30 holiday party themes for work, with decor, dress code and food
Each theme comes with decor, a dress code, food and an activity to match, plus how remote guests join in.
A theme is a shortcut: it decides the decor, the dress code and the menu in one go, and gives everyone an easy first thing to talk about. The themes that work best at work pair with an activity, so the party has a middle as well as a look.
Classic holiday party themes
Festive and familiar. Good when most of the team celebrates Christmas and wants the full sweaters-and-cocoa experience.
1. Winter wonderland
Everything white, silver and glowing. The theme nobody objects to.
- Decor: White string lights, paper snowflakes, silver tablecloths, a fake-snow photo corner.
- Dress code: White, silver or icy blue.
- Food and drink: White hot chocolate, powdered-sugar donuts, white bean chili.
- Activity: Music bingo with winter hits. Book it hosted: Winter Music Bingo Party or Music Bingo (in person).
- Remote guests: A snowy Zoom background and the same dress code.
2. Ugly sweater party
Low effort, high laughs, and the easiest theme to get people to dress for.
- Decor: Tinsel, mismatched lights, a sweater 'runway' marked with tape.
- Dress code: The ugliest holiday sweater you can find or make.
- Food and drink: Cookie platter, cocoa, pigs in a blanket.
- Activity: A sweater runway with categories, then a Family Feud-style holiday game. Book it hosted: Festive Family Feud or Feud Night (in person).
- Remote guests: Ten-second sweater tours on camera; vote in a poll.
3. North Pole workshop
Santa's workshop, with your team as the elves.
- Decor: A wrapping station, elf hats, a 'naughty or nice' list board, red and green everything.
- Dress code: Elf ears, red and green, or striped socks.
- Food and drink: Candy cane bark, a cookie bar, peppermint cocoa.
- Activity: A Christmas escape game of riddles and puzzles. Book it hosted: Elf Escape Challenge.
- Remote guests: Ship elf hats with a note; everyone plays the same escape game.
4. Gingerbread lane
Warm spices and a friendly build-off.
- Decor: Candy garlands, peppermint centerpieces, a 'village' table to display builds.
- Dress code: Cozy browns and creams.
- Food and drink: Gingerbread cookies, spiced cider, snickerdoodles.
- Activity: Gingerbread house decorating in teams. Book it hosted: Gingerbread House Decorating.
- Remote guests: A gingerbread kit shipped to each home, built live together.
5. Holiday movie night
A party built around the films everyone quotes in December.
- Decor: Movie posters, popcorn boxes, a marquee sign with your company name.
- Dress code: Come as a holiday movie character.
- Food and drink: A popcorn bar with five toppings, boxed candy, hot dogs.
- Activity: Christmas trivia with movie, music and picture rounds. Book it hosted: Christmas Trivia Party or Team Trivia (in person).
- Remote guests: Mail popcorn tins; play the trivia on the same call.
6. Classic holiday dinner
Long tables, candlelight and a proper meal. Grown-up and simple.
- Decor: Evergreen garland runners, candles, place cards that mix departments.
- Dress code: Festive cocktail attire.
- Food and drink: A plated or family-style dinner with a vegetarian main.
- Activity: A short toast and lighthearted year-end awards between courses.
- Remote guests: A meal delivery credit and a livestreamed toast, with remote winners named first.
7. Sugar plum and nutcracker
Ballet-inspired, pastel and a little whimsical.
- Decor: Nutcracker figures, pastel ornaments, tulle table runners.
- Dress code: Jewel tones or something that sparkles.
- Food and drink: Petit fours, sugared fruit, macarons, sparkling cider.
- Activity: Paint your own holiday cards with an instructor. Book it hosted: Watercolor Card Decorating (in person) or Card Decorating.
- Remote guests: A card-making kit shipped to each home.
8. Mistletoe cocktail lounge
Low lights, velvet and a signature drink.
- Decor: Dim lighting, velvet throws, a bar cart, mistletoe over the door.
- Dress code: Cocktail attire.
- Food and drink: Passed appetizers, a signature cocktail and a signature mocktail.
- Activity: A holiday cocktail class where everyone mixes along. Book it hosted: Holiday-Themed Mixology.
- Remote guests: A mixology kit to every home, so remote guests drink the same thing.
9. Jingle bell rock
A loud, musical party for teams that like to sing.
- Decor: A small stage, a mic stand, vinyl records on the tables.
- Dress code: Rock-star festive: leather, sequins, Santa hats.
- Food and drink: Sliders, loaded fries, candy cane milkshakes.
- Activity: Christmas music bingo, then an open-mic carol. Book it hosted: Christmas Music Bingo Party or Music Bingo (in person).
- Remote guests: Everyone plays music bingo on the same call.
10. Pajama party
The most comfortable party of the year, and great for a morning slot.
- Decor: Blankets, pillows, string lights, a hot cocoa station.
- Dress code: Matching or festive pajamas.
- Food and drink: Pancake or waffle bar, cocoa, cereal bar.
- Activity: Cozy game shows with a friendly host. Book it hosted: Comfy Cozy Game Shows!.
