10 Virtual Halloween Events and Ideas for Work

Holidays and events like Halloween play a crucial role in our lives, offering fun, relaxation, and, most importantly, team bonding. They provide a much-needed break from the routine, fostering a sense of belonging and collective joy.

As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the air becomes filled with the crisp scent of pumpkin spice, we can feel Halloween is just around the corner. However, unique challenges arise for online teams looking to celebrate the spooky season.

Due to changes in the work environment, many office teams have retained their remote settings, making it crucial to think of new ways to celebrate Halloween virtually. 

Despite the constraints of a remote setting, teams can still come together to celebrate Halloween. With creativity and technology, the spirit of this eerie holiday can be kept alive through a virtual gathering so that distance does not dampen the festivities.

This leads people to ask, “What are the virtual team-building activities we can do for Halloween?” especially given the limitations imposed by the digital setup. 

We will explore the virtual Halloween games your team can play and how they can boost team spirit, even when team members are miles apart.

Book a demo with us to discover how your team can explore these fun games from the comfort of your home. 

1. Virtual Escape Room

Celebrate Halloween with your remote team by diving into mystery and horror through virtual escape rooms.

Escape rooms have always been thrilling activities perfectly designed for Halloween. They blend elements of horror, mystery, and teamwork into one immersive experience.

The different types of escape rooms, from haunted houses to murder mysteries, make them a perfect fit for Halloween festivities.

This excitement is not limited to physical escape room locations. Virtual escape rooms offer a unique way to celebrate, allowing teams to have a virtual Halloween party.

They are fantastic for team-building and add fun to your remote team’s Halloween celebrations.

You can maximize virtual escape rooms by considering these tips during virtual games.

• Choose a virtual escape room provider with Halloween-themed options to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Depending on your team’s preference, you can choose from a classic horror story to a murder mystery game.
• To ensure maximum participation from remote employees, schedule a time and date that works for all party guests, including team members in other time zones.
• Send out invitations early with a link to the virtual event platform and any necessary instructions to prepare your guests for the team-building activity ahead of time.
• Encourage team members to dress up in costumes and decorate their space according to the escape room theme to add to the festive spirit and immerse themselves in the Halloween theme.
• Before starting, make sure everyone is familiar with how to navigate the virtual event platform to ensure a smooth experience.

Many providers offer immersive virtual escape room experiences for online use. Escapely offers several virtual escape room packages that cater to virtual Halloween party ideas, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for all participants.

These virtual experiences can accommodate groups of various sizes, with individual breakout rooms that allow smaller teams to solve puzzles. This feature ensures that everyone can actively participate and contribute to solving the mystery.

These online Halloween games are not just party ideas for work. They are an excellent opportunity to build team spirit, solve puzzles collaboratively, and host a virtual Halloween that everyone will remember.

2. Horror Movie Trivia Game

Exchanging trivia is a fun way to share knowledge and spark healthy competition in the office. It turns a virtual event into a lively and engaging one where participants can challenge each other and learn new facts at the same time.

For Halloween, this idea can be tailored to focus on scary movies and anything related to them. This specificity helps create an atmosphere that is both fun and fitting for a virtual Halloween party, making it ideal for a night of Halloween fun.

Teams can be divided into breakout rooms for collaborative trivia sessions, allowing for a more intimate and team-oriented experience. This setup encourages teamwork and strategy, making the virtual trivia game more dynamic and interactive.

To make the game exciting, consider different categories and topics. You can even branch out from movies and consider how horror may have bled into real life.

Here are some of the categories and topics you can consider including.

