21 Work Christmas Party Ideas That Are Actually Fun
There's no need to stress about coming up with work Christmas party ideas; the main thing to remember is that your team is looking forward to an enjoyable time! And that can be as straightforward or intricately planned as you want.
A great workplace Christmas party begins with creating an inspiring and relaxing environment for coworkers to chat, eat good food and take a much-needed break at the end of their busy year. You can also make things more festive by planning a themed event, or use the opportunity to organize a team building activity that everyone has been wanting to try.
Location is important as well. While hosting a workplace Christmas event in the office is convenient, a study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports suggests that employees are more satisfied with Christmas parties hosted outside the office, allowing them to unwind without work in the background.
However, this doesn't mean that a workplace Christmas party can't be fun, and you could even arrange a small event in the office along with an event at another location.
No matter what, the study shows that fun is a must! So, whichever Christmas party idea you end up going with, make sure all of your team are on board with the suggestion and are having fun during the event.
To make planning hassle-free, we've outlined 21 of the most fun and unique corporate Christmas party ideas to raise the bar beyond the usual activities.
- Top-Rated Work Christmas Party Activities
- Fun Work Christmas Party Games
- Unique Work Christmas Party Outings
Top-Rated Work Christmas Party Activities
1. Take an Interactive Cooking Class
Tempt your office with a fantastic feast while also allowing them to work together in the kitchen. Cooking classes are meant to be fun, creative and inspiring, making this Christmas party idea especially excellent for teams that want to try something new, learn new skills and unwind as a group.
All you need to do is select a menu that everyone will enjoy. Then, after a session of culinary teamwork, coworkers can gather around the dinner table and dig in. Best of all, there are options across the U.S., from cooking classes in D.C. to Denver and beyond. You can even find sessions in other countries like the U.K., Canada and Australia.
Is your holiday work party going the virtual route? Then opt for live online cooking classes, which make a fantastic Christmas party idea for corporate crowds who can't meet in person.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $89 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Teams who want to create a meal together, while learning new skills and boosting camaraderie.
- Website Link: Cooking Classes Near You
2. Mix up Drinks at an Online Mixology Class
If your team is full of spirit connoisseurs or they simply love a virtual happy hour, present them with the exciting challenge of making unique cocktails in an online mixology class.
With this unique virtual event, they’ll get to follow along remotely as an expert mixologist teaches them professional mixing, shaking and pouring techniques. Your crew will also get to learn more about the best flavor pairings, and some classes also offer appetizer ideas to match with each beverage.
PS: If you want to treat your team to the class of their choice, a foodie gift card is a great option! These gifts for employees are versatile and allow the recipient to pick any culinary experience that interests them.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $35 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Virtual teams and groups that love learning new things and hosting workplace happy hours.
- Website Link: Online Mixology Classes
3. Join a Virtual Wine Tasting
If wine is more your group's speed, online wine tastings provide the perfect way to sip and sample varieties from all over the globe. Professional sommeliers with a wealth of knowledge in all things wine lead these live tastings.
This work Christmas party idea is a fun way to treat the wine aficionados in the group while everyone gets to learn something new.
As with the above virtual team building activity, wine tastings often include food pairing suggestions, making this a top pick among Christmas party ideas for adults who love both wine and food.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $54 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Remote teams and those workplace groups with wine enthusiasts.
- Website Link: Virtual Wine Tastings
4. Indulge in a Gourmet Private Chef Experience
Instead of a typical holiday party, add a level of relaxation and refinement with a private chef meal. This company Christmas party idea offers your team a night to unwind while dining on a gourmet menu cooked just for them by a professional chef.
Local private chefs can cater to any appetite or dietary needs, meaning the whole team can have a memorable and satisfying culinary moment. Conveniently, there are chefs across the country, from private chefs in Chicago to San Diego and beyond, all ready to cook the ultimate company dinner.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $89 per person
- Activity Duration: 2+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Teams who want to treat themselves and indulge in a curated gourmet feast.