- Remote guests: Pajamas on camera; this theme was made for video calls.
Two classic-theme activities we host, with live prices.
Winter and inclusive themes
Seasonal without centering one holiday. The safe choice for global teams, mixed faiths, or anyone who'd rather call it an end-of-year party.
11. Après-ski lodge
Mountain lodge after a day on the slopes, without the slopes.
- Decor: Plaid blankets, skis and poles as props, a faux fireplace on the big screen.
- Dress code: Ski sweaters, puffer vests, beanies.
- Food and drink: Fondue, soft pretzels, hot cider.
- Activity: A winter resort escape game. Book it hosted: Winter Resort Vacate-tion!.
- Remote guests: A lodge background and a cider recipe sent ahead.
12. Hygge night
Danish coziness: candles, soft light and slow conversation.
- Decor: Lots of candles (or LED ones), wool throws, wood and greenery.
- Dress code: Cozy knits and wool socks.
- Food and drink: Soup and fresh bread, cinnamon buns, mulled cider.
- Activity: A candle-making workshop. Book it hosted: Candle Making.
- Remote guests: Candle kits shipped to each home for the same live class.
13. Festival of lights
Light as the shared thread across many winter traditions.
- Decor: Lanterns, fairy lights, candles and paper luminaries.
- Dress code: Anything that sparkles or glows.
- Food and drink: Sweets from several traditions your team celebrates.
- Activity: Inclusive seasonal games with a live host. Book it hosted: Holiday Fun & Games.
- Remote guests: Ask everyone to bring a light that means something to them.
14. Holidays around the world
Your team's own traditions, shared by the people who celebrate them.
- Decor: A station or table per tradition, each with a short card.
- Dress code: Optional: something from your own culture or family tradition.
- Food and drink: A potluck where people bring a dish from a tradition they celebrate.
- Activity: Volunteers share a tradition in two minutes, then a winter music bingo. Book it hosted: Winter Music Bingo Party.
- Remote guests: Two-minute tradition shares work perfectly on camera.
15. Winter games
An Olympic-style competition with medals and a podium.
- Decor: Flags for each team, a podium, gold, silver and bronze medals.
- Dress code: Team colors or sporty winter gear.
- Food and drink: An 'athletes' carb bar': pasta, pretzels, energy-ball bites.
- Activity: Office Olympics with a live host. Book it hosted: Office Olympics.
- Remote guests: Remote teams compete in the same events on camera.
16. Cabin in the woods
Flannel, firelight and board games.
- Decor: Logs, lanterns, buffalo-check fabric, a s'mores station.
- Dress code: Flannel shirts and boots.
- Food and drink: Chili bar, cornbread, s'mores.
- Activity: A host-led mix of board games, party games and trivia. Book it hosted: Winter Fun & Games.
- Remote guests: A s'mores kit or recipe, and the same game session.
17. Hot cocoa social
One delicious drink as the whole theme. Works at 3pm on a Tuesday.
- Decor: Mugs, marshmallow garlands, a chalkboard menu.
- Dress code: Bring your favorite mug.
- Food and drink: A cocoa bar with twelve toppings, cookies, shortbread.
- Activity: Hot chocolate bomb making. Book it hosted: Hot Chocolate Bomb.
- Remote guests: A hot chocolate bomb kit to every home.
18. Winter garden
Evergreen, eucalyptus and white flowers. Elegant and calm.
- Decor: Greenery runners, potted evergreens, white florals, warm lighting.
- Dress code: Greens and neutrals.
- Food and drink: A grazing board, herb-roasted vegetables, rosemary lemonade.
- Activity: A wreath-making class everyone takes home. Book it hosted: Wreath Making.
- Remote guests: Wreath kits shipped ahead for the same live class.
19. New Year's countdown
Celebrate the year ending rather than any holiday.
- Decor: Gold and black balloons, a countdown clock, a photo wall of the year.
- Dress code: Black and gold.
- Food and drink: Small bites, a sparkling toast, and a zero-proof option.
- Activity: Year-in-review trivia, then a countdown to the toast. Book it hosted: Trivia with a Twist!.
- Remote guests: Everyone toasts on camera at the same moment.
20. Cookie swap and bake-off
Bring a dozen, leave with a dozen, crown a winner.
- Decor: Tiered stands, recipe cards, take-home boxes.
- Dress code: Aprons encouraged.
- Food and drink: The cookies, plus milk, coffee and cocoa.
- Activity: A cookie decorating class with a 'best in show' vote. Book it hosted: Cookie Decorating.
- Remote guests: A cookie decorating kit to every home.
Two winter workshops that ship a kit to every guest. Team in one city? We also bring music bingo, feud night, trivia and painting to your office in 17 US cities, setup and cleanup included: see holiday parties in New York City or all in-person cities.
Bold themes beyond the season
Themes that aren't about the season at all, which is exactly why they feel fresh in December.
21. Casino night
Play money, real prizes and nobody actually loses anything.
- Decor: Rented card tables, felt, poker chips, a 'cashier' for play money.
