Joy at Work: Christmas Party Themes and Activities

christmas-party-at-work
Lisa Lawrence

Written by Lisa Lawrence

Lisa Lawrence. is a certified facilitator and team building expert with over 12 years of experience in the field.  She has a passion for helping to build stronger teams and has worked with a wide range of fortune 500 businesses to improve communication and boost morale in the New York City Metro Area.

November 1, 2023

It’s that time of year again when the holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun Christmas party at your workplace?

Planning and hosting an office party can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry!

We’ve got you covered with tips and ideas to make sure your party is a memorable, joy-filled event for everyone.

From festive decorations to team-building activities and entertaining games, we’ll show you how to turn your office into a winter wonderland to spread holiday cheer.

The key is to create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere that will bring everyone together and make the holiday party a highlight of the year.

So, put on your elf hat and let’s get started on planning a fun-filled Christmas party at work!

 

Joy at Work: Creative Christmas Party Themes

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing a creative Christmas party theme can set the festive tone for your event
  • Festive office decorations can help transform your workspace into a winter wonderland
  • Team-building activities and holiday games can create a sense of camaraderie among colleagues
  • Entertainment options such as music and performers can elevate the party atmosphere
  • Planning ahead and setting a budget can ensure a successful and stress-free event

 

Office Holiday Party Themes: Setting the Tone

It’s that time of year again!  Time to plan your company’s annual holiday party!

But instead of settling for a basic gathering, why not take your celebration to the next level with a corporate holiday party theme?

By choosing a different and creative theme, you can set the tone for an amazing event that your colleagues will be talking about well into the new year.

Plus, a themed party provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to dress up, let loose, and have fun!

Here are some work Christmas party ideas that will get everyone in the holiday spirit:

1 – Winter Wonderland at Work

Transform your office space into a magical winter wonderland with a snow-themed party.

Adorn the space with icy blue and white decorations, snowflakes, and snowmen.

Serve hot cocoa and holiday-inspired cocktails. Offer a DIY snow globe station where guests can create their own miniature winter wonderlands to take home as party favors.

2 –  Ugly Sweater Contest

Nothing screams “holiday party” more than an ugly sweater contest.

Encourage your colleagues to wear their most outrageous holiday sweater and award prizes for the “ugliest,” “most creative,” and “most festive” looks.

This will create a fun and lighthearted atmosphere, and encourage everyone to let their inner elf shine.

With these festive office party decoration ideas, your colleagues will feel the holiday cheer, and your office will look and feel like a winter wonderland.

Don’t be surprised if your colleagues ask you to plan the party next year!

 

3 – Holiday Movie Night

Transform your office into a cozy movie theater by setting up a big screen and a popcorn machine.

Choose a holiday movie classic like Home Alone or Elf, and encourage everyone to come in their PJs and bring blankets and pillows.

You can even have a hot chocolate and candy bar for everyone to indulge in.

4 – Office Door Contest Theme

Encourage your colleagues to show off their creative side with a friendly competition.

Ask everyone to decorate their office door with a holiday theme, and choose a winner based on creativity, originality, and overall festivity.

This will not only add to the holiday spirit but also promote team building and a little healthy competition.

5 – Holiday Karaoke

Get everyone singing and laughing by having a holiday karaoke party.

Set up a karaoke machine and have a mix of classic holiday songs and modern hits.

You can even have a contest for the best performance, with a prize for the winner.

Choosing a creative Christmas party theme is a surefire way to make your office holiday party unforgettable.

These work Christmas party ideas are just the beginning – let your imagination run wild and create a theme that truly reflects your office’s personality and gets everyone in the holiday spirit!

6 – Black-Tie Affair for Christmas

If you’re looking for a classy and elegant theme, consider a black-tie affair.

Encourage your colleagues to dress up in their finest formal wear.  This will create a sophisticated atmosphere with twinkling lights, candles, and luxurious decorations.

Serve champagne and gourmet hors d’oeuvres for a touch of glamour.

7 – Holiday Movie Marathon

If your colleagues are movie buffs, consider hosting a holiday movie marathon.

