Have a Holly Jolly Good Time with These 21 Christmas Party Ideas
Can you feel it? It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year! Winter magic is in the air, lights are twinkling, and holiday cheer is just around the corner. After a hectic year, we all deserve some festive fun to unwind and connect. Who wants to sit through another dull meeting with Karen from HR? Not us!
Ready to shake things up this holiday season? As the famous saying goes, “Let’s make it unforgettable!” Whether you're hosting in-person or online, we’ve got the ultimate roundup of the best Christmas party ideas to bring the holiday cheer to life. From classic traditions with a twist to fresh, festive activities, these ideas will make your celebration one for the books. Get ready to spread some serious holiday spirit!
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1. Host a Jingle-All-the-Way Costume Contest
Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or full-on Christmas characters! And if two people show up as Santa, well, let’s hope there’s no “double Santa” situation just like in that classic episode of The Office where things get hilariously out of hand. Let’s hope yours stays merry! You can even make it a competition with a fun twist: everyone can vote for the best-dressed, and the winner gets a holiday-themed prize!
2. Get Creative in a Gingerbread Decorating Showdown
This activity is a must-have for your next Christmas party! Decorating gingerbread cookies or houses adds a sweet, creative touch to the celebration. If you're hosting in-person and looking for a budget-friendly idea, set up a decorating station at the venue with all the supplies. For virtual parties, consider shipping gingerbread kits to attendees ahead of time, so everyone can join in on the fun from afar. Whether it’s decorating a “mini-me” gingerbread person or forming teams to build gingerbread houses, this activity brings everyone together to converse, connect, and collaborate while expressing their creativity (or inner child!).
3. Organize a Secret Santa Surprise Exchange
Ho Ho Ho, here comes Santa—well, your Secret Santa! One of the best parts of Christmas morning is waking up, gathering around the tree, and opening gifts with family. No matter how old we get, this tradition never loses its magic. Bring that excitement to your party by assigning Secret Santa names ahead of time, either through a raffle or a name-drawing app. In a Secret Santa exchange, each participant anonymously buys a gift for another person, keeping their identity a secret until the big reveal. It’s a thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer and strengthen team bonds. Not sure about where to start? Check out, “How to Host A Secret Santa Exchange for Virtual Teams”
4. Test Your Knowledge with a Tinsel-Tastic Trivia Quiz
Ding, ding, ding! Want to get your team fired up? Host a virtual holiday trivia quiz! Just be careful—not everyone wants the competitive energy of Ross and Monica! Create a fun set of questions centered around holiday classics, iconic movies, and festive pop culture, with categories like “Famous Holiday Songs,” “Christmas Traditions Around the World,” or “Classic Movie Quotes.” Use platforms like Kahoot or utilize the polls feature on Remo to keep track of answers and scores in real-time. Consider offering festive prizes for the winners, such as holiday-themed goodies or gift cards. This interactive quiz is a perfect way to spark laughter, and add some friendly competition to your holiday celebration!
5. Start a Holiday Charity Drive to Give Back
The holidays are the perfect time to spread joy to those less fortunate, making it a wonderful opportunity to arrange a holiday charity drive. Come together and support a cause they care about, whether it’s collecting non-perishable food items, toys, or clothing for those in need. You can set a goal for the amount raised or items collected, and even turn it into a friendly competition among teams. Not only does this initiative spread holiday cheer, but it also makes your celebration even more meaningful.
6. Play Holiday Bingo for Festive Fun
How could we forget about this classic game? Give Bingo a twist with holiday-themed cards featuring items like candy canes, Santa hats, snowflakes, and hot cocoa mugs. Customize the squares with holiday traditions, seasonal activities, or even inside jokes from your team to make it extra fun and personal. If you’re hosting virtually, you can send the Bingo cards ahead of time or share them digitally, allowing everyone to mark off squares as they encounter or experience each holiday item during the party. Holiday Bingo is a simple yet interactive way to bring people together and add a touch of festive cheer to your celebration! Ever heard of Icebreaker Bingo? If not, take a look at "Everything You Need to Know About Icebreaker Bingo."
7. Throw a Fabulous Festive Dress-Up Party
Host a Fancy Dress Christmas Party for a night of elegance and sophistication! Encourage everyone to dress to the nines—think cocktail attire, holiday glam, or vintage-inspired looks. Set up a virtual or in-person space with a festive backdrop and arrange for a few signature holiday drinks (think mulled wine or sparkling mocktails). Add a playlist of upbeat holiday classics, and let everyone show off their best dance moves. This glamorous twist on a holiday party lets your team celebrate in style and make some memorable moments together!
