25 Virtual Holiday Party Ideas

The holiday season is a beautiful time for co-workers to gather and celebrate the year’s accomplishments.

It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds outside the usual work environment, embracing the holiday spirit in a more relaxed and joyful setting.

It is customary to take a step back from the daily grind and responsibilities and allow everyone to relax and connect while enjoying the festivities, whether through a company holiday party among team members or a night of fun games and prizes.

However, organizing a get-together during the holiday season poses several challenges when your team is remote. The distance requires a creative approach to ensure everyone feels included and engaged.

You might be asking, “What activities can we do during a virtual holiday party?” especially for remote teams that still want to celebrate with their colleagues.

Fortunately, there are numerous virtual holiday party ideas to transform your traditional celebration into an exciting virtual event, ensuring the busy holiday season ahead is filled with memorable moments, even from afar.

Book a demo with us today and discover how you and your team can experience customized, engaging, and fun virtual activities designed to enhance collaboration and trust. 

Let us go through some of the best virtual holiday party ideas below.

Virtual Holiday Party Ideas for Work

Here are some of the top virtual holiday party ideas you can try to get your online office into the holiday spirit, even if you do not see each other in person.

1. Virtual Murder Mystery

Murder mysteries are gaining popularity as a festive activity, especially among true crime enthusiasts. They offer a thrilling twist to virtual holiday party ideas, providing an engaging storyline that captivates participants’ imaginations.

For your virtual holiday party games, consider incorporating a holiday-themed crime to solve. Check out Escapely’s virtual murder mystery events!

Various scenarios are available, ranging from a mysterious disappearance at the North Pole to a festive heist gone wrong, ensuring your virtual Christmas party fun is unique and memorable.

Participants can be divided into smaller teams to unravel the mystery or work together as a whole group. This flexibility allows everyone to contribute, making it an inclusive option for virtual events.

Such activities are not only entertaining but also serve as a fantastic opportunity to enhance teamwork and critical thinking skills among colleagues.

Plan fun games like a virtual murder mystery to transform a simple online gathering into an exciting adventure.

2. Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt

A virtual holiday scavenger hunt can be an exciting game to play online. This transforms a traditional holiday party into an interactive and engaging virtual party, perfect for remote teams or friends across different locations.

The game starts with everyone in a Zoom call, where one person announces the items to be collected. This ensures everyone is on the same page and adds a live element to the virtual holiday party.

Participants then search for the items within their homes, usually related to the holiday season. This encourages creativity and a bit of friendly competition among participants.

The holiday game can get competitive, making it a lively and entertaining way to celebrate the holidays with co-workers.

You can play holiday music in the background throughout the scavenger hunt. This simple addition can make the virtual holiday party feel more festive and immersive, contributing to a memorable party experience.

You can play scavenger hunts even beyond the holiday season with our exciting scavenger hunt quests. 

3. Holiday Themed Virtual Trivia 

Virtual trivia events are a classic team-building activity. They are engaging and interactive, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.

Incorporating holiday trivia aligns with the season, adding a festive twist to the classic trivia format. This makes it a perfect fit for virtual holiday parties, providing entertainment and a thematic coherence that enhances the holiday spirit.

Separate into small teams to discuss and answer the questions in breakout rooms. This setup encourages teamwork and makes the virtual holiday party ideas more interactive as teams work together to get the answers.

Providing participants with a Google form to submit their answers simplifies the process. It ensures that responses are organized and easy to tally, making the host’s job more manageable during the virtual holiday parties.

You have a wide variety of trivia topics to choose from.

• Global holiday traditions
• Traditional holiday foods
• Holiday songs
• Hanukkah traditions

You can customize the trivia based on your company, tailoring the questions to suit your team’s interests and knowledge base.

Holiday-themed virtual trivia is a fun activity you can incorporate into any virtual Christmas party. This holiday-themed version of a popular game serves as both a team-building activity and a holiday game, making it a fun idea for everyone involved.

4. Virtual Escape Game

Virtual escape rooms have emerged as one of the most popular holiday team-building activities. They offer an exciting challenge that engages participants, making them a perfect fit for your next virtual holiday party.

