20+ Xmas Office Activities to Celebrate the Holidays

The holidays are the perfect time to sprinkle a little extra cheer around the office, and the right Xmas office activities can make work feel festive and fun. From playful surprises to cozy traditions, these activities bring teams together, spark laughter, and create memories that linger long after the decorations are packed away. Whether it’s a small gathering or a full office celebration, the magic of Christmas shines brightest when everyone joins in.

Xmas Office Activities for Small Teams

Small teams can create some of the most memorable holiday moments because everyone has the chance to participate fully. These Xmas games for work are designed to foster connection, encourage creativity, and bring lighthearted fun to a cozy group.

1. White Elephant Gift Exchange

Each team member brings a small, wrapped gift, and participants take turns choosing a gift from the pile or “stealing” one someone else has already selected. This game sparks laughter and friendly competition while encouraging interaction and surprise among teammates.

2. DIY Cookie Decorating

Provide plain cookies, icing, sprinkles, and other decorations so each person can create their own festive designs. This activity encourages creativity, hands-on participation, and gives the team a chance to enjoy their sweet creations together while building a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere.

3. Personalized Holiday Card Swap

Have each team member write a short, thoughtful, or humorous note for a colleague. Swapping these cards fosters appreciation and gratitude, strengthens personal connections, and leaves behind tangible reminders of holiday cheer.

These cards can also be displayed alongside Christmas office desk decorations to brighten workspaces, foster appreciation, and create a festive atmosphere that strengthens personal connections.

4. Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt

Hide candy canes around the office and challenge team members to find as many as possible within a set time. This activity energizes the group, encourages playful competition, and adds a sense of adventure to the holiday celebration.

5. Small-Group Potluck or Dessert Exchange

Invite each team member to bring their favorite holiday dish or dessert to share. Sampling a variety of foods promotes camaraderie, gives everyone a chance to showcase their culinary favorites, and creates opportunities for casual conversation and bonding.

6. Team Holiday Playlist Voting

Ask each person to submit a few of their favorite holiday songs and then have the team vote on which tracks to include in the office playlist. This collaborative effort ensures that everyone’s tastes are represented, sets a festive mood, and encourages a sense of shared celebration.

7. 10-Minute Ornament Contest

Provide plain ornaments along with decorating supplies and give each person ten minutes to create the most imaginative or amusing ornament. Afterward, have the team vote for their favorite designs, fostering creativity, friendly competition, and laughter. 

Once complete, the ornaments can also be proudly displayed around the office as DIY Christmas office decorations, adding a cheerful, personalized touch while encouraging creativity, friendly competition, and team bonding.

8. Desk-Side Hot Cocoa Break

Set up a small station with hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles for the team to enjoy. This cozy pause allows colleagues to chat, relax, and savor a seasonal treat while taking a brief break from work.

9. Holiday Photoshoot Corner

Designate an area with festive props, hats, and a holiday-themed backdrop where team members can take fun photos together. Capturing these moments creates lasting memories and can provide shareable content for office newsletters or social media.

10. Mini Holiday Movie Break

Select a short, uplifting holiday film and gather the team for a brief screening. This activity provides a relaxing break from work, fosters a sense of shared enjoyment, and allows team members to experience a moment of collective holiday cheer.

Christmas Activities for Large Teams & Corporate Offices

When your office has a larger team, it’s important to choose fun Xmas games for the office that scale well and keep everyone involved without chaos. These activities are designed to engage big groups, promote teamwork, and bring holiday cheer in ways that are both practical and memorable.

1. Company-Wide Raffle or Lucky Draw

Distribute tickets to all employees for a chance to win fun prizes. This activity is easy to organize, engages everyone simultaneously, and builds excitement without requiring extensive setup.

2. Office Winter Olympics (Team Challenges)

Organize a series of simple, holiday-themed games or relay challenges with employees divided into smaller teams. This encourages friendly competition, collaboration, and active participation while keeping the group manageable.

3. Large-Team Scavenger Hunt

Plan a scavenger hunt across the office with clear rules and team assignments. Breaking the large office into smaller groups ensures everyone can participate, promotes teamwork, and adds a sense of adventure and fun.

4. Corporate “Best Decorated Area” Contest

Encourage departments or teams to decorate their workspaces. This scalable activity allows everyone to contribute at their own pace while creating a festive office environment and friendly rivalry.