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8. Challenge Your Team in a Sugar & Spice Bake-Off
Cookies, cupcakes, and pies—oh my! If you’re looking for a fun Christmas party food idea, a festive baking competition is perfect. Give everyone a chance to show off their culinary skills and host a holiday-themed bake-off. It doesn’t have to be MasterChef-level; the focus is on creativity and festive fun. Whether your team is baking from scratch or decorating pre-made treats, encourage everyone to bring their best holiday spirit. You can even add categories, like "Most Creative" or "Best Decorated," and let the group vote on winners. This deliciously fun activity is sure to bring holiday cheer and tasty treats for everyone to enjoy!
9. Share Holiday Photos That Tell a Story
Holidays are when we cozy up by the fire, wrapped in blankets and nostalgia, sharing laughter and stories that warm us from the inside out. As the chilly air nips at our noses, we gather close, reminiscing about moments that still make us smile. Encourage everyone to share a favorite holiday photo that tells a story—whether it’s a family tradition, a memorable trip, or a hilarious holiday mishap. This activity gives team members a chance to connect on a personal level and get to know each other outside of work. Set aside time for everyone to share their photos and stories, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that brings your team closer together. It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and build stronger bonds.
10. Book a Virtual Comedy Club for Laughter and Fun
Sick of the same old Christmas party ideas that fall flat? Why not spice things up with a virtual comedy club experience! Imagine your team laughing together as professional comedians from places like Comedy Cares, The Second City, or Laugh. Events take the stage—virtually, of course. It’s the perfect way to unwind, share some laughs, and make your holiday celebration one to remember. After all, as Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” so let’s make sure everyone’s day is anything but!
11. Create a Heartfelt Company Christmas Card Together
Christmas cards might be a cliché, but we love clichés! In an age dominated by texts and emails, there’s something truly special about sending a heartfelt, physical Christmas card. It’s a timeless tradition. Why not take a page from Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds’ book? Put on your silliest holiday sweaters, snap some fun photos, and create a card that reflects your team’s unique personality. It’s a sweet, personal way to spread holiday cheer, show appreciation, and remind everyone that you’re more than just colleagues—you’re like family.
12. Strengthen Team Bonds Over the Holidays
Why not take this opportunity to strengthen team bonds? The holidays are the perfect time to mend connections and bring everyone together. Add a holiday twist to traditional team-building activities, like a Save Santa escape room or a Christmas movie marathon featuring classics like Home Alone and Die Hard (yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie to us!). Wondering how to host this festive gathering? Check out our guide, “Hosting a Virtual Team Building Event” for tips and ideas.
13. Host a Virtual Cocoa & Cozy Chat Break
Ditch the coffee and bring on the cocoa—hot and sweet! Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, there’s something magical about holding a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly winter day. Invite friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to find a cozy spot (in-person or online), grab their favorite mug, and take a moment to just chat. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and share some holiday cheer, reminding everyone of the simple joy of gathering together.
14. Act Out Dramatic Holiday Readings for All to Enjoy
Nothing like a little drama to spice up a boring evening! Have your employees pick a holiday classic—like A Christmas Carol or The Night Before Christmas—or any random book they love, and let everyone take turns performing a dramatic reading. Encourage them to get into character with exaggerated expressions, voices, and gestures, just like a scene from A Muppet Christmas Carol. For added fun, have some props on hand—think oversized glasses, scarves, or Santa hats—to make it even more theatrical. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate the season, spark creativity, and share some laughs with your team.
15. Fill Stockings with Swag for Holiday Goodies
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Who doesn’t love free stuff, especially when it’s filled with festive goodies? Create custom holiday swag bags (or stocking stuffers) for your team, packed with small treats, fun office supplies, and holiday-themed items. Think personalized ornaments, mini bottles of hot cocoa, festive socks, or even small candles in seasonal scents. You can even include something humorous, like a quirky holiday mug or a “survival kit” for the holiday season. These thoughtful bags are a fun and festive way to show appreciation and spread holiday cheer to your team!