- Website Link: Private Chefs Near You
5. Get Creative With Ornament Decorating
Get everyone in the Christmas spirit with an office ornament decorating party! This work Christmas party idea is all about creativity and having fun, helping your team to relax and enjoy each other's company after a busy year.
This office Christmas party idea is relatively easy to set up as well. All you need to do is provide a variety of decorating supplies like paints, markers and glue, as well as pompoms, glitter, sequins and any extra embellishments you can find at the craft store.
For the ornaments themselves, choose classic bauble ornaments, work with trendy wooden options, or opt for both and let your crew decide.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $20 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: Small and medium groups
- Ideal For: Creative groups who want to do something relaxed while getting into the holiday spirit.
- Website Link: How To Decorate Ornaments
6. Have a Food Station Tour Through Each Department
Take the classic holiday potluck to an elevated level by assigning each department a different food station. This work Christmas party idea gives everyone the chance to mingle with more than their day-to-day teams.
When planning this corporate Christmas party idea, there are a few ways to organize it:
- Allow everyone to share favorite potluck ideas, with no specific theme on the type of dishes they can bring.
- Split departments up by types of dishes, such as appetizers, mains, sides and desserts.
- Assign each department a different type of cuisine or culinary theme, such as German Christmas food in one department and Filipino Christmas food in another.
Even if you have a small team without multi-person departments, you could still host a holiday potluck and allow everyone to bring their favorite Christmas party food. For this type of staff Christmas party idea, it's best to set a budget per dish and reimburse employees for what they spend.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $20 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Groups who want to plan a workplace Christmas party activity that gets everyone involved and mingling.
- Website Link: Christmas Potluck Ideas
7. Plan a Photo Booth Party
Take your traditional Christmas party ideas to the next level by setting up a photo booth. There is something so infectious about gathering groups together for silly photos, and that kind of energy in the workplace will surely be appreciated!
When opting for this work Christmas party idea, set up an incredible winter-themed backdrop for everyone to strike a pose in front of and stock the area with Christmas and wintry props to elevate the photos. You can also find companies that will provide photo booth rentals and lots of fun, themed props.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Rental price available upon request
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Teams planning a traditional holiday party and want to add a fun extra.
- Website Link: Photo Booth Rental
8. Host a Holiday Costume Party
Why let Halloween have all the fun? Curate an event full of laughter and fun by encouraging your group to come dressed in festive getups and clever costumes.
How many Santas will make an appearance? What other wintry characters and concepts will attend the party?
No matter what your crew comes dressed as, make sure to have plenty of photo shoot moments at the ready. If you have the budget, this Christmas party idea pairs perfectly with the photo booth idea also featured in this guide.
For teams that don't want to dress up in full costumes, a classic Christmas sweater party is a great compromise.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Varies
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Groups who want to do something fun and creative at their workplace holiday party.
- Website Link: Christmas Costume Ideas
9. Set up an Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Ice cream has a nostalgic impact on people and is one of the most popular desserts for a reason. Take advantage of the popularity of this treat to boost employee happiness by setting up a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar with a host of flavors and toppings to choose from.
Include an exciting variety of classic flavors, like vanilla and chocolate, as well as unique and slightly weird ice cream flavors, such as festive eggnog or sophisticated strawberry and goat cheese ice cream. For toppings, go for holiday flavors like ginger cookies and chocolate peppermint bark, as well as traditional caramel and chocolate sauces, sprinkles, whipped cream and cherries.
While simple, this work Christmas party idea is sure to please all your staff and works well as an activity on its own or paired with another event, like a holiday potluck or happy hour event.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $10 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Teams who want to add an interactive, foodie element to their workplace Christmas party.
- Website Link: Ice Cream Catering
10. Organize a Cookie Decorating Event
Enjoy a classic Christmas tradition of decorating cookies in the workplace! For this simple yet exciting idea for a company Christmas party, provide ready-made sugar cookies in various holiday shapes and have a station of icings, sprinkles, candies and more to frost and bedazzle every treat.
