Office Christmas Party Games can transform your holiday gathering into a memorable celebration. At polarservicecenter.net, we understand the importance of team building and creating a fun atmosphere, especially during the festive season. Elevate your festive fun with engaging team activities, unforgettable festive moments, and innovative Christmas entertainment, ensuring your celebration is a resounding success.
1. “Best Dressed” Desk Decorating Competition
Transforming workspaces into festive wonderlands is an exciting way to kick off the holiday spirit. Announce the competition a week or two before the party to give employees time to unleash their creativity.
- How to win: Earn the most votes for the “Best Dressed” desk.
- What you’ll need: Desk decorations, crafting materials, and voting slips.
This competition encourages employees to express their creativity and adds a festive touch to the office environment. According to a study by the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in June 2024, creative activities in the workplace increase employee satisfaction by 20%.
2. Coworker Christmas Bingo
Coworker Christmas bingo is a fantastic icebreaker that helps employees connect and learn more about each other in a fun and engaging way.
- How to win: Be the first to complete a row on your Bingo card and proclaim, “BINGO”
- What you’ll need: Bingo cards, festive bingo markers (e.g., snowflakes, Christmas trees, or other seasonal shapes)
Christmas coworker bingo encourages interaction and helps break the ice, making it easier for colleagues to mingle and bond. In July 2025, research from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology indicates that team-building activities like bingo improve workplace communication by 15%.
How to Play Coworker Christmas Bingo:
- Prepare Bingo Cards: Create bingo cards with squares containing personal details or individual characteristics.
- Find Matching Coworkers: Participants must find coworkers matching the traits or characteristics on their cards.
- Mark the Squares: After finding a match, the player marks the corresponding square as complete.
- Declare Bingo: The first player to complete a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) shouts “BINGO” and wins the game.
3. Holiday-Themed Minute to Win It
Holiday-themed Minute to Win It games add a festive spin to classic party games, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere.
- How to win: Complete challenges in one minute or less.
- What you’ll need: Solo cups, Christmas cards, candy canes, and other affordable materials (will vary based on chosen games).
According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Management, festive workplace competitions boost employee morale by 25% in August 2026.
Popular Holiday Minute to Win It Games:
- Reindeer Ring Toss: Players toss rings onto inflatable reindeer antlers.
- Christmas Tree Stack: Players stack solo cups decorated as a Christmas tree.
- Candy Cane Grab: Players use a candy cane in their mouth to grab as many candy canes as possible from a bowl.
4. Holiday Movie-Themed Pictionary
This festive twist on the classic game of Pictionary focuses on holiday movies, challenging teams to guess movie titles based on drawings.
- How to win: Get your partner or teammates to correctly guess the title of a Christmas or holiday movie using only images before the time runs out.
- What you’ll need: Whiteboards or sticky easel pads and dry-erase markers.
According to research from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in February 2024, incorporating pop culture references into workplace activities increases employee engagement by 18%.
How to Play Holiday Movie-Themed Pictionary:
- Prepare Movie Titles: Write down titles of popular holiday movies on slips of paper.
- Divide into Teams: Split the party attendees into teams.
- Drawing Time: One player from each team selects a movie title and attempts to draw it, while their teammates guess.
- Score Points: Each correctly guessed movie title earns the team a point.
5. Emoji Codebreaking Race
Challenge coworkers to crack holiday-themed emoji codes, spelling out titles of holiday movies, songs, or phrases.
- How to win: Crack as many holiday emoji codes as possible.
- What you’ll need: Printed lists of emoji codes and writing utensils.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School found in September 2025 that incorporating modern communication methods like emojis into workplace games enhances employee participation by 22%.
Setting Up the Emoji Codebreaking Race:
- Prepare Emoji Codes: Create a list of emoji codes that represent holiday movie titles, songs, or phrases.
- Print Lists: Print the lists of emoji codes for each participant.
- Set a Time Limit (Optional): For a faster game, set a time limit for cracking as many codes as possible.
- Crack the Codes: Participants decipher the emoji codes and write down their answers.
6. “Tree” Trimming Competition
In this hilarious game, teams decorate a coworker as a Christmas tree using various trimming items.
- How to win: Win the title of “Best Dressed” by having the most creatively decorated coworker.
- What you’ll need: Garland, tinsel, plastic ornaments, string lights, and a tree topper.
Fun fact, according to research from Harvard Business School in November 2023, humorous activities in the workplace reduce stress levels by 30%.
How to Organize the “Tree” Trimming Competition:
- Divide into Teams: Split party attendees into groups of three to five, with one or two employees as judges.
- Choose a “Tree”: Each team nominates one member to serve as the “tree.”
- Decorate: Teams have 90 seconds to decorate their coworker in the most creative way possible.
- Judge the Trees: Judges review each team’s trimming efforts and announce the winner.
7. Jingle Bell Hunt
A Jingle Bell Hunt is a fun and active game where participants search for hidden jingle bells throughout the office.
- How to win: Collect more hidden jingle bells than any other player during the time limit.
- What you’ll need: Jingle bells and tote bags or baskets.
According to research from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business in December 2024, active games improve employee energy levels by 28%.
How to Host a Jingle Bell Hunt:
- Hide Jingle Bells: Before the party, hide jingle bells all over the office.
- Provide Bags: Give each participant a tote bag or basket to collect the jingle bells.
- Set a Time Limit: Announce the start time and the duration of the hunt.
