23 Virtual Holiday Party Ideas for Work in 2021

Hosting a holiday party for your employees is a great way to show them that you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication over the past calendar year. 

Holiday parties boost morale and give employees something to look forward to as the year comes to a close. 

They can also serve as a reminder to your team that you encourage a healthy work/life balance, instill a sense of community among them, and jumpstart the new year with a burst of joy and connectedness.

We’ve outlined 23 different virtual holiday party ideas for work for you to take inspiration from. The events mentioned in this article range from hands-on creative to sit-back-and-relax, and they have varying levels of necessary prep work. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Introduction

The company holiday party has a different look in a post-pandemic world. What used to be a great excuse to get dolled up for a night and cut loose with coworkers has transformed into a holiday headache for HR departments and team managers around the world.

This may seem minor in the grand scheme of all we’ve been through since March 2020, but don’t underestimate the importance of a holiday party — this event is key in keeping employees engaged through as much of the month of December as possible.  
The perception of having a “light at the end of the tunnel” by way of a holiday party can have dramatic effects. Studies show that engagement rates plummet throughout the course of the month, with over 50% of respondents reporting being “done” with putting effort toward work on or around December 16.

A strategically-scheduled holiday party may ward off the temptation to shift into autopilot earlier than warranted. Beyond that, virtual holiday activities are just an all-around great way to keep employees both engaged during work time and excited for upcoming family celebrations. 

Read on for some of our favorite virtual corporate holiday party ideas.

Scavenger Hunt

Looking for an easy, low-prep holiday team building activity? Try a virtual holiday scavenger hunt! The majority of scavenger hunt events require little to no materials to participate, making them ideal for teams who want to simply show up and party.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants 
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants
• Make or purchase a prize for the winning team (optional)
• Divide participants into teams, and notify them of their team assignment
• Have fun!
• Take pictures
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media
• Send prizes to winners or arrange for pickup

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Costumes (according to event specifications)
• Access to Zoom

Murder Mystery

A murder mystery event is another great virtual holiday party game. They can range from show-up-and-solve to far more elaborate, some requiring participants to plan ahead for costumes and props. 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants
• Distribute invitations (included)
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches
• Have fun!
• Take pictures
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Costumes (according to event specifications)
• Access to Zoom

Holiday Paint Night

Studies show that people who engage in creative tasks are happier, more energized, and have a deeper sense of overall purpose and well-being. That’s why a holiday paint night makes for a perfect virtual office holiday party idea! 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Acrylic paint (included)
• Canvas (included)
• Paint brushes (included)
• Cup of water
• Paper towel
• Paper plate
• 2 feet of table space

Holiday-Themed Musical Bingo

One of the more unique virtual company holiday party ideas we came across is called Musical Bingo. It’s Bingo, but without the usual number-and-letter system that typically makes the game boards so identifiable.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Virtual Bingo card (included)

Team Trivia

This virtual holiday activity is trivia with a tinsel twist — it’s holiday-themed! There are three rounds of trivia, including a picture round, music round, and a creative questions round, and they’re all centered around the holiday season.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Office Olympics

This virtual holiday party idea is perfect for teams with a competitive streak. Office Olympics are a universally popular event, and doesn’t require prep work or materials from the HR side of things — best of both worlds!

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Game Night

Game night is an online Christmas party idea that works well for teams working remotely, from home, or a hybrid of the two. Run by a live host, game night usually includes three rounds of play in a winter theme.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Peppermint Mocha & Chill

The average 25 to 34-year-old spends over $2000 a year on coffee. Yikes! For those who want to shift into save mode, a DIY mocha-making workshop could be a great virtual office holiday party idea.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Kit (optional) OR coffee + ingredients from list (included)

Holiday Preserves

A holiday preserves class will show you just how fun, easy, and rewarding canning can be. With tips addressing the entire process, from sourcing ingredients to storing your preserves long-term, the workshop will leave you ready to can to your heart’s desire. 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Ingredient list (included)
• Recipe card (included)
• Ingredients