• Classic Horror: Ask questions about iconic horror films from the past that are usually known by the general public. Examples include “Psycho” and “The Exorcist.”
• Modern Scares: Ask questions about recent horror and thriller movies, such as “Get Out” and “Hereditary.”
• Horror Directors: Quiz everyone on trivia about famous directors known for their contributions to the horror genre, like Alfred Hitchcock and Jordan Peele. This can be quite niche but enjoyable for intense movie buffs who like to look behind the scenes in their horror movies.
• Monster Lore: Ask questions about the origins and stories of classic horror monsters, such as vampires, werewolves, and zombies. You can even touch on origin stories that can help the team learn more about different cultures and traditions.
• Haunted Locations: Inquire about real and fictional haunted houses, asylums, and other spooky places. For example, you can ask trivia questions about the lore behind the Amityville house or the setting of “The Haunting of Hill House.” Since some fictional locations are inspired by real-life stories, this can add spook to your trivia, given how tangible these experiences are.
• Halloween Traditions: Question on trivia that explores Halloween customs, origins, and how different cultures celebrate Halloween. This could include questions about the history of jack-o’-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and Halloween superstitions.
• Horror Literature: Focus on famous horror novels and short stories, including authors like Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Mary Shelley. Questions could cover plots, characters, and iconic scenes from literature that have chilled readers for decades. Much literature has also been adapted to movies, making information about them accessible to anyone who enjoys watching horror movies.
• Supernatural and Paranormal: Ask trivia about ghosts, poltergeists, and other supernatural entities as they appear in movies and folklore. This category can test knowledge of different cultural beliefs regarding the paranormal and famous ghost stories.
• Horror Movie Soundtracks: Inquire about iconic music and sound effects from horror movies, including composers like John Carpenter, and movies known for their chilling scores, such as “Jaws” and “Psycho.”

Utilizing tools for real-time collaboration and scoring can further enhance the experience. Teams can see updates and scores instantly, keeping the momentum going and keeping everyone engaged throughout the virtual Halloween office party.

Offering winners a small prize, like Halloween candy or themed goodies, can motivate everyone to compete. This adds extra excitement to the event, encouraging participation and making the virtual party memorable for all remote employees.

3. Virtual Magic Show

Magic, mystery, and the unknown captivate our imaginations, especially during Halloween. They add an element of surprise, wonder, and suspense that perfectly complements the spooky atmosphere.

Hosting an interactive virtual magic show can serve as a fantastic centerpiece for team entertainment during a virtual Halloween party. It is a unique way to bring everyone together for an unforgettable experience.

This event could also be an opportunity for a team member who practices magic as a hobby to showcase their skills. Encouraging talent within your team can make the event even more personal and engaging.

Alternatively, hiring a professional magician to perform over a video call can elevate the event. Professional magicians specializing in virtual shows know how to engage and amaze audiences, even through a screen.

Engage team members in decision-making about the show’s outcomes. Interactive elements such as the audience choosing a card or deciding the magician’s next steps can make the virtual experience feel more alive and connected.

Beyond a magic show, you can consider these magic-related activities to enrich your online Halloween party.

Tarot Reading

Interested in having your future told?

Invite a tarot reader to provide live readings for team members. Each member can have a reading done in front of the rest of the team for a chance to experience suspense and laughter with their co-workers.

This can offer intriguing insights and spark conversations about symbolism and future prospects.

Note that some tarot reading sessions may require information from the audience, such as their birth charts. Have your team prepare this beforehand to ensure that your readings go smoothly.

Mentalism and Mind Reading

Mentalism is like performing magic on the mind. It uses human psychology and body language to help someone understand unexplainable psychological phenomena or influence others.

This little trick can also be done during virtual Halloween parties, despite the limitations of conducting them through a virtual meeting.

Hiring a performer who specializes in mentalism can provide a thrilling experience. The performer can seemingly read participants’ thoughts or predict their actions, adding an air of mystery and engagement to any Halloween affair.

Magician Q&A Session

You can have a Q&A session with the magician you have hired after their magic show.

They can share insights into the world of magic, discuss the history of their craft, or even teach a simple magic trick that everyone can try.

If your magic show was done by a hobbyist within your team, this might be the perfect opportunity to give them the spotlight and have them talk about their journey with magic.

This session provides the team with a new way of seeing the world, especially given the extent of the craft.

Magic Workshop

Host a short workshop where the magician teaches everyone a simple trick or two. While it is easy to find magic tutorials on YouTube, your team’s experience may be different if they have a guided class for it.

This hands-on activity not only entertains but also gives team members a new skill to share with others.

Escape Room Challenges with a Magical Twist

Incorporate puzzles and challenges that require ‘magical solutions,’ such as deciphering ancient spells or using ‘magic’ to unlock clues.

This can be done through a virtual platform that supports interactive games.

4. Virtual Costume Contest

Halloween is a time to dress up, regardless of age. It is an opportunity for everyone to step into the shoes of someone or something entirely different, embracing the fun and creativity that the season inspires.

