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How to Throw an Office Holiday Party Your Co-Workers Will Be Talking About into the New Year

by on Nov 6, 2023

Are you in charge of throwing the office Christmas party? What a great opportunity!  After all, if it goes well, you can expect plenty of appreciation and accolades. Make sure you don’t skimp on the planning, though. If the event is boring and awkward, the party will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Looking for work Christmas party ideas? Read on for tips and ideas sure to make your office party fun, delicious, and full of holiday spirit.     


The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to spread some festive cheer in the workplace! As we wrap up another successful year, what better way to celebrate than by throwing an epic office Christmas party? 

It’s the perfect opportunity to let loose and bond with your coworkers outside of work. But planning a party for your whole team can be a daunting task. 

Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with some fun and engaging office Christmas party ideas that will get everyone into the holiday spirit. 

From decorations to games and food, we’ve curated a list of ideas for work Christmas parties that will make your event the talk of the office for months to come. 

So put on your elf hats and get ready to jingle all the way with these fantastic ideas for a work Christmas party!

Sparkling Up Your Office: Christmas Decoration Ideas

The holiday season is a magical time of year, and what better way to spread the cheer than by decorating your office for Christmas? 

Transforming your workspace into a winter wonderland will not only get everyone into the holiday spirit but will also create a festive and joyful atmosphere for your office Christmas party. 

Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large-scale event, these Christmas decoration ideas will help you make your office shine.

office christmas tree

Putting a Christmas tree in the office

First things first, let’s talk about the Christmas tree. A beautifully decorated tree is the centerpiece of any holiday celebration. 

Choose a tree that fits the size of your office space, whether it’s a small tabletop tree or a grand one that stands tall in the corner. Make sure to involve your colleagues in the decorating process by organizing a tree-trimming party. 

Let everyone bring their own ornaments and get creative with the tree’s theme. 

You can go for a traditional red and green color scheme or mix it up with a unique theme like a winter wonderland or a Santa’s workshop.

holiday party attire

Decorating the office

Now that the tree is all decked out let’s move on to the rest of the office. 

Start by adorning the walls with festive decorations. 

Hang garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights to add a touch of magic to every corner. 

Set out candy canes that everyone an grab to snack on.

If your office has windows, consider putting up window clings or decals featuring snowflakes, reindeer, or Santa Claus. 

This will not only brighten up your office from the inside but will also spread holiday cheer to those passing by.

Don’t forget about the office desks! This is especially good in a cubicle environment, such as a call center.

Encourage your colleagues to bring in their own small decorations, like mini Christmas trees, snow globes, or holiday-themed desk accessories. Or even wear santa hats while working.

This will not only add a personal touch to each individual’s workspace but will also contribute to the overall festive atmosphere of the office.

These Christmas decoration ideas will transform your office into a festive wonderland and set the stage for a memorable and joyful office Christmas party.

Liven Up the Celebration: Fun-filled Games for Your Office Party

The holiday season is all about spreading joy and cheer, and what better way to do that than by organizing some fun-filled games for your office Christmas party? 

Adding games to your celebration is a fantastic way to liven up the atmosphere and create lasting memories with your colleagues. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large-scale event, these office party game ideas will have everyone laughing, bonding, and getting into the holiday spirit.

office secret santa

Secret Santa

One classic game that is always a hit at office parties is Secret Santa

This gift exchange game involves drawing names and then buying a gift for the person whose name you picked. Set a budget and let your colleagues get creative with their gift choices.

This game not only brings excitement and anticipation but also encourages team members to get to know each other better as they search for the perfect gift.

Holiday Trivia

If you’re looking for something more active, consider organizing a Holiday Trivia game. Create a list of holiday-themed trivia questions and divide your colleagues into teams. 

You can ask questions about Christmas traditions, holiday movies, or even famous Christmas songs. Not only will this game test everyone’s knowledge, but it will also spark conversations and friendly competition.

Office Olympics

For a more interactive and team-building game, try Office Olympics. Set up different stations around the office where teams can compete in various challenges, such as wrapping presents as quickly as possible or solving holiday-themed puzzles. 

