12 virtual holiday party games for hybrid/remote teams

'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to infuse some holiday cheer into the virtual or hybrid workplace than with festive games that bring colleagues together in joyous camaraderie? As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of remote work, fostering strong team bonds becomes more crucial than ever. Holiday games not only add a sprinkle of merriment to the workday but also serve as delightful connections weaving a tapestry of joy among team members scattered across different locations. In this blog, we'll unwrap the gift of togetherness by exploring 12 holiday games tailored for the virtual and hybrid work settings.

1.Virtual Secret Santa

How to play: Team members, both in-person and remote, decorate their workspaces for a virtual contest.
Why it's Fun: Sparks creativity, festive spirit, and enhances the visual connection among colleagues. Platform: Elfster or Giftster
Players: Entire team
Time: 1 week (for preparation and voting)

Inclusivity Tip: Allow participants to share preferences or opt-out if they don't celebrate holidays, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

2.Holiday Cooking Challenge

How to play:Cook a festive dish together virtually, combining culinary creativity with teamwork.
Why it's Fun: Allows colleagues to bond over shared recipes and culinary adventures. Platform: Zoom or Teams
Players: 2 or more
Time: 1 hour

Inclusivity Tip: Choose recipes that can be adapted to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

3.Holiday Desk Decorating Contest

How to play: Team members, both in-person and remote, decorate their workspaces for a virtual contest.
Why it's Fun: Sparks creativity, festive spirit, and enhances the visual connection among colleagues.
Players: Entire team
Time: 1 week (for preparation and voting)

Inclusivity Tip: Encourage diverse interpretations of holiday decorations, respecting various traditions.

4.Candy Cane Charades

How to play: Remote and in-office team members act out holiday phrases using candy canes as props.
Why it's Fun: Infuses humor into the workday and promotes creative expression. Platform: Zoom or Teams
Players: 4 or more
Time: 15 minutes

Inclusivity Tip: Choose phrases that are universally recognizable and inclusive of diverse celebrations.

5.Virtual Gift Wrapping Relay

How to play: Teams compete to virtually wrap gifts using online tools, sharing screens for a hilarious relay.
Why it's Fun: Combines teamwork, creativity, and laughter in a festive gift-wrapping frenzy.
Platform: Zoom or Teams
Players: 4 or more
Time: 30 minutes

Inclusivity Tip: Ensure virtual participants have access to user-friendly online tools for a smooth experience.

6.Holiday-Themed Trivia Escape Room

How to play: Combine the excitement of trivia with an escape room challenge, fostering collaboration.
Why it's Fun: Engages teams in problem-solving while celebrating holiday knowledge. Platform: The Escape Hunt Experience or Escape Team
Players: 6 or more
Time: 1 hour

Inclusivity Tip: Design puzzles and questions that draw from a variety of cultural celebrations.

7.Ugly Sweater Fashion Show

How to play: Colleagues don their ugliest holiday sweaters and showcase them in a virtual or in-office fashion show.
Why it's Fun: Injects humor and creativity into the workplace, fostering a festive atmosphere.
Players: Entire team
Time: 30 minutes

Inclusivity Tip: Recognize various forms of holiday attire, ensuring everyone feels included.

8.Festive Office Olympics

How to play: Design a series of light-hearted office games, both physical and virtual, with a holiday twist.
Why it's Fun: Combines friendly competition with a variety of activities to suit different preferences.
Players: 6 or more
Time: 1 hour

Inclusivity Tip: Offer alternative activities for virtual participants that align with the in-office games.

9.Fireside Story Sharing

How to play: Colleagues share holiday stories or memories in a virtual fireside setting.
Why it's Fun: Creates a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, strengthening team bonds.
Players: Entire team
Time: 30 minutes

Inclusivity Tip: Encourage stories from various cultural celebrations and traditions.

10.Holiday Karaoke Roulette

How to play: Teams take turns singing holiday songs in a virtual karaoke roulette, adding an element of surprise.
Why it's Fun: Combines music, laughter, and unexpected performances for a festive atmosphere. Platform: Spin the wheel
Players: 6 or more
Time: 1 hour

Inclusivity Tip: Include songs from different cultural celebrations and genres for a diverse musical experience.

11.Holiday Pictionary Showdown

How to play: Draw and guess holiday-related items, bringing out everyone's artistic and imaginative sides.
Why it's Fun: Encourages creativity and laughter as colleagues interpret drawings together. Platform: Skribbl.io or Pictionary Air app
Players: 4 or more
Time: 20 minutes

Inclusivity Tip: Incorporate a diverse range of holiday symbols to respect various traditions and celebrations.

12.Holiday Bingo

How to play: Draw and guess holiday-related items, bringing out everyone's artistic and imaginative sides.
Why it's Fun: Puts a modern spin on a classic game with a festive and tech-savvy touch.
Players: 6 or more
Time: 20 minutes

Inclusivity Tip: Create varied bingo cards with a mix of holiday emojis.

As we wrap up our virtual holiday festivities, remember that the magic of these games goes beyond the screen. In the tapestry of remote work, where pixels replace handshakes, and emojis replace shared laughter, it's the moments of connection that truly matter. So, whether you're virtually competing in a festive trivia showdown or collaborating on a digital snowman masterpiece, cherish these moments that stitch the fabric of teamwork a little tighter. Wishing you a season filled with laughter, warmth, and the shared joy that transcends virtual boundaries. Here's to a happy and harmonious holiday season for you and your incredible team!

Check out Celebrateally AI's Holiday Party Planner to discover holiday party and games ideas.