- Dress code: Cocktail attire or James Bond black tie.
- Food and drink: Sliders, shrimp cocktail, a martini and mocktail bar.
- Activity: Blackjack and roulette with play money, then a prize raffle using winnings.
- Remote guests: An online card game in breakout rooms with a shared leaderboard.
22. Decades party
Pick a decade, or let each team pick one.
- Decor: Records, cassette tapes, neon or disco balls depending on the decade.
- Dress code: Your decade's best (or worst) look.
- Food and drink: Snacks from the era: fondue for the 70s, Dunkaroos for the 90s.
- Activity: Music bingo with hits from every decade. Book it hosted: Music Bingo (in person) or Musical Bingo.
- Remote guests: Decade dress code on camera; the playlist does the rest.
23. Red carpet awards night
Your company's own awards show.
- Decor: A red carpet, a step-and-repeat backdrop, gold statues.
- Dress code: Black tie optional.
- Food and drink: Champagne and mocktails, passed appetizers.
- Activity: Superlative awards voted by the team, then a film quiz. Book it hosted: Blockbuster Bash! The Ultimate Film Quiz.
- Remote guests: Ship remote winners their statue before the show.
24. Murder mystery masquerade
Masks, candlelight and a crime to solve.
- Decor: Masks, candelabras, deep reds and golds, 'evidence' cards on tables.
- Dress code: Masquerade masks and evening wear.
- Food and drink: A plated dinner or heavy appetizers.
- Activity: A murder mystery solved through games and puzzles, no acting needed. Book it hosted: Clue with a Twist: Winter Fun!.
- Remote guests: Remote teams solve the same mystery in breakout rooms.
25. Game show night
Buzzers, scoreboards and a host with great energy.
- Decor: Neon signs, light-up buzzers, a scoreboard on the screen.
- Dress code: Bright colors; contestants get name tags.
- Food and drink: Snack bar with candy, popcorn and pizza.
- Activity: Classic game-show-style rounds you pick in advance. Book it hosted: Your Favorite Game Shows!.
- Remote guests: The whole format runs on a video call.
26. Art studio
A creative evening with something to take home.
- Decor: Easels, paint-splattered tablecloths, a gallery wall for finished work.
- Dress code: Smocks or anything you don't mind getting paint on.
- Food and drink: Wine, cheese and grapes, plus a zero-proof option.
- Activity: A guided painting session. Book it hosted: Canvas Painting (in person) or Painting.
- Remote guests: A painting kit to every home for the same live class.
27. Tasting room
A reward-style party for teams who have earned a nice evening.
- Decor: Wine barrels or crates, chalkboard tasting notes, low lighting.
- Dress code: Smart casual.
- Food and drink: A cheese and charcuterie spread.
- Activity: A guided wine tasting, or a charcuterie board class. Book it hosted: Wine Tasting or Charcuterie Board Making.
- Remote guests: Tasting kits ship to each home (legal drinking age only).
28. Magic and illusion night
Pure entertainment, zero participation pressure.
- Decor: Top hats, playing cards, black and gold.
- Dress code: Black, or a touch of stage glamour.
- Food and drink: Dessert bar and coffee.
- Activity: A live interactive magic show. Book it hosted: The Actual Virtual Magic Show or Illusionist.
- Remote guests: The show is performed on camera for everyone.
29. Giving tree
A party that gives back, built around a local charity.
- Decor: A tree hung with wish tags from a partner charity, donation bins.
- Dress code: Casual.
- Food and drink: Simple buffet; the budget goes to the donation.
- Activity: Pack care kits or write cards in an assembly line, then deliver them together.
- Remote guests: An online wish list from the charity, shipped straight to them.
30. Comedy club
Brick-wall backdrop, a mic stand and a lot of groaning.
- Decor: A brick-wall backdrop, a single spotlight, small round tables.
- Dress code: Casual.
- Food and drink: Bar snacks, wings, a two-drink-ticket bar.
- Activity: A Christmas cracker comedy workshop, or an improv class. Book it hosted: Christmas Comedy Workshop or Improv.
- Remote guests: Both workshops run on a video call.
Two bold-theme activities, one on Zoom and one at your office, with live prices.
How to pick a holiday party theme
- Start from the activity. Choose what people will actually do for an hour, then pick the theme that dresses it up.
- Check who celebrates what. If your team spans faiths or countries, pick from the winter and inclusive themes.
- Make the dress code optional. Offer an easy version (a color, a hat) so nobody skips the party over an outfit.
- Give remote guests something physical. A kit, a mug or a snack box in the mail makes a theme feel real on camera.
Lead times to plan around: hosted games book about 2 weeks ahead, kit workshops need 3 weeks for shipping, and anything customized to your theme (branding, custom questions) needs 4 weeks. Remote or hybrid team? Every option is on the virtual holiday party page, or get a free quote with your date and headcount for a plan within 24 hours.
For the party itself, see 45 office holiday party ideas, 35 holiday party games for work, inclusive holiday party ideas and holiday gifts.