16. Sing Your Heart Out in a Caroling Karaoke Session
Christmas is the one time of year when you can get away with being a little out of tune—and still sound amazing! Caroling karaoke is all about having fun, not about hitting every note perfectly. Whether you're belting out Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You or rocking around the Christmas tree with Sabrina Carpenter, all you need is enthusiasm and a bit of spazz! So grab your mic (or your hairbrush), let loose, and sing your heart out—because the holidays are all about joy, laughter, and memorable moments with your team. If your team’s a little shy about singing, you can even try lip sync karaoke, like the Remo team did at their virtual year end retreat!
17. Count Down to Christmas with Custom Advent Calendars
It’s Advent calendar season, and there’s one for every theme imaginable! From high-end luxury calendars by Gucci to fun options like Gilmore Girls (Team Logan, of course), there’s something for everyone. Why not turn this into a party activity by creating a custom Advent calendar for your celebration? Fill it with small surprises like festive treats, mini gifts, or fun challenges, and let guests take turns opening a “door” each hour or at different points during the event. It’s a unique way to build excitement and add an element of surprise throughout the party!
18. Organize a Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt Adventure
A Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt is the perfect activity for some fun and friendly competition! Scrambling around to find clues and solving holiday-themed puzzles adds excitement to your celebration. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—simple clues like “find something red” or “show us your favorite holiday decoration” can get everyone involved. You can even add a twist with riddles or tasks like singing a Christmas carol or sharing a holiday memory. Need help with the planning? Take a look at, “How to Hold a Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt for Your Remote Team”
19. Host a Classic Christmas Movie Marathon
We've already mentioned this, but why limit yourselves to just ONE Christmas classic, when you can host a Classic Christmas Movie Marathon Week?! Pick a holiday favorite for each day of the week, from timeless classics like It's a Wonderful Life to family-friendly picks like Home Alone or Elf. You can host virtual movie viewings and chat along with your team, sharing reactions and holiday memories as you watch. Make it even more fun by adding themed snacks or costumes based on the movies for an extra dose of holiday cheer!
20. Plan a White Elephant Gift Exchange Extravaganza
What’s better than a bit of gift-giving chaos? Host a virtual or in-person White Elephant gift exchange for your team! The idea is simple: each participant brings a wrapped gift (within a set price range), and everyone takes turns either picking a new gift from the pile or “stealing” someone else’s gift. The fun lies in the surprises and hilarious gift choices—whether it's something quirky, funny, or surprisingly thoughtful. It’s a perfect way to bring laughter, some friendly competition, and a little bit of holiday mischief to your party!
21. Savor the Flavors of a Classic Christmas Buffet
Last but certainly not the least, a Classic Christmas Buffet is a must! The holiday season is all about indulging in delicious, comforting food that makes your mouth water. Think roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, mince pies, stuffing, Christmas pudding, and an assortment of festive sides. Don’t forget the sweet treats—cookies, pies, and fruitcakes! Whether in person or virtually, you can ask everyone to bring a dish to share or enjoy the spread together via video call. It’s a heartwarming way to savor the season’s best flavors and bond over some delicious holiday fare.
Let the Festivities Begin – Your Perfect Christmas Party Awaits!
Found what you were looking for? We hope you’ve discovered the perfect Christmas party idea for this holiday season! If you’re part of a virtual team, might we suggest one final idea? Host your party on Remo! It’s an immersive event platform packed with innovative features that will take your event to the next level. With custom floor plans, free guest movement, and endless interactive features, Remo is designed to make your holiday party a blast! Get in touch with a Remo representative to learn more and create a memorable experience for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Party Ideas
- What is a virtual Christmas party?
A virtual Christmas party is a holiday celebration held online, allowing team members to connect and share festive moments, regardless of location. It can include activities like games, gift exchanges, and themed events.
- How to host a virtual Christmas party?
To host a virtual Christmas party, choose a video conferencing platform (we recommend Remo) and plan festive activities that engage your team. Consider using holiday-themed games, gift exchanges, and interactive experiences to keep everyone connected and entertained.
- What activities are best for virtual Christmas parties?
Great activities for virtual Christmas parties include Secret Santa gift exchanges, holiday trivia, virtual caroling, or a festive scavenger hunt. These interactive ideas keep everyone involved and excited.
- How can we make a virtual Christmas party feel festive?
To make a virtual Christmas party feel festive, encourage themed attire, decorate your video call background, and play holiday music. Incorporating holiday-themed games or activities will also set the tone and bring the spirit of the season to life.
Zainab Asad
Zainab Asad is a Content Writer at Remo, contributing to the platform's mission of fostering authentic virtual connections. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for effective communication, she crafts engaging content that empowers event professionals to create memorable virtual experiences.
