Break out the noisemakers, because your remote team is about to close the book on 2022! And with 2023 looming ahead, you may be toying with virtual party ideas to ring in a new chapter. But with everyone living across multiple cities or even time zones, party planning may seem impossible (and complicated).
The good news is that planning a virtual party doesn’t have to be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together the top 10 virtual celebration activities you’ll want to consider as you plan your virtual, end of year party! Put on your party hat, and let’s find the perfect virtual activities for your team! If you’re looking for in person holidays, we have that too!
How to Host Fun End of the Year Virtual Activities
We know your remote team likely uses their computers all day, every day for work. So just the thought of throwing a virtual party may seem underwhelming. No need to be a party pooper, though, when there are countless ways you and your team can enjoy a virtual celebration!
Here are our tips for figuring out what your employees might enjoy the most:
- Create a survey with several event options to choose from and circulate it to your employees.
- Seek your employees’ feedback. Ask them how they might like to close out 2022.
- Form an end of the year party planning committee. After all, no need to shoulder the party planning on your own.
- Consider an out-of-the-box virtual team event instead of a traditional party!
10 Virtual Ways for the Office to Celebrate the End of the Year
Every remote team is different and employees may enjoy different types of activities. So, when it comes to planning an end of year celebration, you may feel lost in a sea of possibilities. And the last thing you want is to end the year with a flop.
You can choose which one (or combination) of the following 10 virtual events will be a great fit for your team. Let’s get the party planning started!
1. Shake it up with a Virtual Cocktail (or Two)
Just because your team won’t be celebrating in person, doesn’t mean you can’t still toast one another to the end of a productive year. So, what better way to get the party started than mixing up a learning experience with a glass of liquid cheer?
Kick off your end of year party with a Holiday Happy Hour & Mixology Class. Send each person a cocktail kit, complete with everything they need to shake up a few drinks. A mixologist will lead your team step-by-step in making several festive cocktails (or mocktails). With creative concoctions, you can serve up a learning experience they’ll never forget.
2. Plan a Team-wide Trivia Competition
A little friendly competition can bring your team closer together as you head into the new year. Test their knowledge with a Team Trivia Competition. You can organize them into teams or let everyone battle on their own. To spice it up, why not throw a few company-centric questions into the mix?
And, don’t forget about the prizes! Consider company swag, restaurant gift certificates, or even cash prizes to get everyone in the spirit!
3. Host a Fully-Inclusive Interactive Virtual Party
Your to-do list may be a mile long. Just the thought of party planning may bring out your inner Grinch. We have one word for you – delegate!
Instead of tiring yourself out with party logistics, consider throwing The Ultimate Virtual Holiday Party. You’ll be able to choose at least three separate virtual events for your team, plus the option to fill up time with unique add-on experiences, such as a dueling piano show or an ice-carving demo.
4. When in Doubt, Go With Chocolate
Why not offer a learning experience that’s fun and delectable? A great advantage to a virtual party is that you don’t need to order hundreds of hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie boards, or dessert platters.
Instead, organizing a team-wide culinary class, like Chocolate Truffle Making, is a unique way to expose your team to a new activity they can gobble up together – without any waste.
5. Win Them Over With a Virtual Game Show
Healthy competition can deepen your team’s bond, despite everyone’s location. Make this year’s virtual party a team effort by hosting a game show. They can team up and answer trivia questions or even participate in a Wheel of Fortune-esque game like Virtual Spin to Win to put their puzzle-solving (and teamwork skills_ to the test.
6. Give Them a Taste of the New Year!
You don’t need to be in the same venue to enjoy delicious party food! Offer a party-food stipend to each team member. That way they can spend it on the party food and beverages of their choice.
Is your team up for a more organized foodie session? A beer and cheese tasting event or an at-home International Food Tour would excite even the pickiest eaters on the team. Meant to serve up a learning experience they’ll never forget, these events will likely expose them to new and unexplored international treats and beverages.
7. Ka-Ching in the New Year with a Virtual Casino
Winner winner, chicken dinner! We could all use a little extra luck going into the new year. If your team wants to usher in some luck to the party, then take a chance on a Virtual Casino event.
A live dealer can entertain the team with roulette, Blackjack, and more. Chips in hand, your team can test their game skills and engage one another in a friendly competition. Sweeten the virtual party pot by offering cash prizes to the winners.
8. Tap in to Your Team’s Creative Side
Your team might prefer to relax and unwind instead of partying. That’s one of the many benefits of partying in the comfort of your own home. You could host a Virtual Team Painting event to keep the celebration low-key.
If anyone’s adamant they aren’t artistic, much less the next Picasso, put a spin on the event. For example, you could create categories for the silliest painting or the most innovative. Include prizes or incentives, too!
9. Turn up the Music
When we think of a celebration, one word that comes to mind is music! While you won’t be dancing under a disco ball in person, there are several ways to pump up the jam on your end of the year celebration.
Create a playlist and host a virtual PJ dance party. Even better, sweeten the deal and make it a contest. Choose well-known songs and then allow peer-to-peer judging across different categories. Here are a few to consider:
- Best dance move
- Cheesiest dance move
- Most Uncoordinated
- Queen of the Dance Floor
- King of the Spotlight.
Or, attend a Virtual Music Festival together! Here, they’ll visit seven different virtual stages and take part in music-related challenges, and more. The bottom line is, you don’t have to just play background music while everyone stares at their computer screen. Liven up your virtual party any way you see fit.
10. End the Year on a Healthy Note
No matter how you feel about resolutions, we can all agree that starting a new year is an opportunity to do better and live a healthier lifestyle. If you want to keep wellness at the center of your team’s celebrations, weave in a few Virtual Wellness Activities and Challenges to show your company’s commitment to their well-being.
Ready to Throw the Virtual Party of the Century?
No matter how 2022 panned out for your company, there’s always a reason to celebrate with your team. Lean on your team and brainstorm how everyone would prefer to close out 2022. Their input will give you confidence knowing you’re planning a party that’s just right for your team.
A new year is about new beginnings. Give your virtual team the end of year events they didn’t know they needed. And close the book on 2022 in only the way your team can!
