Let’s be real; virtual holiday parties can be hit or miss. Done right, though, they’re a chance to bring remote teams together, share laughs, and end the year on a high note. After months of Zoom meetings that could’ve been emails, your team probably deserves something a little more… festive.
So, why bother hosting a virtual company holiday party? Because staying connected is more important than ever, especially when your team is scattered across cities (or time zones). A great virtual party boosts morale, strengthens team bonds, and reminds everyone that work isn’t just deadlines and deliverables.
To help you plan something truly memorable, we’ve rounded up 22 creative virtual holiday party ideas guaranteed to spark fun, connection, and maybe even a few unforgettable moments.
Have fun!
1. Virtual ‘White Elephant’ team gift exchange
Nothing says holiday fun like a White Elephant (secret Santa) gift exchange, except now it’s virtual, and no one has to clean up wrapping paper. Before the event, surprise gifts are mailed to each team member. When everyone hops on a video call, the gifting chaos begins. Players take turns opening presents or stealing from others, creating hilarious moments and lighthearted competition. With shipping and logistics already sorted, you can focus on laughing at ridiculous group gifts (or silently plotting a steal).
It’s playful, stress-free, and guaranteed to spark some memorable stories (*Cough* unexpected foot massager showing up at a team members door *Cough*)
2. Clay planter pottery workshop
Ever thought remote teams couldn’t create something together? Think again. Before the event, organize a delivery service where people can receive everything they need to create magic! For this one, you’ll need to organize a pottery pro who can guide the team as this is certainly no easy feat.
It’s a refreshing change from typical online games and a great way to unwind. By the end, everyone has a handmade planter perfect for desk succulents or as a quirky conversation starter. It’s a creative spin on holiday bonding that leaves your team with something personal and far cooler than yet another branded mug.
3. Virtual holiday trivia night
Put your team’s holiday knowledge to the test with a festive trivia night that’s as competitive as it is fun. Create rounds filled with questions about holiday traditions, iconic movies, and classic songs. For extra excitement, use breakout rooms for team competitions, adding a collaborative twist. Keep the energy high with a charismatic host or even a team member who loves playing quizmaster.
This activity is perfect for mixing friendly rivalry with seasonal cheer, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want bragging rights for knowing obscure facts about Home Alone or holiday food customs around the world?
Bonus: No one gets stuck cleaning up snack crumbs afterwards!
4. Virtual holiday paint and sip party
Get ready to unleash your artistic side while sipping on your favorite beverage. Before the event, make sure each team member receives a painting kit with all the essentials, like canvas, brushes, and paints.
The next stage? Hire a pro! A professional instructor can offer step-by-step guidance while keeping the vibe fun and relaxed. Whether you’re painting a winter wonderland or something more...abstract, it’s all about enjoying the process.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating art while sharing laughs (and maybe some wine-fueled masterpieces) with teammates. Even if your painting isn’t museum-worthy, you’ll still walk away with a unique holiday memory and possibly a new home-office decoration.
Don’t sleep on this great Christmas work party idea!
5. Private mixology workshop
Cocktails and holiday parties go hand in hand, so why not learn to mix like a pro? Each team member receives a cocktail kit with everything they need to shake things up.
Now, this next part is up to you, either allow the team to create their own crazy concoctions or hire a local bartender to help lead the session! It’s hands-on, interactive, and guaranteed to loosen up even the most serious meetings.
The shared experience means plenty of laughs and maybe some surprise drink masterpieces. Whether the cocktails are flawless or a “creative interpretation,” you’ll still raise a glass to a year well done.
6. Cozy holiday storytime
There’s something magical about sharing stories during the holidays, even when your team is miles apart. Host a virtual storytelling session where team members can share favorite holiday memories, funny traditions, or even heartwarming moments. Set the scene with holiday-themed virtual backgrounds or cozy fireplace visuals to create a festive atmosphere.
You can keep it casual or add a lighthearted contest for the funniest or most heartwarming story. This activity brings personal connections front and center, making everyone feel a little closer.
7. Ugly christmas sweater fashion show
Who doesn’t love a good holiday sweater, especially the hilariously over-the-top ones? Host a virtual fashion show where everyone gets to strut their stuff (or at least sit and spin in their chairs) in their gaudiest, sparkliest, or most over-the-top holiday sweaters. Bonus points for lights, jingles, or unexpected themes. Prizes can be awarded for categories like “Most Creative,” “Best DIY,” or “Sweater Most Likely to Blind a Camera.”
