250+ Office Christmas Ideas: Your Festive Inspirations for a Merry Workplace

Office Christmas Ideas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by infusing the office with the festive spirit of Christmas?

Workplace or Office Christmas celebrations are a fantastic opportunity to boost morale, foster team spirit, and create a joyful atmosphere at work.

In fact, 84% of employees who receive recognition or participate in company celebrations are more engaged at work, according to a study by Gallup.

Christmas Office Decorating Ideas – Whether your office is large or small, traditional or modern, there’s something here for everyone. This comprehensive guide will explore a range of Office Christmas Ideas, including a special feature on the “12 Days of Christmas Office Ideas” to keep the festive fun going throughout the season.

12 Days of Office Christmas Ideas

Celebrating Office Christmas over 12 days with various activities, themes, and surprises is a fantastic way to boost office morale and foster a festive spirit. Each day offers a unique opportunity for employees to engage in holiday-themed fun and create lasting memories. Here’s a detailed guide to making each day special:

Day 1: Festive Desk Decorating Contest

Concept: 

Kick off the 12 days of Office Christmas with a desk decorating contest. Encourage employees to bring out their holiday creativity by transforming their workspaces into festive displays.

Details:

1. Announce the Contest: Send out an office-wide email or memo inviting everyone to participate. Provide guidelines for decoration themes and safety considerations.
2. Provide Decorations: Offer a selection of Office Christmas decorations, such as mini trees, ornaments, and garlands, to help get everyone started.
3. Judging and Prizes: Arrange for a panel of judges or allow all employees to vote for their favorite desks. Categories can include “Most Creative,” “Most Festive,” and “Best Use of Space.” Award small prizes or certificates to the winners.
4. Showcase: Create a photo gallery of decorated desks to share with the office or on company social media.

Day 2: Office Christmas Cookie Exchange

Concept: 

Sweeten the holiday season with a cookie swap where employees bring in homemade cookies to share with their colleagues.

Details:

1. Organize the Exchange: Set a date and time for the cookie exchange. Encourage employees to sign up in advance to ensure a variety of cookies.
2. Provide Recipes: Share a selection of cookie recipes beforehand to inspire bakers. Offer a recipe card template for employees to fill out and include with their cookies.
3. Creative Packaging: Encourage participants to package their cookies creatively, perhaps using holiday-themed boxes or bags.
4. Cookie Tasting: Set up a display table where cookies can be sampled. Provide small plates and napkins for easy tasting.

Day 3: Ugly Office Christmas Sweater Day

Concept: 

Bring laughter and holiday cheer with an Ugly Office Christmas Sweater Day. Invite everyone to wear their most outrageous Office Christmas sweaters.

Details:

1. Announce the Event: Send out an announcement inviting everyone to participate in the fun. Include details on categories for the contest.
2. Contest Categories: Host a contest with categories like “Funniest Sweater,” “Most Creative,” and “Most Festive.” Allow employees to vote or appoint judges.
3. Prizes and Recognition: Offer small prizes for the winners, such as holiday-themed trophies or gift cards. Recognize all participants with a group photo or a shoutout in the office newsletter.

Day 4: Holiday Playlist Sharing

Concept: 

Create a festive atmosphere with a holiday playlist contributed by employees.

Details:

1. Collect Song Suggestions: Invite employees to submit their favorite holiday songs to build a diverse playlist.
2. Create the Playlist: Compile the songs into a playlist on a music streaming platform. Ensure it’s accessible to everyone in the office.
3. Play the Music: Play the playlist throughout the office during the day. Consider setting up speakers in common areas to enhance the holiday mood.

Day 5: Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Concept: 

Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange where employees exchange small gifts with their colleagues.

Details:

1. Set Up the Exchange: Use an online Secret Santa generator to match participants. Set a budget limit for gifts and provide guidelines on what types of gifts are appropriate.
2. Gift Ideas: Encourage employees to get creative with their gifts, considering the interests and hobbies of their assigned person.
3. Reveal: Host a virtual or in-person reveal where everyone opens their gifts and tries to guess who their Secret Santa was.