‘Tis the Season Board

Looking for a Pinterest-worthy virtual holiday party idea for large groups? Charcuterie boards are a trendy and crowd-pleasing option.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• A selection of meats, cheeses, and other accoutrements (included)
• 2 feet of table space
• A platter for building your board

Candle Making

Candles provide stress relief for those who respond well to aromatherapy, and can also serve as another creative outlet for your employees. 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Candle materials (included)

Cocktail Workshop

A cocktail-mixing workshop is another trendy event that’s easy to host online, and can be a super successful event for the right employee demographic. 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Cocktail-making kit (included)
• Plenty of ice
• Spoon or chopstick
• Cocktail shaker (Tupperware will do just fine!)
• Jigger, shot glass, or small measuring cup
• Glassware

Coffee Tasting

Help your employees prepare for a productive year by putting a little pep in their step with a coffee-tasting workshop!

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Four pre-measured coffees for tasting (included)
• Tasting cups (included)
• Tasting forms (included)
• Coffee-brewing device

Vision Board

The holiday season is one of the most popular times for people to set goals and dream big for the year ahead. Take advantage of your employees’ reflectiveness and plan a vision board party. 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Vision board cheat sheet (included)
• Laser-engraved wood board for hanging (included)
• Wire clips (included)
• Customizable vision cards (included)

Custom Wrapping Paper

Take gift-giving to the next level with custom wrapping paper! This kind of event has participants use an interactive design canvas that can apply messages, photos, and more to custom sheets of wrapping paper.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

3D-Printed Cookie Cutters

Here’s a great option for teams who have allergy concerns: cookie-cutter creations! In this unique workshop, party-goers will create two custom cookie-cutters that they can use with their favorite recipes at home.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Magic Show

Magic shows are always a popular group event. A great magician can put on quite a show, even virtually, and the best ones can convince even the toughest skeptics.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Pen and paper
• Deck of cards
• A book with a lot of words

Comedy Show

Most comedians have by now perfected their virtual stand-up routines, making this a perfect opportunity to see one of their acts for a very reasonable price. With its low-cost, low-prep low-stakes format, virtual stand-up comedy show is a wonderful choice for a holiday company party.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Chocolate Tasting

Is there any gift more universally accepted than chocolate? Celebrate the season by treating your employees to something sweet with a chocolate tasting workshop.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Chocolate tasting kit (included)
• Scissors
• Napkins
• Pen and paper
• Mug of warm water

Healthy Habits Cooking Class

Healthy employees are productive employees. Treat your team to an evening of wellness and culinary excitement!

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• Ingredient list (included)

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is another well-loved event for certain crowds and can generate some quality bonding moments between coworkers. 

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom
• 1 bottle of red wine (included)
• 1 bottle of white wine (included)
• Bottle opener

Winning Opinions

Winning Opinions is one of the best Zoom Christmas games that we’ve come across. It breaks groups into teams, who collaborate to come up with the most convincing answers to a variety of opinion-based questions. It’s one of those games that you have to play to truly understand, but trust us — you’ll love it.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Guess My Sketch

Last but certainly not least, another one of our favorite virtual holiday party games: Zoom Pictionary. The Pictionary-format game is a classic that’s suitable for groups of all shapes and sizes, and is sure to win over the hearts of even the Scrooges of your bunch.

Event Planning Checklist

• Gather a list of participants.
• Create a Zoom meeting link and send it to participants.
• Distribute invitations (included).
• Email participants access to video/audio recording of Ghost Scrooge’s speeches.
• Have fun!
• Take pictures.
• Send pictures to colleagues and/or share on social media.
• Send a prize (included) to the first person who correctly names the murderer, motive, and method.

Supplies Needed Per Person

• Access to Zoom

Conclusion

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start nailing down your plans for the company holiday party. Your employees have worked hard through upwards of two years of irregularities, and they’ll enjoy looking forward to a night of fun with the team.