25 Exciting Christmas Team-Building Activities in 2024

A young Black woman leads her team in a project meeting

By

INTOO Staff Writer

Categories

HR

During the holiday season, companies have a distinct opportunity to uplift their teams and build a positive company culture. Christmas team-building activities not only offer fun and enjoyment; they can also be a conduit to amplify synergy and forge enduring connections. Beyond glittering decorations and seasonal cheer, these activities weave a tapestry of shared experiences, contributing significantly to a workplace culture characterized by positivity and collaboration. The holiday spirit acts as a catalyst, prompting colleagues to team up in novel ways and discover common ground beyond professional responsibilities. The impact extends beyond the festive season, creating a ripple effect that enhances communication, trust, and mutual understanding. As teams engage in yuletide camaraderie, the workplace transforms into a vibrant community, fostering productivity and a genuine sense of belonging. These holiday-inspired initiatives serve as more than just moments of celebration; they are investments in the cohesion and resilience of the team, echoing the sentiment that together, colleagues can conquer challenges and savor successes.

25 Christmas Team Building Activities for Employees in 2024

1. Ornament decorating contest

Spark festive creativity with an ornament decorating contest. Provide employees with plain ornaments and crafting supplies and encourage them to showcase their artistic flair. Display the finished creations around the office or virtually to celebrate everyone’s unique talents and holiday spirit.

ornaments from a company team building activity hanging on a Christmas Tree

2. Secret Santa gift exchange

Allow team members to enjoy both giving and receiving by organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange. Employees draw names and anonymously exchange thoughtful gifts, creating a sense of surprise and camaraderie during the holiday season.

3. Holiday trivia challenge

Ignite friendly competition with a holiday trivia challenge. Create a series of seasonally related questions that test employees’ knowledge of traditions, history, and pop culture. Host the trivia game during a virtual or in-person gathering to enhance team bonding while embracing the holiday spirit.

4. Ugly sweater contest

Inject humor and creativity into the workplace by hosting an ugly sweater contest. Encourage employees to don their most outrageous and festive sweaters, and then hold a lively competition to determine the ugliest (and most amusing) holiday attire. This lighthearted event promotes team bonding and adds a touch of festive fun to the workplace.

5. Virtual caroling session

Bridge the gap for remote teams with a virtual caroling session. Coordinate a time for employees to join a video call and sing their favorite holiday tunes together. This uplifting activity spreads seasonal joy and fosters a sense of togetherness, even when physically apart. It’s a unique way to celebrate the holidays and strengthen team connections.

6. Gingerbread house-building contest

Foster teamwork and creativity by organizing a gingerbread house-building contest. Provide kits or ingredients for gingerbread construction and encourage teams to collaborate in designing and building the most elaborate and festive gingerbread houses. This hands-on activity promotes problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in a fun and delicious way.

7. Holiday Pictionary tournament

Bring laughter and competition to the festive season with a holiday-themed Pictionary tournament. Create a list of holiday-related words or phrases, and have teams compete in a series of rounds. This lively and entertaining game encourages communication and teamwork and adds a touch of holiday spirit to the workplace.

8. Virtual holiday cookbook

Encourage employees to share their favorite holiday recipes in a virtual cookbook. Collect recipes for festive dishes, treats, and drinks from team members and compile them into a digital cookbook. This collaborative effort celebrates diversity in holiday traditions and creates a lasting keepsake that employees can enjoy and share with their families.

9. Holiday charity drive

Channel the spirit of giving by organizing a holiday charity drive. Collaborate with a local charity or organization and encourage employees to donate items and funds or volunteer their time. This philanthropic activity not only brings the team together for a common cause but also positively impacts the community, spreading the joy of the season beyond the workplace.

10. Festive virtual escape room

Challenge teams to a virtual escape room with a holiday twist. Choose a themed escape room incorporating festive elements and encouraging problem-solving and collaboration. Whether conducted in person or virtually, this engaging activity enhances teamwork skills while providing an entertaining and immersive holiday experience for employees.

11. Holiday movie marathon

Foster a sense of togetherness by organizing a holiday movie marathon. Create a list of festive films and schedule a virtual or in-person screening session. Encourage employees to bring their favorite snacks and share their thoughts on the movies. This laid-back activity allows the team to unwind, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the season through classic holiday films.