Day 6: Office Christmas Potluck Lunch

Concept: 

Host a holiday-themed potluck lunch where everyone brings in their favorite festive dish.

Details:

1. Organize the Potluck: Create a sign-up sheet for employees to choose what dish they will bring. Aim for a variety of appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts.
2. Set Up the Lunch Area: Arrange a buffet-style setup in the break room or a designated area. Decorate with holiday-themed tablecloths and centerpieces.
3. Enjoy the Meal: Allow time for everyone to sample the dishes and socialize. Consider having a short program where people share recipes or holiday stories.

Day 7: Charity Donation Drive

Concept: 

Give back to the community with a charity donation drive.

Details:

1. Select a Charity: Choose a charity or cause to support, such as a local food bank, shelter, or toy drive.
2. Organize Donations: Set up a collection point in the office where employees can drop off their donations. Provide a list of acceptable items and encourage participation through reminders.
3. Offer Incentives: Motivate employees to contribute by offering a small reward, such as a casual dress day or entry into a raffle for those who donate.

Day 8: Office Christmas Movie Marathon

Concept: 

Create a cozy holiday atmosphere with an Office Christmas movie marathon in the office.

Details:

1. Select Movies: Choose a lineup of classic Office Christmas movies and holiday specials. Consider a mix of family favorites and office-friendly options.
2. Set Up Viewing Area: Arrange a break room or conference room with comfortable seating and a large screen. Provide popcorn, snacks, and drinks for everyone to enjoy.
3. Schedule Showtimes: Create a schedule for the movie marathon, with designated times for each film. Allow employees to come and go as their schedule permits.

Day 9: Holiday Craft Workshop

Concept: 

Host a workshop where employees can create their own Office Christmas decorations or gifts.

Details:

1. Plan the Workshop: Provide materials and instructions for various holiday crafts, such as ornaments, wreaths, or holiday cards. Consider setting up stations for different crafts.
2. Encourage Participation: Invite employees to join the workshop during their break times or after work. Provide examples and templates for inspiration.
3. Display Crafts: Create a display area where completed crafts can be showcased. Allow employees to take their creations home or use them to decorate the office.

Day 10: Hot Chocolate & Treats Bar

Concept: 

Set up a hot chocolate bar with a variety of toppings and treats for a festive break.

Details:

1. Create the Station: Set up a hot chocolate bar with different types of hot chocolate (e.g., classic, peppermint, white chocolate) and a selection of toppings, such as whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes.
2. Add Treats: Include a variety of holiday-themed snacks and treats, such as cookies, brownies, or pretzels.
3. Encourage Enjoyment: Invite employees to visit the station throughout the day. Provide mugs and napkins, and consider offering a “make your own” station for customization.

Day 11: Office Christmas-Themed Team Building Games

Concept: 

Plan Office Christmas-themed games and activities to foster teamwork and fun.

Details:

1. Organize Games: Include a variety of Office Christmas-themed team-building games, such as Office Christmas trivia, holiday charades, or a scavenger hunt with festive clues.
2. Form Teams: Divide employees into teams and assign them to different games or activities. Offer small prizes for winning teams or individuals.
3. Facilitate Interaction: Ensure that games encourage interaction and collaboration among employees. Allow time for teams to strategize and compete.

Day 12: Office Christmas Party Ideas

Concept: 

Conclude the 12 days of Office Christmas with a grand office Christmas party to celebrate the season.

Details:

1. Plan the Party: Organize a festive event with music, food, and entertainment. Include a mix of activities, such as dancing, games, and a photo booth with holiday props.
2. Decorate the Venue: Transform the party space with Office Christmas decorations, lights, and a festive atmosphere. Create a theme or color scheme to unify the decor.
3. Enjoy the Celebration: Host a toast to recognize the hard work of employees and celebrate the holiday season. Provide ample time for socializing and enjoying the festivities.

