10 Office Christmas Contest Ideas: Fun, Creative & Engaging Christmas Contest Ideas for Your Workplace

Last December, I had a client who insisted on turning their open-plan office into a full “Santa’s workshop” — complete with fake snow machines. It was chaotic, but it made me realize how much holiday contests can transform not just a space, but team spirit. Small settings, like offices, are perfect for sparking creativity, and the right contest can make everyone feel like they’re part of something festive. So, here I am sharing my favorite unique planning ideas for 10 Christmas contests you can run in your workplace.

1. Desk Decoration Showdown

This one’s classic — but always a hit. Everyone decorates their desk space, and you either have the boss judge or get anonymous peer voting. The trick is encouraging creativity over budget; someone once won with paper snowflakes and string lights!

save pin

2. Secret Santa with a Twist

Instead of just exchanging gifts, have each person include a small handmade element. It keeps costs low but adds personal flair and fun competition over “most creative gift.”

save pin

3. Christmas Tree Challenge

Split into teams and give each group a small artificial tree to decorate within 30 minutes. Add a theme — like “movie Christmas” — for extra laughs. If you’ve got limited space, you can even plan your layout with an office space design tool.

save pin

4. Festive Bake-Off

Everyone loves food contests, but keep in mind not everyone bakes. Allow store-bought creations as long as there’s a homemade twist — bonus points for presentation, of course.

save pin

5. Ugly Sweater Runway

You’ve seen it before, but add a catwalk moment and an MC to take it up a notch. I’ve even had clients set up a temporary runway in their breakroom.

save pin

6. Office Carol Karaoke

Perfect for teams that don’t mind a laugh. Let people choose holiday songs or rewrite classics with office-themed lyrics. Our HR manager once turned “Jingle Bells” into a song about annual reports — it won hands down.

save pin

7. Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Hide small Christmas-themed items around the office and give cryptic clues. It’s low-cost but high-energy, especially on a Friday afternoon.

save pin

8. Themed Potluck Contest

Ask everyone to bring a dish connected to a holiday memory and share its story. This one gets surprisingly emotional — in a good way — and sparks great conversations. I’ve seen layouts improved by using a creative kitchen setup for serving.

save pin

9. Holiday Desk Escape Game

Set up mini puzzles or riddles people can solve without leaving their desks. Time it, make it team-based, and offer small prizes for fastest completion.

save pin

10. Gingerbread Architecture Contest

Channel everyone’s inner designer by having them build gingerbread structures — office-themed if you want a laugh. Fair warning: icing is messier than you think!

save pin

FAQ

1. How do I choose a Christmas contest for my office?

Consider your team’s size, interests, and available space. Low-cost, easy-to-join activities usually work best.

2. How can we make contests inclusive?

Offer both creative and skill-based activities so everyone can find something they’re comfortable joining.

3. What is the most popular office Christmas contest?

Ugly sweater competitions remain a favorite because they’re easy and hilarious.

4. How can we run contests in a hybrid office?

Mix virtual-friendly games like trivia or scavenger hunts with in-person activities to keep engagement high.

5. What prize ideas work best?

Gift cards, extra time off, or fun desk gadgets are popular and useful.

6. How much budget is needed?

You can run most contests for under $50; creativity often matters more than spending.

7. Any tips for judging contests fairly?

Peer voting or anonymous rating sheets help keep the process transparent.

8. Where can I find more inspiration?

Websites like this design resource can give creative layout and theme ideas you can adapt for holiday fun.