Set up a cozy viewing area with comfortable seating and a big screen. Serve movie snacks, such as popcorn, candy, and soda, and screen classic holiday films, such as Home Alone,

A Christmas Story, and Elf. Encourage guests to come in their pajamas and get comfortable for a night of cinematic fun.

8 – Creative Holiday Costume Party

Get creative with a costume party! Encourage your colleagues to come dressed as their favorite holiday characters, such as Santa, Frosty the Snowman, or Rudolph.

Offer prizes for the best costumes and create a festive atmosphere with themed decorations and music.

Deck the Halls: Festive Office Party Decorations

It’s time to transform your office into a winter wonderland! Light up your colleagues’ faces with festive office party decorations that will bring some holiday cheer to the workplace.

Here are some fun and easy ideas to make your office look and feel like the North Pole:

Festive Centerpieces

Set the mood with some creative centerpieces that will add to the festive atmosphere.

Get some mini Christmas trees or poinsettias, and place them on each desk or table.

Or, for a more budget-friendly option, make centerpieces from recycled items like light bulbs, pine cones, and candy canes.

DIY Garland

Hanging garland is a classic way to decorate for the holidays.

But why buy it when you can make it? Get some string, popcorn, and cranberries, and string them together in a fun pattern.

Not only is it festive, but it’s also a fun activity to do with your colleagues.

Festive Lighting

Light up the office with some twinkling lights to give the space a cozy and warm feeling.

Get creative with the placement of the lights: drape them over cubicle walls, hang them from the ceiling, or wrap them around office plants.

Team-Building Activities for Christmas Parties

Let’s be honest: office holiday parties can be notoriously awkward.

But fear not! With the right team-building activities, you can turn your work Christmas party into an unforgettable and enjoyable event.

Not only will these activities create a fun and engaging atmosphere, but they’ll also encourage collaboration, boost morale, and create a sense of camaraderie among your colleagues.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Add some excitement to your office Christmas party with a festive scavenger hunt.

Create a list of holiday-themed clues, and split your coworkers into teams to race to find the items scattered throughout the office.

The first team to find everything on the list wins!

  • Find the mistletoe hanging above the doorway in the break room
  • Locate the gingerbread house hidden in a coworker’s cubicle
  • Discover the hidden Santa hat in the supply closet
  • Find the candy canes hanging from the ceiling in the conference room

 

Materials Needed: Pen and paper List of holiday-themed items
Instructions: Divide coworkers into teams Provide list of holiday-themed items to find Set a time limit for the scavenger hunt Review the lists and determine the winning team

Gift Wrapping Challenge

 

Ugly Sweater Contest

Put your colleagues’ gift-wrapping skills to the test with a gift wrapping challenge.

Divide your coworkers into teams, provide them with wrapping supplies, and see who can wrap the most creatively and efficiently.

To make it even more exciting, make the challenge into a relay race with each team member wrapping a portion of the gift.

Materials Needed: Wrapping paper Tape Scissors Bows and ribbons (optional)
Instructions: Divide coworkers into teams Provide wrapping supplies to each team Set a time limit for the gift wrapping challenge Determine the winning team based on creativity and efficiency

White Elephant Gift Exchange

A classic holiday tradition, the White Elephant gift exchange is a surefire way to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Encourage your colleagues to bring a wrapped gift to the party, and then let the trading begin! From silly socks to quirky gadgets, there’s no telling what kind of gift you might end up with.

Materials Needed: Wrapped gifts (one per person participating)
Instructions: Have each employee bring a wrapped gift to the party Draw numbers to determine the order of gift selection First person selects a gift from the pile and opens it Next person can choose to steal a gift or select from the pile Once a gift has been stolen three times, it’s out of play Continue until everyone has a gift to take home

So there you have it: three team-building activities that will infuse your Christmas party with fun and excitement.

With these ideas, your work Christmas party will be the talk of the office for months to come!

Fun Holiday Party Activities for All Ages

Are you looking for work Christmas party ideas that will be a hit with everyone in the office?

Look no further! Whether your team is made up of millennials or baby boomers, there is sure to be an activity that will get them in the holiday spirit. Here are some ideas to get you started:

DIY Ornament Crafting

Set up a crafting station with supplies for making Christmas ornaments.