It’s a fun, laid-back way to inject some humor into your Christmas spirit week, and the photos will definitely make for some excellent Slack memes later.
8. Virtual truffle-making workshop
If “chocolate therapy” isn’t already a thing, this workshop makes a strong case for it. Before the event, each participant receives a truffle-making kit packed with all the essentials like premium chocolate, toppings, and tools. During the live session, a chocolatier walks everyone through the delicious process of crafting handmade truffles (remember, this part is optional!)
It’s hands-on, fun, and downright decadent. Expect plenty of tasting “for quality control” and creative topping experiments. By the end, you’ll have a box of custom-made truffles and possibly some new dessert bragging rights. It’s the ultimate treat-yourself experience that your team will still be talking about long after the last bite.
9. Holiday charades
Nothing says holiday fun like a game of charades, especially when the prompts are as festive as “building a snowman” or “wrapping presents.” Split the team into small groups, or let everyone take turns acting out holiday-themed clues while the rest of the team guesses. The best part? Watching your coworkers hilariously mime “Santa stuck in the chimney” without saying a word. It’s light, silly, and guaranteed to have everyone laughing.
Plus, it’s perfect for teams looking for a low-tech activity that doesn’t require fancy apps—just creativity, quick thinking, and a lot of holiday spirit.
10. Virtual brick building team challenge
Bring out your inner architect with this fun, creative team-building event. Before the challenge, each team member receives a kit with building bricks (provided for by you!). During the event, participants tackle a series of building tasks that test creativity, communication, and quick thinking.
It’s a perfect mix of friendly competition and collaboration as teams work against the clock while staying connected over video. Expect plenty of laughs, inventive designs, and possibly some accidental modern art! It’s ideal for teams looking to bond in a lighthearted but engaging way. No engineering degree required.
11. Virtual Christmas karaoke
Get ready to belt out “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (or at least cheer on the brave souls who do!). Host a karaoke session featuring a mix of classic carols and modern holiday hits. Use a shared playlist and screen-sharing tools to make it seamless, and encourage everyone to take part (whether they’re in tune or not). You can even add themes like “worst rendition of Jingle Bells” or “most over-the-top performance.”
It’s an easy, fun way to inject some energy into your virtual party while discovering your team’s hidden (or hilariously absent) musical talents.
12. Virtual mochi-making class
Ready to mix things up? This mochi-making workshop is a fun, interactive way to experience a unique culinary tradition. Each participant gets a mochi-making kit delivered straight to their door. During the event, you could hire a pro instructor that demonstrates how to craft these delicious, chewy treats from scratch. The process is surprisingly satisfying, with plenty of room for creative fillings (or experimental flavor combos). It’s sweet, sticky, and an absolute blast—perfect for teams looking to try something a bit outside the usual holiday fare.
Bonus: You’ll have tasty mochi ready to enjoy by the end, or at least a fun story about trying!
13. Winter wonderland background contest
Turn your virtual meeting into a holiday spectacle with this Christmas contest! Challenge the team to design the most creative winter wonderland backdrop, using filters, custom designs, or just sheer ingenuity. From snow-covered landscapes to gingerbread houses or over-the-top holiday animations, the sky’s the limit. During the call, everyone can vote for categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Likely to Give You FOMO.”
It’s a simple way to add some flair to your virtual gathering and show off everyone’s festive spirit!
14. Holiday escape room
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? This virtual team celebration activity brings your team together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and save the day—all from behind a screen. Teams race against the clock to complete challenges while navigating a virtual world. It’s fast-paced, mentally stimulating, and perfect for groups that thrive on problem-solving. As the countdown ticks, communication becomes key, making it as much about teamwork as it is about cracking clues.
Whether you escape or fall just short, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable, brain-busting adventure full of holiday cheer.
👉Here are some great free escape rooms!
15. Holiday movie watch party
Nothing says holiday bonding like watching a classic film together. Use a streaming service with a watch party feature so everyone can tune in at the same time. Choose crowd-pleasers like Home Alone, Elf, or The Holiday (or go unconventional with Die Hard if your team loves a debate). Add extra fun by encouraging cozy PJs, hot cocoa, and festive snacks. Create a chat thread for live reactions, trivia questions, or funny commentary during the movie.
It’s a low-effort, feel-good way to relax and connect, with plenty of holiday spirit. Best of all, everyone gets the best seat in the house!
16. Virtual gingerbread house contest
Get your team into the holiday spirit with a virtual gingerbread house decorating contest! Send DIY gingerbread kits in advance or let everyone create their own from scratch. When the event begins, team members can show off their sugary masterpieces live on video. Categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Holiday Theme,” and “Most Likely to Collapse” keep the contest fun and lighthearted. Bonus points for unexpected candy choices or hilarious construction fails.
