Another restaurant dinner, another awkward table. If you're planning the staff party this year, here are 12 work Christmas party ideas that give people something to do, not just something to eat, with notes on what suits small teams, big ones, and offices that can't leave the building.
Planning something bigger for a whole company? See our corporate golf events page.
12 ideas
- Office game afternoon. Trivia, bingo and card games set up in the lunchroom. Cheap and quick.
- Gingerbread house competition. Teams build, a neutral panel judges. Very low cost, very social.
- Secret Santa with a twist. Set a budget, then add a “gift you made” round.
- Cookie decorating. Easy for any size of team, and people take something home.
- Holiday cooking or baking class. Book an instructor, or run a baking challenge in the office kitchen.
- Escape room or puzzle event. Teams of 6–8; split large groups and compare scores.
- Volunteer together. Pack hampers or sort donations for a local food bank. Meaningful, and teams remember it.
- Karaoke. Works if your team enjoys it; offer a “listen only” corner.
- Axe throwing or bowling. Competitive, with food and drinks available at most venues.
- A mobile golf simulator at the office or venue. A golf simulator makes an easy staff party: we bring it to your workplace, restaurant or venue, set it up in about 30–45 minutes, and take it down afterwards. No golf experience is needed, with closest-to-the-pin challenges, team scrambles and a leaderboard for bragging rights. It needs roughly 10 ft × 15 ft, indoors or outdoors. Packages start at $499 for a half day. See our holiday party entertainment for offices.
- Casino night. Play-money tables with prizes instead of cash.
- Afternoon off. The simplest option: let people go home early, with a catered lunch.
How to pick
- Budget: decide per person first. It narrows the list fast.
- Mix: include a non-alcohol option and a quieter space.
- Timing: holiday dates are popular with every company, so lock the venue or any rentals as soon as you have a headcount. For our simulator, book at least two weeks ahead.
- Space: if you can't leave the office, choose something that comes to you.
A good company holiday party idea is one that most of the team can join in about five minutes. Pick for the quietest person on the team, not the loudest.
Planning checklist
- Set budget and headcount.
- Check dates against staff holidays and shifts.
- Book venue and any rentals.
- Send the invite with the plan and a dietary form.
- Confirm 48 hours before.
Or hire a golf simulator for the staff party
A half day is $499 and a full day is $799, with delivery, setup and takedown included. See pricing or tell us your date. Looking for team activities beyond the party? See team building activities in Vancouver.