The end of the year is more than just a time for wrapping up projects and preparing for the holidays—it’s also an ideal opportunity to bring your team together, celebrate shared achievements, and strengthen internal bonds. Organizing a well-thought-out event before the holiday break can significantly boost morale, encourage collaboration, and set the tone for a motivated start to the new year.
Whether you’re working with a remote team, a hybrid workforce, or in a traditional office setting, choosing the right activity can turn a simple gathering into a memorable and meaningful experience. That said, finding Christmas team building ideas that are both engaging and inclusive isn’t always easy.
In this article, we’ve handpicked 9 original and creative ideas to help you plan your next holiday event. These suggestions are tailored to suit various team dynamics, company cultures, and event formats. And if you’re looking for professional support to bring your vision to life, don’t hesitate to explore these team building solutions designed to make every event count.
1- Secret Santa with a twist
Reinventing the classic gift exchange
Secret Santa is a holiday tradition that never gets old—but that doesn’t mean it can’t evolve. By adding a creative or meaningful twist, this familiar activity becomes a genuine moment of connection and team bonding. Instead of simply drawing names and buying generic gifts, consider playful variations that reflect your team’s culture or values.
Here are a few ways to spice up your Secret Santa this year:
- Theme-based gifts: choose a category like “childhood memories,” “$5 and under,” or “office survival kit.”
- Mystery guessing game: recipients try to guess who their Secret Santa is before opening the gift.
- Story-based exchange: participants share a short story or clue that relates to the gift they give.
- Secret Santa for good: instead of exchanging gifts internally, each person donates or shops for a charitable cause anonymously.
Why it brings people together
This type of activity taps into more than just the spirit of giving—it triggers curiosity, surprise, and laughter, especially when people share the meaning behind their gifts or reactions. The more unexpected and personal the exchange, the more memorable it becomes. It also fosters inclusivity: everyone can participate, regardless of their position, team, or location.
If you want to build empathy, encourage team members to write a short note or appreciation message with their gift. Those simple words can sometimes mean more than the item itself.
Ideal for any format
Secret Santa is one of the most adaptable Christmas team building ideas. For remote teams, gifts can be mailed ahead of time and unwrapped live during a video call. Add a shared slideshow with clues or create a digital “gift wall” where photos and thank-you notes are posted. For in-office teams, set up a cozy corner with festive lights and let people pick up their gifts during a designated coffee break.
2- Christmas escape game
A festive challenge to unlock team spirit
Escape games have become one of the most popular team bonding activities in the corporate world—and when reimagined for the holiday season, they take on a whole new level of engagement. Whether as part of an in-person corporate holiday party or a fully remote setup, they offer a perfect mix of challenge, creativity, and fun.
The concept is simple: your team collaborates to solve a series of puzzles and riddles in order to “escape” a themed room before the clock runs out. But instead of the usual haunted mansion or spy mission, imagine festive storylines like saving Santa Claus, recovering stolen gifts, or cracking a code hidden in the North Pole archives.
These playful narratives turn a standard team challenge into an interactive holiday event, making it ideal for releasing year-end stress and sparking meaningful collaboration. It’s one of the most versatile holiday team building formats—adaptable to both virtual and physical formats, and especially effective in hybrid environments.
What makes it great for team building
This kind of challenge activates key collaboration skills:
- Problem-solving under pressure: teams must think fast and logically together.
- Creative thinking: some clues require lateral thinking, imagination, and team brainstorming.
- Communication and delegation: it naturally creates roles and encourages people to rely on each other’s strengths.
Beyond the game itself, the experience generates tons of post-event conversation and shared memories, especially if teams are mixed across departments or seniority levels.
Organizing it your way: in-person or remote
Christmas escape games can be hosted:
- In person, via a specialized provider or a DIY kit installed in a meeting room.
- Online, through platforms offering virtual escape rooms with a host or automated clues. Many offer seasonal themes designed for remote teams and can accommodate large groups.
If you’re looking for Christmas team building ideas that combine fun, teamwork, and a touch of adrenaline, this one’s a safe bet. Bonus tip: offer a small prize to the winning team or create fun awards like “Best Clue Solver” or “Team MVP.”
3- Gingerbread house team challenge
Build, decorate, and collaborate
This holiday classic is more than just a sweet treat—it’s one of the most effective fun team challenges you can organize in December. Building and decorating a gingerbread house becomes a playful yet structured creative team building activity that calls for coordination, imagination, and yes—sometimes even structural engineering!