Additional Office Christmas Ideas

Office Christmas Decoration Ideas for the Office

Top 2 Ideas in Detail

1. Office Decorating Contest
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Host a Decorating Party: Kick off the holiday season by organizing a decorating party where each department is responsible for a specific area of the office, such as the reception, break room, or conference rooms. This encourages teamwork and creativity.
   2. Provide Decorations: Supply a variety of decorations including garlands, wreaths, lights, and ornaments. Make sure to include items that reflect the company’s brand colors or theme to maintain a cohesive look throughout the office.
   3. DIY Decoration Stations: Set up stations where employees can craft their own ornaments and decorations. This could include stations for making personalized ornaments, decorating frames, or creating paper snowflakes. These DIY decorations can be added to a communal Office Christmas tree or hung around the office.
   4. Create a Voting System: After the decorating is complete, create a voting system where employees can vote on the best-decorated area. Categories might include “Most Festive,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Use of Lights.” Reward the winning team with a small prize, such as a holiday gift basket or extra time off.
2. Office Christmas Village Theme
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Introduce the Theme: Announce a “Christmas Village” theme where different departments are tasked with creating miniature Office Christmas villages using props, lights, and small decorations. Each department can design its own village scene, such as a snowy town square, a cozy cabin, or a bustling holiday market.
   2. Set Up a Decorating Timeline: Establish a timeline for the decorating phases, such as setting up the base structures, adding lights, and finishing with intricate details like miniature people, animals, or holiday scenes.
   3. Grand Unveiling Event: Plan a grand unveiling event where the whole office can tour the different village setups. Provide refreshments and festive music to enhance the experience.
   4. Capture and Share: Document the process and final results with photos and videos. Share these on social media or in a company newsletter to showcase the creativity and effort of your team.

5 Additional Ideas:

1. Eco-Friendly Decor: Use recycled or sustainable materials for decorations, such as upcycled ornaments or biodegradable garlands.
2. Office Christmas Tree Corner: Set up a communal Office Christmas tree where employees can hang personal ornaments or photos.
3. Winter Wonderland Theme: Create a snowy atmosphere with faux snow, snowflakes, and icicle lights.
4. Brand-Themed Decorations: Integrate company logos or brand colors into the decor to reflect the company’s identity.
5. Interactive Decor: Include interactive elements like advent calendars or Office Christmas countdowns where employees can interact daily.

10 Additional Workplace Christmas celebration Ideas:

1. Themed Office Windows
2. Festive Door Decorating Contest
3. Holiday Light Displays
4. Office Christmas Photo Wall
5. Santa’s Workshop Theme
6. DIY Ornament Station
7. Holiday-Scented Office (candles or diffusers)
8. Office Christmas Garland Weaving
9. Office Fireplace Setup
10. Festive Desk Accessories

Christmas-Themed Office Competitions

Top 2 Ideas in Detail

1. Gingerbread House Competition
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Host the Competition: Invite employees or teams to participate in a Gingerbread House Competition. Provide all the necessary decorating supplies, including gingerbread house kits or pre-baked gingerbread pieces, icing, candy, and edible glitter.
   2. Set Up a Display Area: Create a dedicated space where all the gingerbread houses can be showcased. Ensure this area is visible to all employees so everyone can admire the creativity.
   3. Voting System: Allow everyone in the office to vote for their favorite gingerbread houses in categories such as “Most Creative,” “Best Use of Candy,” or “Best Overall.” Consider using a ballot box or digital voting system to collect votes.
   4. Announce Winners: At the end of the day, announce the winners and present small prizes for each category, such as gift cards or holiday-themed trophies.
2. Office Christmas Bake-Off
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Organize the Bake-Off: Invite employees to enter their best holiday-themed baked goods. Create categories for judging, such as Best Presentation, Most Festive Flavor, and Best Traditional Recipe.
   2. Set Up a Tasting Station: Arrange a tasting station where all entries can be sampled by employees. Provide scorecards for tasting and voting.
   3. Voting and Judging: Allow everyone to vote for their favorites based on taste, presentation, and creativity. You may also appoint a panel of judges to make final decisions in each category.
   4. Announce Winners: Share the winning recipes and announce winners via a company-wide email or in a festive booklet. Provide awards or small prizes to the top bakers.

