Remote and hybrid work are here to stay, and one of the questions I hear most often is: How do we keep our team connected and festive during the holidays when we’re not all in the same room? The answer lies in creating engaging, thoughtful, and interactive virtual holiday party ideas that bring your people together in ways that feel both celebratory and meaningful.
In my role as Director of Corporate Training and Virtual Events, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-planned holiday gathering can lift morale, deepen connections, and even carry positive energy into the new year. Holiday parties are not just a chance to relax and unwind; they’re also an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, recognize hard work, and build a stronger culture.
So, let’s dive into some of my favorite virtual team holiday party ideas. These are designed to work for different group sizes, energy levels, and company cultures. And, of course, they’re fully customizable.
Virtual Christmas Party Ideas for Work
1. Ultimate Virtual Holiday Party
If you’re looking for variety, high energy, and plenty of laughter, the Ultimate Virtual Holiday Party is my go-to recommendation. We kick things off with a few lighthearted icebreakers to get everyone comfortable and in the holiday spirit. From there, your group is split into three teams, and each team rotates through 15–20 minutes of different activities before coming back together for a festive wrap-up.
What makes this event so fun is the ability to customize it. You can choose any three activities from favorites like Oh What Fun!, Reindeer Games, Spin to Win, In It to Win It, Virtual Bingo, or the WFH Scavenger Hunt. Each one is designed to spark engagement, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs.
We also offer and encourage add-ons to make your celebration even more memorable. Whether that’s sending holiday treat boxes, adding a charitable component, or layering in company-specific trivia, we want this party to fit your team. And if you’re not sure which games would be the best fit, we’ll happily guide you toward the right combination for your team’s size, personality, and goals.
This event always stands out because it feels fresh and dynamic, yet still warm and celebratory. It’s the closest thing to capturing the energy of an in-person holiday party while still being tailored perfectly for virtual teams.
2. Add Surprises and Treats
Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest impact. Sending a surprise package (whether it’s a coffee shop gift card, a curated snack box, or even a cozy holiday mug) can create excitement before your event even begins. I’ve seen teams open their treats on camera at the start of the party, and it sets such a joyful tone.
If you’d like to keep it simple, gift cards are always appreciated. But for something more personal, think about gifts that reflect your team’s shared story: maybe a local bakery’s cookies, or a book chosen by leadership with a thoughtful inscription.
And remember: this isn’t just about the gift itself, but the message behind it. It tells your employees: We see you, we value you, and we want to thank you in a personal way. That extra effort can transform an event from ordinary to unforgettable.
3. Virtual Secret Santa
No list of virtual office party ideas would be complete without this classic. Secret Santa is timeless because it taps into generosity and surprise. Assign everyone a colleague (tools like Elfster make this easy), set a budget, and encourage thoughtful gifts. If you want to put a new twist on the tradition, try setting a theme: gifts under $10, items that support small businesses, or something handmade. Themes can make the exchange more creative and inclusive.
One tip I often give clients: offer to cover shipping costs so employees don’t feel burdened. Then, during your virtual holiday party, set aside time for the big reveal. Everyone opens their gifts together, laughs over inside jokes, and shares the story behind what they received. It’s a simple but powerful way to spread joy across the grid.
4. Virtual Holiday-Themed Happy Hour
Cocktails, mocktails, and good conversation are holiday staples. A virtual holiday happy hour with a professional mixologist creates a shared experience that goes beyond sipping a drink. We send participants their own ingredient kits ahead of time, so when the party starts, everyone has what they need to shake and stir together.
What I love most about this format is that it encourages people to relax and chat, just like they would at an in-person office party. And for teams that prefer not to drink, we can swap in festive mocktail recipes or even hot cocoa kits. I’ve seen employees who never met in person bond over making the same beverage on screen. Those little moments of connection ripple out long after the party is over.
5. Virtual Gingerbread House Hunters
If your team thrives on creativity and a little friendly competition, this one is a winner. Over 45 minutes, teams design and build their gingerbread masterpieces, then present them to a panel of judges (or vote among themselves). The fun isn’t just in winning; it’s in the laughter, the frosting disasters, and the sense of accomplishment when the “house tour” begins.
This activity is also a great way to involve families. Kids, partners, or even pets often wander into frame, which makes the whole event feel more inclusive and personal. And if you want to extend the fun, consider a “parade of houses” on Slack or Teams afterward where everyone posts their gingerbread creations for more votes.