Holiday parties become more enjoyable when there is a competitive element involved. Integrating a virtual escape room into the event adds an engaging layer of fun that encourages collaboration and problem-solving.

Consider designing the escape room with a holiday theme to further immerse everyone in the holiday spirit. This approach ensures that the activity entertains and enhances the festive mood of your virtual Christmas parties.

The objective is to escape the room as a team, which requires effective communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking. It is an excellent way for remote teams to bond and work together towards a common goal.

Planning fun games like a virtual escape room for virtual holiday parties can significantly boost team morale and provide an unforgettable experience.

5. Secret Santa

Secret Santa remains one of the favorite holiday traditions for many. This timeless tradition ensures that every team member receives a gift, fostering a sense of camaraderie and Christmas spirit.

However, this tradition can still be brought into an online setting, proving that all co-workers can share the joy of giving and receiving gifts, even among remote employees.

In this digital take on Secret Santa, each colleague is secretly assigned another team member to whom they will send a gift. This adds an exciting layer to the activity as everyone tries to guess who might be gifting them.

Organizers can use a program like Elfster’s Secret Santa generator to randomly assign a co-worker to each participant. This ensures that the assignment of Secret Santas is fair and completely random, making remote holiday party planning seamless.

Everyone will open their gift during a Zoom meeting and reveal their Secret Santa. This adds a personal touch to the remote holiday party, allowing team members to share the joy and surprise despite the distance.

You can have the best virtual Secret Santa experience by following these tips.

• Have everyone submit their address in Elfster or on a Google sheet.
• Have a set budget.
• Have a deadline so the gifts arrive at each other’s homes before the meeting date.
• Keep it anonymous until the reveal!

Virtual Secret Santa is a great way to spread holiday cheer and strengthen bonds with the rest of your team. It is fun to bring everyone together to celebrate the season and each other, even from afar.

6. White Elephant

White Elephant is a great way to put a twist on your gift-giving traditions during virtual holiday parties. This is unique and fun because colleagues can steal gifts from each other, though everyone WILL have one at the end of the game.

This game adds an element of surprise and strategy to the virtual holiday party ideas, making it more interactive and fun.

While traditionally done in person, gift exchanges can also be adapted for a virtual setting. This allows remote teams to enjoy the excitement and fun of gift exchanges without being physically present, making them perfect for virtual holiday parties.

During the Zoom holiday party, everyone will have their gifts wrapped and ready when they join the call. Everyone is assigned a number, which determines the order in which they will choose a gift for an organized video call.

The chooser can select a new gift or steal an already-opened gift from someone else. This rule adds a layer of strategy to the game as participants decide whether to keep their current gift or risk it for a potentially better one.

Once a gift is chosen, it will be opened on camera for everyone to see, allowing them to steal it if they want it. This visual aspect of the game makes it engaging and keeps everyone involved in the action throughout the Zoom holiday party.

At the end of the game, players will send the gift to the appropriate person. Despite the virtual setting, each gift reaches its final owner, concluding the White Elephant game and spreading joy among team members.

7. Virtual Cookie Exchange

Another common tradition is exchanging cookies with co-workers in the office to give a sweet treat for the holidays. This favorite holiday tradition spreads festive fun and sweetness to all involved.

You can add a twist to this tradition by sharing the holiday cheer virtually. By adapting this practice to a virtual setting, everyone can continue to enjoy this festive, fun tradition, even while apart.

Co-workers must send the cookies early to ensure everyone receives their sweet treat before the virtual holiday party. This preparation allows everyone to participate fully in the cookie exchange.

Participants can bake a batch of their favorite cookies to share with the team. This option adds a personal touch to the exchange, as each person gets to share a piece of their holiday favorites with others.

Ordering a holiday box of cookies is an excellent alternative for those who cannot bake.

It is important to consider dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can partake in the joy. This consideration ensures that the virtual Christmas parties are inclusive and enjoyable.