Teams work together using kits or homemade materials, often competing to create themed masterpieces like “Santa’s headquarters” or a “winter cabin in the woods.” Whether you’re hosting this as part of your office Christmas ideas lineup or integrating it into a remote event, the format is adaptable and always engaging.
Beyond the frosting and gumdrops, it’s a great way to break up the routine and spark authentic joy—even among the most serious team members. This type of DIY holiday activity strikes the perfect balance between fun, focus, and festive spirit—making it a timeless pick for effective holiday team building.
Why your team will love it
Beyond the delicious outcome, this challenge promotes collaboration in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. It encourages team members to express themselves creatively while working toward a shared visual goal.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Hands-on teamwork: everyone contributes in real time, with roles like builder, designer, or “snow” (sugar) coordinator.
- Laughs and bonding: mishaps are part of the fun—and often the best memories.
- Visual payoff: seeing all the finished creations lined up (or shared in a photo board) gives a strong sense of pride.
And of course, the added bonus: everything smells like cinnamon and ginger. What’s not to love?
How to organize it—on-site or virtually
Pour in-office teams, this is one of the easiest and most enjoyable office Christmas ideas to organize. You can order gingerbread kits in bulk or plan a live baking session with festive music, holiday treats, and hot cocoa. Encourage each group to name their own “construction company” and present their sugary masterpiece to a judging panel—adding an extra layer of fun and creativity to the event.
Pour remote team activities, simply ship kits ahead of time and host a live Zoom decorating session. Let participants showcase their work and vote for winners in categories such as:
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Most creative
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Most realistic
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Most likely to collapse before judging
This is one of those DIY holiday activities that brings people together across locations through shared laughter, imagination, and a little friendly competition. It also doubles as a great interactive holiday event, perfect for hybrid work environments.
Among all the Christmas team building ideas, few deliver as much instant joy (and sugar-fueled energy) in such a short time.
4- Holiday quiz night (with company fun facts)
Turn trivia into team spirit
If your team loves a little friendly competition, a holiday quiz night is a surefire way to bring everyone together. Add seasonal music, themed rounds, and even a few quirky questions about your company or colleagues, and you’ve got yourself an engaging evening that blends fun and company culture.
This format works just as well after work as it does during a lunch break—and can easily be adapted for hybrid or remote settings.
What to include for maximum engagement
To make your quiz night truly memorable, think beyond standard Christmas trivia. Here’s a winning structure:
- Round 1: Holiday pop culture – movies, songs, festive traditions
- Round 2: Christmas around the world – customs and traditions globally
- Round 3: Company flashbacks – “Who said this in a meeting?”, “Guess the baby photo”
- Round 4: Fun facts about the team – submitted anonymously beforehand
- Bonus round: Emoji riddles or sound quizzes for laughs and unpredictability
Mixing general knowledge with inside jokes fosters both inclusion and connection. Teams that may not interact often get to know each other in a light-hearted, low-pressure context.
Best formats and tools for delivery
For in-person events, a host with a mic and a slideshow can do wonders. Add a prize table or symbolic awards to raise the stakes. For remote teams, use platforms like Kahoot, Quizizz, or Google Forms with breakout rooms for team discussions.
You can even designate co-hosts from different departments to build cross-team ownership.
Among all Christmas team building ideas, this one is ideal if you’re short on time but want high energy, high participation, and lots of smiles.
5- Christmas charity challenge
Give meaning to your celebration
Not every team building activity needs to be about games and prizes. Sometimes, the most powerful way to unite a group is through a shared purpose. A Christmas charity challenge invites your team to contribute to a cause together—whether it’s raising funds, donating time, or creating something useful for those in need.
It’s a beautiful way to close the year with empathy, and a chance for your team to reflect on collective values beyond the workplace.
Creative ways your team can make a difference
Depending on your company size and resources, there are many impactful yet accessible actions your team can take. Here are a few ideas:
- Prepare care packages for shelters or local associations
- Organize a donation drive for toys, clothes, or food
- Host a charity auction with employee talents or services
- Sponsor a family for the holidays and fulfill their wish list
- Run for a cause: turn steps walked into donation pledges
- Create a handmade card campaign for people in hospitals or retirement homes
These types of initiatives are especially powerful when employees can suggest the cause or organization they want to support.
Why this idea leaves a lasting impact
Unlike more playful Christmas team building ideas, a charity challenge brings depth and emotion to the table. It boosts internal cohesion, generates pride, and strengthens your employer brand—especially if you share the action on your company’s social media or intranet.
