10 Fun Office Christmas Party Game Ideas: Spice up Your Office Christmas Party with These 10 Game Ideas

One year, I made the rookie mistake of planning our office Christmas party without any games. Big mistake — we ended up with awkward small talk and people sneaking out early. Since then, I've learned that small spaces and a good game plan can transform even the most low-key gathering into a night people still talk about. That’s why I’m sharing my go-to list of office Christmas party games that are fun, easy to set up, and work for any size team.

1. Christmas Trivia Showdown

Break your colleagues into teams and test their knowledge on holiday movies, songs, and traditions. It’s a quick way to spark laughter and friendly competition. You can even design the trivia space using an office room planner tool to ensure seating works well for team play.

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2. Secret Santa Gift Swap

Classic but always exciting — Secret Santa gets a refreshing twist when you set a quirky theme like “as seen on TV” or “$5 and under.” It keeps surprises light-hearted and budget-friendly.

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3. Desk Decorating Contest

Encourage everyone to decorate their work area with Christmas cheer. From tinsel to mini trees, you’ll be amazed how creative people get. Award prizes for funniest, most festive, and most original desk.

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4. Holiday Charades

No props necessary — just holiday-themed prompts and a willingness to laugh at yourself. Team up and act out Christmas carols, winter activities, or festive films.

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5. Guess the Ornament

Fill a jar with mini ornaments, candy canes, or jingle bells. Have everyone guess the count — closest guess wins. It’s simple, visual, and doubles as festive decor.

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6. Christmas Pictionary

Swap the whiteboard for a big paper roll and split into teams. Drawing Rudolph is harder than it sounds under the pressure of a one-minute timer! You can even pre-plan your layout using a simple floor plan setup so everyone can see the drawings.

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7. Ugly Sweater Runway

Think fashion show meets comedy hour. Have contestants walk the “runway” showing off their most ridiculous sweaters and add fun commentary as they go.

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8. Christmas Karaoke

A karaoke machine or just a YouTube playlist will do. There’s always someone who turns “All I Want for Christmas Is You” into a full-blown performance.

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9. Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Create clues hidden around the office or even virtually. Themes can be anything from “find the snowflake” to answering riddles about co-workers.

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10. Wrapping Paper Relay

Teams race to wrap oddly shaped items using a single hand or while blindfolded. Guaranteed chaos and team bonding in equal measure. If you’re short on prep space, consider a workspace layout plan so participants have room to move.

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FAQ

1. What are some budget-friendly office Christmas party games?

Trivia, charades, and scavenger hunts are inexpensive, needing only paper, printed prompts, or basic decorations.

2. How do I make sure games work for remote or hybrid teams?

Pick games like virtual trivia, photo contests, or online Pictionary platforms so everyone can join via video.

3. How long should an office Christmas party game last?

15–30 minutes per game keeps the energy upbeat without losing momentum or participation.

4. Can we run multiple games in one event?

Yes — plan shorter games with breaks in between for snacks and mingling to avoid burnout.

5. What’s a good icebreaker for a holiday party?

Start with a quick “two truths and a lie” with a holiday theme. It’s low-pressure and gets conversations going.

6. How do you keep competitive games friendly?

Emphasize fun over winning and offer light prizes like candy or certificates.

7. How to decorate the space for party games?

Use light, movable decor so furniture can be shifted easily — see OSHA workspace event safety guidelines for smart setup.

8. Are these games suitable for all company sizes?

Yes — just scale team sizes and adjust rules slightly. Smaller groups can play as individuals, larger ones in multiple teams.