How to Host a Virtual Holiday Party in 6 Steps

The growing trend of virtual gatherings, especially during the holiday season, reflects the human desire to maintain connections despite physical distance. 

With enough creative planning, these online events can be just as fun and meaningful as in-person celebrations — offering opportunities for games, shared meals, and heartfelt conversations. 

The rise of digital platforms has thus made it easier to bridge the gap, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays remains strong, even when people are apart.

In this article, we will teach you how you can host your own virtual holiday party and everything you need to make it a success. 

1) Plan Your Virtual Holiday Party

Planning a virtual holiday gathering can often be as rewarding as the event itself. Below are some factors to decide on when first conceptualizing your virtual party.

Decide on a Date and Time

Start by discussing potential dates with your guests well in advance. You can use a scheduling tool like Doodle or create a poll in the group chat to find a date and time that works for most people, considering different time zones if applicable.

Aim to finalize the date at least two weeks before the event to give everyone enough time to prepare.

Choose a Platform

Consider the size of your guest list and the desired features you will need(such as breakout rooms or screen sharing), given the events you have planned. 

Popular platform options include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.

Whatever platform you choose, do a trial run before the event to ensure everyone is comfortable using it and troubleshoot any technical issues before they arise.

Design Creative Invitations

Use online tools like Canva or Paperless Post to create festive digital invitations. Incorporate holiday themes and personal touches to set the mood.

Of course, it is important to clearly state the date, time, platform to be used, and any required downloads or links. Encourage guests to RSVP and suggest they dress in festive attire to enhance the holiday spirit.

Plan the Agenda

Plan a mix of structured activities and downtime to give people a chance to socialize. 

Popular options include holiday-themed games, virtual gift exchanges, and a shared meal.

We will discuss what you can put on your agenda and how to set the holiday mood below.

2) Create the Festive Virtual Environment

Making your virtual holiday gathering feel festive is vital to creating a joyful atmosphere. Below are some tips to transform your virtual space into a holiday party for the ages.

• Use Holiday-Themed Virtual Backgrounds: Encourage guests to choose or create holiday-themed virtual backgrounds. Platforms like Zoom offer a range of festive options, or you can find custom backgrounds online. This instantly sets the mood and adds a visual element of cheer to any setting.
• Decorate Your Physical Space: You can also suggest that participants decorate their own physical spaces with holiday decorations. Whether it is a lit-up Christmas tree or a simple string of lights, having these elements in the background can also make the event feel more immersive and festive.
• Send Digital Decorations: Before the event, you can consider sending out digital decorations like themed frames or filters that guests can overlay on their video feeds. These can be customized for different holidays and add a fun, interactive element.
• Wear Festive Attire: Encourage everyone to dress in holiday-themed clothing — such as ugly sweaters, Santa hats, or even themed costumes. This not only adds to the festive spirit but also makes for great photos and screen captures.

Curate a Holiday Playlist

Music is also very important in setting the holiday mood since it creates an atmosphere of warmth and festivity. Below are some tips for curating a playlist that matches the mood.

• • Mix Classics with Contemporary: Blend timeless holiday songs with modern hits to cater to all tastes and ages.
  • Consider the Event Flow: Start with upbeat tunes to energize the party, then transition to softer music during quieter moments.
  • Include Cultural Favorites: Incorporate songs that reflect your guests’ diverse traditions and backgrounds.

• Allow Collaborative Playlists: Involving guests in curating the playlist ensures the music resonates with everyone, making the event more personal and enjoyable. Some options that allow people to collaborate on playlists include Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.

3) Plan Activities and Games

Choosing the right virtual games and activities is important for a successful holiday party since they can engage everyone, break the ice, and make the event feel more lively and festive to create lasting memories.

As such, below are some tips for choosing the right virtual games and activities.

• Know Your Audience: Consider your guests’ age range, interests, and familiarity with technology. Choose games that everyone can easily understand and enjoy.
• Balance Fun and Interaction: Opt for activities that encourage participation and conversation. Games like trivia, charades, or holiday-themed bingo are classic icebreakers.
• Incorporate Holiday Themes: Choose games that tie into the holiday spirit, such as a virtual gift exchange (like White Elephant or Secret Santa), holiday movie trivia, or a scavenger hunt with items found around the house.
• Keep It Simple: Avoid overly complex games that require extensive setup or instructions. Simple, easy-to-follow games are best for keeping the energy up and ensuring everyone can participate without frustration.
• Use Technology to Enhance: Leverage online tools and apps that facilitate group play. Platforms like Jackbox Games, Kahoot, or even Zoom’s built-in polls and breakout rooms can add an interactive layer to your activities.

