What was once a simple social event accompanied with gifts and drinks during festive seasons has become a legal complex minefield of harassments and discriminations for business offices. These provide opportunities to build better relationships, motivate the employees and bond well they foster provision of memorable experiences. Just in case you are the one in charge of the celebration this year then, worry no more. Here are 15 creative office holiday party ideas that can make the event an entertaining, inclusive, and veritable excuse for having fun.
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Planning the Perfect Holiday Party
A successful holiday party requires planning. From determining a theme to coming up with activities, every detail counts. Here is where to begin:
A Theme for the Celebration
Setting a theme will define your party and help it remain consistent. Whether a winter wonderland, nostalgic holiday flair, or even a simple color scheme, the theme will lead decoration, dress code, and activities.
Venue
Choose to host it in the office, at a local event space, or virtually for remote teams. The venue must work well with your guest count and match your chosen theme.
15 Creative Office Holiday Party Ideas
Here you will see a list of creative and interesting ideas of how to make the office holiday party really fun and interesting.
1. Ugly Sweater Contest
Encourage employees to wear their tackiest holiday sweaters. Offer prizes for “Most Creative” or “Most Festive.” This is one of those ideas that’s guaranteed to be hilarious and great fodder for photos.
2. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
The traditional Secret Santa never goes out of style. Set a budget, and let them exchange thoughtful or funny gifts to spread holiday cheer.
3. Holiday Potluck Feast
I would like to encourage the members of the team and bring in food related to cultural or personal holiday celebrations. This is one way of achieving the season’s call for diversity and having some good meals in the process.
4. Office Decorating Competition
Divide employees into teams and assign them different areas to decorate. The winning team could receive a small prize or bragging rights for the year.
5. Virtual Holiday Party for Remote Teams
For remote or hybrid teams, host a virtual holiday party. Activities can include online trivia, virtual Secret Santa, or a contest for the holiday-themed video call background.
6. Cookie Decorating Workshop
Create a center of cookies which are ready frosted but the frosting is tempered, and have a bottle of sprinkles. Release the creative juices and let everyone take home their creations – all made from edible material.
7. Festive Photo Booth
Organise a festive photo booth with accessories such as Santa caps, antlers of a reindeer, and other holiday backgrounds. It is an exciting thing and also a good opportunity to take pictures.
8. DIY Ornament Crafting Station
Provide materials for employees to make their own ornaments. This hands-on activity doubles as a thoughtful keepsake from the party.
9. Holiday Karaoke Contest
Set up the karaoke machine and put on the holiday sing along of traditional songs. Cue the glee of those who can’t carry a tune to participate in cheering for their fellow co-worker.
10. Hot Cocoa and S’mores Bar
Prepare a small table with all the dishes for the cooking process for hot cocoa, marshmellos, chocolate and graham crackers. I assure you people will go gaga over this sweet delicacies.
11. Winter Wonderland Event
Take your event to the winter with white themeing, faux snow and fairy lights in your event venue. Despite the cold drinks station, a hot beverages station should also be provided together with soft instrumental music.
12. Giving Party
Request that employees come to work with items that are needed by a local charity organisation or encourage a group of employees to volunteer to work for a charitable organisation. Its a valuable way of passing the occasion, the event of the season.
13. Holiday Trivia Night
Organize a trivia game with holiday theme questions. Segregate the employees into teams, and ask them to compete for prizes.
14. Movie Screening with Holiday Favorites
Create a warm screening area and screen Home Alone, Elf, or The Grinch. Popcorn and snacks are a must.
15. Year End Awards Event
Award your team with fun and silly gifts. Incentivize them in such aspects as ‘ The Best Desk Decoration’ or ‘The Employee with the Highest Christmas Spirit’.
Advice on pulling a good holiday party.
- Plan Ahead: Set a head-start on gathering information to secure the best venue and ensure everyone is available.
- Involve the Team: Gather ideas from people within the company involving themes, activities, or food to ensure participation.
- Add Your Personal Touches: Incorporate items that reflect your company culture or team traditions.
- Set a Budget: Maintain costs at a comfortable level with all having a great time.