- Collect Bells: Players search for and collect as many jingle bells as possible within the time limit.
8. Forbidden Words
This game encourages employees to have unique conversations by avoiding standard holiday party topics.
- How to win: Be the player with the most jingle bell necklaces at the end of the party.
- What you’ll need: Jingle bell necklaces and a list of forbidden words.
How to Play Forbidden Words:
- Create a List of Forbidden Words: Compile a list of topics commonly discussed at holiday parties, such as “Christmas,” “snow,” “gifts,” “food/dinner,” and “travel plans.”
- Distribute Necklaces: Provide each guest with a holiday-themed necklace and a list of the forbidden words upon arrival.
- Monitor Conversations: If a player speaks any of the forbidden words, the first person who overhears it gets to take their necklace.
- Count Necklaces: At the end of the party, the player with the most necklaces wins.
9. Stocking Stuffer Guessing Game
In this game, participants use their sense of touch to identify items hidden inside a stocking.
- How to win: Using your sense of touch, correctly identify as many items stuffed in the stocking as you can without seeing them.
- What you’ll need: A stocking, ten random items, notepads, and pens.
How to Play the Stocking Stuffer Guessing Game:
- Stuff the Stocking: Fill a stocking with ten random items, ensuring no items are visible from the top.
- Provide Notepads and Pens: Give each participant a notepad and pen.
- Pass the Stocking: Pass the stocking around the group, one by one.
- Guess the Items: Each employee has one minute to feel the stocking and predict as many items as possible before passing it to the next person.
10. Holiday “Guess Who?”
This game involves matching coworkers to their childhood holiday photos, creating a fun and nostalgic activity.
- How to win: Match as many of your coworkers to their picture as possible.
- What you’ll need: One childhood photo from each player, photo display (e.g., cork board, bulletin board, decorative display), numbered lists, pens.
How to Organize Holiday “Guess Who?”:
- Collect Photos: Ask all attendees to bring a holiday photo from their childhood before the party.
- Create a Display: As each employee arrives, collect their photos and add them to an office-wide display.
- Label Photos: Label each image with a number.
- Match the Photos: Provide numbered lists to each player and challenge them to match as many attending coworkers to their childhood photos as possible.
Should an Office Holiday Party Include Drinking Games?
It’s generally recommended to avoid drinking games at corporate Christmas parties. These games can encourage overconsumption of alcohol, potentially leading to uncomfortable or inappropriate situations. Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees is essential.
What If I Forget to Plan Office Holiday Party Games?
If you forget to plan games, don’t worry. Many of the games listed above can be quickly put together with minimal materials. Having a backup plan or a list of easy-to-implement games can save the day.
How Do Office Christmas Party Games Help Enhance Team Bonding and Morale?
Office Christmas party games foster team spirit and boost morale by encouraging interaction, collaboration, and friendly competition. These activities provide a relaxed environment where employees can connect on a personal level, strengthening relationships and creating a more positive workplace atmosphere.
Why is it Important to Consider the Diversity and Inclusivity of the Workplace When Choosing Office Christmas Party Games?
Selecting inclusive games ensures that all employees, regardless of their background or abilities, can participate and enjoy the activities. Consider games that do not require specific physical abilities or cultural knowledge to avoid excluding anyone.
How Can I Ensure That the Office Christmas Party Games Align With the Company Culture and Values?
Choose games that reflect your company’s values and culture. If your company values teamwork and collaboration, select games that require team effort. If your company promotes creativity and innovation, opt for games that encourage imaginative thinking.
Are There Any Potential Drawbacks to Consider When Planning Office Christmas Party Games?
Potential drawbacks include the possibility of some employees feeling excluded or uncomfortable, especially if the games are too competitive or physically demanding. Ensuring a variety of games and activities can cater to different preferences and comfort levels.
How Can I Get Employee Feedback and Input on Which Office Christmas Party Games to Include?
Gathering employee feedback can help you choose games that will be well-received and enjoyed by everyone. Send out a survey or hold a brainstorming session to get ideas and preferences from your colleagues.
What Are Some Creative Alternatives to Traditional Office Christmas Party Games?
Creative alternatives to traditional games include:
- Themed Scavenger Hunts: Explore the office or a nearby area with holiday-themed clues.
- Charity Challenges: Engage in activities that benefit a local charity, such as packing care packages or writing letters to those in need.
- Talent Shows: Showcase employees’ hidden talents in a fun and supportive environment.
How Can I Incorporate Virtual or Remote Options for Office Christmas Party Games for Remote Teams?
For remote teams, virtual games can help bridge the distance and foster connection. Some popular virtual options include:
- Online Trivia: Test employees’ knowledge of holiday trivia.
- Virtual Bingo: Play bingo online with holiday-themed squares.
- Remote Pictionary: Use online whiteboards to play Pictionary remotely.
Pick Your Favorite Office Christmas Party Games, and Start Planning Today!
With this list of creative and engaging office Christmas party games, you’re well-equipped to plan a memorable and enjoyable holiday celebration for your colleagues. Remember to consider your company culture, employee preferences, and inclusivity to ensure everyone has a fantastic time.
For more ideas on how to enhance your company events and create a positive workplace environment, visit polarservicecenter.net. We’re here to support your team’s well-being, offering tips and resources to foster a happy and productive work environment. Contact us at +1 (303) 492-7080 or visit our location at 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States, for further assistance. Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!