Virtual Escape Room

A virtual escape room is a dynamic and engaging activity that challenges participants to solve puzzles and complete tasks within a set time, all from the comfort of their own homes. 

1. Choose a Platform: Select an online escape room platform that offers holiday-themed or customizable experiences. Escapely’s virtual escape rooms provide plenty of options. You can even ask for custom-made themes!
2. Divide into Teams: If your group is large, split guests into smaller teams, each in a separate virtual breakout room, to allow everyone to participate.
3. Set the Stage: Brief participants on the story and objectives. Ensure everyone understands how to navigate the virtual environment and communicate effectively.
4. Monitor Progress: Have a host or game master track the teams’ progress and provide hints if needed.

A virtual escape room is a great choice for a holiday party because it promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and friendly competition, making it a fun and memorable way to celebrate together.

Virtual Murder Mystery

Hosting a virtual murder mystery lets you create an interactive and immersive experience that adds intrigue and excitement to any holiday party. 

1. Choose a Theme: Choose a holiday-themed murder mystery kit — Escapely’s virtual murder mystery also has a holiday version!
2. Assign Roles: Send out character assignments and background information to guests ahead of time so they can prepare and get into character.
3. Set the Scene: On the day of the event, gather everyone on a video call platform and have the host or game master guide them through the story, revealing clues and facilitating discussions.
4. Encourage Participation: Motivate guests to dress up according to their characters and stay in their roles to further immerse them in the experience.

A virtual murder mystery is ideal for a holiday party because it fosters engagement, creativity, and collaboration, providing a unique and entertaining way to connect with others.

Holiday Trivia

A holiday trivia game is a fun and interactive way to engage guests during a virtual holiday party. 

It is easy to set up, keeps everyone engaged, and fosters a festive, competitive spirit that brings people together.

1. Prepare Questions: Create a mix of holiday-themed questions, covering topics like holiday traditions, movies, songs, and history. You can use tools like Kahoot or Quizizz to make the game interactive and visually appealing.
2. Divide into Teams: If you have a large group, split guests into teams. This encourages teamwork and friendly competition.
3. Host the Game: The host reads questions aloud while participants submit their answers via the chosen platform. Use a timer to keep the game moving and maintain excitement.
4. Offer Prizes: Consider virtual or physical prizes for the winning team to increase motivation.

Holiday Traditions

A holiday traditions game is a wonderful way to celebrate cultural diversity and learn about each other’s festive customs.

1. Gather Traditions: Ask each guest to submit a unique holiday tradition from their culture or family. Mix in some global traditions to make it more challenging.
2. Create the Game: Compile the traditions into a quiz or matching game. For example, you could ask guests to match the tradition with the correct country or family.
3. Host the Game: Display the questions and have participants guess or discuss which tradition belongs to whom or where it originated.
4. Encourage Sharing: After each answer, invite the person who submitted the tradition to share more about it, fostering deeper appreciation and conversation.

This game is a great choice for a virtual holiday party because it is educational, engaging, and celebrates your guests’ unique backgrounds.

Virtual Gingerbread House Building

Virtual gingerbread house building is a creative and festive activity that brings holiday cheer to any virtual party. 

1. Send Kits: Provide participants with gingerbread house kits in advance or ask them to gather supplies if they prefer to bake and decorate from scratch.
2. Set a Time: Schedule a specific time during the virtual party for everyone to build their gingerbread houses together. 
3. Add a Twist: Incorporate fun challenges or themes, like building the tallest house or the most creative design. Consider hosting a virtual vote for the best creation, with small prizes for winners.
4. Share and Celebrate: Once completed, encourage everyone to showcase their houses and share the stories behind their designs.

This activity is an excellent choice because it is hands-on, interactive, and brings out the creativity and festive spirit in everyone.

Holiday Costume Party

A virtual holiday costume party is a fun and festive way to engage guests and add a visual flair to your event. 

It sparks creativity, brings laughter, and makes the virtual celebration more visually engaging and memorable.

