Office Christmas Decorating Contest Ideas That Spark Joy: 1 Minute to Transform Your Workspace Christmas Contest with Creative, Real-Life Ideas

Office Christmas decorating contest ideas can feel overwhelming—especially when your workspace is no bigger than a cubicle, and you want to impress without being ‘that person’ with tinsel everywhere. I’ve spent many Decembers brainstorming ways to bring holiday cheer to tiny office corners, open-plan desks, and even remote Zoom backdrops. Whether you’re part of a creative team or a finance department that swears by minimalist décor, I’ll walk you through contest ideas I’ve actually pulled off—or witnessed—each one balancing fun, teamwork, and (yes) healthy competition. Ready to reimagine your office holiday spirit?

sourcing templates for your seasonal desk display

Classic-Themed Desk Wars: A Twist on Tradition

Every year, our company kicked off with a classic desk decorating contest—but I quickly realized that creativity wins over sheer volume of garland. Set your theme, like “Winter Wonderland” or “Santa’s Workshop,” and encourage employees to use recycled items. Last year, my desk transformed into a gingerbread house thanks to cardboard boxes and old wrapping paper. Want to up the ante? Add a sustainability category and award points for eco-minded materials.

I encourage teams to submit a quick backstory alongside their display: why that theme, why those materials? Adding storytelling brings out everyone’s personality and gets even shy colleagues out of their shells. Have you ever tried building a snowman from nothing but printer paper scraps?

Team Collab Corners: Bringing Departments Together

Sometimes, decorating contests in the office can pigeonhole us into siloed competition. One year, I suggested group corners—where a whole department or cross-team group decorated a shared nook (think the coffee station, a meeting pod, or even the printer area). The result? The break room became a full-blown North Pole snack bar, courtesy of the sales team. The key is to give each area a funky name and a narrative for judges to consider.

We also let teams draw for décor themes from a hat, so finance got “Retro Christmas” while marketing was stuck with “Spooky Holidays.” Chaos, laughter, and superb creativity ensued. How would you handle a ‘frozen tundra’ theme in July?

Remote & Hybrid Fun: Virtual Backdrops and Shared Spaces

Last year, I worked with a team scattered across three states. Our solution: a digital decorating contest, where everyone jazzed up their home workspace for a video call. We set a day, took screenshots, and let teammates vote for the most inventive (and hilarious) scenes. I once wore a tree skirt as a cape—don’t ask, but do try it. If you’re hybrid, create ‘pass-the-mug’ décor relay: one person decorates, snaps a pic, and passes a quirky item to the next.

Being apart doesn’t have to dampen office spirit. If you’ve ever hosted a Zoom costume contest, level it up by crafting a background with DIY crafts or digital snow animations. What’s the most unexpected prop you’ve used in a virtual contest?

Judging: Unique Categories, Unforgettable Prizes

When it comes to contest judging, the usual “most festive” isn’t enough. We’ve handed out awards for “Best Holiday Pun,” “Most Unexpected Use of Office Supplies,” and even “Best Sweet Treat Display” (bonus if it’s edible!). My favorite ever: “Holiday Spirit MVP”—for the person who motivates everyone else. It’s amazing how a little chocolate plaque (and bragging rights) makes even the busiest coworker join in.

Give judges a rubric that rewards originality, sustainability, and teamwork—not just how expensive the decorations look. Ever thought of a prize like ‘better office coffee for a week,’ or ‘extra time-off coupons’? Get creative—it works!

experimenting with desk arrangements for your themed contest

Making It Last: From Contest to Ongoing Cheer

Contests don’t have to end after prizes are handed out. One memorable year, our winning design stayed up for a month, with everyone adding little notes or daily ornaments. The shared laughter and photo ops fueled team spirit long after the holiday playlist ended. Want to keep the vibe going? Start a “pass-the-decoration” tradition, where each department adds their twist weekly.

It makes me wonder: How can you turn one week of decoration fun into an ongoing culture of creativity and collaboration? The small space I had taught me that workplace joy comes from shared, evolving traditions—not just tinsel and lights.

inspiration for easy sustainable Christmas DIYs at your desk

FAQ

What are budget-friendly office Christmas decorating contest ideas?

Repurpose office supplies, use recycled materials, and set a “no-purchase” rule. Encourage creative storytelling and DIY ornaments to keep costs low.

How do you include remote employees in office decorating contests?

Organize virtual desk decorating challenges or themed Zoom backgrounds. Use screenshots and online voting to boost engagement for remote teams.

What are unique judging categories for office decorating contests?

Consider awards like “Most Creative Use of Supplies,” “Best Team Effort,” and “Funniest Theme.” Tailor categories to encourage participation and showcase personality.

How do you keep the contest fresh each year?

Rotate themes, mix up prize types, and test new rules (like ‘eco-friendly only’). Invite feedback and let employees vote on next year’s contest format for ownership.

Are there simple ways to boost participation in holiday contests?

Offer group entries, highlight individual creativity, and reward participation with small incentives like snacks or time-off tokens. Involve everyone from setup to judging.