The holiday season offers a golden opportunity to strengthen team bonds, lift morale, and boost workplace engagement. Launching a series of well-designed Christmas games for work — whether in-office, remote or hybrid — helps create meaningful connections, foster team spirit, and even improve productivity.
According to recent research, companies with highly engaged employees report up to 21% greater profitability and significant productivity gains. Plus, fun at work has been linked to enhanced creativity, better collaboration, and improved employee retention.
In this guide, you’ll find 20 fun, inclusive, and easy-to-implement holiday team-building games — complete with step-by-step instructions, variations for different work setups (in-office, remote, hybrid), and tips to maximize engagement and inclusivity.
Why Holiday Games Matter for Employee Engagement
The Business Case for Employee Engagement
Engagement isn’t just “nice to have” — it drives real business outcomes. According to Gallup, teams with high engagement deliver better performance across the board: higher productivity, lower turnover, stronger customer outcomes, and improved profitability.
Engaged workplaces also tend to experience fewer absences, more collaboration, greater innovation, and improved employee satisfaction.
The Psychological & Cultural Upsides of “Fun at Work”
“Workplace fun” isn’t frivolous — it’s a powerful way to spark creativity, reduce stress, and foster intrinsic motivation among employees.
Activities that encourage laughter, shared experience, and lighthearted collaboration help build stronger social bonds, lower burnout risk, and create a sense of belonging — which is increasingly important in hybrid and remote work cultures.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Games for Your Team
| Factor | Why It Matters | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Team Setup (In-office / Remote / Hybrid) | Different games require physical presence, online tools, or both | Match game type to your team’s setup |
| Team Size & Composition | Some games work for small teams, others for large groups | Choose scalable games; group large teams into smaller sub-teams |
| Budget & Materials | Cost and resources required vary widely | Prefer low-cost or no-cost games (DIY, digital tools, household items) |
| Inclusivity & Comfort | Some may not celebrate Christmas or prefer non-religious themes | Use “holiday / festive / winter season” language; make participation optional |
| Time & Logistics | Games should fit into available time & work schedules | Plan durations (e.g. 15–45 mins), consider time-zones for remote teams |
| Purpose (Fun, Bonding, Recognition, Creativity) | Each game delivers different benefits — choose based on your goal | Balance fun + purposeful engagement + recognition |
Use this checklist before selecting which games to run — it ensures inclusivity, relevance, and maximum participation.
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Book a Free Demo20 Creative Christmas Games for Work Parties & Remote Teams
Here are 20 fun and festive Christmas games designed to boost employee engagement, enhance team collaboration, and spread holiday cheer in the workplace. Whether you’re hosting in-person, virtual, or hybrid events, these Christmas games for work will create lasting memories and strengthen team bonds this holiday season.
Read – How to Recognise Employees on Christmas and Year-End
In-House Christmas Games for Work
1. Holiday Costume Parade
Kick off your holiday celebrations with a fun Holiday Costume Parade. Encourage employees to dress up as their favorite holiday characters—whether Santa, an elf, or even a Christmas tree!
Whether in-office or virtual, this game allows everyone to showcase their creativity and spread holiday cheer. Reward the best costumes in fun categories like “Funniest,” “Most Creative,” and “Best DIY.” This activity boosts morale, builds camaraderie, and creates a festive atmosphere in the workplace.
2. Guess the Christmas Snack
Spice up the holiday workday with Guess the Christmas Snack. Blindfold employees and have them identify popular holiday treats like gingerbread, candy canes, or fruitcakes. Add some unexpected snacks to keep things exciting. This interactive game fosters teamwork, engages employees, and spreads holiday cheer, creating a fun and lighthearted atmosphere that brings everyone together.
3. Christmas Escape Room
Take team-building to the next level with a Christmas-themed Escape Room. Employees work together to solve holiday riddles, decode Secret Santa messages, and find clues. Whether in-office or virtual, this collaborative game encourages problem-solving and strengthens relationships. It’s a fun, engaging way to promote teamwork and communication during the festive season.
4. Elf on the Shelf Hunt
Bring some magic into the office with an Elf on the Shelf Hunt. Each day, hide a miniature elf and give employees clues to find it. The first person to discover the elf wins a fun prize.
This engaging hunt keeps the festive spirit alive throughout the season and adds excitement, promoting team interaction and a cheerful atmosphere at work.
