Welcome to the most festive time of the year! Planning Office Christmas Party Games is one of the best ways to spread holiday cheer and bring coworkers together. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back lunch party, a lively evening bash, or even a virtual celebration, games instantly add fun, laughter, and connection to the atmosphere.
Office Christmas Party Games
Office Christmas Party Games bring festive fun and laughter to the workplace. They’re perfect for boosting team spirit and creating memorable holiday moments for any group size.
Christmas Charades
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Okay, let me just say this—Christmas Charades is pure chaos in the best way possible. One year, my coworker tried to act out “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and somehow ended up crawling under the conference table. We laughed so hard, people from other departments peeked in. It’s such a simple game, but it brings out the loudest laughs.
All you really need is a bowl of holiday-themed prompts (think: snow angels, wrapping presents, Santa stuck in the chimney). Split into teams and keep score if you’re competitive, or just wing it. I usually write out the clues on index cards and toss them in a Santa hat—it feels festive and makes people curious right away. Don’t overthink it. The sillier, the better.
Holiday Pictionary
Now this one gets wildly out of hand, especially if your coworkers are like mine and can’t draw to save their lives. I once tried to draw “Rudolph,” but it looked more like a mutated moose. Still, it was hilarious. The trick is to keep the timer short and the clues ridiculous.
Dry-erase boards work great for this, but big notepads or even window glass and markers can do the trick in a pinch. Pick themes like Christmas movies, food, traditions, or holiday objects. I swear, someone drawing a candy cane will spark a five-minute debate. In my opinion, this game loosens everyone up and makes even the grumpiest coworker laugh.
Secret Santa Gift Swap
Ah, the good ol’ Secret Santa. I used to dread it, but honestly, with the right group and a tiny budget cap (like Rs. 300), it can be so much fun. One year, I got a mini cactus in a Santa hat. Still have it. Still love it.
Set it up with a Google Form to gather names and preferences if your team is big. And please, do the reveal in-person if you can—people’s reactions are half the fun! I usually toss in a theme like “handmade” or “only red gifts” to spice it up. You don’t need to go fancy, just thoughtful.
Christmas Bingo
This is hands-down my favorite chill game. You don’t even need to stop working. Print out some Christmas-themed Bingo cards (you can find tons online), and listen for announcements or watch for behaviors. Things like “person wearing reindeer ears” or “someone drinking hot chocolate”.
We once played it over Zoom with virtual cards, and it still worked like a charm. People were low-key competing while attending meetings—it was glorious. I’ve found it’s perfect for introverts who still want to join the fun without having to act or draw.
Office Scavenger Hunt
I won’t lie—organizing this one takes a bit more work, but it’s totally worth it. Think of it like a Christmas treasure hunt around the office. I once hid a candy cane in the photocopier tray. No regrets.
Make a list of things like “something red,” “a snowflake,” “Christmas mug,” etc. You can give out little candy rewards for each find or save the prizes for the end. Keep the hunt short so it doesn’t feel like a chore. In my opinion, a 20-minute dash is the sweet spot.
Ugly Sweater Contest
This game needs zero explanation. People either love it or really love it. We did this last year, and someone wore a sweater with blinking lights and actual jingle bells—walking disco ball vibes.
In my opinion, the trick is to give a few fun award categories like “Most Hideous,” “Most Sparkly,” or “Least Effort But Somehow Amazing.” Add a runway walk if you dare. We turned the break room into a judging area and made it super dramatic. Even the shy ones got into it.
Name That Christmas Tune
Here’s a game that sounds innocent but gets fiercely competitive. I put together a playlist with holiday classics—some super obvious, some sneaky—and hit play for just 5 seconds. You’d be surprised how fast people can shout out “Last Christmas” or totally blank on “Carol of the Bells.”
To be fair, not everyone’s a music buff, so I always mix in easy songs. Bonus round: play them backwards. Yep, chaos. Keep a small prize for the winner (chocolate, always chocolate) and let the fun play out. It’s quick, festive, and totally addictive.
White Elephant Exchange
Ohhh boy. This one’s a riot. The year I brought a glittery pineapple candle, it changed hands four times in one game. That’s the fun—no one knows what they’re getting, and that’s the magic.
Everyone brings a wrapped gift under a price limit. Numbers are drawn, gifts are picked or stolen, and the drama unfolds. I’ve found that gag gifts like “screaming goat” buttons or funny mugs bring the most laughter. It’s unpredictable, chaotic, and totally worth it.
Snowball Toss
Think carnival game, but make it Christmas. All you need is some white ping pong balls and a few decorated buckets or boxes. We call it Snowball Toss, but really it’s just glorified target practice with a holiday twist.