You could even book an online cookie decorating class for your team to learn some tips from a professional. If your crew enjoys baking, you could also set up a cookie exchange instead of a cookie decorating session.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $10 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: Small and medium groups
- Ideal For: Teams who like creative activities and want to add a festive foodie spin to their workplace holiday party.
- Website Link: How To Host a Cookie Decorating Party
Fun Work Christmas Party Games
11. Compete in a Gingerbread House-Making Competition
Building a gingerbread house brings a bit of nostalgia and whimsy to the workplace holiday party. While you could simply set up a decorating session, why not up the stakes by turning it into a friendly company-wide competition?
Provide kits or work with fresh gingerbread so that everyone can have a delicious foundation. Then, challenge coworkers to showcase their best colorful and tasty gingerbread houses, complete with decorations.
Have the team vote on their favorites or set up various categories like most innovative decorations, funniest and best attempt.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $20 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: Small and medium groups
- Ideal For: Teams who want to do something fun and festive with a bit of friendly competition.
- Website Link: How To Make a Gingerbread House
12. Head Out on a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate holiday spirit with a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt for your workplace holiday event. This Christmas party idea for work incorporates clues leading staff to different departments while injecting a bit of humor that only your team will appreciate.
You have the option to hold the entire scavenger hunt in the office or make this work Christmas party idea extra-special by taking to the streets for some adventure. You can also host a virtual scavenger hunt if your team is remote.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Varies
- Activity Duration: 1+ hours
- Group Size: Small and medium groups
- Ideal For: Groups looking for a unique workplace Christmas party idea that breaks the ice and gets everyone involved.
- Website Link: Holiday Scavenger Hunt Tips
13. Attend a Murder Mystery Dinner Party
Murder mysteries are theme party royalty, especially for corporate parties. Organize the perfect plot to drop coworkers into so that they can channel characters and follow clues to uncover the truth behind this fictional crime.
You can also make the murder mystery dinner party Christmas-themed to keep it relevant to the occasion.
Prefer to treat your team to a night on the town? Sign up for a murder mystery dinner theater experience like The Dinner Detective and enjoy a one-of-a-kind type of corporate event entertainment.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $69.99 per person
- Activity Duration: 3 hours
- Group Size: Small and medium groups
- Ideal For: Teams who enjoy unique activities and want to plan a holiday dinner with a twist.
- Website Link: The Dinner Detective
14. Set up a Casino Night
Planning a casino night is a fun work Christmas party idea that your employees have probably never participated in before. This Christmas party activity for adults involves everyone dressing up in their fanciest outfits, indulging in tasty appetizers and Christmas cocktails, and playing classic casino games.
Whether there is real money on the line is completely up to the players, so that everyone can have a fun, care-free time. You can also plan this work holiday party yourself, or outsource to an event planning company. You could even plan the party at an actual casino if everyone is fine with betting real money.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Varies
- Activity Duration: 2+ hours
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Groups who want to plan an out-of-the-box and engaging workplace holiday party.
- Website Link: How To Host a Casino Night
Unique Work Christmas Party Outings
15. Embark on a Food Tour
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas party idea, why not get out and about around town? One great way to do this is by treating your staff to a taste of local culinary culture and history on a walking city food tour.
They’ll get shown around by a knowledgeable local guide who can provide insight into the area’s best eateries and hidden gems. At each spot, your team will get to sample a range of dishes, with some restaurants also offering beverage tastings.
Does this foodie idea for a business Christmas party sound like the perfect fit? If so, you'll be pleased to learn that these excursions are offered across the U.S., with food tours in San Francisco, Chicago and beyond.
As with other culinary experiences, there are also food tours around the world, not just in the U.S. This means you can participate in this work Christmas party activity from a range of locations across the globe.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $89 per person
- Activity Duration: 1+ hour
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Foodie teams that want to try something different for their office holiday party.
- Website Link: Food Tours Near You
16. Go Ice Skating
Tighten the laces and hit the ice for a memorable work Christmas party idea outside of the office. Find local rinks and set up a day of skating, sipping hot cocoa and enjoying comforting bites as a group.