It’s guaranteed to spark excitement (will the house stand?) or laughter (it falls to a sweet disaster). Best of all, everyone gets a tasty treat afterward.
17. Virtual cooking and baking class
Nothing brings people together like food, even when they’re miles apart. In this hands-on cooking or baking class, your team can whip up delicious treats while bonding over shared culinary chaos. Before the event, you could give participants a list of ingredients, or even a full kit! Want to make it extra special? Consider hiring a professional chef to lead the session, offering expert tips and step-by-step guidance.
It’s a great way to break away from daily routines while creating something you can actually eat. Expect lots of laughs, kitchen mishaps, and maybe even a new go-to holiday recipe. Bonus: Dinner’s already sorted when the event ends!
18. Christmas carol lip sync battle
Bring the holiday hits, and the performances to match, with a Christmas carol lip-sync battle! Team members take turns performing iconic holiday songs while others guess the titles. Encourage costumes, props, and over-the-top theatrics for extra fun. Whether someone’s nailing All I Want for Christmas Is You or dramatically miming Silent Night, the laughs are guaranteed. You can even assign themes like “Most Dramatic Performance” or “Best Air Guitar Solo.”
It’s festive, high-energy, and perfect for teams ready to let loose and unleash their inner rock stars with no singing talent required. Just bring the holiday spirit and your best (or worst) moves!
19. Virtual gift wrapping party
Why wrap presents alone when you can make it a team event? Host a virtual gift-wrapping session where everyone can wrap gifts while chatting, playing festive music, and sipping holiday drinks. Create a cozy atmosphere with holiday-themed virtual backgrounds or even a fun “ugliest wrapping job” contest. You can share wrapping tips or have a “guess the gift” segment for added laughs.
It’s a low-pressure, festive way to connect while tackling a holiday task that’s way more fun with company. By the end, everyone’s holiday prep feels a bit more joyful and way less like a solo chore.
20. Holiday art workshop
Add a creative spark to your team’s holiday celebrations with a virtual art workshop. Whether it’s crafting ornaments, designing holiday cards, or creating festive decorations, this session blends fun and creativity into one relaxing experience.
Here’s an idea: how about shipping art supplies ahead of time, so everyone’s ready to dive in?
You could even go as far as hiring an expert instructor to guide the way. That way, even the least artistic team members can create something they’re proud of. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to connect, unwind, and let those creative vibes flow. And who knows? You might just create next year’s holiday card masterpiece!
21. Virtual holiday bingo
Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo, especially when it’s holiday-themed? Create custom bingo cards with fun prompts like “mentions snow,” “wearing holiday socks,” or “accidentally talks while muted.” Share the cards digitally or let everyone create their own. As the event unfolds, team members can mark off squares based on what happens during the call. Award small prizes for categories like “first bingo,” “most creative card,” or “funniest background spotted.”
It’s lighthearted, easy to set up, and perfect for teams looking for a fun, interactive holiday game that guarantees laughs without complicated rules.
22. Year-end gratitude circle
End the year on a thoughtful, uplifting note with a virtual gratitude circle. Gather the team on a video call and invite everyone to share something they’re thankful for. Whether it’s a personal win, a team achievement, or a memorable moment from the year, this is a great chance for positive affirmation! Keep the atmosphere relaxed and supportive, with no pressure to share anything too personal. You can even create a “gratitude wall” using a shared document where people can write messages.
It’s a heartwarming way to end the new year on a positive note by reminding everyone that even in challenging times, there’s always something to be grateful for.
Remember, the best parties happen in person!
Virtual parties are great, but nothing beats the magic of gathering in person. That’s where we come in. At Surf Office, we make team-building retreats an absolute breeze. Our aim centers around giving your remote (or hybrid team) the chance to connect, collaborate, and create memories that no Zoom call can match.
With over 850+ retreats organized for companies around the globe, we know what it takes to craft a meaningful experience for every member of your team. Here's what we bring to the table:
- Stress-free travel arrangements? Sorted. ✅
- Comfortable, curated accommodations? Always. ✅
- Thoughtfully designed team-building activities? You bet. ✅
- Exceptional dining options? Handled. ✅
- Expert retreat planning every step of the way? Of course. ✅
And with access to 160+ incredible locations across Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and Africa, your dream retreat is closer than you think.
Contact Surf Office today and let’s create a team-building retreat everyone will love.
