15 office christmas party ideas that employees actually want to do

As the year winds down, the office chatter starts to shift from projects and deadlines to something far more exciting, the Christmas party! 

After twelve months of hard work, your team has given it their all. By November, many are already dreaming of that well-deserved holiday break. This makes the festive season the perfect opportunity to show appreciation and give everyone a reason to celebrate before they switch off for the year. 

A thoughtfully planned Christmas party isn’t just about decorations and mince pies, it’s about creating a moment that makes employees feel valued, recognised, and ready to step into their time off with a smile. When you invest in a celebration that brings people together, you’re not only spreading festive cheer, you’re reinforcing a culture of care and appreciation that lasts well beyond December. 

So, while it might seem like just another tradition, an office Christmas party can set the tone for the new year, boost morale, and remind your team how much they matter. Ready to make it unforgettable? Here are 15 festive ideas your employees will love… 

1. Themed Christmas party

 A themed Christmas party is a fantastic way to make the celebration feel special and stand out from the usual end-of-year gatherings. Choosing a theme like Winter Wonderland creates a magical atmosphere with sparkling lights and snowy décor, while a Retro Christmas brings nostalgia and fun with vintage music and classic decorations. For companies looking to embrace sustainability, a Green Christmas theme can include eco-friendly ornaments, recycled materials, and even plant-based menus. A well-chosen theme not only sets the tone but also encourages creativity among employees, people love dressing up, taking themed photos, and sharing the experience. It’s a great way to spark excitement, boost engagement, and make the party a talking point long after the holidays. 

2. Festive food stations

Turn your office party into a festive experience by creating interactive food stations that feel like a Christmas market. Imagine the aroma of spiced mulled wine drifting through the room, a cosy hot chocolate bar with endless toppings, whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes, and a cookie decorating station where everyone can unleash their creativity. Add rustic wooden tables, fairy lights, and seasonal music to complete the atmosphere. These stations encourage mingling and give employees something fun to do beyond just eating, they become part of the celebration. The hands-on element makes the party feel warm and personal, evoking the charm of traditional holiday markets and leaving everyone with sweet memories (and maybe a few extra sprinkles on their jumper!). 

3. Charity gift drive 

The holiday season is the perfect time to spread kindness beyond the office walls, and a charity gift drive is a wonderful way to do it. Encourage employees to donate gifts, toys, or essential items to local charities or community organisations that support families in need. You can make it engaging by setting up a festive donation corner decorated with lights and a giving tree where people can hang tags with suggested items. To add a sense of togetherness, consider organising a wrapping session where the team can prepare the gifts while enjoying Christmas music and treats. This initiative not only helps those less fortunate but also strengthens your company’s culture of empathy and social responsibility, leaving everyone with a sense of purpose and holiday spirit.

4. Secret Santa with a twist

Secret Santa is a classic, but adding a creative twist can make it even more fun and inclusive. Instead of the usual random gift exchange, set a theme that sparks imagination, like homemade gifts, where employees craft something personal, or eco-friendly presents, encouraging sustainable choices. You could even try a “Christmas Around the World” theme, where gifts reflect different cultures and traditions. These twists not only keep costs manageable but also make the exchange more meaningful, as people put thought and creativity into their gifts. To build excitement, reveal the theme early and create a festive display where wrapped presents can be placed under

5. Virtual party for remote teams 

 In a world where hybrid and remote work are here to stay, making sure everyone feels included in the festive fun is essential. A virtual Christmas party can be just as engaging as an in-person event when you add interactive activities that bring people together. Think of hosting a lively online quiz with holiday-themed questions, a festive bingo session with small prizes, or even a karaoke showdown where employees can belt out their favourite Christmas classics from the comfort of their homes. To create a real sense of occasion, encourage participants to dress up, decorate their background, and share photos on a dedicated chat channel. You can even send out digital invitations and festive playlists beforehand to build excitement. Done well, a virtual party helps remote employees feel connected, appreciated, and part of the celebration—no matter where they are. 

6. Christmas in a Box

In line with keeping celebrations inclusive for remote teams , if your staff are located all across the country, it can be difficult to find a party venue that works for everyone. If that's the case, then you need a Christmas in a box. 

This party box can be for everyone to enjoy in their own time, or you can arrange a virtual Christmas party and ask everyone to save their box until then. That way everyone can open their presents together.  

Depending on your spending limit, your box of Christmas-themed items could include: 

- Christmas cracker 

- Party popper 

- Candy Cane 

- Holiday gourmet treats 

- Pre-mixed Cocktail Can 

- Gift card 

- Branded Christmas ornament 

- Personalised Christmas card 

As well as these Christmas treats, you could really make a difference to your teams Christmas with extra benefits, like: 

- MyGymDiscounts - employees get up to 25% off a gym membership 

- bYond - employees get up to 15% cashback with over 70 UK high street brands 

- Extras Discounts - employees save up to 15% on the cost of gift cards 

- Cyclescheme - employees save up to 47% on a new bike and cycling equipment - including e-bikes. 

- Home & Tech Scheme - save and spread the cost on 1000's of home and tech items at Curry's and Ikea 

Adding extra benefits like these to your Christmas box is a gift that will keep on giving. Not only are they completely free for you to offer when you join BHN Extras, they will help ease the financial pressure on employees this Christmas and beyond.