This game not only encourages teamwork and camaraderie but also adds an element of friendly competition to your office Christmas party.

charades playing

Holiday Charades

If you’re looking for a game that will get everyone moving and laughing, try Holiday Charades

Divide your colleagues into teams and have each team take turns acting out different holiday-related words or phrases. The team that guesses the most words correctly wins. 

This game is guaranteed to bring laughter and create memorable moments that everyone will be talking about long after the party is over.

holiday karaoke

Christmas Karaoke

Another popular game that is always a crowd-pleaser is Christmas Karaoke

Set up a karaoke machine or create a playlist of holiday songs and let your colleagues showcase their singing skills. This game is not only entertaining but also a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit as they sing along to their favorite festive tunes.

In order to have a successful office Christmas party, it is important to select games that are inclusive, engaging, and encourage team building. It’s essential to take into account the interests and preferences of your colleagues and create a festive and enjoyable atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable and included. 

So, don’t be afraid to get creative and incorporate these work party ideas into your office Christmas celebration.

appetizers at an office Christmas party

Feast on Festive Delights: Delectable Food Ideas for Your Christmas Party

The holiday season is not only a time for spreading joy and cheer but also a time for indulging in delicious treats and festive feasts. 

When planning your office Christmas party, it’s important to consider the food options that will delight your colleagues and leave them with full bellies and happy hearts. To help you create a mouthwatering menu that will impress everyone at your celebration, we’ve gathered some delectable food ideas for your Christmas party.

Potluck

One classic option for an office Christmas party is a buffet-style feast or potluck. This allows your colleagues to choose from a variety of dishes and create their own customized plates. 

You can include traditional holiday favorites like roast turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. 

Don’t forget to offer vegetarian or vegan options like roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or a hearty bean stew. Providing a wide array of options ensures that everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.

Catered holiday party

While a potluck is a great budget-friendly option, some people have reservations about eating food from everyone’s kitchen, food allergies, or overall just prefer to not chance food they didn’t prepare or have prepared professionally.

With that said, consider hiring a catering service or food truck to provide a unique dining experience. 

Food trucks are a popular trend and can offer a variety of cuisines, such as tacos, burgers, or even gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 

This will not only give your colleagues a delicious meal but also create a memorable experience that they will be talking about for months to come.

The best places to have an office party catered

Deciding where to have your office party catered can make all the difference in creating a memorable and delicious experience for your colleagues. 

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to have an office party catered. 

Chick-fil-A

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, Chick-fil-A is a fantastic choice. With their tasty chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and a variety of sides, you can’t go wrong. They offer catering options that are perfect for a work party, including their famous Chick-fil-A Nuggets Tray or a Chick-fil-A Sandwich Platter.

Panera

Panera is another great option for catering your office Christmas party. With their fresh salads, sandwiches, and bakery items, there’s something for everyone. You can choose from a variety of catering packages, such as their Soup for a Group or the Sandwich Boxed Lunch.

Chipotle

If you’re looking to spice things up, Chipotle is a delicious and convenient choice. With their customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos, your colleagues can create their own perfect meal. Chipotle offers catering options that include their famous Build-Your-Own Spread or a Chipotle Party Spread.

Olive Garden

If you want to treat your colleagues to a sit-down meal, Olive Garden is a popular option. With their flavorful Italian dishes and unlimited breadsticks, your colleagues are sure to leave satisfied. Olive Garden offers catering options that include their famous Pasta Bar or the Italian Feast, which includes a variety of their classic dishes.

Maggiano’s

For a more upscale option, Maggiano’s is a fantastic choice. With their delicious Italian cuisine and family-style dining, your colleagues will feel like they’re celebrating in style. Maggiano’s offers catering options that include their famous Chef’s Choice Buffet or a Customizable Catering Package.

These are just a few of the best places to have your office party catered. 

Depending on your location and preferences, there may be many other great options to choose from. 

Just make sure to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your colleagues when making your decision. With the right food, your office Christmas party will be a hit and will have everyone raving about the delicious spread you provided. 

Hot Cocoa Bar

Maybe having a full spread is just not possible, either due to budget, timing, or any other reasons.  

You can have a hot chocolate bar with different toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. 