Provide plain ornaments, paint, glitter, markers, stickers, and anything else you think your colleagues would enjoy using to create a unique ornament for their tree.

This is a great way to encourage creativity and conversation, while also providing a fun keepsake for everyone to take home.

Gift Wrapping Competition

Spice up the gift wrapping process by turning it into a friendly competition.

Provide wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and other supplies, and ask your colleagues to wrap the gift as creatively and as beautifully as possible.

The winner could receive a prize or bragging rights until next year’s party!

This activity is sure to bring out everyone’s competitive edge and provide some laughs along the way.

Cookie Decorating Contest

Cookie Exchange

No holiday party is complete without cookies!

Set up a decorating station with cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and other sweet toppings, and challenge your colleagues to create the most impressive cookie design.

Again, the winner could receive a prize or just enjoy bragging rights. This is a fun and festive way to indulge in some delicious treats and show off your decorating skills.

Remember, the key to a successful work Christmas party is to provide activities that cater to everyone’s interests and abilities.

Whether your colleagues prefer hands-on crafts or prefer to sit back and relax, these ideas are sure to get your team in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories. Happy party planning!

Office Christmas Party Entertainment: Music, Performers, and More

Let’s face it: no party is complete without some Christmas Party Entertainment to keep things lively and engaging.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to office Christmas party entertainment.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Live Music Performance

Nothing sets the mood quite like live music.

Whether you hire a professional band or create a makeshift stage for your musically-inclined colleagues, a live music performance can be the highlight of your office Christmas party.

Plus, it’s a great way to showcase the talents of your team members!

Professional Entertainer

If you really want to go all out, consider hiring a professional entertainer to wow your colleagues.

From magicians to stand-up comedians, there are plenty of options to suit your office’s personality and keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Karaoke/Lip Sync Challenge

For some lighthearted fun, set up a karaoke station and let your colleagues belt out their favorite tunes.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a karaoke newbie, there’s something undeniably fun about singing your heart out with coworkers.

Dance Contest – Tik Tok Challenge

What’s a party without some dancing? Clear out a space in your office and transform it into a dance floor.

Create a playlist of everyone’s favorite songs, or hire a DJ to take the party to the next level. Either way, a dance party is sure to get everyone moving and laughing.

Comedy Roast

For a unique and hilarious twist on the traditional office Christmas party, consider organizing a comedy roast.

Choose a few good sports from your team and invite colleagues to roast them with jokes and playful jabs.

Just make sure to keep it good-natured and avoid any sensitive topics!

Table of Talent

Talent Description
Stand-up comedy routine A comedic performance by a colleague or professional comedian
Impromptu skit A fun and creative skit put on by a group of colleagues
Live musical performance A musical performance by a colleague or professional musician
Magic show A magical performance by a colleague or professional magician
Trivia game show A fun and interactive trivia game show hosted by colleagues

For a more structured approach, create a “table of talent” and invite your colleagues to showcase their skills.

Whether it’s a stand-up comedy routine, a musical performance, or a magic show, everyone will have a chance to shine and show off their hidden talents.

With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect entertainment for your office Christmas party.

Just remember to keep it fun, engaging, and appropriate for all ages and personalities.

 

team-building-games

team-building-games

Christmas Games at Holiday Parties: Fun and Friendly Competition

It’s the season of merriment and joy!

Add some fun and friendly competition to your office Christmas party with engaging games that everyone can enjoy.

Check out these ideas for Christmas games at holiday parties that will bring laughter and excitement to your workplace.

Gift Wrapping Relay

Who says gift wrapping has to be tedious? With this game, everyone will be in the holiday spirit while competing in a fun relay race to wrap gifts.

Divide your colleagues into teams and set up a wrapping station for each.

The catch?  Each person has to wrap a gift with one hand tied behind their back before passing the baton to the next teammate. The first team to finish wrapping wins!

The Great Ornament Challenge

Get creative and have some fun with this DIY challenge. Provide a variety of materials like glue, glitter, and paint, and have your colleagues create their own custom ornaments.

Set a timer for 20 minutes and watch the creative sparks fly. The winner is the person whose ornament receives the most votes from fellow coworkers.