5. Gift Wrapping with a Twist
Make gift wrapping even more fun with Gift Wrapping with a Twist. Teams race to wrap presents blindfolded or using only one hand. This competitive activity encourages teamwork, boosts creativity, and generates laughter. It’s a fantastic way to build morale and spread holiday cheer while everyone has fun in a lighthearted, festive competition.
Read – 20 Christmas Party Work Gifts Your Employees Will Love
6. Christmas Spy
Add some mystery to your holiday celebrations with Christmas Spy. One employee is secretly assigned holiday-themed tasks without revealing their identity, while the rest of the team must guess who the spy is based on subtle clues. This game encourages interaction, sharpens observation skills, and keeps the holiday fun while fostering team collaboration.
Christmas Games for Remote Teams
7. Virtual Secret Santa
Bring the Secret Santa tradition to remote teams with a virtual gift exchange. Employees use an online tool to select and send thoughtful gifts within a set budget. A virtual unwrapping session creates a sense of connection, helping to spread holiday cheer and build camaraderie among remote colleagues despite the physical distance.
8. Holiday Voice Impression Game
Add some fun and laughter with the Holiday Voice Impression Game. Employees impersonate holiday characters like Santa or Frosty the Snowman, while others guess who they imitate.
This game creates an interactive, enjoyable experience that lifts spirits and promotes team bonding through holiday-themed humor and creativity.
Read – 30 Unique Office Christmas Party Ideas for Employee Engagement
9. Christmas Name That Tune
Test your remote team’s knowledge of holiday music with Christmas Name That Tune. Employees guess the name of a holiday song after hearing a short clip. Challenge them with instrumental versions or obscure tracks for added fun. This fast-paced game brings remote teams together through the joy of holiday music, making everyone feel more connected during the festive season.
10. Holiday-Themed Charity Drive
Engage your remote team with a Holiday-Themed Charity Drive. Encourage donations to a cause and hold virtual events to share updates and success stories. This activity promotes unity and allows your remote team to make a positive impact together, helping to create a sense of belonging and purpose during the holiday season.
11. Holiday Wishes Video Messages
Spread warmth and positivity with Holiday Wishes Video Messages. Ask each team member to record a short video with festive greetings or reflections on the year. Compile these clips into a heartwarming montage and share it during your virtual holiday gathering. This personal touch fosters connection and team spirit while strengthening relationships across remote teams.
Read – 30 Simple Yet Impactful Christmas Wishes for Your Employees
12. Christmas-themed Pictionary
Get creative with Christmas-themed Pictionary. Employees use an online drawing tool to sketch holiday-related items like reindeer or mistletoe.
This game encourages teamwork, boosts creativity, and provides friendly competition, making it perfect for virtual holiday parties. It’s a fun way to engage employees while celebrating the holiday spirit.
13. Ugly Sweater Contest
An Ugly Sweater Contest is always a hit at holiday parties. Employees showcase their quirkiest sweaters, and categories like “Funniest” and “Most Creative” add to the fun. This lighthearted contest spreads laughter and joy, helping to create a relaxed, festive atmosphere among remote employees and encourage camaraderie in a fun and casual setting.
Christmas Games for Hybrid Teams
14. Personalized Christmas Cards
Create connections in hybrid teams with Personalized Christmas Cards. Remote employees can design and mail their cards, while in-office employees exchange them face-to-face. This thoughtful exchange fosters team unity, spreading warmth and creating a sense of belonging for all employees, no matter where they are.
15- Holiday Talent Show
A Holiday Talent Show is the perfect way for hybrid teams to showcase their Christmas talents. Whether singing carols, performing a skit, or displaying a unique talent, team members can perform live in the office or via video for remote participants.
By streaming the show, all employees can cheer on their colleagues, making this event fun and inclusive for celebrating the holiday season and fostering employee engagement. It also works as a fantastic Christmas team-building activity, encouraging creativity and camaraderie.
16. Charity Auction
Host a Charity Auction that includes both in-office and remote employees. Team members can donate items for the auction, which can be virtual or in-person. This event strengthens team spirit while supporting a meaningful cause, making it a perfect way to engage employees and promote a culture of giving during the holidays.
17. Festive Talent Show
Celebrate your team’s holiday talents with a Festive Talent Show. Employees can showcase their holiday skills by singing Christmas carols, performing a dance, or telling jokes. This lighthearted show encourages creativity, fosters team bonding, and spreads holiday cheer, all while giving everyone a chance to shine and have fun.