Dessert Bar

Incorporating festive treats and sweets is a must for any office Christmas party. 

Offer a variety of holiday-themed desserts like sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles, gingerbread houses, or a decadent hot fudge brownie sundae station. 

Don’t forget to include a selection of seasonal fruits and a cheese platter for those who prefer lighter options.

office holiday party
Photo: RawPixel/Shutterstock

Drinks

No matter what kind of food is offered, don’t forget about the drinks! Set up a festive drink station with a variety of options, such as hot apple cider, eggnog, or a signature holiday cocktail. 

You can also offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages like flavored sparkling water or a festive mocktail.

The Gift of Giving: Unique Office Gift Exchange Ideas

‘Tis the season for giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer in the office than with a unique gift exchange? 

The gift exchange is a beloved tradition that brings colleagues together and adds an element of excitement to any office Christmas party. 

If you’re looking for some fresh and creative ideas for your office gift exchange, look no further! 

We’ve rounded up some unique office gift exchange ideas that are sure to make your colleagues’ faces light up with joy.

White Elephant Gift Exchange

This classic gift exchange game never gets old. Each person brings a wrapped gift within a set budget, and participants take turns selecting a gift from the pile. The fun twist is that participants can choose to steal a gift from someone else or unwrap a new one. This game is filled with surprises and laughter, making it a favorite among many.

Secret Santa with a Twist

Put a unique spin on the traditional Secret Santa by adding a theme to the gift exchange. For example, you can have a “DIY” theme, where participants have to create their gifts, or a “Books and Coffee” theme, where gifts must be related to books or coffee. This adds an element of personalization and creativity to the exchange, making it even more special.

Red christmas gift boxes

Office Scavenger Hunt

Turn your gift exchange into an exciting office-wide scavenger hunt. Hide small gifts around the office and provide clues or riddles for participants to find them. This interactive and team-building activity not only adds a sense of adventure to the gift exchange but also encourages collaboration and camaraderie among colleagues.

Gift Auction

Bring out your inner auctioneer by hosting a gift auction. Each participant brings a gift within a specified budget, and colleagues bid on the items using play money. The highest bidder gets to take the gift home. This unique twist on the gift exchange adds an element of competition and excitement to the party.

Donation in Someone’s Name

If your office is looking to give back during the holiday season, consider doing a gift exchange with a charitable twist. Instead of exchanging physical gifts, participants can donate to a charity of their choice in someone else’s name. 

This not only spreads holiday cheer but also makes a positive impact in the community.

These unique office gift exchange ideas are sure to make your holiday party one to remember. Remember to communicate the rules and expectations of the gift exchange in advance, and encourage colleagues to think outside the box when choosing their gifts.

holiday party lights

Wrapping it Up: Essential Tips to Clean-Up Post Party

After your office and employee Christmas party, it’s time to tidy up. 

Gather volunteers to make the task more manageable and bond as a team. Divide the tasks, remove decorations, clean up messes, and recycle where possible. 

Sanitize surfaces and wash dishes, and encourage colleagues to take leftovers home or donate them. Clean and restock the restrooms. 

Afterward, consider sending a thank-you message to your colleagues to keep the positive energy going.

Hosting an office Christmas party is a great way to celebrate the holiday season with your colleagues and boost team morale. 

Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big bash, be sure to focus on the key elements of a successful party, including food, drinks, decorations, and entertainment. 

And don’t forget to add a unique and creative twist to your gift exchange to make it even more special. 

With these tips and ideas, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a memorable and enjoyable office Christmas party that everyone will be talking about for years to come. 

Happy Holidays!

Are you in charge of throwing the office Christmas party? What a great opportunity!  After all, if it goes well, you can expect plenty of appreciation and accolades. Make sure you don’t skimp on the planning, though. If the event is boring and awkward, the party will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Looking for work Christmas party ideas? Read on for tips and ideas sure to make your office party fun, delicious, and full of holiday spirit.     


With a little effort and creativity, your office holiday party will be loads of holiday fun! Your co-workers will leave smiling, feeling appreciated, and already looking forward to next year’s bash. 

Want more work Christmas party ideas?  Check this article on 7 tips for hosting the perfect holiday get-together.

 

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