Encourage team members to showcase their costumes through Zoom. This virtual platform becomes a stage where creativity, humor, and innovation can shine, providing a delightful break from the usual work routine.

Schedule a video meeting for costume presentations and voting. This planned event gives everyone something exciting to look forward to and ensures that all participants have the chance to express their creativity and explain the ideas behind them.

Consider the following list of possible titles for the costume contest and descriptions you can use when announcing your winners.

• Most Creative Costume: For the costume that showcases the most originality and creativity.
• Scariest Costume: For the one that makes you want to sleep with the lights on.
• Funniest Costume: For the costume that gets the most laughs.
• Best Group Costume: For teams coordinating their costumes around a common theme.
• Best DIY Costume: For the best do-it-yourself costume demonstrating exceptional crafting skills.

Offer incentives like prizes or meal vouchers for winners. These rewards add an element of competition and motivation, making the contest more engaging and enjoyable for participants.

Hosting a virtual Halloween costume contest is a great way to celebrate the holiday despite the distance.

It serves as an excellent excuse to dress up while working from home, fostering a sense of community among remote employees and adding a festive flair to the next virtual Halloween party.

5. Halloween-Themed Cocktail Class

Halloween is considered a time for potions and magic, and what better way to enjoy this than with cocktails? This element adds mystery and creativity that blends perfectly with the spirit of Halloween.

Arrange virtual cocktail classes for Halloween celebrations, inviting team members to learn how to mix their spooky concoctions. It is a unique and engaging way to bring everyone together for some Halloween fun.

Explore live classes on platforms like Escapely, which can host these interactive sessions. This adds an educational yet entertaining twist to your Halloween-themed virtual party.

Encourage participation in making and enjoying Halloween cocktails, making it an interactive session where everyone can show off their mixology skills or simply enjoy the show.

NOTE: Consider alternatives for people who do not drink alcohol, offering mocktail versions of the cocktails to ensure everyone can partake in the fun. This inclusivity ensures that the event caters to all team members.

Consider the following activities while arranging your Zoom Halloween party and cocktail class.

Halloween Happy Hour

Continue the party after your class with a virtual happy hour.

This encourages the team to enjoy the drinks together and bask in the Halloween spirit through a night of drinks, much like any adult celebrating Halloween.

You can add other activities during happy hour to enjoy it, like other virtual parties, whether through sweet treats or a murder mystery game and a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt.

Dance Party

Host a virtual dance party with Halloween-themed music, allowing everyone to show off their moves.

It would be like going to a club on a Halloween night from the safety of your own home.

Costume Showcase

Encourage participants to wear Halloween costumes during the cocktail class and give a mini-tour or explanation of their outfits.

You can also add your cocktail sessions to the Halloween costume contest to spice up your Halloween night.

Just be careful not to spill your drinks onto your fabulous costumes!

Virtual Trick or Treat

Incorporate a virtual trick-or-treat where participants can show off their favorite Halloween candies.

Some of your Halloween candy can be creatively used in cocktails or as garnishes, adding a sweet twist to the mixology experience.

Recipe Exchange

Encourage team members to share their own Halloween-themed food and drink recipes, fostering a sense of community and sharing creative ideas.

It also adds to the learning experience of your virtual Halloween party.

6. Halloween Watch Party

Movies are a great way to spook each other out during virtual Halloween parties. The shared experience of watching something chilling or thrilling adds an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.

Host a virtual watch party for Halloween movies or shows. This is a perfect activity to bring everyone together and enjoy some classic or contemporary horror together.

Utilize streaming services with watch party features or extensions to synchronize the viewing experience. This technology ensures that all team members can react and discuss in real time, creating a more connected viewing experience.

You can consider the following types of Halloween movies and shows for your watch party.