5. Holiday Volunteer or Donation Drive

Organize a collective charity initiative, such as collecting gifts or donations. All employees can participate in meaningful ways without the activity becoming unwieldy, fostering inclusivity and community spirit.

6. Team-Based Ornament Building (Sub-Teams)

Instead of attempting a single large project, divide the office into smaller sub-teams to design ornaments or mini displays. This keeps everyone engaged, encourages creativity, and avoids crowding or confusion.

7. Department-Specific Holiday Carnival Booths

For very large teams, assign each department one activity booth (e.g., ring toss, ornament decorating). Employees rotate between booths, keeping participation manageable and the event lively.

8. Holiday Awards Ceremony (Concise Format)

Celebrate achievements with fun, short awards like “Most Festive Desk” or “Holiday Spirit Champion.” Keeping the ceremony concise ensures everyone enjoys it without long delays.

9. Large-Scale Photo Wall

Set up a photo wall where teams can take pictures throughout the holiday season. This provides a festive visual centerpiece, encourages participation in groups, and produces shareable memories for the office.

Quick & Simple Xmas Activities for the Office

Not every holiday celebration needs a big budget or months of planning. These low-cost, easy-to-organize Xmas office activities help you bring festive energy into the workplace using simple materials, shared creativity, and the resources you already have.

1. Gratitude Wall or Thank-You Board

Put up a large sheet of paper or whiteboard where employees can write notes of appreciation or holiday wishes to colleagues. This simple activity costs almost nothing but creates a powerful sense of recognition, connection, and positive energy around the office.

2. DIY Paper Craft Station

Set out colored paper, scissors, and tape so employees can make simple paper snowflakes, garlands, or mini cards. This budget-friendly activity encourages creativity, offers a mindful break from screens, and provides instant Christmas office decorations made by the team.

3. Holiday Memory Jar

Place a jar and small cards in a shared area where employees can jot down their favorite holiday memories, quotes, or wishes. Read a few aloud at the end of the week to spread smiles.

4. Warm Drink Wednesday

Pick one weekday for everyone to bring or share their favorite winter drink — from peppermint tea to chai or cocoa. It’s an easy, sensory ritual that feels comforting and communal.

5. Festive Morning Surprise

Start one December morning with small treats waiting on desks — think candy canes, hot chocolate packets, or handwritten notes. It’s an effortless gesture that instantly lifts the mood and sets a cheerful tone for the day.

6. Christmas Compliment Chain

Kick off a chain reaction: one person starts by complimenting someone, then that person continues the chain. Within hours, the whole office feels more connected.

7. “Warm Wishes” Audio Wall

Set up a simple mic or phone app where colleagues can record 10-second holiday messages. Compile the clips into one short audio montage and play it on the last day before break.

8. The “Secret Helper” Week

Assign everyone a secret partner and ask them to perform small, anonymous gestures for that person all week — like leaving coffee, notes, or snacks. Reveal who’s been helping who at the end for a wholesome surprise.

9. Comfort Corner Setup

Create a mini relaxation spot with soft lights, a few cozy chairs, and blankets. Encourage people to take short mindful breaks here during December — it becomes a physical symbol of slowing down amid the rush.

Step-by-Step Planning Guide for Xmas Office Activities

Planning memorable Xmas office activities doesn’t have to be stressful. With a structured approach, you can organize events that are fun, inclusive, and engaging for your team. Follow these practical steps to make your holiday celebrations smooth and enjoyable.

• Step 1: Assess Your Team Size and Format

Start by identifying whether your team is small, large, or hybrid. Understanding the group size helps determine which Christmas activities for the office will work best and ensures that everyone can participate comfortably, whether in-person or remotely.

• Step 2:  Choose Appropriate Activities

Select activities that fit your team’s size, energy level, and interests. For small teams, hands-on activities like cookie decorating or ornament contests work well, while large teams may enjoy scalable options like raffles or scavenger hunts. Hybrid teams can combine in-office and virtual ideas to keep everyone included.

• Step 3:  Set a Budget and Gather Resources

Determine how much you can spend and plan accordingly. Some activities require minimal materials, like a virtual trivia game or simple fun Xmas games for the office, while others, such as holiday craft workshops or decor contests, may need supplies. Having a clear budget ensures that activities are feasible and stress-free.

