10 Fun Christmas Office Event Ideas: Personal Tips to Make Your Office Holiday Season UnforgettableLena MercerJan 20, 2026Table of Contents1. Desk Decorating Contest2. Secret Santa with a Twist3. Potluck Feast4. Ugly Sweater Day5. Holiday Karaoke Hour6. Office Winter Olympics7. Christmas Charity Drive8. Cookie Decorating Station9. Festive Photo Booth10. Year-in-Review AwardsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne winter, I designed a Christmas corner for a client’s tiny office. We thought we’d just put up a small tree… until someone brought a life-sized inflatable reindeer. Suddenly, the whole mood changed — the office was buzzing, and work didn’t feel like work. That’s when I realized: small spaces (and small budgets) can host big holiday magic. In this post, I’ll share 10 Christmas office event ideas I’ve seen work wonders, even in the most cramped workplaces.1. Desk Decorating ContestEncourage each team or individual to transform their desk into a festive masterpiece. It works wonders for morale and sparks creativity. Just make sure you set a budget limit so decorations don’t get out of hand — trust me, I’ve seen glitter chaos in meeting rooms.save pin2. Secret Santa with a TwistInstead of random gifts, have a theme, like “DIY only” or “something that smells like Christmas.” It’s more personal and gets people talking about their creative process. If you’re planning the layout for the reveal, consider using a room planner to maximize mingling space.save pin3. Potluck FeastHave everyone bring a dish that represents their holiday heritage. I’ve tasted the best homemade gingersnaps thanks to this idea, and it makes people feel at home even at work. Keep in mind any allergies or dietary restrictions.save pin4. Ugly Sweater DayClassic, but it never fails. Offer a prize for the gaudiest, most over-the-top sweater. Bonus points if it lights up or makes jingle bell sounds during a meeting.save pin5. Holiday Karaoke HourRent a karaoke machine or set up a music corner where people can belt out Mariah Carey classics. It’s hilarious and a great way to break the ice between departments.save pin6. Office Winter OlympicsOrganize silly indoor games — paper snowball fights, chair races, or speed-gift-wrapping contests. Map the event stations using a free floor plan creator so you don’t block emergency exits.save pin7. Christmas Charity DrivePick a cause everyone can support, like donating coats or toys. In one office, we set a goal of stacking donations taller than the Christmas tree, and everyone got involved.save pin8. Cookie Decorating StationSet up a table with plain cookies, icing, and sprinkles. It’s fun, interactive, and your office will smell amazing. Just be prepared for a few failed snowman designs — that’s part of the charm.save pin9. Festive Photo BoothCreate a backdrop with tinsel, props, and lights. People love taking goofy team photos, and you can use them in your company newsletter. If space is tight, plan the setup in advance with a office layout planner.save pin10. Year-in-Review AwardsHost a lighthearted awards ceremony — “Email Ninja,” “Best Zoom Background,” or “Fastest Coffee Drinker.” It’s a great way to end the year on a fun note while recognizing everyone’s quirks.save pinFAQ1. How do I plan a Christmas office event on a small budget?Focus on activities that require creativity over expense, like DIY decor contests and potlucks. Reuse decorations from previous years when possible.2. What’s a good way to include remote employees?Stream games and activities via video calls, or host a virtual version like online Secret Santa gift exchanges.3. How far in advance should we start planning?For medium-sized offices, at least 4–6 weeks ahead is ideal to secure venues, confirm participation, and manage catering.4. How can I make the event inclusive?Offer non-alcoholic drinks, inclusive food options, and activities that don’t require physical ability, ensuring everyone feels welcome.5. Should we hold events during work hours or after?During work hours often leads to higher participation, as employees may prefer not to sacrifice personal time.6. Can we mix a charity drive with the party?Yes, it creates a meaningful impact. For example, host games where entry “fee” is a donation item.7. What’s the best layout for a small office party?Plan stations along walls to keep the center open for movement. A tool like Coohom’s room planner can help design efficiently.8. Where can I find more office design inspiration?Check specialized resources like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or design case studies for practical ideas.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE