The holidays have always been my favorite season to plan events for, and I’ll tell you why: it’s the one time of year when even the busiest teams pause to connect, celebrate, and give back. Over the years, I’ve seen what happens when people come together for a Christmas spirit week at work: it’s more than themed sweaters and cookies. It’s about building memories, reinforcing culture, and reminding each other that we’re people first, job titles second.
If you’re looking for fresh Christmas spirit week ideas, you’re in the right place. I’ve collected ten of my favorites, each one tried, tested, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your team. Some are lighthearted, others heartfelt, and many combine both. And yes, every one of them can be customized to fit your workplace, whether you’re planning in-person, virtual, or hybrid celebrations.
1. Charitable Spotlight Day
One of the most meaningful additions to a holiday spirit week is dedicating a day to giving back. I helped create The Donation Station for clients who wanted to give back but didn’t always have time to plan a full team building program. The solution was simple: set up a space where people can drop in during breaks to assemble care kits, food pantry bags, or Operation Military Care packages.
What makes it powerful is the impact. I’ve seen backpacks go to children in need, pantry items delivered to families, and care packages sent to deployed service members. It’s a reminder that a little effort from many people adds up to a lot of good.
2. Comfort Toy Build
Few things bring out the holiday spirit like creating something for a child. That’s why I love including teddy bear builds and toy kits as part of a Christmas spirit week at work. Teams not only build the toys, they also give each one a personality, a name, even a birth certificate.
The real magic comes after. These bears are often donated to organizations like the Ronald McDonald House or kept on hand for emergency responders to give to children in crisis. I still think about one of our facilitators whose daughter received a bear years ago. She still treasures it. That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you.
Want to take it up a notch? Try The Big Give, where teams build wagons, fill them with toys, and send them out into the community. It’s hands-on, festive, and heartwarming all at once.
3. Skateboard Design Challenge
Every holiday season, I’m amazed by the creativity teams bring to Just Roll With It, our skateboard-building program. You’d be surprised how quickly professionals trade spreadsheets for spray paint and stencils. I’ve seen everything from company logos to Disney themes sketched onto the decks.
The boards go to youth organizations, often serving kids who may not otherwise have access to outdoor hobbies. Charities like Tutifruti Skate focus on girls and young people of color, creating safe spaces where kids build skills and confidence. These skateboards aren’t just gifts. They’re invitations to belong.
4. Play It Forward: Holiday Game Show
Sometimes the best way to infuse holiday cheer is with pure, playful energy. That’s where Play It Forward comes in. In person, it feels like you’ve walked onto a game show set, complete with lights, buzzers, and a host. Virtually, it feels like you’ve joined your own broadcast, complete with breakout room competitions.
The twist? Every correct answer or completed challenge earns points toward donations. Teams leave laughing, and local charities benefit. It’s one of those events that hits the sweet spot between fun and meaningful.
5. Corporate Tonight Show
If you’re looking for something unique for your virtual or hybrid teams, our new Corporate Tonite Show has been a hit. Imagine a late-night variety show, but starring your people. Employees get to share hidden talents, tell stories, play holiday-themed games, and even try a little improv.
It’s a brilliant way to showcase personality and creativity across departments. And as someone who’s hosted countless virtual programs, I can tell you it keeps people engaged because it’s about them.
6. Ugly Sweater (and Surprise Sweater) Day
No Christmas spirit week is complete without an ugly sweater day. But here’s the funny thing – I once logged onto a virtual event and assumed an entire group was competing in an ugly sweater contest. I complimented them, only to learn that was just their regular wardrobe choice for the day!
Whether it’s intentional or not, sweaters spark conversation. To make it a true spirit week highlight, pair it with a short competition, photo wall, or a “best DIY sweater” challenge. This is sure to make your next company holiday party a hit.
7. Mystery Outing
When venues are scarce or planning feels overwhelming, I always suggest a Mystery Bus. Teams board a bus without knowing the destination, then enjoy a series of surprise activities. Think wine tastings, axe throwing, trivia stops, or holiday light tours.
It’s one of my favorite recommendations for Christmas week ideas for work because it removes the stress of planning. You just gather your team, climb aboard, and let the surprises unfold. For a charitable twist, try the Do Good Bus, which takes teams to a community service site.
8. Charity Bike Build
The Charity Bike Build is a holiday classic for a reason. I’ll never forget facilitating one where a participant raised his hand and said, “I received a bike from one of these events as a child.” Suddenly, everyone realized the impact firsthand.
What I love most is the transformation. At the start, some participants groan about building bikes. By the end, those same people are shouting out trivia answers, racing to finish, and begging to be on the winning team. That shift, skepticism turning into joy, is what team building is all about.
9. Cozy Connection Day
Not every activity has to be big and elaborate. Sometimes, the simplest gatherings create the strongest bonds. I love setting aside a day for smaller circles full of card games, “two truths and a lie,” or storytelling sessions.
It mirrors the way I celebrate with my own family and friends: cozy, lighthearted, and filled with little discoveries about each other. For remote teams, this can be a short video call where everyone shares a holiday tradition or a funny memory.
10. Closing Celebration: Wrapping It All Up
End your spirit week by celebrating the impact of the week itself. Gather the toys, bears, skateboards, or care kits your team created and share where they’re headed. Add a festive playlist, a slideshow of the week’s photos, and a few minutes for recognition.
Closing with purpose ties the week together. It reminds everyone that while the games, sweaters, and surprises were fun, the heart of Christmas spirit week at work is connection and giving.
The Deeper Purpose of Christmas Spirit Week
When people ask me why a Christmas spirit week at work matters, my answer is always the same: because it goes beyond decorations and themed days. Done right, it helps teams reconnect after a busy year, gives employees something to look forward to, and creates shared memories that last long after the holidays are over.
I’ve seen teams walk into holiday events drained from deadlines, only to leave energized and laughing. That shift is powerful. It proves that moments of play and connection aren’t distractions. They’re catalysts for a stronger culture.
More Ways to Personalize Spirit Week
Every team is different. Some thrive on high-energy competition, while others love quieter activities that allow for conversation. That’s why I always encourage clients to customize their team holiday celebration:
- Hybrid touchpoints: If part of your team is remote, pair in-person activities with virtual versions. For example, host a teddy bear build in the office and a virtual gingerbread house challenge for remote employees.
- Rotating hosts: Assign different departments to “host” each day of spirit week. Marketing might run sweater day, Operations could handle the charitable spotlight, and HR could lead the cozy connection activity. It spreads ownership and keeps everyone engaged.
- Mini-moments: Spirit week doesn’t have to be only big events. Small daily touches (festive playlists, office decorations, holiday thank yous, or a quick trivia round) can layer in fun without demanding too much time.
When teams feel their spirit week reflects their personality, they’re more likely to dive in wholeheartedly.
Xmas Spirit Week Stories That Stay With Me
One of the best parts of working in this field is the stories I get to witness. I’ve already shared the participant who once received a bike and later helped build one for another child: that’s a memory I’ll never forget.
But there are so many others:
- Watching executives crawl on the floor trying to finish a wagon build faster than the interns.
- Hearing an entire department burst into song during a holiday game show, completely off-script, and realizing that sometimes silliness is the best kind of bonding.
- Seeing teams who thought they had “no creative side” present the most stunning skateboard designs.
These moments remind me that the real outcome isn’t just a finished toy or a decorated sweater. It’s the laughter, surprise, and camaraderie along the way.
Building Inclusion Into the Holidays
One of the questions I often hear is, “What if not everyone on our team celebrates Christmas?” My advice is simple: make your spirit week about connection, not just tradition.
- Focus on themes like kindness, gratitude, and togetherness. These are values that resonate across cultures and beliefs. Research shows that inclusive leadership behaviors make a measurable difference in how employees experience belonging, especially during seasonal celebrations.
- Offer variety. Pair a Christmas sweater day with a “celebrate your culture” day where employees can share foods, traditions, or music from their own backgrounds.
- Keep activities optional but inviting. Nobody should feel pressured; everyone should feel welcome. Consider creating holiday save-the-dates so employees can plan and prepare for the week.
And don’t forget, not every employee drinks alcohol. Managers can take simple steps to create recovery-friendly gatherings. Here are some tips for making holiday events inclusive for employees who don’t drink, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
Inclusivity won’t dilute the holiday spirit. Rather, it strengthens that holiday spirit by ensuring every employee feels seen.
Behind the Scenes of Christmas Spirit Week
People sometimes assume holiday spirit weeks just fall into place, but there’s a lot of thought that goes into making them successful. From my side of things, I always consider:
- Timing: December calendars fill up fast. Booking early ensures you have the venues, supplies, and facilitators you need. Resources like SHRM’s checklist for in-person holiday celebrations are excellent guides for HR teams to balance fun with compliance.
- Balance: Too many activities can feel overwhelming. I recommend one anchor event, one charitable activity, and several lighter touches.
- Logistics: From shipping materials for virtual builds to coordinating with local charities, those details matter. The smoother the planning, the more fun the execution.
- Support: Having a dedicated event manager (something we always provide at TeamBonding) takes the stress off internal teams so they can actually enjoy the week.
The behind-the-scenes work may not be glamorous, but it’s what ensures the spirit week feels effortless for participants.
It’s Never Too Early to Plan Your Xmas Spirit Week!
The holidays may come once a year, but their impact stretches far beyond December. A thoughtful Christmas spirit week helps set the tone for the new year ahead. Teams head into January with stronger connections, higher morale, and a renewed sense of community.
That’s why I believe in keeping it simple, joyful, and authentic. When employees look back on the season, they won’t remember whether the tinsel was straight or the hot cocoa was too sweet. They’ll remember the laughter, the giving, and the feeling of being part of something bigger.
Schedule your holiday team building activity today to get your Christmas spirit week planning off the ground!