Finally, everyone can hop on a Zoom call and enjoy the cookies together. This virtual party allows co-workers to share the joy of tasting each other’s favorite holiday treats, making it a memorable and sweet experience for all involved.

8. Gingerbread House Decorating Kit

A great activity to do with co-workers is to hop on a video call and build gingerbread houses together. This engaging and creative activity is a favorite holiday tradition that adds a festive and fun element to any virtual holiday party.

For the holidays, retailers or Amazon sell easy-to-assemble gingerbread house kits. These kits make it convenient for everyone, regardless of their baking skills, to participate in building their own gingerbread house.

Participants can get creative with decorating each gingerbread house, adding other elements like candy, icing, and edible decorations to make theirs unique.

This creativity ensures that each gingerbread house reflects the individual’s personality and festive spirit.

Turning the activity into a contest can add an element of friendly competition to the virtual Christmas party. A virtual gingerbread house contest encourages participants to put in their best effort, making the event more engaging and memorable.

The gingerbread house competition winners can receive a gift card or other small prizes, incentivizing participants to showcase their most imaginative and festive gingerbread houses.

9. End of the Year Virtual Bingo

Virtual bingo is an excellent game choice regardless of the size of your group. It seamlessly integrates into virtual holiday party games, providing a universally loved activity that can engage remote employees from anywhere.

Traditionally, the classic approach involves an emcee calling out numbers while participants mark their cards. This method ensures everyone is familiar with the rules and can easily join the fun.

To add a twist, consider transforming the bingo cards to feature highlights from the year instead.

This modification turns the game into a holiday-themed game, allowing participants to reflect on the company’s achievements and personal milestones.

End-of-the-year virtual Bingo is a great way to have fun during the holiday season and a memorable way to reflect on the achievements and highlights everyone has experienced in the company.

It is a fitting addition to any holiday party ideas, especially for bringing together remote employees.

10. Virtual Decorating

Transform your virtual holiday party into a virtual cookie-decorating party. This unique twist provides a hands-on activity that fosters creativity and festive spirit among participants.

Gather your co-workers to decorate holiday cookies together during the event. This activity adds a sweet touch to your gathering and is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season.

But why stop at cookies?

Extend the crafting fun to other holiday-themed items like mugs, wreaths, and ornaments. Offering a variety of options ensures that everyone finds something they enjoy creating.

To streamline the process, consider sending decorating kits to your co-workers. This thoughtful gesture makes participation easier and more appealing, as they will have everything they need to join in the fun.

Crafting together is a wonderful way to bond. It allows team members to share a personal touch and connect over their creations, making your virtual holiday event truly memorable.

11. Virtual Hot Chocolate Tastings

Sipping hot chocolate is a global holiday tradition that brings comfort and sweetness during the cold holiday season.

It is a simple pleasure that resonates with people of all ages, making it a perfect addition to your virtual holiday party.

Consider sending a packet of cocoa to your colleagues. This small gesture can make a big difference in creating a shared experience, no matter where everyone is located.

Make it memorable by including chocolate shavings, artisan marshmallows, cookies, and more in the cocoa packets. These extras allow everyone to personalize their hot chocolate and explore different flavors.

Encourage your colleagues to concoct their own cocoa mixes to suit their preferences.

Gather around in a video call to enjoy your hot chocolate together. This is a time to bond with colleagues, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company, reinforcing the sense of community within your team.

12. Naughty List – Never Have I Ever

“Never Have I Ever” serves as a fantastic icebreaker to get to know each other better. It is a versatile addition to virtual holiday party ideas, enabling participants to share interesting tidbits about themselves in a lighthearted manner.

Participants can choose to drink or count with their hands, making it adaptable for various preferences during your virtual Christmas party. This flexibility ensures everyone feels comfortable joining in, regardless of their location.

Everyone takes turns stating something they have never done. The topic can be holiday-themed to maintain coherence with your online holiday party atmosphere or a broad set of topics and stories you want to share.

If someone has done the mentioned activity, they put a finger down or take a drink. This simple rule keeps the game easy to follow and engage with, even in a virtual setting.