12. DIY holiday card station

Set up a DIY holiday card station in the office or virtually, providing materials for employees to create personalized holiday cards. Encourage them to write notes of appreciation or warm wishes for their colleagues. This heartfelt activity sparks creativity and strengthens interpersonal connections, boosting team morale during the holiday season.

13. Holiday ice skating

Ice skating is a great in-person activity for the team in December! Try to find an ice rink that takes reservations for large groups, and book a time for everyone at your company who signed up to skate. Most ice rinks allow you to rent skates at an additional cost but if anyone has any of their own they can bring them as well. 

14. Christmas cookie swap

Organize a Christmas cookie swap where employees bake and exchange their favorite holiday treats. Participants can share recipes, discuss baking techniques, and enjoy a delicious assortment of cookies. This sweet and social activity encourages bonding over shared culinary experiences, making it a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season.

An assortment of iced, decorated holiday cookies

15. New Year’s resolutions reflection

As the year comes to an end, facilitate a reflective session where employees share their accomplishments and set goals for the upcoming year. This activity encourages self-awareness, team support, and a positive outlook for the future, fostering a sense of personal and collective growth within the team.

16. Holiday desk-decorating contest

Spur creativity by hosting a holiday desk-decorating contest. Encourage employees to transform their workspaces into winter wonderlands using decorations, lights, and seasonal items. This friendly competition adds a touch of holiday spirit to the office environment, promotes individual expression, and creates a visually festive atmosphere.

17. Virtual gift-wrapping workshop

Bring teams together for a virtual gift-wrapping workshop. Hire a professional gift-wrapping expert or have team members with strong wrapping skills share their tips and tricks. This collaborative and educational activity enhances the team’s gift-wrapping prowess and provides an opportunity for casual conversation and connection.

18. Holiday scavenger hunt

Organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in the office or virtually. Create a list of festive items or clues related to the season, and have teams compete to find or solve them. This interactive and lively activity promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and a sense of adventure, making it an engaging way to celebrate the holidays.

19. Virtual potluck party

Host a virtual potluck party where employees share their favorite holiday recipes and dishes. Participants can showcase their culinary skills by preparing and presenting their recipes during the virtual gathering. This delicious and communal activity celebrates diverse holiday traditions and provides a shared culinary experience that brings the team together.

20. Team-building board games party

Arrange a board games party with holiday-themed games or classics. Whether in-person or virtual, this relaxed and enjoyable activity allows team members to unwind, engage in friendly competition, and strengthen their bonds. Including games that require teamwork and strategy enhances collaboration while creating a festive and entertaining atmosphere.

21. Holiday-themed “Minute to Win It” challenges

Inspired by the popular game show, you can create a series of fun, quick holiday-themed challenges that teams must complete in under a minute. For example, challenges could include stacking cups to build a snowman, tossing “snowballs” (using cotton balls) into a basket, or balancing holiday ornaments on a spoon. 

You can organize several timed rounds, with teams earning points based on their performance. This is a fun and energetic way to get everyone moving and laughing, whether you are doing it in person or virtually. For virtual challenges, teams can perform tasks in their own spaces and share their results via video.

22. Holiday talent show

Encourage employees to showcase their hidden talents in a holiday-themed talent show! Whether it’s singing a holiday song, performing a comedy skit, dancing, or displaying any other unique skill, this activity is a fun way to build team spirit and celebrate diverse talents. Employees can participate either virtually or in person. The event can culminate in a friendly competition, with small prizes awarded for the most creative, entertaining, or festive acts.

23. Virtual holiday happy hour

A virtual holiday happy hour is an excellent team-building activity that promotes connection and camaraderie in a relaxed, social atmosphere. This event allows employees to step away from their usual work routines and engage with colleagues in a more informal and personal setting.

A virtual holiday happy hour enables team members who do not work in the same location to participate in the festive spirit, share a toast, and celebrate the season together. The casual nature of the event fosters meaningful conversations and helps break down traditional work silos, allowing colleagues to connect on a personal level.