• Step 4:  Assign Roles and Responsibilities

Designate organizers to oversee each activity, manage materials, and ensure smooth execution. Assigning roles prevents confusion and ensures every office Xmas party idea runs on time, giving participants a seamless and memorable experience.

• Step 5:  Schedule and Communicate

Plan the timing of each activity to minimize work disruption. Share a clear schedule and instructions in advance, including virtual links for remote participants. Clear communication maximizes participation and keeps everyone excited for the celebrations.

• Step 6:  Prepare for Flexibility

Be ready to adapt if some activities take longer than expected or if technical issues arise for remote participants. Flexibility ensures that all Xmas office activities stay fun and stress-free, allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit.

• Step 7:  Gather Feedback

After the events, collect feedback from your team to understand what worked well and what could be improved. This helps refine future holiday celebrations and ensures your Xmas office activities continue to evolve and delight employees year after year.

FAQs

How do I make my office Christmas party fun?

Make your office Christmas party fun by combining a mix of office party Xmas games such as themed games, gift exchanges, and creative decorations. Include opportunities for everyone to participate, like team challenges or talent showcases, and add festive treats and music to create a lively, engaging atmosphere.

How to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas at work?

Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas at work by planning small daily, fun Xmas games for the office, such as a mini gift exchange, trivia, themed snacks, or desk decorations. Rotating activities keeps the team excited, encourages participation, and builds anticipation throughout the holiday period.

What is the Christmas game they play in the office?

Common office Christmas games include Secret Santa, holiday bingo, ornament contests, or scavenger hunts. These Xmas office activities are designed to be simple, inclusive, and fun, promoting teamwork, laughter, and a festive atmosphere in the workplace.

What are fun activities for staff parties?

Fun activities for staff parties can include gift exchanges, trivia challenges, themed costume contests, mini competitions, and interactive craft or cooking sessions.

How can I organize Xmas office activities when some employees are remote?

For remote or hybrid teams, run virtual-friendly versions like online Secret Santa, virtual quiz/trivia, remote craft workshops, or shared digital holiday playlists. Planning with clear instructions, shared links, and optional participation helps ensure remote employees feel included.

What minimal budget options work for Xmas office activities?

Low-budget Xmas office activities include simple games (holiday bingo or trivia), a gift‑swap with inexpensive gifts, virtual background contests, or a shared playlist — all requiring little to no cost while still offering festive fun. These low‑cost ideas make holiday celebrations accessible for any team size or budget.

What are safe and inclusive Xmas office activities for diverse workplaces?

Focus on neutral, inclusive themes — avoid alcohol‑centered events; opt for universal activities like games, decorations, decor contests, food‑free or allergy‑aware snacks, and voluntary participation. Inclusive Xmas office activities create a welcoming holiday vibe for everyone, regardless of background or beliefs.

How far in advance should I plan Xmas office activities?

Start planning several weeks ahead to allow time for budget approval, materials, scheduling, and communication, especially for larger teams or hybrid events where coordination is more complex. Early planning ensures smoother logistics and higher participation.

What’s the easiest way to get employee buy-in for Xmas office activities?

Survey your team, ask for preferences on party style, activities, food, timing, etc. Giving employees a voice ensures higher engagement, and also helps avoid mismatched expectations for the holiday event.

How can I run Xmas office activities without alcohol and still keep it fun?

Lots of festive fun doesn’t require alcohol, try games, crafts, trivia, team challenges, Secret Santa exchanges, or themed decoration contests to build holiday spirit. Many modern workplaces shift to activity‑based celebrations to promote inclusivity and avoid issues linked to drinking.

Conclusion

Planning memorable Xmas office activities doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether your team is small, large, remote, or hybrid, the right mix of office party Xmas games, creative contests, and fun office Xmas party ideas can bring laughter, connection, and holiday cheer to your workplace. 

Adding carefully chosen gifts, such as gender neutral Christmas gifts, Christmas gifts for women, or the best Christmas gift for men, can make the celebration feel personalized and thoughtful.

By choosing activities that engage everyone, incorporating inclusive office Xmas party themes, and keeping events lively, you can create celebrations your team will remember long after the decorations are packed away. With a little planning, this season can be joyful, stress-free, and full of festive magic.