binge-watches MasterChef 

Elevate your office Christmas party with a sizzling twist. Dive into an interactive cooking class where colleagues become culinary maestros. Bond over festive recipes, laughter, and delicious creations. It’s a hands-on celebration, spicing up teamwork and leaving everyone with a taste of holiday cheer and newfound kitchen prowess. 

Read next: 10 of the Best Christmas Prosecco Cocktail Recipes 

2. Gameshow

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 15-30 people 

Best for: Competitive spirits and trivia whiz-kids 

Wrap up the year with a bang. Transform your office into a thrilling game show extravaganza for the ultimate year-end bash. Colleagues can compete in hilarious challenges, trivia, and team games, sparking laughter and friendly rivalry. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable, high-energy celebration to bid farewell to the year. 

Non-alc vibes: 16 Christmas Mocktail Recipes 

3. Paint and sip

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 8-15 people 

Best for: The artsy crew 

Uncork creativity at your festive work bash with a paint and sip soirée. Unleash artistic flair while enjoying delicious sips. A professional artist guides the way, ensuring laughter and masterpieces flow. It’s a vibrant, interactive celebration, merging artistic expression with holiday cheer for a truly colorful and unforgettable team experience.  

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4. Online mixology classes

Close up side view of a home mixologist free-pouring a clear liquid into a fruity cocktail

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 10-25 people 

Best for: The after-work drink gang 

Sprinkle some virtual cheer into your year-end office gathering with an online mixologist session. Sip, chat, and learn the art of crafting festive drinks guided by a pro mixologist, using ingredients that can be dropped off beforehand. It’s a laid-back yet spirited way to toast to the year’s end and enjoy some virtual camaraderie. Cheers to a relaxed and festive celebration! 

Read next: 13 Best Craft Cocktails to Make at Home 

5. Tree decorating competition

Duration: 1 hour 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: Those who adore the whimsy of the Yuletide 

Have colleagues gather to decorate Christmas trees with a touch of festive fun. It’s a simple yet delightful way to share the holiday cheer and showcase everyone’s creativity. Best of all, the office will ultimately be adorned with the jollies of the season!  

Host with the most: Christmas Cocktail Party Themes & Matching Cocktails 

6. Pottery classes

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: 8-12 people 

Best for: Those who like getting their hands dirty (literally) 

Channel your inner artist and mold some festive fun with a pottery class for your work celebration. Colleagues gather to shape and create holiday-themed pottery. It’s a hands-on, relaxing way to foster team camaraderie while unleashing everyone’s inner artist. Let the joy of creation add a unique touch to your festive season! 

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7. Virtual holiday party

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: The entire virtual office 

Best for: Remote workers who want to let loose 

Bring the festive cheer to remote teams with a virtual holiday party. Organize a video call where everyone can join from home. Incorporate online games, a virtual Secret Santa gift exchange, and a shared playlist for music. It’s a simple and engaging way to celebrate together, bridging the distance with virtual merriment.  

Get cozy: 11 Hot Christmas Cocktails for Holiday Indulgence 

8. Virtual wine tastings

Close up image of a line-up of wine tasting glasses filled with different types of white wine

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 10-20 people 

Best for: Oenophiles and budding connoisseurs 

Ship a curated selection of wines to colleagues’ homes, then gather online. A professional sommelier guides the tasting, sharing notes on each pour. It’s a sophisticated yet cozy way to savor the season together, virtually toasting and celebrating. 

Learn more: What is ABV? 

9. Dance classes

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 10-25 people 

Best for: Those ready to cha-cha their way to the top 

Infuse energy into your year-end party with dance classes. Whether in person or online, a professional instructor guides the moves. Colleagues join from various locations, learning festive dance steps together. It’s a lively, team-building activity that brings joy, laughter, and a rhythmic end to the year.  

Clink clink! 23 Very Merry Bourbon Christmas Cocktails 

10. Gourmet private chef

Duration: 2-3 hours 

Accommodates: 10-15 people 

Best for: Foodies! 

Elevate your year-end office celebration by bringing the culinary magic to you! Hire a gourmet private chef to craft a bespoke meal. Whether at the office or a designated venue, the chef curates a delectable menu, catering to all tastes. It’s a luxurious, hassle-free way to savor the year’s success together.  

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11. Gingerbread games

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 8-20 people 

Best for: Architects of the sweet tooth variety 

Spice up your office Christmas party with gingerbread games. Provide gingerbread decorating kits to set the scene for a friendly competition. Colleagues create edible masterpieces, and a virtual or in-person judging session determines the most festive and creative designs. It’s a sweet way to blend teamwork and holiday spirit, making your celebration memorable. 

12. Drawing classes

Close-up image of a woman taking a digital snap of a drawing collage she is busy making in a light brigh home lounge environment

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 10-30 people 

Best for: Anyone who likes to get a little creative now and then 

Unleash creativity at your office holiday party with a drawing activity. Colleagues sketch their interpretations of a given object or theme, and you can organize a virtual gallery or display artwork at the office. It’s a delightful and inclusive way to celebrate the season together. 