Additionally, this gathering provides employees with the opportunity to reflect on the past year, express appreciation for each other’s contributions, and build stronger, more collaborative relationships. By creating a space for individuals to unwind and enjoy each other’s company outside of the regular professional context, a virtual holiday happy hour can significantly enhance team morale, boost employee engagement, and contribute to a more positive and cohesive team dynamic.

24. Holiday murder mystery game

Host a holiday murder mystery game where employees collaborate to solve a festive, fictional crime. Set during a holiday party, the team will need to figure out “whodunnit” by gathering clues, solving riddles, and interrogating suspects (played by other colleagues). This activity promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving—all while enjoying a holiday twist.

25. Holiday playlist collaboration

Organize a holiday playlist collaboration activity where employees can contribute their favorite holiday songs to a team playlist. Create a collaborative Spotify playlist or use another shared music platform, allowing everyone to add songs ranging from traditional carols to festive pop music and even non-traditional holiday tunes. Once the playlist is complete, play it during virtual meetings or at holiday events to create a festive atmosphere. This activity is a fun way to learn about your colleagues’ musical tastes while fostering a sense of togetherness through music.

Conclusion

Incorporating Christmas team-building activities into your workplace enhances teamwork and collaboration and creates lasting memories and a positive company culture. Whether virtual or in-person, these activities add a festive spirit, making the holiday season a time for celebration and team bonding.

Looking for more ways to create a positive company culture? INTOO offers a range of career development programming to help your employees increase their skills, achieve their professional goals, and grow with your organization. Contact us today to learn how our employee career coaching, training, and workshops can help your organization.

INTOO Staff Writer

INTOO staff writers come from diverse backgrounds and have extensive experience writing about topics that matter to the HR and business communities, including outplacement, layoffs, career development, internal mobility, candidate experience, succession planning, talent acquisition, and more.

Learn how to effectively build and transition your workforce.

Latest Posts

What Is a Crisis Management Plan (CMP) and Why Is It Important? 
What Is a Crisis Management Plan (CMP) and Why Is It Important? 

A variety of unexpected crises can strike a business without warning.  The company website crashes during a major product launch. A storm floods the office, leaving the team without a workspace. A leader must take an extended period away from work or leave altogether....

What Is Coffee Badging? 
What Is Coffee Badging? 

Coffee badging is a workplace trend in which employees briefly appear at the office, often just long enough to grab a coffee and interact with colleagues before leaving the premises to tackle things remotely. The term "coffee badging" refers to the act of employees...

Employee Strengths and How to Identify Them
Employee Strengths and How to Identify Them

A business is only as strong as its people. Employee’s talents, skills, and unique capabilities form the foundation of a company’s success. But identifying and leveraging employee strengths doesn’t only enhance workplace performance. It also boosts morale, engagement,...

What Are Feedback Models and When Should They Be Used?
What Are Feedback Models and When Should They Be Used?

Feedback is an essential tool for growth and success in the workplace. Whether addressing areas for improvement, celebrating achievements, or fostering collaboration, effective feedback helps individuals and teams thrive. How feedback is delivered is just as important...

How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work
How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work

Inevitably, difficult conversations will arise in any workplace. As a manager or leader, you likely bear the responsibility of navigating these challenging interactions. Whether you're addressing performance issues, providing critical feedback to employees, mediating...

What Is Employee Separation?
What Is Employee Separation?

Employee separation refers to the termination of an employment relationship between an employer and an employee. This can occur for one of several reasons, including voluntary resignation, involuntary termination (layoffs, firings), retirement, or death. For instance,...

Motivating Employees in the Workplace 
Motivating Employees in the Workplace 

Motivated employees propel every successful organization. They thrive when their efforts are recognized and their workplace supports a healthy work-life balance. Research from McKinsey shows that employees with a positive experience are 16 times more engaged and eight...

What Is Innovative Leadership? 
What Is Innovative Leadership? 

Innovative leadership is a management style that combines creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking to drive organizational growth and success. The practice involves applying novel approaches to managing people and projects, often challenging traditional...

Why Businesses Should Invest in Their Employees
Why Businesses Should Invest in Their Employees

Every successful business knows its greatest asset isn’t the products it sells or the services it provides—it’s the people who make it all happen.  Employees are essential to the performance of any organization, driving innovation, maintaining quality, and delivering...

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Learn about career solutions and trends that matter to the HR community.