Materials Instructions
Clear plastic ornaments Provide each participant with a clear plastic ornament
Glue Provide glue for attaching decorations to the plastic ornament
Assorted decorations Provide a variety of decorations for participants to add to the ornament, such as glitter, stickers, and paint

Office Olympics

Bring the spirit of the Olympics to your workplace with this fun and engaging game.

Divide your coworkers into teams and have them compete in a series of events like paperclip javelin, rubber band archery, and coffee cup relay.

The team with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the winner!

These Christmas games at holiday parties are sure to bring joy and laughter to your workplace.

Add some friendly competition to your office Christmas party and create unforgettable memories with your colleagues. Happy holidays!

Got Holiday Party Games?

Need Help

Book a live game show experience today!
Contact us for further details.
For Immediate assistance by text – 917-670-4689
No deposit required.
We plan and facilitate all activities.

Tips:  Office Holiday Party Planning for Success

It’s that time of the year again! Planning an office holiday party may seem like a daunting task, but with these Christmas party planning tips, you’ll be the office hero in no time.

Whether you’re new to the job or a seasoned party planner, these ideas will help you organize a fun and festive celebration for you and your coworkers.

Set a Budget

Before you start planning, it’s essential to establish a budget. Determine how much money you have to spend and stick to it.

Don’t forget to factor in all the expenses, including venue rental, decorations, food and drinks, and entertainment.

Once you have a budget, you can move on to planning the rest of the details.

Choose a Date and Time

When selecting a date and time for your holiday party, consider your coworkers’ schedules.

Try to find a time that works for most people, and avoid scheduling the party too close to the holidays when people are busy with other activities.

You can also consider having the party during work hours to avoid interfering with your colleagues’ personal time.

Pick a Theme

Picking a theme is a fun way to get creative with your holiday party.

Think about your office’s personality and interests, and choose a theme that fits.

Whether you opt for a traditional Winter Wonderland or something more unique like a Christmas Luau, a theme will help create a festive atmosphere.

Don’t forget to incorporate the theme into your decorations and activities!

Delegate Tasks

Don’t try to plan and execute the party alone. Recruit a team of coworkers to help you with tasks like decorations, food and drink coordination, and entertainment.

Delegate responsibilities to different people to avoid burnout and ensure a smooth planning process.

Menu Planning

The food and drinks you serve can make or break a holiday party. Whether you’re catering or cooking in-house, make sure to offer a variety of options to suit different dietary needs.

Consider offering fun and festive options like a hot chocolate bar or holiday-themed cocktails. Don’t forget to order or prepare enough food for all your guests!

Interactive Entertainment

Keep your colleagues entertained with fun activities or entertainment.

Depending on your budget, yoIntu can hire a DJ, a band, or even a comedian. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider having a gift exchange or a Secret Santa.

You can also set up a photo booth with fun holiday props to capture memories from the night.

Send Invitations

Once you’ve finalized all the details, it’s time to send out invitations.

Make sure to include all the essential information, including the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP instructions.

Consider sending out reminders closer to the party to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Enjoy the Party!

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! You’ve put in a lot of hard work to plan the perfect party, so take a moment to relax and enjoy the festivities with your coworkers.

Raise a glass to a successful year and toast to a happy holiday season!

A Memorable Twist: Gift Ideas for Christmas Secret Santa

It’s that time of year again – time for the annual Secret Santa gift exchange at your office! If you’re struggling to come up with gift ideas, don’t worry.

We’ve got you covered with these unique and thoughtful options.

A Personalized Touch

For a gift that shows you really put some thought into it, opt for something personalized.

Consider customizing a coffee mug with their name or a favorite quote, or getting a keychain engraved with their initials.

You could even create a personalized photo book featuring memories from the past year.

A Little Bit of Fun

Bring some humor into the gift exchange with a quirky and fun present.

Consider a desktop punching bag for stress relief, a mini Zen garden for relaxation, or a “world’s okayest coworker” mug for a good laugh.

Something Tasty

Who doesn’t love a delicious treat? Consider a gourmet popcorn sampler, a box of chocolates, or a set of artisanal teas or coffee blends.