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13. Ornament decorating

Duration: 1 hour 

Accommodates: 10-25 people 

Best for: Crafty souls with a love for all things shiny 

Embrace festive flair at your office Christmas party with an ornament-making activity! Whether online or in person, provide materials for crafting unique decorations. Colleagues showcase their artistic talents, sharing designs virtually or adorning the office tree. It’s a delightful and customizable way to infuse holiday spirit into your celebration. 

14. Secret hall deckers

Duration: 1 hour 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: The mischievous elves of the workplace 

Secret hall deckers is a cross between a desk decorating contest and Secret Santa. For this activity, employees get paired up. Instead of exchanging presents, participants decorate their assigned colleagues’ desks.  

15. Holi-desk decorating contest

Duration: 1.5 hour 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: Cubicle warriors with a touch of whimsy 

Add a splash of festive fun to your office holiday party with a holi-desk decorating contest. Colleagues jazz up their workspaces with holiday cheer. Judges, in person or virtually, evaluate creativity and originality. It’s a spirited way to transform the office into a winter wonderland and boost festive camaraderie. 

16. Department food station tour

Top view of an array of pretty snacks served up as part of a department food station tour

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: Foodies who want to roam and munch 

Coworkers set up culinary stations in different office departments, each offering a unique treat. Colleagues can tour, sample, and mingle, creating a delicious journey through the workplace. It’s a delightful and interactive way to savor the successes of the year. 

17. Christmas candy bar or cookie bar

Duration: 1 hour 

Accommodates: 10-20 people 

Best for: The sweet-tooth squad 

Sweeten the year’s end with a Christmas candy or cookie bar. Set up a festive spread with assorted candies and cookies. Colleagues can indulge in creating their own sweet creations. It’s a delicious DIY treat that adds a sprinkle of joy to your office year-end party.  

18. Cell phone photography classes

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: 8-15 people 

Best for: Shutterbugs who want to sleigh the photography game 

Capture memories with flair at your office year-end party through cell phone photography classes. Whether online or in person, a professional instructor guides colleagues in mastering smartphone photography. Learn composition, lighting, and editing tricks for stunning snapshots. It’s a creative and accessible way to celebrate the year together. 

19. Online pet party

Duration: 1 hour 

Accommodates: The whole remote office 

Best for: Fur parents & floof enthusiasts 

Wrap up the year with a furry twist. Host an online pet party for dispersed teams. Colleagues join a virtual call, showcasing their pets in festive attire or doing tricks. No pet? No problem; simply join in the fun. It’s a heartwarming and casual way to bond over the joy pets bring, fostering a sense of connection despite the distance. 

20. Photo booth party

Tight shot of a diverse group of friends taking photos with props against a balloon arch at a photo booth at a Memorial Day party at home

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 10-25 people 

Best for: The selfie enthusiasts 

Bring joy and snapshots to your office Christmas party with a photo booth extravaganza. Set up a festive backdrop, props, and a camera. Colleagues can take quirky and memorable photos, fostering camaraderie and laughter. It’s a light-hearted and engaging way to capture the holiday spirit together. Say cheese! 

21. Murder mystery party

Duration: 2.5 hours 

Accommodates: 10-20 people 

Best for: Amateur sleuths 

Infuse mystery into your Christmas party with a murder mystery vibe. Distribute character roles and clues in advance. Colleagues, whether in person or online, work together to unravel the mystery through interactive storytelling. It’s a thrilling, team-building experience that adds suspenseful excitement to your festive celebration. Whodunit? 

22. Escape room

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Accommodates: 6-12 people per room 

Best for: Puzzle-loving teams ready for a challenge 

Transform your Christmas party into an adventure with an escape room challenge! Teams can set it up themselves with DIY kits or choose a professional escape room in their town or city. Whether in person or online, solving puzzles becomes a collaborative team-building activity, adding mystery and thrill to your festive celebration.  

23. Winter Wonderland

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: Those dreaming of a white (office) Christmas 

Transform your office into a snowy paradise. Make and hang paper snowflakes, sip hot cocoa, pump festive tunes, and maybe get a snow machine… 

24. Potluck dinner

Close up of a group of co-workers dishing up some holiday food around a potluck table

Duration: 2 hours 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: Home cooks (and bought-it-with-love shoppers) 

Ask colleagues to bring their favorite dishes to create a diverse spread of flavors. A potluck encourages teamwork and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a memorable celebration where everyone contributes to the festive spirit, fostering a sense of community. 

25. Secret Santa

Duration:  1 hour 

Accommodates: The whole office 

Best for: Everyone who loves a surprise gift (and a good guessing game!) 

Exchange gifts, spread cheer, and keep everyone guessing with a classic Secret Santa set-up, where every co-worker draws a name and buys that person a gift. It’s normally a good idea to put a cap on spending, so everyone gets something of the same approximate value. You could also go the gag-gift route and get everyone to buy silly gifts.   

There you have it – 25 fun and festive Christmas party ideas to enjoy with co-workers. Keen to fill your inbox with more inspiration pieces like this? Sign up for our newsletter 🧑‍🎄 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To make Christmas fun at work, plan activities tailored to your team's personalities and preferences. Consider festive decorations, a Secret Santa gift exchange, or a holiday-themed potluck. Encourage participation in group activities like decorating the office space or organizing a team-building game. Personalizing the celebration fosters a joyful atmosphere and promotes team bonding during the holiday season.

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