1. Choose a Theme: Pick a specific theme (such as “Winter Wonderland” or “Holiday Characters”) to guide costume choices. 
2. Host a Costume Showcase: During the party, have a designated time for each guest to show off their costume. They can explain their outfit choice and even share any fun stories behind it.
3. Organize a Contest: Make the event more exciting by hosting a costume contest with categories like “Most Creative” or “Funniest Costume.” Use a voting system to determine winners.
4. Capture the Moment: Take screenshots or photos of everyone in costume to create lasting memories.

4) Manage the Technical Details

It is important to handle the technical aspects of a virtual party to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection: Advise all participants to test their internet connection ahead of time. To ensure a stable connection, suggest that they position themselves near the router or use an Ethernet cable.
2. Use Breakout Rooms: Utilize breakout rooms on platforms like Zoom to facilitate smaller group interactions. This mimics the feeling of mingling at an in-person event and allows for more intimate conversations.
3. Appoint a Tech-Savvy Co-Host: Have a co-host who is comfortable with the platform to manage technical issues, such as helping guests who are struggling with audio or video, managing breakout rooms, and sharing screens.
4. Test Equipment and Software: Encourage everyone to test their cameras, microphones, and software before the event. A quick tech check can prevent last-minute hiccups.

5) Keep the Party Engaging and Inclusive

Keeping all guests engaged throughout a virtual holiday party requires thoughtful planning. This ensures the celebration remains enjoyable for everyone. 

Below are some effective strategies to try to keep the party going.

1. Have a Clear Agenda: Share a detailed agenda ahead of time, outlining the event’s flow. This helps guests know what to expect and stay engaged, with activities scheduled at regular intervals to maintain interest.
2. Mix Up Activities: Offer a variety of activities to cater to different interests, such as games, music, and storytelling. This ensures something for everyone, keeping the energy high and preventing boredom.
3. Be Mindful of Time Zones: When scheduling activities, consider different time zones. Start at a time that accommodates the most guests, and plan the agenda to accommodate guests who may need to leave early or join late.
4. Incorporate Diverse Traditions: Acknowledge and celebrate the diverse holiday traditions of your guests. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and encourages participation.

6) Post-Party Follow-Up

Following up with guests after a virtual holiday party is a thoughtful way to extend the celebration and strengthen connections made during the event.

This shows appreciation for your guests’ participation, creates lasting memories, and lays the groundwork for continued relationships, making your holiday celebration even more meaningful.

1. Send a Post-Party Email: Share highlights from the event, including memorable moments, photos, or screenshots of the group. This recap helps everyone relive the fun and reinforces the sense of togetherness.
2. Share a Playlist: Compile and share a playlist of songs played during the party. This allows guests to enjoy the music again and keeps the festive spirit alive.
3. Organize a Follow-Up Gathering: Consider planning a follow-up virtual gathering, such as a New Year’s catch-up. This keeps the momentum going and provides another opportunity to connect and celebrate together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Virtual holiday parties can be hard work, but they are also rewarding. Below are a few frequently asked questions that can help you understand and appreciate them even more.

What Is the Goal of Virtual Events?

The goal of virtual events is to connect people in a shared experience despite their physical distances. These events facilitate interaction, engagement, and collaboration, allowing participants to celebrate, learn, or socialize in real-time.

How Long Should a Virtual Party Be?

A virtual party should typically last 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration is long enough to enjoy various activities and interactions without causing screen fatigue. 

For larger or more complex events, consider breaking it up into shorter segments or including breaks to keep the energy and engagement high.

Key Takeaways on How to Host a Virtual Holiday Party

Hosting a virtual holiday party can be a memorable experience with proper planning and creativity. 

By choosing engaging activities, setting a festive mood, and ensuring smooth technical execution, you can bring the holiday spirit to life, even from a distance. 

Whether it is through themed games, shared traditions, or simply connecting over a virtual meal, the main goal is to create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. 

With thoughtful touches and careful organization, your virtual holiday party can be just as special and meaningful as an in-person celebration, leaving everyone with cherished memories.

If you are searching for a way to enjoy the holidays with an in-person team, why not turn a regular city tour into an exciting escape room? Our Escape The City games turn major public spaces in multiple cities into outdoor escape rooms, upgrading any team-building activity into an unforgettable experience. Book a demo with us to learn more about our many team-building games and activities!