Top Office Christmas Party Games for Small Groups: 1 Minute to Unforgettable Fun at Your Holiday Gathering

The holiday season is a fantastic time to bring your colleagues together with some fun and festive activities. For small teams, choosing the right office Christmas party games ensures everyone is involved, laughter flows, and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and creative. While large-scale parties might focus on big competitions, smaller groups benefit from interactive, thoughtful games where each person can truly participate. Below, I’ll share some of the best Christmas party games for small office groups, along with tips on how to weave these games seamlessly into your celebration space—and as always, I’ll offer a designer’s perspective for a memorable party environment.

1. Christmas Charades

A classic game that never fails, Christmas charades encourages people to get a little silly while acting out festive movies, songs, or traditions. For a designer touch, use themed props and create a stage area using clever office zoning—maybe repurpose a break area with string lights and festive decor to define the play space without major disruptions to your overall layout.

2. Ornament Guessing Game

Fill a clear vase or jar with mini ornaments and have everyone write down their guess as to how many are inside. Simple yet engaging, this game doubles as a seasonal decoration that can be integrated into your office's visual flow. Strategically place the guessing station near your office entrance or common area to welcome guests and invite participation right away.

3. Christmas Movie Emoji Quiz

Prepare a series of holiday movies represented only with emojis and have teams compete to decode the titles. It’s an easy game that encourages communication. Designers can make the presentation extra engaging by projecting the emojis onto a wall or pairing the activity with a cozy, winter-themed seating area.

4. Desk Decorating Contest

This allows creativity and a little healthy competition. Set a time limit and provide some supplies, then let teammates go wild decorating their workspaces. Not only does it spread holiday cheer, but it also enhances the spatial experience of your office. As a designer, I always appreciate how thoughtful, playful desk decor can liven up even the most functional environment.

5. ‘Who Am I?’ Holiday Edition

Stick the name of a holiday character on each person’s back (think: Santa Claus, Rudolph, The Grinch) and have them ask yes/no questions to figure out who they are. It’s a perfect ice-breaker that also encourages movement and mingling, ideal for smaller groups and flexible open-plan offices. If you’re planning your office layout, consider creating a casual lounge or breakout zone to support activities like this.

As a designer, creating a festive, functional party space is about more than just games—it’s about setting a mood that enhances your team’s connection and creativity. If you’re rethinking your workspace or hoping to optimize it for both productivity and play, using an office layout planner can help you visualize communal activity areas for occasions like this, all while keeping your brand and daily workflow needs in balance.

Tips 1:

Encourage participation by involving everyone in planning one game, or rotating who acts as the game master. To further support a festive atmosphere, layer in cozy décor like throws, LED candles, and some greenery. For small teams, it’s often the warm, intentional details that make the biggest impact, both visually and experientially.

FAQ

Q: What are the best low-prep office Christmas party games for small groups?

A: Games like Christmas charades, ornament guessing, and holiday trivia require very little preparation and work well for intimate teams.

Q: How can I decorate the office for small group Christmas games?

A: Use focused, festive touches like garlands, string lights, and small centerpieces at game stations to complement your existing office design without overwhelming the space.

Q: How do I ensure everyone is included in games for small workplaces?

A: Choose collaborative games or set up activities that allow every attendee to participate, and plan the party area to make everyone feel comfortable.

Q: What’s a good prize for Christmas office games?

A: Consider universal, cheerful prizes like holiday mugs, gourmet treats, or an extra-long lunch break. Prizes don’t have to be big—thoughtfulness counts most!

Q: Can I use design software to plan my workspace for activities?

A: Yes! Tools like an office layout planner help visualize and optimize your space for both productivity and special occasions like holiday parties.