• Classic Horror Films: Watch the classics many would be familiar with, such as “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” and other timeless frights. While not everyone may have watched these movies, they are bound to be familiar with these characters as they play a massive part in the horror genre and pop culture.
• Contemporary Horror Movies: For something more familiar to the general public, you can watch recent hits like “A Quiet Place” or “The Conjuring” series. It is likely that many of your team members have already watched these movies, but a re-watch can be an excellent way for many of them to relive that scare they initially felt while watching them.
• Halloween-Themed Family Movies: For a lighter mood, opt for films like “Hocus Pocus” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” These movies are great for lighter virtual Halloween parties, especially if you have people reluctant to watch horror movies and intense scares.
• Horror Comedies: Try mixing laughs with scares by watching movies such as “Shaun of the Dead” or “Zombieland.” This is another light-hearted genre that offers a good amount of scares without having you constantly screaming throughout the movie.
• True Crime: Embrace the chilling reality that nothing is scarier than something that could happen. True crime documentaries and series have surged, offering a gripping look at real-life mysteries, unsolved cases, dangerous cults, and infamous criminals. Watching these can be a captivating and haunting experience, as they remind us of the complexities and dangers of the real world.
• Slasher or Gore Movies: For those with a strong stomach and a taste for the macabre, delve into the world of slasher and gore movies. Films like “Saw” and “Hostel” push the boundaries of horror with their intense and graphic depictions. They are perfect for a team that appreciates the artistry and impact of special effects in creating truly spine-chilling scenes.
• Cult Classics: One of the most popular cult classics is “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” where people traditionally dress up and participate interactively as they watch this movie in the cinemas. Take this experience to your virtual gatherings for a more fun Halloween virtual party.

Like with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” you can wear costumes for a festive atmosphere. This adds a layer of participation and fun, allowing team members to get into the spooky spirit of the movie and the Halloween theme.

Hosting a Halloween watch party is a great bonding experience for a remote team. It allows team members to share the joy of the holiday, discuss their favorite moments, and build stronger connections despite the distance.

7. Spooky Storytelling

One of the most common ways to spend Halloween night is through the time-honored storytelling tradition. Sharing ghost stories adds a deeply personal and engaging element to the evening’s festivities.

Organize a session for team members to share spooky stories, making it a highlight of your virtual Halloween party. This can be an exciting way to unite everyone and share in the Halloween spirit.

Scheduling the storytelling session and online Halloween party after dark adds an extra layer of ambiance, making the stories feel more eerie and immersive. This simple adjustment in timing can significantly enhance the spooky atmosphere.

Facilitate story voting for interactive participation, allowing team members to vote on their favorite stories. This element of competition adds a fun twist to the event and encourages everyone to bring their best tales.

Stories can be personal, or for those who prefer, you can go onto forums and select scary stories to read aloud. This allows everyone to participate, whether through personal experiences or bringing to life online tales that have spooked others.

This activity is a great way to get everyone talking and engaged during one of these fun virtual Halloween activities.

It allows team members to connect on a different level, sharing laughter, jitters, and maybe even a scream or two as they dive into the world of spooky stories and ghost tales.

8. Virtual Pumpkin Beer Tasting

Pumpkins are synonymous with the fall season, and Halloween is not just celebrated with pumpkin-based decorations and sweets but also beverages. Pumpkin beers are a seasonal favorite, with their unique blend of spices and pumpkin flavors.

Arrange a virtual tasting session for pumpkin beers, inviting your team to explore these seasonal brews’ rich and varied tastes. This can be a novel and festive way to engage everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Schedule a video meeting and assign specific pumpkin beers for tasting or provide a list of suggestions for participants to acquire on their own. This preparation ensures that everyone is ready to share the experience together.

Encourage food pairings that work well with the pumpkin beers and ask participants to explain their choices. This allows for a complete sensory experience. Pairing suggestions can thus enhance the flavors and make the tasting more enjoyable.

You can make your beer-tasting session better by following these tips.

• Prepare The Beer Early: Instead of having everyone go pumpkin beer searching, you can order packages and send them to everyone’s homes beforehand to make things easier. If you provide them with lists to shop for, send them out early so everyone can have time to prepare.
• Prepare a Tasting Guide: Offer a brief background on each beer, including its brewery, flavor profile, and any interesting history.
• Virtual Cheers Moment: Start with virtual cheers to celebrate the occasion and create a moment of unity.
• Share Tasting Notes: Encourage everyone to share their impressions and tasting notes, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
• Play Virtual Halloween Party Games: Gather different virtual Halloween party ideas for games you can play with your peers to make your time drinking together more fun.
• Pumpkin Beer History Trivia: Include a short trivia session about the history of pumpkin beer and its significance in Halloween traditions.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Remember to include non-alcoholic pumpkin brews or flavored drinks for those who do not drink alcohol, ensuring everyone can participate.
• Costume Element: Invite participants to wear Halloween-themed attire or accessories to add to the festive atmosphere.
• Have a Halloween-themed Background: Virtual backgrounds are a great way to keep everyone in the spooky mood during the video call, making it more immersive despite being a virtual Halloween beer-tasting session.