5 Additional Ideas:

1. Gift Wrapping Contest: Employees compete to wrap gifts creatively using unconventional materials or unique wrapping techniques.
2. Office Christmas Carol Karaoke: Teams perform Office Christmas carols in a karaoke contest, with points for performance and enthusiasm.
3. Holiday Trivia: Host a trivia competition featuring questions about Christmas traditions, movies, and music.
4. Festive Photography Contest: Employees submit holiday-themed photos with categories like Best Family Photo or Most Scenic Holiday Photo.
5. Office Scavenger Hunt: Organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the office, leading to festive rewards.

10 Additional Office Christmas celebration Ideas:

1. Holiday Pictionary
2. Office Christmas Card Design Contest
3. Best Holiday Meme Competition
4. Ornament Decorating Contest
5. Christmas Puzzle Challenge
6. Elf on the Shelf Hide-and-Seek
7. Festive Desk Organization
8. Holiday Lip Sync Battle
9. Ugly Office Christmas Tie Contest
10. Best Holiday Spirit Award

Employee Christmas Gift Ideas

Top 2 Ideas in Detail

1. Personalized Gift Box
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Create Personalized Gift Boxes: Curate a mix of thoughtful items for each employee. Consider including a custom mug with their name or a favorite quote, a cozy blanket, and a handwritten note from the manager.
   2. Customize Items: Tailor the contents of each gift box to individual preferences. This might include gourmet snacks, a favorite book, or a small tech gadget like a portable charger.
   3. Festive Packaging: Package the gifts in festive wrapping and present them during a special gift-giving ceremony or personally by managers.
   4. Exchange and Appreciation: Encourage employees to exchange gifts or messages of appreciation during the ceremony to foster a sense of community and gratitude.
2. Gift Card Secret Santa
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Organize the Exchange: Set up a Gift Card Secret Santa where employees draw names and purchase gift cards tailored to their assigned person’s interests (e.g., favorite coffee shop, bookstore, or restaurant).
   2. Set a Budget and Guidelines: Define a budget and provide some guidelines to ensure the gifts are meaningful and thoughtful.
   3. Virtual or In-Person Reveal: Host a virtual or in-person reveal where each participant explains why they chose that particular gift card.
   4. Creative Wrapping: Encourage creative wrapping or packaging for the gift cards to add a festive touch and make the reveal more exciting.

5 Additional Ideas:

1. Experience Gifts: Offer experiences such as tickets to a show, a day trip, or a cooking class.
2. Charity Donation in Their Name: Make a donation to a charity of the employee’s choice on their behalf.
3. Customized Office Supplies: Personalize items like notebooks, pens, or desk organizers with the employee’s name or initials.
4. Subscription Boxes: Gift a monthly subscription to something the employee enjoys, like snacks, books, or coffee.
5. Wellness Gifts: Include items like aromatherapy kits, yoga class passes, or fitness gear to promote well-being.

10 Additional Workplace Christmas Ideas:

1. Festive Hampers
2. Luxury Chocolates
3. Customized Water Bottles
4. Desk Plants
5. Holiday-Themed Apparel
6. Digital Gifts (eBooks, Music)
7. Personalized Calendars
8. Gourmet Food Basket
9. Tech Gadgets (e.g., portable chargers)
10. Handwritten Thank You Notes

Office Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas

Top 2 Ideas in Detail

1. Live Band or DJ
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Hire Entertainment: Arrange for a live band or DJ to perform a mix of Office Christmas classics and popular tunes to keep the party lively and engaging.
   2. Set Up the Dance Floor: Create a festive atmosphere with lighting and decorations that match the Office Christmas theme. Ensure the dance floor is ready for employees to enjoy.
   3. Interactive Elements: Include interactive elements such as song requests or a Christmas karaoke session to engage everyone and encourage participation.
   4. Special Performance: Plan for a special performance or surprise guest appearance to add an extra spark to the event and make it memorable.
2. Office Christmas Talent Show
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Organize the Talent Show: Host a Christmas Talent Show where employees can showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or comedy.
   2. Set Up the Stage: Arrange for a stage area with appropriate sound equipment and lighting to highlight performances.
   3. Sign-Up Sheet: Create a sign-up sheet to allow employees to register for performances. Offer prizes for the best acts to encourage participation.
   4. Judging and Voting: Incorporate judges or an audience voting system to make the show more engaging and interactive. Announce winners and distribute prizes.