13. Holiday Family Traditions

The holidays can be spent differently in each household, which becomes more evident if you have co-workers from abroad, each with unique traditions. This diversity allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cultures.

Gathering everyone to share a little thing they do with their families during the holidays can be a heartwarming addition to your virtual Christmas party.

This sharing session becomes a meaningful exchange of holiday party ideas and personal stories, enriching the virtual gathering with a sense of global community.

You can even send a piece of your family tradition to your colleagues, whether a recipe, a small craft, or a symbolic item. This gesture bridges distances and brings a tangible element for a closer connection among team members.

14. Make Wreaths Together

Making wreaths together is a common tradition during the holiday season, offering a perfect opportunity for co-workers to get together and share in a festive activity.

This can be easily incorporated into a virtual holiday party, allowing everyone to participate from home.

Encourage participants to bring their supplies and share tips and ideas over a video call. This interactive session will help participants create beautiful wreaths and trade valuable crafting tips with colleagues.

There are also online classes available that you can take together. An instructor can send all the necessary materials to your colleagues beforehand, ensuring everyone has what they need to participate fully.

This activity serves as a great bonding session, especially for those looking to make a decoration for their home or a handmade gift for others.

It adds a personal touch to the holiday season and strengthens team connections during your virtual holiday party.

15. Holiday Costumes and Dressing Up

It is always fun to dress up during the holidays with various costumes and outfits to help spread the holiday spirit. Incorporating this into a virtual holiday party can add excitement and engagement for all participants.

Consider hosting a competition and allowing participants to vote on their favorite costumes. This friendly contest can inspire creativity and participation, making the virtual gathering more lively and enjoyable.

The costume contest winner could even receive a small prize, incentivizing participants to think outside the box and develop inventive and festive outfits.

Encourage team members to dress up and have fun with their outfits for the virtual holiday party to motivate everyone to actively participate and bring joy to the event.

16. Ugly Sweater Party

Another common tradition during the holiday season is wearing an ugly sweater to a holiday party. This fun and lighthearted activity can easily be adapted to a virtual holiday party, allowing everyone to join in from wherever they are.

To add an element of excitement, organize a competition where participants can vote on their favorite ugly sweaters.

This creates a friendly and engaging atmosphere, encouraging everyone to show off their most outrageous holiday wear.

You can even turn it into a more specific competition by having everyone vote on who has the ugliest sweater.

Consider offering prizes in different categories to make the event even more entertaining. This approach encourages creativity and ensures that everyone has fun and shares a laugh with their colleagues during the virtual holiday party.

17. Holiday Cocktail Parties

A virtual happy hour is the perfect solution to avoid the snow and traffic of the busy holiday season. This allows colleagues to gather and celebrate without the hassle, making it an ideal addition to any virtual holiday party.

Encourage participants to share recipes for festive cocktails and mocktails, allowing everyone to explore new flavors and enjoy the holidays from their homes. This can add a personal touch to the virtual gathering, making it more engaging and fun.

You can also consider finding a virtual mixology class led by an experienced bartender or mixologist. This activity can provide a unique learning experience and a chance to try new drink recipes together.

Organizing a holiday cocktail party as part of your virtual holiday event is an activity your colleagues will enjoy. It offers a relaxed and festive environment where everyone can unwind and celebrate the season together.

18. Virtual Card Exchange

Sending cards to colleagues is a traditional way to share the season’s festive mood, yet physical cards can sometimes get lost in the mail.

Opting to send virtual cards to everyone instead offers a reliable and creative solution. This approach ensures that everyone receives your message and allows for more personalized greetings.

Programs like Canva offer user-friendly tools for designing and customizing virtual cards. These resources make it easier to express your sentiments, however you may feel.

Incorporating a virtual card exchange into your virtual holiday party is a fun and thoughtful event. It adds a personal connection and creativity to your party ideas, making the virtual gathering feel more intimate and festive.

19. Virtual Cooking Classes

Participate in an online virtual cooking class with your colleagues to engage in a journey of cultural discovery through food. This activity offers an enriching experience as you learn new recipes and cooking techniques together.