It also naturally includes people who may not enjoy typical party games or competitive activities, offering another way to engage.
This is team building with heart—and it tends to stay in memories long after the gingerbread houses are gone.
6- Festive virtual cocktail (or mocktail) workshop
Shake things up to close the year
Looking for a light, interactive, and elegant way to wrap up the year? A festive cocktail or mocktail workshop is the perfect mix of fun and sophistication. Led by a professional mixologist—or even a charismatic team member with a passion for drinks this experience lets your team learn new skills while enjoying a shared, relaxed moment.
It’s a great option for hybrid or remote settings, and works particularly well as a late-afternoon activity.
What makes this activity so enjoyable
Unlike trivia games or crafting contests, a cocktail workshop is sensory, rhythmic, and instantly rewarding. It encourages everyone to step away from their desk and into a more playful, human atmosphere.
What your team will appreciate:
- Learning something new together, without pressure
- Personalizing their own drink, alcoholic or not
- Interacting casually, with no work talk
- Ending with a toast, celebrating milestones, or announcing light-hearted awards
You can also create breakout moments during the session, like “show us your setup” or a vote for “best background ambiance.”
Tips for organizing it smoothly
For remote teams:
- Send ingredient lists or pre-packed kits ahead of time
- Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions
- Encourage dress codes like “festive chic” or “holiday sparkle”
- Record the session for those who can’t attend live
For in-person settings, set up a DIY cocktail bar with stations, recipe cards, and small-group rotations. Add finger food, music, and a few themed accessories (Santa hats, sparkly glasses) to enhance the mood.
Among all your possible Christmas team building ideas, this one creates a shared experience your team won’t just remember—they’ll taste it.
7- DIY ornament contest
Let creativity shine literally
Few things say “holiday spirit” like a beautifully decorated tree… and even more so when the ornaments are handmade by your team. A DIY ornament contest adds a creative, personal touch to your end-of-year celebration. It’s an activity that’s easy to set up, budget-friendly, and surprisingly engaging—even for those who don’t usually see themselves as “crafty.”
Whether it’s glitter explosions, minimalist wood pieces, or hilarious team in-jokes turned into decorations, this contest reveals unexpected talents and sparks joyful conversations.
How to get everyone involved
One of the best parts of this activity is its inclusivity: there’s no “right” way to participate. Team members can go solo or collaborate in small groups, depending on your format.
To encourage engagement:
- Set a flexible theme: “Company inside joke”, “Holiday future”, “Eco-friendly chic”
- Offer different categories: Most artistic, Funniest, Most unexpected materials
- Display entries digitally or in the office: via a photo wall, slideshow, or real tree
- Let the team vote for their favorites in a relaxed, non-competitive way
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. And often, the quirkiest creations steal the show.
Online or in-person? Both work beautifully
For remote teams, send out mini DIY kits in advance (with basic materials or a small budget) and host a decorating session live on Zoom or Teams. People can show off their process or final results, and vote via polls or emoji reactions.
On-site, turn it into a festive station with music, snacks, and lots of sparkles. Bonus: you can use the winning ornaments to decorate the office—or even send them to clients as end-of-year gifts.
In the sea of Christmas team building ideas, this one is simple, heartfelt, and leaves a visual trace of shared imagination.
8- Ugly Christmas sweater runway show
Embrace the ridiculous and celebrate it
Few office traditions bring as much laughter and photo-worthy moments as an ugly Christmas sweater day. But to turn this casual dress code into a true team building moment, take it a step further: host your own runway show. Add lights, music, a judging panel—or let everyone vote—and suddenly, your team is starring in the most unforgettable fashion show of the year.
It’s inclusive, playful, and breaks down professional walls in the best possible way.
Why it works so well in any team
This activity succeeds because it encourages self-expression without pressure. People don’t need to be creative geniuses or outgoing personalities to join—just willing to lean into the fun.
Here’s what makes it shine:
- Zero prep stress: people can reuse old clothes or DIY last-minute
- Shared vulnerability = bonding: looking silly together builds trust
- Photo-friendly: capture and share a “Best Of” reel internally or on your social channels
- Universal participation: no need for materials, teams, or setup
You can also encourage themes—“Sustainable ugly”, “Pop culture twist”, “Company references”—to add variation year after year.
