Finding fresh and engaging Christmas team building activities can be a challenge. You want to move beyond the standard holiday party and create memorable experiences that boost morale, foster connection, and end the year on a high note. The key is finding inclusive, fun ideas that work for everyone, whether your team is in-office, remote, or hybrid. Forget generic solutions—it’s time for a truly special celebration.
How It Works
Creating a magical moment for your team is simple. Our process is designed to be quick, easy, and deliver a perfectly customized surprise that will get everyone smiling.
- Quick Survey: Fill out a short, simple form with key details. It only takes a few minutes to provide the information we need to make your message special.
- We Craft Message: Our workshop gets to work, carefully crafting a warm and authentic message straight from the North Pole, tailored just for your team.
- Digital Delivery: Your high-quality digital message arrives ready to share. We offer quick turnaround with rush options available during the busy holiday season.
What We Personalize
Make your message truly unique by including details that show you care. Santa can mention specific achievements and inside jokes to make your team feel recognized and celebrated.
- Team or company name
- Key project successes or achievements
- Specific team members for a shout-out
- Funny office moments or inside jokes
- Goals for the upcoming year
- Mention of the company’s holiday party or event
- Specific holiday traditions
- Acknowledging hard work and dedication
- A fun, festive call-to-action (like kicking off a contest)
- A warm, general holiday greeting for everyone
Use Cases for Your Team
A personalized message from Santa is a versatile tool for spreading holiday cheer in any corporate setting. It’s the perfect way to make your end-of-year events more engaging and memorable.
- Office Party Kick-Off: Start your holiday party with a bang! Santa can welcome everyone, announce the agenda, and get the festive energy flowing.
- Award Ceremony Host: Let Santa announce the winners of your "Ugly Sweater" contest or recognize the "Employee of the Year" for a truly unforgettable awards presentation.
- Team Meeting Surprise: Break up a routine meeting with an unexpected message from the North Pole, thanking the team for their hard work all year.
- Holiday Newsletter Content: Embed the video in your internal company newsletter for a fun, shareable piece of content that reaches everyone, including remote employees.
- Client & Partner Greetings: Send a unique and memorable holiday greeting to your valued clients and partners to thank them for their business.
- Family-Inclusive Events: If your company hosts family-friendly holiday parties, a message from Santa is the perfect touch to delight both employees and their children. A bundle for families, classrooms, or offices makes this easy.
Ready to surprise your team? Create your Santa video now and make this year's celebration unforgettable.
1. Virtual Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A Virtual Christmas Scavenger Hunt is a dynamic and interactive digital event perfect for remote or hybrid teams. This activity transforms a standard video call into an energetic competition, where participants race against the clock to find specific holiday-themed items in their homes or office spaces.
This type of Christmas team building activity excels at breaking the monotony of remote work and encouraging quick thinking. It's an excellent way to boost engagement and create shared memories, no matter where your team members are located.
How to Implement It
- Create Your List: Compile a list of 10-15 Christmas-themed items for participants to find, from "something red and green" to "an ugly Christmas sweater."
- Set the Rules: Clearly define the time limit (15-30 minutes) and how participants will share their findings.
- Launch the Hunt: Share the list with everyone simultaneously to start the clock.
- Crown the Winner: Award points for each item found. Offer small prizes like digital gift cards or company swag.
Pro-Tip: Kick off the event with a personalized Santa video message. Santa can announce the start of the scavenger hunt and explain the rules, setting a memorably festive tone.
2. Christmas Carol Karaoke Battle
A Christmas Carol Karaoke Battle transforms a classic holiday party staple into a high-energy, team-focused competition. This activity invites individuals or small groups to perform their favorite holiday tunes, focusing on teamwork and creativity over vocal perfection.
This event excels at encouraging collaboration and boosting confidence in a fun, low-pressure environment. It creates lasting memories and an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can participate.
How to Implement It
- Prepare the Stage: Secure karaoke software for in-person or virtual events. For virtual battles, use a video conference platform that allows for quality audio sharing.
- Curate a Song List: Prepare a diverse playlist of classic and modern Christmas carols.
- Establish Judging Criteria: Create a simple scoring system based on categories like "Most Festive Performance" or "Best Teamwork."
- Set Performance Guidelines: Keep each performance to 2-3 minutes to maintain momentum. Encourage costumes and props.
Pro-Tip: Have Santa Claus act as the Master of Ceremonies! A personalized video can kick off the karaoke battle, introduce the judges, and announce the grand prize winner.
3. Secret Santa Gift Exchange with Team Twist
A Secret Santa Gift Exchange with a Team Twist elevates the classic holiday tradition into a more meaningful team-building exercise. Participants are anonymously assigned a colleague to buy a gift for, fostering mystery and personal connection.
