
This year, many workplaces are holding virtual holiday parties to maintain social distancing and keep employees safe. However, planning a virtual event can be challenging. That's why we've compiled a list of 10 virtual holiday party ideas to help you celebrate with your team and keep them connected during this holiday season.
1. Virtual Secret Santa
Set up an online platform or chat bot that randomly assigns each team member a gift recipient. Then, everyone can send and receive their presents through mail or contactless delivery. Encourage employees to showcase their gift on a video call, and guess who their Secret Santa is.
2. Holiday Trivia Night
Host a virtual trivia night where all questions are holiday-themed. You can use online tools like Kahoot or Zoom's built-in polling feature to make the experience interactive. Offer prizes for winners and participants who dress up in holiday attire.
3. Virtual Karaoke Party
Use karaoke apps like Smule or SingSnap to host a virtual karaoke party. Encourage employees to perform their favorite holiday songs and sing duets with their colleagues. Create a festive backdrop and play virtual backgrounds to enhance the experience.
4. Virtual Cooking Class
Hire a chef or cooking instructor to lead a virtual cooking class where employees can learn how to make holiday-themed dishes and cocktails. Send pre-packaged ingredients or a grocery list to your team beforehand to make sure everyone is prepared to cook along.
5. Virtual Game Night
Play classic board games or virtual multi-player games like Among Us or Jackbox. Schedule breakout rooms for small groups to play together and have team-building exercises in between rounds. Encourage employees to wear holiday-themed accessories or decorate their backgrounds.
6. Virtual Skating Party
Host a virtual skating party by streaming a figure skating show or a virtual ice rink experience. Set up a festive backdrop and offer hot cocoa kits or cocktail recipes for employees to enjoy while watching the show. Invite ice skating instructors or performers to talk about their craft and answer questions.
7. Virtual Gingerbread House Challenge
Challenge your employees to create their own gingerbread house and showcase their designs on a video call. Provide pre-made gingerbread house kits or offer prizes for those who create their own from scratch. Invite judges from outside the company to vote on the best designs.
8. Virtual Escape Room
Set up a virtual escape room experience where teams work together to solve holiday-themed puzzles and challenges. Use online platforms like Escape The Room or create your own using free online tools. Offer prizes for the first team to escape and create additional challenges for those who finish first.
9. Virtual Talent Show
Host a virtual talent show where employees showcase their skills, from singing and dancing to comedy and magic. Encourage participants to dress up in holiday attire and offer prizes for the most entertaining acts. Invite judges or hire a comedian to host the event and provide commentary.
10. Virtual Holiday Happy Hour
Host a virtual happy hour where employees can mix and mingle over festive cocktails or mocktails. Start with a brief holiday-themed trivia game or icebreaker to kick off the party. Encourage employees to swap holiday recipes and stories or play games like virtual charades and Pictionary.