10 Fun Holiday Games for In-Person Office Celebrations

Remember the laughter echoing in the hallways, the friendly games sparking up in the breakroom, and colleagues making connections that went beyond work desks? It's like taking a delightful stroll down memory lane, back to the pre-COVID era, where these moments were the heartbeat of our workplace. As we step into the holiday season, let's revive that familiar warmth with ten simple holiday games designed for in-person camaraderie.

Snowman Building Contest

• How to play: Teams compete to build the most creative snowman using craft supplies like paper, buttons, and ribbons.
• Why it's Fun: Encourages teamwork and unleashes creativity, resulting in unique snowmen that add holiday spirit to the office.
• Players: 3 or more
• Time: 30 minutes

White Elephant Gift Exchange

• How to play: Participants bring wrapped gifts, draw numbers, and engage in rounds of choosing or stealing gifts. Each gift has a set limit on the number of times it can be stolen. The game concludes after everyone has had a turn, and the first person or someone whose gift was taken gets the chance to swap gifts, adding an element of strategic fun to the exchange.
• Why it's Fun: Adds an element of surprise and laughter to the holiday season, as participants unwrap and trade unique gifts.
• Players: All office members
• Time: 30 minutes

Gingerbread House Building Contest

• How to play: Teams compete to construct the most elaborate and creative gingerbread houses using various candies, icing, and decorative items.
• Why it's Fun: Sparks creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition while producing delightful edible structures.
• Players: 3 or more
• Time: 45 minutes

Santa's Sack Race

• How to play: Participants, with legs inside oversized sacks, race to the finish line, imitating Santa's gift-delivery style.
• Why it's Fun: Adds a hilarious physical element to the holiday festivities, promoting laughter and friendly competition.
• Players: 4 or more
• Time: 20 minutes

Ornament Decorating Station

• How to play: Colleagues create personalized ornaments at a crafting station using various materials, fostering creativity and providing festive desk decorations.
• Why it's Fun: Offers a creative outlet and a chance to bring holiday spirit to the workspace.
• Players: All office members
• Time: 30 minutes

Ugly Sweater Fashion Show

• How to play: Colleagues showcase their most outrageous holiday sweaters in a festive fashion show, with judges awarding prizes for creativity and style.
• Why it's Fun: Encourages humor and creativity while allowing colleagues to express their unique holiday fashion sense.
• Players: All office members
• Time: 20 minutes

Stocking Stuffer Scavenger Hunt

• How to play: Colleagues embark on a festive scavenger hunt, searching for small holiday-themed items hidden throughout the office.
• Why it's Fun: Promotes collaboration, exploration, and adds an element of surprise to the work environment.
• Players: 5 or more
• Time: 25 minutes

Festive Potluck Feast

• How to play: Colleagues bring and share their favorite holiday dishes in a potluck-style feast, creating a diverse and delicious spread.
• Why it's Fun: Fosters a sense of community and allows everyone to enjoy a variety of festive foods while celebrating together.
• Participants: All office members
• Time: Lunch or designated time for the potluck

Glowing Gift Wrap Challenge

• How to play: Teams race against the clock to wrap holiday gifts in the dark using only glow sticks and other luminescent materials.
• Why it's Fun: Adds a unique twist to the traditional gift-wrapping challenge, resulting in visually stunning and entertaining creations.
• Participants: 4 or more
• Time: 25 minutes

Deck the Halls Lip Sync Battle

• How to play: Colleagues unleash their inner performers in a lip sync battle featuring popular holiday songs, complete with festive props and costumes.
• Why it's Fun: Creates a lively and entertaining atmosphere, with participants showcasing their creativity and flair for performance.
• Participants: 3 or more
• Time: 40 minutes

In the hustle of our work lives, it's easy to forget the power of these shared moments. But each laughter-filled game, every connection made beyond desks, contributes to a workplace where colleagues feel more like friends. And in the spirit of making everyone feel special, let's be mindful of those who might be experiencing a bit more isolation during the holidays. Small gestures, like a heartfelt note or a friendly chat, can go a long way in spreading warmth. After all, the magic of the season lies not just in the games we play but in the kindness we share. Here's to keeping the holiday spirit alive throughout the year. Wishing you and your team a year filled with joy, connection, and the warmth of shared moments. Happy festivities!

If you are looking for more holiday party ideas, check out Celebrateally AI's free holiday party assistant.