This activity encourages employees to learn more about their coworkers. It's a structured yet fun way to ensure everyone feels included and appreciated, whether your team is in-office, remote, or hybrid.
How to Implement It
- Organize the Draw: Use a free online tool like Elfster or DrawNames to randomly and secretly assign participants.
- Set Clear Guidelines: Establish a clear budget limit (e.g., $20-$30) and a timeline for exchanging gifts.
- Host a Reveal Party: Schedule a dedicated time for the gift exchange, either in person or over a video call.
- Add a Twist: Introduce a unique element, like a "White Elephant" variation or a charitable component where the company donates for every gift exchanged.
Pro-Tip: Instead of just sending gifts, include a custom Santa letter (print-ready keepsake) with each one, featuring a personalized note of appreciation for that team member's contributions throughout the year.
4. Holiday Ugly Sweater Contest
A Holiday Ugly Sweater Contest is a classic and lighthearted competition that brings a dose of festive humor to the workplace. This activity encourages employees to find or create the most outlandish Christmas sweaters imaginable and show them off.
This Christmas team building activity is incredibly versatile and works for any team format. It’s an accessible event that allows for individual creativity while building a strong sense of shared community and holiday cheer.
How to Implement It
- Set the Date and Categories: Announce the contest in advance. Create judging categories like "Funniest Sweater," "Most Creative/DIY," or "Most Festive."
- Establish the Voting Process: Decide how winners will be chosen, whether by a panel of judges, an online poll, or a popular vote.
- Host the Showcase: Hold a "sweater runway" for in-office teams or a virtual showcase on a video call for remote employees.
- Award Prizes: Acknowledge the winners with fun and desirable prizes. For ideas, check out these fun Christmas gifts for friends.
Pro-Tip: Make the awards ceremony unforgettable by having Santa announce the winners via a custom video message, giving a special shout-out to the victors.
5. Christmas Trivia Tournament
A Christmas Trivia Tournament brings teams together through friendly intellectual rivalry. This activity tests participants' knowledge on holiday topics, from movie quotes to historical traditions, and is easily adapted for in-person or remote teams.
This activity is excellent for promoting collaboration and communication. The format encourages team members to pool their knowledge and celebrate their collective wins, strengthening bonds and creating a fun, shared experience.
How to Implement It
- Choose Your Format: Decide if you will run the event in-person or virtually using platforms like Kahoot or a simple PowerPoint.
- Create Your Questions: Develop a diverse set of questions covering categories like "Christmas Movie Quotes," "Holiday History," and "Name That Carol."
- Form Teams: Randomly assign people to teams to encourage cross-functional interaction.
- Host and Score: Designate a charismatic host to read the questions and use a live leaderboard to add excitement.
Pro-Tip: Make the prize announcement special. Have Santa deliver a video message congratulating the winning team by name and officially declaring them the "Holiday Trivia Champions."
6. Charitable Giving Challenge
A Charitable Giving Challenge channels the holiday spirit into meaningful community impact. This initiative unites employees around a common goal of supporting a cause through fundraising, collecting donations, or volunteering.
This initiative is excellent for building camaraderie while demonstrating corporate social responsibility. It boosts morale and connects employees on a deeper level by working together to make a tangible difference.
How to Implement It
- Select a Cause: Choose a charity that aligns with your company's values, or poll employees to let them vote.
- Set Clear Goals: Define a realistic and measurable objective, such as a fundraising target or a specific number of items to collect.
- Provide Multiple Ways to Participate: Offer various participation methods, including online donations, physical item drop-offs, or volunteer shifts.
- Track and Share Progress: Use a visual leaderboard or regular email updates to show progress and motivate teams.
Pro-Tip: Kick off your Charitable Giving Challenge with a heartwarming message from Santa. He can announce the chosen charity, explain the challenge, and thank the team in advance for their kindness.
7. Gingerbread House Building Competition
A Gingerbread House Building Competition is a hands-on, creative, and deliciously festive activity. Teams are given kits to build the most impressive gingerbread house, judged on creativity, structural soundness, and holiday spirit.
This classic tradition is one of the most engaging Christmas team building activities because it taps into everyone's inner artist. It’s perfect for in-person events and easily adaptable for remote teams by shipping standardized kits.
How to Implement It
- Distribute Standardized Kits: Provide every team with the same gingerbread house kit to ensure a level playing field.
- Set the Ground Rules: Announce a clear time limit (30-60 minutes) and judging categories.
- Provide Extra Supplies: Offer extra icing, candies, and other decorations for teams to use.