Beginners can rely on one another as they learn to glide and confident skaters can lead the pack for a day of festive fun.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Varies
- Activity Duration: 1+ hour
- Group Size: Small to medium groups
- Ideal For: Active groups wanting to do something festive outside of the office.
- Website Link: Best Ice Skating Rinks in the USA
17. Give Back With an Office Charity Event
For the ultimate work Christmas party idea that gives back, set up a special charity event for your team. There are so many wonderful charities to work with and events to participate in, so it will be easy to find the right fit for you.
Volunteer at shelters and food banks, join a charity fun-run, plan a food drive or set up an animal adoption day at work; the options for this charitable group activity for adults are endless!
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Free
- Activity Duration: 1+ hour
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Teams that want to give back during the holiday season.
- Website Link: Volunteer Match
18. Enjoy a Paint and Sip Session
If the workplace needs a break from number crunching and email chains, offer inspiration through color and creativity by organizing a paint and sip event. Look for local art classes or paint-and-sip parties where everyone can follow along, no matter their skill level.
For larger groups, you can find paint and sip providers who bring the event to you. If painting doesn't sound quite right, there are many other crafty options to go for, such as candle making, glass blowing or pottery classes.
Whichever type of craft you go for, this work Christmas party idea will get everyone's creative juices flowing.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $35 per person. Corporate event pricing available upon request.
- Activity Duration: 1+ hour
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Groups who want to do something relaxing and creative for their workplace Christmas party.
- Website Link: Painting With a Twist
19. Sing All Night With a Karaoke Event
Karaoke is such a wonderful crowd-pleasing activity, so bring the energy and performance mentality into the office with this fun Christmas party idea.
Rent a karaoke machine or use office equipment for the perfect setup. Smaller groups could also plan an event out of the office at a local karaoke bar to make planning a breeze.
If hosting this workplace Christmas party in the office, don't forget to put out snacks and drinks for everyone. Queue up a range of songs as well, from holiday classics to karaoke staples and even forgotten hits from the past.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Varies
- Activity Duration: 1+ hour
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Extroverted groups who want to do something fun with lots of laughter.
- Website Link: How To Host a Karaoke Event
20. Try Axe Throwing
Step away from the office and try out the fun team activity of axe-throwing at Bad Axe. Groups of almost any size can have a blast testing their aim while enjoying one another’s company in a relaxing atmosphere. In-house instructors will also teach your crew everything they need to know to throw safely.
While a slightly more unusual idea for a Christmas party, it's a top pick for teams that like more unique things to do. It could also be paired with another Christmas party idea, such as dinner or drinks at a local bar or restaurant.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $34.99 per person. Corporate events start at $450.
- Activity Duration: 1+ hour
- Group Size: All group sizes
- Ideal For: Teams wanting to do something unique that teaches them new skills and allows for group bonding.
- Website Link: Bad Axe Throwing
21. Tackle an Escape Room
Playing an escape room game is a great company activity for any occasion, so why not select this option for a fun work Christmas party?
This work Christmas party idea gives everyone a festive reason to work together toward a common goal in a way that breaks away from traditional celebrations.
You can also pair it with other corporate Christmas party ideas, whether that's going out for a festive meal after or asking everyone to arrive at the escape game dressed in Christmas sweaters or costumes.
Activity Overview
- Price Range: Starting at $45.99 per person. Corporate event pricing available upon request.
- Activity Duration: 1 hour
- Group Size: 2 to 60 participants
- Ideal For: Groups interested in doing something hands-on and engaging for their workplace Christmas party.
- Website Link: The Escape Game
Deciding on the perfect office Christmas party idea can be challenging, so use this list to make finding the best festive activity a little easier.
Every workplace has a different vibe and atmosphere, so it's a great idea to use this workplace Christmas party guide as a base and customize each idea to fit the exact needs of your group. This could include adding a bit more humor and whimsy or amping up the competitive edge for those who love a challenge.
Christmas and the holiday season should be a time of joy and genuine celebration, so kick that corporate feeling to the curb and trade it in for a memorable work Christmas party idea that lets everyone relax, have fun and get into the festive spirit!
For more food-centric holiday party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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