Bonus points if you package it in a festive way, like in a mason jar or holiday-themed gift bag.

A Charitable Donation

If you know your coworker is passionate about a particular charity or cause, consider making a donation in their name.

It’s a thoughtful and generous gift that gives back to others in need.

For more gift ideas for Secret Santa and other work Christmas party ideas, check out our other sections.

With these creative ideas in mind, you’re sure to impress your coworkers and spread some holiday cheer!

Theme Decorations Food/Drink
Masquerade Ball Feathers, masks, and glittery decorations Cocktail hour with signature masquerade inspired drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Formal sit-down dinner with choice of entrees
Christmas Karaoke Festive lights and karaoke machine Snacks and festive drinks
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Gingerbread house kits, candy, and festive decorations Hot chocolate bar and holiday-inspired snacks

Whichever theme you choose, make sure to plan ahead and communicate all details to your colleagues.

Providing a fun and festive environment for your corporate holiday party will help bring everyone together and make for a memorable celebration!


Recent Posts

Frequently Asked Questions – Plan an Amazing Christmas Party

 

frequently asked questions

frequently asked questions

How can I make my office Christmas party more enjoyable?

To make your office Christmas party more enjoyable, consider selecting a creative theme that will set the festive tone. Incorporate fun team-building activities and engaging holiday party activities for all ages.

Providing entertainment options such as live music or professional performers can also enhance the party atmosphere.

What are some budget-friendly ideas for office party decorations?

Transform your office space into a winter wonderland with budget-friendly decorations. Hang twinkling lights, create themed centerpieces, and utilize festive props and ornaments.

You can also encourage employees to bring in homemade decorations to add a personal touch and save on costs.

How can I promote a sense of camaraderie among my colleagues during the Christmas season?

Foster a sense of camaraderie by including team-building activities in your Christmas party.

Consider holiday-themed scavenger hunts, festive games, or even a friendly competition like Secret Santa.

These activities will encourage collaboration, boost morale, and strengthen the bond among your colleagues.

What are some fun holiday party activities that can engage everyone?

Whether your office consists of different age groups or diverse interests, there are activities that can engage everyone.

Set up DIY crafting stations, organize interactive games like holiday trivia, or create a photo booth with props.

Providing options that cater to different preferences will ensure everyone has a good time.

How can I plan a stress-free office holiday party?

Planning a stress-free office holiday party starts with setting a budget and coordinating logistics in advance.

Delegate tasks to a planning committee or assign specific responsibilities to team members. Create a checklist and timeline to keep everything on track.

Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the process!

What are some unique gift ideas for a Secret Santa exchange?

Make your Secret Santa exchange memorable with unique gift ideas.

Consider personalized items such as custom mugs or engraved accessories.

Fun and quirky presents like desk toys or novelty items can also bring a smile to your colleagues’ faces.

Tailor the gifts to their interests or hobbies for an added personal touch.

How can I make our corporate holiday party stand out?

Take your corporate holiday party to the next level with impressive party themes.

Consider elegant black-tie affairs or themed costume parties that align with your company’s values or brand.

Pay attention to details like décor, entertainment, and food options to create a memorable and stylish event.

 

Game Shows for Corporate Events

Game shows to boost morale

Conclusion

Congratulations, party planner extraordinaire!   By following these simple tips and ideas, you’re well on your way!

These tips will help you throw the most festive and memorable Christmas party your office has ever seen.

Your colleagues will be talking about it well into the new year!  Remember, the key to a successful office holiday party is planning ahead and getting creative with your theme and activities.

From decked-out decorations to team-building games, there’s no shortage of ways to make your party stand out. And don’t forget about the food and drinks.

A little festive cheer in the form of holiday drinks and treats never hurt anyone!

So, put on your Santa hat, crank up the holiday tunes, and get ready to spread some joy and cheer throughout your workplace.

Attention: HR Managers, Team Leaders and Executive Assistants

Looking to book your next team building experience with no deposit required?
Give us a call.  Live Game Shows are our specialty.

 

 

You May Also Like…

PROMO: 10% OFF
NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

PROMO: 10% OFF

NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Book a game show within next 48 hours and get a discount upto 10%.

We will contact you shortly.