- Judge and Award Prizes: Have a panel of judges or a company-wide vote select the winners.
Pro-Tip: Launch the competition with a personalized video from Santa. He can officially kick off the building frenzy and announce a special "Santa's Choice" award category. Find more festive ideas here: fun and festive party ideas.
8. Christmas Cocktail or Hot Chocolate Tasting
A Christmas Cocktail or Hot Chocolate Tasting is a sophisticated and engaging event that invites teams to explore festive flavors. This activity can be tailored to include spirited cocktails, creative mocktails, or gourmet hot chocolate, making it inclusive for any group.
This experience is exceptional for fostering relaxed conversation and creative collaboration. It’s an elegant and memorable way to celebrate the season, whether hosted in person or adapted for a remote team with shipped tasting kits.
How to Implement It
- Choose Your Theme: Decide whether to focus on cocktails, mocktails, or hot chocolates to ensure everyone can participate.
- Secure an Expert: Hire a professional mixologist or chocolatier to lead the session.
- Prepare Tasting Kits: For remote teams, ship kits in advance that include pre-measured ingredients, syrups, and garnishes.
- Add a Competitive Twist: Host a friendly competition for the "Best Original Holiday Drink," with a prize for the most creative beverage.
Pro-Tip: Announce the event with a special video message from Santa. He can invite the team to the tasting and wish everyone a warm holiday season, setting a fun tone from the start.
9. Holiday Photo Booth Session
A Holiday Photo Booth Session is a fantastic way to capture the fun and camaraderie of your end-of-year celebration. This activity involves setting up a dedicated space with festive backdrops, props, and good lighting where employees can take photos.
This team building activity is perfect for memorializing the holiday season while providing a fun takeaway. A photo booth serves as both an activity and a party favor, giving everyone a personalized memento.
How to Implement It
- Choose Your Setup: Decide between hiring a professional photo booth company or creating a DIY station.
- Curate Fun Props: Gather a collection of props, including Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and company-specific inside jokes.
- Create a Themed Backdrop: Design a physical or digital backdrop that reflects the event's theme.
- Plan for Sharing: Arrange for instant prints or a digital gallery where photos can be downloaded after the event.
Pro-Tip: Make the photo booth unforgettable by having Santa make a "surprise" appearance via a personalized Santa video message, announcing that he's on his way to join the fun.
10. Virtual Christmas Movie Watch Party
A Virtual Christmas Movie Watch Party is a cozy and relaxed team-building event for remote teams. This activity uses synchronized watch party platforms to allow everyone to view a classic Christmas movie together, complete with a live chat.
This activity is perfect for fostering casual connections and helping team members unwind. It's an excellent, inclusive way to celebrate the season without the pressure of a high-energy competition.
How to Implement It
- Select the Movie: Send out a poll to let the team vote on the movie from a list of classics like Elf or Home Alone.
- Choose a Platform: Use a watch party service like Teleparty or the screen-sharing feature on Zoom.
- Send Snack Kits: Mail themed snack boxes with popcorn, hot cocoa, and candy to each team member.
- Engage with Activities: Create a simple movie-themed bingo card or trivia questions to discuss in the chat.
Pro-Tip: Start with a special pre-show greeting! A personalized video message from Santa can introduce the chosen movie and give a shout-out to the team for their hard work.
FAQs
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How long does it take to get our video or letter?
Digital delivery is quick, with rush options available during the busy holiday season. We work hard to get your personalized message to you as fast as possible so you can share the magic right away. -
Can you create a message for multiple teams or a whole office?
Absolutely! Santa can address entire companies, specific departments, or multiple individuals in one message. Our group options are perfect for making everyone feel included. -
Are the Santa letters ready to print?
Yes, our custom letters are delivered as beautiful, high-resolution, print-ready PDFs. You can easily print them at home or a local print shop for a professional-quality keepsake. -
Do you offer bulk orders for a large office or event?
We do! We have special packages for large groups, making it easy to order personalized messages or letters for everyone in your company. Contact us for details on our corporate bundles. -
Are your messages faith-friendly?
Yes, all of our messages are crafted to be warm, inclusive, and family-safe. We focus on the universal themes of kindness, joy, and the spirit of giving, suitable for any audience.
Still have questions? Visit our full How it works & delivery FAQs page for more information.
Don’t let the holiday season pass without showing your team how much you appreciate them. A small, personalized gesture can make a huge impact on morale and connection. Whether you kick off a contest, announce an award, or simply share a warm holiday greeting, a message from the North Pole is guaranteed to be a highlight of the year.
Create a moment of pure joy and surprise for your colleagues. Create your Santa video now and end the year on the perfect high note