18. Christmas Around the World
Explore global holiday traditions with Christmas Around the World. Assign team members to different countries to research and have them present unique customs and holiday practices. This activity promotes cultural awareness and inclusivity, allowing team members to share their traditions and learn from one another while celebrating the season’s diversity.
19- Christmas Bingo
Holiday Bingo can be played in hybrid teams by distributing digital bingo cards with holiday-themed emojis or phrases. Remote participants receive their cards via email or shared link, while in-office players use printed versions or digital devices. A host calls out holiday items over video conferencing, and players mark off their cards as they’re called. The first to complete a row or pattern shouts “Bingo!” via chat or audio. Prizes for remote winners can be sent digitally, ensuring an inclusive and festive experience.
20. Virtual Reality Christmas Adventure
Give your hybrid team a Virtual Reality Christmas Adventure for a memorable experience. Whether remote or in-office, employees can explore a virtual winter wonderland, participate in festive challenges, or enjoy a virtual sleigh ride. This immersive experience brings everyone together, creating unforgettable holiday memories and fostering unity during the season.
Best Practices & Inclusive Guidelines for Holiday Games
- Keep participation optional: Don’t force anyone — mandatory fun often backfires.
- Use inclusive language: Use “holiday season”, “festive”, or “winter celebration” instead of Christmas-only. This respects different cultures, religions, and personal preferences.
- Be mindful of accessibility and diversity: Consider dietary restrictions, disabilities, time zones (for remote teams), language barriers — ensure games are accessible for all.
- Offer a variety of games: Different people enjoy different activities — some prefer creative expression, some crave collaboration, others enjoy light competition or giving back.
- Celebrate participation, not just winners: Recognize everyone’s effort (e.g., “Most Enthusiastic Participant,” “Best Team Spirit,” “Most Creative,” “Collaborator of the Day”). Use recognition to reinforce inclusion, not just competition.
- Gather feedback after the celebration: A short survey or quick meeting helps understand what people loved or disliked — helps plan better for next time.
Celebrate This Christmas with BRAVO and Take Employee Engagement to New Heights
BRAVO, an AI-powered employee recognition platform, enhances Christmas games by streamlining the organization, boosting engagement, and providing rewards. It is a central hub for managing game details, sending reminders, and offering real-time updates. Its gamification features, like BRAVO points and leaderboards, encourage friendly competition and a festive atmosphere. The platform’s social recognition capabilities allow peers to celebrate each other’s successes, fostering a motivated work culture.
Additionally, BRAVO’s customizable rewards and data insights help improve participation and engagement, making the holiday experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Conclusion
Holiday games are more than fleeting fun — when thoughtfully planned, they become powerful tools for building belonging, boosting morale, and strengthening teams. In a world where remote and hybrid setups blur personal connection, festive activities bring people together in meaningful ways.
With smart design — games that respect diversity, offer optional participation, and focus on connection — you can craft inclusive celebrations that energize teams and leave lasting positive impressions.
And if you want to take engagement to the next level, a tool like BRAVO can help you coordinate events, track participation, reward team spirit, and turn seasonal celebration into year-round culture building.
Ready to bring joy, connection, and motivation to your workplace?
Book a Free BRAVO Demo
FAQs
Any team — in-office, remote, or hybrid. Games can be adapted: virtual for remote, hybrid-friendly for mixed teams, and in-person for office-based teams.
Yes. Multiple studies show that higher employee engagement — often boosted by shared experiences and team-building — leads to higher productivity, lower turnover, better collaboration, and increased profitability.
Make participation optional and frame the games around “holiday season,” “winter celebration,” or “year-end fun.” Use inclusive language and offer alternative, non-religious games.
Many of the games above are low-cost or free — using household/office items or online tools (e.g., Virtual Secret Santa, online Pictionary, Holiday Bingo). Others (like VR experiences) are optional extras.
Use virtual-friendly games (video calls, online whiteboards, digital bingo), plan a mix of asynchronous and synchronous activities, and encourage sharing — e.g., videos, recorded performances, messages — so remote members feel equally included.
Use a simple post-event survey or quick poll to gather feedback. Track participation rates, team sentiment, social interaction frequency, and feedback. Tools like BRAVO can help automate this process.
Start small — 2 to 4 games based on your team size, schedule, and budget. Choose a mix (e.g., one in-person, one virtual, one hybrid-friendly) and iterate based on feedback for future years.