7. Christmas movie marathon

Transform your office into a cosy festive cinema for an afternoon of pure holiday magic. Set up a dedicated space with beanbags, soft blankets, and twinkling fairy lights to create that snug, winter vibe everyone loves. Choose a line-up of classic Christmas favourites, think heartwarming films that spark nostalgia and laughter, and let employees relax with popcorn, hot chocolate, and maybe even a few themed snacks. To make it extra special, you could add a “vote for your favourite” element beforehand so the team feels involved in the selection. This simple yet thoughtful idea gives everyone a chance to unwind, share a few laughs, and soak up the holiday spirit together, perfect for ending a busy year on a warm and cheerful note. 

8. DIY decoration workshop

Bring out everyone’s creative side with a DIY Christmas decoration workshop. Set up a space filled with colourful ribbons, baubles, wreath bases, glitter, and festive greenery, and let employees design their own ornaments or wreaths to take home. This activity is not only fun but also encourages collaboration and conversation as people share ideas and admire each other’s creations. You can even add a competitive twist by voting for the most original design or creating a photo wall to showcase the finished pieces. The result? A relaxed, hands-on experience that sparks creativity and leaves everyone with a personalised keepsake to remember the celebration. 

9. Ugly Christmas jumper contest 

Nothing says festive fun like an Ugly Christmas Jumper contest! Invite employees to dig out their most outrageous holiday sweaters or get crafty and make their own. The bolder, the better: think flashing lights, tinsel, and even 3D decorations. To make it extra engaging, set up a mini runway for participants to show off their creations and let the team vote for categories like “Most Festive,” “Funniest Jumper,” or “Best DIY Design.” Add small prizes for the winners and plenty of photos to capture the laughter. This simple idea guarantees smiles, breaks the ice, and creates a cheerful atmosphere that everyone will remember. 

10. Festive photo booth

A photo booth is a simple yet brilliant way to add fun and create lasting memories at your Christmas party. Set up a dedicated corner with festive backdrops, think sparkling lights, snowy scenes, or even a giant Christmas tree, and stock it with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and oversized candy canes. You can go the extra mile by adding a themed frame with your company logo or a hashtag for social sharing. Employees love capturing these moments, and it’s a great way to encourage interaction and laughter throughout the event. Plus, the photos make perfect content for internal newsletters or social media, keeping the festive spirit alive long after the party ends. 

11. Christmas pottery workshop 

 Bring a creative twist to your festive celebrations with a pottery workshop where employees can craft their own Christmas decorations. Pottery has become a huge trend, and giving your team the chance to shape, paint, and personalise ornaments adds a unique and memorable element to the party. Picture a cosy space filled with clay, brushes, and vibrant glazes, with soft Christmas music playing in the background and fairy lights twinkling around the room. Participants can create baubles, candle holders, or even small festive figurines to take home as keepsakes. This hands-on activity not only sparks creativity but also encourages relaxation and mindfulness, perfect after a busy year. Plus, everyone leaves with a handmade piece that will remind them of the celebration every holiday season. 

12. Wellness corner

The holiday season can be joyful, but it’s also a time when stress levels rise, tight deadlines, year-end targets, and personal commitments all add up. Including a wellness corner at your Christmas party shows you care about your team’s wellbeing. This space could feature mindfulness sessions, guided breathing exercises, or even mini massages to help employees relax and recharge. Add calming music, soft lighting, and a few cosy chairs to create a serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the main event. It’s a thoughtful touch that balances festive fun with self-care, leaving everyone feeling appreciated and refreshed as they head into the holiday break. 

13. Christmas bake-off 

Turn your office into a festive kitchen with a Christmas Bake-Off that brings out everyone’s competitive spirit. Invite employees to bake their favourite holiday treats, think gingerbread cookies, mince pies, or decadent yule logs, and present them in a beautifully decorated tasting area. Add a judging panel or let the team vote for categories like “Best Presentation,” “Most Creative,” or “Ultimate Christmas Flavour.” To make it extra fun, provide festive aprons and a photo corner for proud bakers to show off their creations. This activity combines creativity, teamwork, and plenty of delicious moments, making it a sweet highlight of the celebration. 

 14. Tech & gadget raffle

Everyone loves a surprise, and a tech and gadget raffle is a fantastic way to add excitement to your Christmas party. Think popular items like wireless headphones, smart home devices, or even the latest fitness trackers, perfect for starting the new year with a tech upgrade. Display the prizes in a festive corner to build anticipation and draw winners during the event for maximum impact. You can even add smaller tech accessories as runner-up prizes, so more people get involved. This idea creates a buzz and gives employees something to look forward to beyond the party itself. 

15. Festive quiz night 

Bring out the competitive spirit with a Christmas-themed quiz night that’s packed with fun and laughter. Prepare rounds of questions on holiday traditions, festive films, and even quirky facts about Christmas around the world. Split the team into groups, add a charismatic host, and keep the energy high with music and snacks. To make it extra engaging, include bonus rounds like “Guess the Christmas Song” or “Picture Round” with famous festive scenes. Small prizes for the winners add an extra layer of excitement, and the shared laughter makes this a perfect bonding activity. 

Wrap up the year with appreciation and joy 

The holiday season is more than just a time for decorations and parties; it’s an opportunity to show your team how much they’re valued after a year of hard work. o, embrace the festive spirit, make it inclusive, and create memories that will last long after the lights come down. Here’s to ending the year on a high and starting the next one even stronger!