You can find an online holiday cooking class that includes everything you need, making it easy for everyone to join in. These classes are designed to cater to a wide range of culinary interests and skill levels, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Whether you are interested in working on various foods, such as trying out regional African dishes or hiring a French baking instructor for unique pastries, there is ample opportunity to explore different cuisines.

This diversity allows you to expand your culinary horizons while enjoying the company of your colleagues. You can even play your holiday playlist in the background to set the mood.

 20. Virtual Painting Party

Another artsy activity you can engage in is painting with your colleagues during your holiday party. This creative endeavor allows everyone to express themselves while enjoying the festive season together.

This can be guided by an artist who will lead you through creating your masterpiece. This ensures that even those who may not feel confident in their artistic abilities can participate and enjoy the experience.

While working, you can also enjoy wine and snacks, adding a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere to the activity. This combination makes for a delightful and leisurely way to bond with your colleagues.

You can play any holiday song in the background. This subtle addition sets a festive mood and can inspire your artistic expression during the painting session.

21. Holiday Show And Tell

During your virtual holiday, invite participants to bring a meaningful item related to the holidays to your Zoom meeting.

Take turns sharing Christmas stories individually. It can be fun for the participants as they share and listen to heartwarming tales from different perspectives.

Incorporate cards with a few thoughtful prompts. These can guide the conversation, ensuring that everyone has the chance to contribute and that the discussion remains engaging and varied.

Utilizing video conferencing platforms for a holiday show and tell is a great way to get to know each other better and foster meaningful conversations.

22. Tiny Tree Decorating

Another decorating idea for your virtual holiday is tiny trees. Share the joy of decorating small trees with your colleagues during the holiday party.

Order a bunch of tiny trees and ship them to everyone in advance. You can also include a selection of decorations to ensure everyone has what they need to get creative and personalize their tiny tree.

Decorating tiny trees allows for a shared experience that brings joy and festivity to your virtual gathering, making it a memorable part of your holiday celebrations.

23. Holiday Gift Wrapping Contest

Check out who is the best at wrapping presents during your virtual holiday. This contest can be a fun addition to your party ideas, serving as a playful competition.

Ensure fairness in the contest by providing similar presents for everyone to wrap. Time the members on their wrapping to add an element of challenge and excitement to the activity.

Vote to determine who wrapped the present the best. This interactive element adds to the fun and encourages participation and engagement from all attendees.

24. Make Origami Ornaments

Try making origami ornaments together during your next virtual gathering. This activity can be a collaborative effort with team members helping each other, or you can add a competitive twist by turning it into a game.

Consider sending instructions without photos so no one knows what the final product should look like until everyone compares their creations during a Zoom call. This adds an element of surprise and fun as participants see the variety of interpretations.

For a more relaxing experience, use the activity as a time to guide each other through the folding process and bond over crafts. This puts more emphasis on enjoying time together and creating something beautiful rather than the result.

25. Gratitude Event

The holiday season is a time to be thankful for everything we have, an ideal period for reflection and appreciation.

Consider contributing to a local food bank or participating in a holiday food drive as part of your virtual party, extending generosity to those in need.

Furthermore, you can host a virtual gratitude session where each participant can share what they are thankful for.

You can add all these to a gratitude board, representing things everyone appreciates as a collective expression of thankfulness and to bring meaningful depth to your virtual gathering.

BONUS: Recipe Exchange

Exchange recipes of what you usually cook during the holidays with your family, sharing the diverse and cherished culinary traditions that make your celebrations unique.

This enriches the bond among participants, offering a taste of different cultures and family histories.

If there is an opportunity for a physical meet-up, consider organizing a potluck where everyone can bring a dish they have discussed.

Need Help Planning a Virtual Holiday Party?

Planning virtual holiday parties can be pretty demanding, especially during the busy end-of-year season with work and family commitments.

At Escapely, we offer tailored virtual holiday parties for all budgets and group sizes. This ensures that the event organizer can enjoy the festivities without the stress of planning and execution, providing a smooth experience assured by the company’s proven track record.