I once used empty gift boxes as targets and labeled them with silly points like “1,000 for Santa’s Hat.” People will compete like their lives depend on it. Bonus: it’s a solid break from screen time. In my opinion, it works best in a hallway or open space.
Desk Decorating Contest
This is where your creative coworkers truly shine. We had someone turn their cubicle into a full-on gingerbread house, complete with cotton snow and candy lights. Like, how do you even top that?
Set a theme (or don’t) and give people a day or two to decorate. You can have silent judging or vote as a team. I always bring tiny candy canes to secretly leave on everyone’s desk during setup—it just adds that little touch. It’s festive, fun, and your workspace will smell like cinnamon for a week.
Christmas Trivia Challenge
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Trivia is one of those games that secretly reveals who’s a Christmas movie nerd and who just Googled everything. I like to mix easy ones with total stumpers, like “What’s the name of the Grinch’s dog?” (It’s Max. You’re welcome.)
Print out answer sheets or just shout out responses, classroom style. I once did a bonus round with candy prizes, and people got very serious. I swear someone made a spreadsheet the night before. That’s dedication.
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Yes, it’s a kid’s game. Yes, we’re all adults. And yes, it’s still ridiculously fun. Blindfolds and office chairs don’t mix, but hey—it adds spice. One year, our boss ended up pinning the nose on the water cooler.
Draw a big ol’ Rudolph face on cardboard, cut out some red noses with tape, and let the madness begin. In my opinion, games like this bring out that goofy holiday spirit in the best way. Just maybe avoid spinning people too much (lesson learned).
Two Truths and a Christmas Lie
Classic icebreaker, but with a holiday twist. You say two true Christmas-related things about yourself and one total lie. Everyone guesses which is which. Easy setup, no materials needed, and somehow always hilarious.
I once claimed I’d eaten 20 candy canes in one day (lie, thankfully). It sparked a whole conversation about weird holiday habits. It’s great for newer teams or remote coworkers too—nothing bonds people faster than awkward truths.
Reindeer Antler Ring
Okay, if you’ve never seen someone wear inflatable antlers while their teammate throws rings at them, you’re missing out. We did this last year and I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s awkward, hilarious, and completely unforgettable.
You can buy a cheap antler ring toss set online or make your own with pipe cleaners and headbands. Set a timer, play some Christmas music, and let the madness begin. Honestly, this game should be a holiday party staple. Zero skill needed, but full-on fun.
Quick and Last-Minute Games
Not every office party comes with weeks of planning—and that’s okay! These quick and last-minute games are perfect when you’re short on time but still want to add some festive fun. The best part? They require no props, no setup, and can be played on the spot with just your coworkers and some holiday spirit.
Here are a few easy-to-play ideas:
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Would You Rather: Holiday Edition
Ask fun holiday-themed questions like “Would you rather get socks or fruitcake for Christmas?” and let coworkers take turns answering. It’s a great way to break the ice and spark laughter. -
Snowball Toss with Crumpled Paper
Crumple up some paper into “snowballs” and toss them into a trash bin or target. Create teams and see who scores the most in a minute! -
Emoji Christmas Song Guessing
Show a line of emojis that represent a Christmas song (like 🎄🔔 for “Jingle Bells”) and have others guess the title. Quick, hilarious, and perfect for any group size.
These games are ideal for spontaneous moments and guaranteed to bring quick bursts of joy to your celebration.
FAQ
What are some fun office Christmas party games?
Popular options include Christmas Charades, Holiday Trivia, Secret Santa Gift Swap, Ugly Sweater Contest, and Christmas Bingo. These games are fun, simple, and great for team bonding.
Can these games be played in a small office space?
Yes! Many games like Name That Christmas Tune, Would You Rather: Holiday Edition, and Desk Decorating Contests are perfect for small spaces and don’t require much movement.
Are there office party games suitable for remote teams?
Absolutely. Try virtual games like Online Christmas Trivia, Emoji Song Guessing, and Virtual Ugly Sweater Show-and-Tell using Zoom or Teams.
How can I make office games inclusive for everyone?
Choose games that are easy to understand, avoid personal or sensitive topics, and make sure everyone feels comfortable participating—offering team-based games can help too.
I’m Emma Rosenthal, an event planner based in New York City with a passion for bringing people together through unforgettable celebrations. I created partyonmind.com to share my best party ideas, wedding inspirations, and fun games for kids, adults, and everyone in between. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a grand event, I love helping you make every occasion special with creative and engaging activities. Let’s make every party one to remember!