This event is another great virtual Halloween party idea that your co-workers will surely enjoy. It combines the fun of tasting with the spirit of Halloween, making it a memorable experience for remote teams.

9. Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest

Pumpkin carving is a timeless Halloween activity, beloved for its creativity and festive atmosphere. It is a classic tradition that can easily be brought into the virtual realm.

Invite team members to carve pumpkins at home and share their creations virtually. This allows everyone to showcase their artistic skills or simply enjoy the fun of participating in this seasonal craft.

Here is a step-by-step process for carving pumpkins, which you can send out to your co-workers before your team-building activity.

• Select Your Pumpkin: Choose a pumpkin that is large enough for carving and has a stable base.
• Design Your Pumpkin: Plan your design, whether you want to work freehand or using a template.
• Prep and Clean: Cut a lid at the top and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
• Carve Your Design: Carefully carve your design with the appropriate tools. Be careful during this part and take extra safety precautions to avoid cutting yourself.
• Light It Up: Place a tea light or LED candle inside to bring your pumpkin to life.
• Display and Share: Prepare your pumpkin for the virtual showcase or a video call with the rest of the team.

Host an online meeting where participants display their carved pumpkins and vote for their favorites using a poll feature. This interactive element adds a competitive edge and makes the event more engaging.

Offer prizes or recognition for categories such as Most Creative, Spookiest, or Funniest pumpkin carving. These categories encourage design diversity and ensure everyone’s efforts can be celebrated.

Pumpkin carving is a timeless virtual Halloween party activity that can be easily adapted for an online setting. It fosters virtual team building and creativity, making it perfect for bringing remote teams together during the Halloween season.

10. Halloween Bingo

Bingo is a great team-building activity, no matter the occasion. It can also be themed for Halloween, serving as an adult version of trick or treat. This adds a festive and interactive element to your virtual Halloween party and classic bingo game.

You can adapt the activity using pre-made Halloween bingo boards for easy setup. These can range from the classic bingo with numbers to versions incorporating spooky themes or elements related to personal experiences, making the game more entertaining.

To make virtual Halloween bingo even more engaging, consider pairing it with other activities and fun ideas. Here are three activities that can be incorporated with bingo.

• Costume Contest: Participants can earn extra bingo points or cards for wearing Halloween costumes, thus encouraging everyone to dress up.
• Halloween Trivia Breaks: Intersperse rounds of bingo with Halloween trivia questions for extra points or bingo cards.
• Virtual Halloween Scavenger Hunt: Combine bingo with a virtual scavenger hunt by including items that participants need to find in their homes on the bingo board.

Offer rewards like branded swag or gift cards for winners. This not only motivates members to participate but also adds an element of competition and excitement to the virtual event.

Spending your online Halloween party playing Halloween Bingo is a chill but fun way to enjoy the occasion. It brings everyone together for a night of fun, laughter, and team building, making it a memorable experience for all team members.

Key Takeaways on Virtual Halloween Events for Work

These Halloween ideas for virtual teams offer various activities, from escape rooms and movie nights to spooky storytelling and pumpkin carving sessions.

Each idea is designed to make the most of the Halloween season, ensuring that every team member can participate and enjoy the festivities from the comfort of their own home.

These team-building experiences are also invaluable, bringing every team member closer to each other. By engaging in these virtual Halloween activities, teams can strengthen their bonds, improve communication, and foster a sense of unity.

Some virtual Halloween party ideas may even enhance skills that are useful both in and out of work, such as creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication.

Others are focused more on encouraging team building and bonding, relaxation, and fun. Regardless of the activity, the goal is to provide all participants with a memorable and engaging experience.

Wishing the team a safe and happy Halloween is more than a formality. It is a way to foster community and show care for each other’s well-being, even through a Zoom Halloween party.

Celebrating Halloween through a virtual party allows teams to share joy and laughter, creating lasting memories that contribute to a positive and cohesive work environment.