How to host it, online or in person
In the office, turn this into one of your signature holiday party ideas by rolling out a red carpet—or simply using a hallway—adding festive music, a few light-hearted judges, and creative prizes like “Most Questionable Knit” or “Best 3D Sweater.” Capture the moment with group photos, encourage cross-department participation, and close the event with a fun team vote to keep everyone involved.
Pour remote team activities, ask participants to showcase their sweaters one by one on a video call. Enhance the experience with themed virtual backgrounds, holiday music, and screenshot highlights. You can even organize a digital slideshow or crown a winner live to create a memorable and engaging virtual Christmas event.
Among all the Christmas team building ideas, this one has the highest chance of becoming a beloved company holiday tradition—a perfect mix of laughter, creativity, and warmth that brings teams closer year after year.
9- Year-end awards ceremony
Celebrate your people not just your numbers
While December is often filled with reports, reviews, and deadlines, it’s also the perfect moment to shift the spotlight to the people behind the results. A year-end awards ceremony is a meaningful and joyful way to wrap up the year—by recognizing contributions, moments of brilliance, and even funny office highlights.
It turns what could be “just another meeting” into a feel-good memory your team will carry into the new year.
Ideas to personalize your award categories
Don’t limit yourself to serious performance metrics—mix recognition with humor and creativity. This helps everyone feel included and seen, regardless of role.
Here are a few fun and heartfelt category ideas:
- Rising Star Award – for someone who grew impressively this year
- Best Team Player – always there to support others
- Zoom MVP – best virtual background or most punctual in meetings
- The Quiet Hero – does great work behind the scenes
- Most Unexpected Talent – revealed during a team event
- Office DJ – always has the best playlist
- Best Email Subject Line – the unsung art of internal comms
Encourage nominations from colleagues to increase participation and authenticity.
Make it memorable—wherever you are
In-person, create a festive ambiance with music, lights, printed diplomas or trophies, and optional speeches. Keep it light and brief, with food and drinks to follow. You could even livestream the event for remote colleagues.
For remote teams, use presentation slides and video call reactions to recreate the magic. Ask managers or team leads to present awards live, and record the event so everyone can rewatch their moment.
Out of all the Christmas team building ideas, this one delivers the deepest emotional impact—because when people feel valued, they remember it long after the party ends.
Choisir le bon Christmas team building ideas isn’t just about having fun—it’s about creating meaningful, shared experiences that foster real team bonding, enhance trust, and remind everyone why they enjoy being part of your company.
Whether you opt for a hands-on challenge, a charity team activity, or a playful twist on classic holiday party ideas, what truly matters is the intention behind it. These holiday team building moments—big or small—help close the year with gratitude, recognition, and renewed team energy.
So don’t let December slip by in a blur of tasks and inboxes. Embrace one (or several) of these creative ideas and start a new company holiday tradition your team will look forward to year after year.
FAQ – All you need to know about christmas team building ideas
What are the best christmas team building ideas for remote teams?
Some of the most effective virtual team building ideas include online escape games, holiday quiz nights, festive virtual cocktail workshopset DIY holiday activities like ornament contests. These remote team activities are easy to organize and help maintain strong bonds, even across different locations and time zones.
How far in advance should I plan a holiday team building activity?
Ideally, start planning your corporate holiday party ou end-of-year celebration 4 to 6 weeks in advance. This gives you time to handle logistics like RSVPs, gift prep, and virtual or in-person coordination. Early planning also ensures stronger employee engagement and better participation.
How do I choose the right team building activity for my company?
It depends on your team’s size, setup (in-office, hybrid, or remote), and company culture. If your team loves to laugh and compete, try Christmas office games like trivia or a sweater runway. For something more heartfelt, a charity team challenge is a great option. Look for inclusive team activities that encourage bonding without pressure.
Can we organize christmas team building activities with a small budget?
Absolutely. Many budget-friendly team building options exist—from Secret Santa exchanges to DIY ornament contests or even themed Zoom games. With a bit of creativity, even low-cost ideas can deliver high impact and foster strong team bonding.
Are christmas team building events still useful if our team is already close?
Yes! Even well-connected teams benefit from festive rituals like a company holiday tradition. Activities such as a year-end awards ceremony or a virtual Christmas event offer space to reflect, recognize peers, and enjoy something different together—keeping morale high through shared, joyful moments.
What’s a unique christmas team building idea most companies overlook?
One often-missed opportunity is organizing a giving-back initiative, like a donation drive, care package prep, or volunteering challenge. These interactive holiday events promote unity, empathy, and pride—values that resonate far beyond the office and help reinforce a culture of purpose and appreciation.