5 Additional Ideas:

1. Photo Booth with Props: Set up a photo booth with holiday-themed props and backdrops for fun and memorable photos.
2. Interactive Games: Include games like Office Christmas trivia, bingo, or charades to keep everyone entertained.
3. Holiday Magic Show: Hire a magician to perform a holiday-themed magic show to add a touch of wonder to the party.
4. Themed Dinner: Plan a dinner around a specific theme, such as a Dickensian Christmas or Christmas around the world, with themed food and decor.
5. Office Christmas Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine with a playlist of Christmas songs for a fun and interactive experience.

10 Additional Office Christmas party Ideas:

1. Christmas Quiz Night
2. Festive Dance-Off
3. Holiday Murder Mystery
4. Office Christmas Bingo
5. Seasonal Comedy Show
6. Carol Singing Competition
7. Office Christmas Awards
8. Interactive Cooking Class
9. Virtual Reality Christmas Experience
10. Office Christmas Craft Station

Virtual Christmas Celebration Ideas for workplace

Top 2 Ideas in Detail

1. Virtual Secret Santa
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Host the Virtual Exchange: Organize a Virtual Secret Santa where employees draw names through an online platform.
   2. Set Budget and Guidelines: Establish a budget and provide a list of online stores for gift shopping to ensure the gifts are thoughtful.
   3. Virtual Reveal: Schedule a virtual meeting where everyone opens their gifts together and guesses who their Secret Santa was.
   4. Holiday Games: Include an icebreaker or holiday-themed game to kick off the event and get everyone in the festive spirit.
2. Virtual Office Christmas Party
   Step-by-Step Guide:
   1. Plan the Party: Organize a Virtual Christmas Party with various breakout rooms for activities such as holiday trivia, a festive scavenger hunt, and a Christmas movie watch party.
   2. Send Party Kits: Send out party kits to employees ahead of time, including snacks, a small gift, and a festive accessory like a Santa hat or reindeer antlers.
   3. Main Virtual Room: Create a main virtual room for announcements, toasts, or a holiday message from leadership.
   4. Group Photo: Conclude the party with a group photo or screenshot to capture the festive moment and create a keepsake.

5 Additional Ideas:

1. Virtual Christmas Bingo: Play Christmas-themed bingo with online bingo cards.
2. Online Christmas Cooking Class: Host a virtual class where employees can cook or bake together.
3. Holiday Story Time: Have a senior leader or guest read a Christmas story to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
4. Virtual Holiday Happy Hour: Send out cocktail/mocktail recipes for everyone to make and enjoy together during a virtual happy hour.
5. Remote Holiday Crafting: Provide a craft kit and host a virtual crafting session where employees can create holiday decorations or gifts.

10 Additional Virtual workplace Christmas Ideas:

1. Virtual Christmas Carol Singalong
2. Online Holiday Charades
3. Virtual Gingerbread House Decorating
4. Remote Christmas Cookie Exchange
5. Virtual Holiday Talent Show
6. Office Christmas Meme Contest
7. Virtual White Elephant Exchange
8. Holiday Backgrounds Contest
9. Festive Zoom Costume Contest
10. Online Christmas Escape Room

Conclusion

The office Christmas season can be a delightful and memorable experience with a range of creative ideas for decorations, competitions, gifts, party entertainment, and virtual celebrations. From decorating contests and gingerbread house competitions to personalized gift boxes and virtual parties, these ideas aim to foster a festive spirit and bring joy to the workplace.

Share your own office Christmas ideas and experiences to inspire others and create a sense of community and shared holiday spirit. Let’s make this Christmas season the best one yet for our workplaces!