6. Quickfire Festive
For teams that like a fast pace, Quickfire Festive is one of the most popular virtual holiday party activities. Participants split into teams and compete in rounds of creative, mental, and physical challenges. From trivia questions to silly photo prompts, there’s something for everyone.
The beauty of this program is that it sparks communication and problem-solving in a way that feels lighthearted, not like work. At the end, teams can celebrate their points (and laugh about their most ridiculous submissions). This is also one of the best options for large groups because it scales easily. Whether you’ve got 20 or 200 participants, Quickfire keeps everyone engaged.
7. Amazing Race Around the World – Festive Edition
Want to take your team on a holiday adventure without leaving home? This virtual experience sends participants racing around the globe to discover how different cultures celebrate. Along the way, they’ll complete themed challenges and earn carrots to keep Santa’s reindeer flying.
It’s educational, fun, and perfect for global teams. As a bonus, activities like this double as cultural appreciation moments, reinforcing diversity and inclusion in a natural, joyful way. I’ve seen employees in different time zones light up when their own country’s traditions appear in the game. It’s a true reminder that while holidays look different around the world, the spirit of connection is universal.
8. Project Sleigh
Escape games are always a hit, and this one is tailor-made for the holidays. In Project Sleigh, Santa’s new high-tech sleigh isn’t ready and it’s up to your team to save Christmas Eve. Solving puzzles, finding clues, and working against the clock creates an adrenaline rush that bonds teams in unexpected ways.
What I love about holiday escape rooms is that they appeal to problem-solvers, creatives, and team players alike. It’s also a wonderful metaphor for the workplace: under pressure, with a clear deadline, teams can still come together to achieve something amazing. Everyone has a role to play, and the victory feels genuinely earned.
9. Oh, What Fun Team Trivia
Trivia is a universal crowd-pleaser. This customizable activity lets you choose themes that resonate with your company culture. Four rounds of ten questions each can span pop culture, holiday traditions, movies, food, or even company-specific fun facts.
The flexibility here is key. Whether your team is competitive or casual, trivia adapts to fit. And with hassle-free access from any device, it’s easy to include everyone, no matter where they’re dialing in from.
One company I worked with used trivia to highlight employee milestones from the year, turning it into both a celebration and a recognition event. That kind of personalization can make your holiday party uniquely yours.
What NOT to Do at Your Virtual Holiday Party
Just as important as planning activities is avoiding pitfalls that can make a party flop. Here are a few “don’ts” I always remind clients of:
- Don’t forget the festive spirit. Dress for the occasion, whether it’s formal wear, an ugly sweater, or reindeer antlers. Your outfit sets the tone.
- Don’t overdo the eggnog. Keep things light and fun without letting “party mode” derail the event.
- Don’t dress for half the camera. Pajama bottoms may seem safe, but what if a dance break happens? Dress head to toe.
- Don’t forget the mute button. Holiday gossip is never worth broadcasting to the whole team.
- Don’t make it feel like another meeting. Close the spreadsheets and resist the urge to slip in project updates.
- Don’t skip the games. Even a short, interactive activity makes the event feel intentional and engaging.
Why Virtual Holiday Parties Matter
I’ve often been asked: Are virtual parties really worth the effort? My answer is always yes. Done right, they strengthen culture, boost morale, and remind employees that they’re valued. Research consistently shows that teams who celebrate together are more engaged and more productive.
Another benefit I’ve seen is how virtual holiday parties create equity across remote and hybrid teams. When everyone is celebrating through the same platform, no one feels like they’re missing out because of geography. That sense of inclusion is powerful, especially for companies with global or multi-state offices. It levels the playing field, ensures everyone has a voice, and reminds employees that their presence is just as important as their colleagues in headquarters. For many teams, that recognition is the best gift of all.
Especially in remote and hybrid settings, the holidays are a chance to bridge distance with connection. Whether you go all-out with an Ultimate Virtual Holiday Party or keep it simple with trivia and cocoa, what matters most is that your team feels seen and celebrated.
Remote Holiday Party Ideas Galore
Planning a virtual holiday celebration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with your team’s personality: do they love competition, relaxation, or creativity? Then, choose from these virtual holiday party ideas to match.
At TeamBonding, we specialize in tailoring every event to fit your goals. From charitable activities to fast-paced games, we’ll help you design a holiday party that captures the spirit of your team and leaves lasting memories.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let’s create a holiday celebration your employees will remember well into the new year.
