Office Christmas party games that work for any team size
A good office party game gets people talking to coworkers they don't usually work with, takes little setup, and doesn't put anyone on the spot. A bad one makes the quiet half of the room stare at their phones. This guide covers games that scale from a team of six to a room of sixty, plus tips for remote and hybrid groups.
What makes a game work at the office
- Low pressure. Nobody should have to sing, dance or share personal details to take part.
- Short rounds. Ten to twenty minutes per game is plenty. People want to eat and chat too.
- Teams, not individuals. Small teams let shy people contribute without being in the spotlight.
- Inclusive. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, drinks, or can move around easily. Choose games anyone can join, and make every game optional.
- Easy to explain. If the rules take more than a minute, simplify them.
Games for small teams (about 5 to 15 people)
Christmas movie trivia
Split into two or three teams. Read 15 to 20 questions about holiday movies, songs and traditions. Teams write answers on a sheet. Mix easy and hard questions so every team scores. This works around a single table or a video call.
Holiday "would you rather"
Read a question like "Would you rather wrap every gift in the office or untangle every string of lights?" and people move to one side of the room (or vote in chat). It's quick, light and leads to good conversations.
Two truths and a holiday fib
Each person shares three short statements about their holidays, and the group guesses which is false. Keep it optional and remind people to share only what they're comfortable with.
Games for medium groups (about 15 to 40)
Christmas bingo
Hand out bingo cards with holiday words or pictures. A caller draws items one at a time. It's easy for everyone, needs no teams, and can run in the background while people eat. Have a few small prizes ready for the first lines and a full card.
Holiday scavenger hunt
Give teams a list of things to find or do around the office: "a stapler," "someone who has worked here more than five years," "a photo of the team with a paper hat." Set a 15-minute timer. Make sure every item is safe, quick and doesn't disrupt anyone still working.
Name that tune (hum version)
One person from each team gets a card with a holiday song and hums it. Their team guesses. People who don't want to hum can be the guessers.
Games for large groups (40 and up)
Table trivia
Each table is a team. A host reads questions from the front, and tables write answers on a sheet. Collect sheets after each round and announce scores. This scales almost endlessly because the host does the work.
Holiday survey game
Before the party, send a short anonymous survey ("What's the best holiday cookie?"). At the party, teams try to guess the top answers, game-show style. It's fun because the answers come from coworkers.
Bingo with a twist
"Find someone who..." bingo: each square describes a person ("has been to another country," "can name all of Santa's reindeer"). People walk around and find coworkers to sign squares. It gets departments mixing without any forced speeches.
Remote and hybrid options
- Trivia on a video call. Use breakout rooms for teams and a shared doc or chat for answers.
- Bingo with emailed cards. Send printable or PDF cards ahead of time. Players mark them at home.
- Show and tell. Everyone shows one holiday item from their home: a mug, an ornament, a sweater. Optional and low-key.
- Hybrid tip: Pair in-room people with remote people on the same team so nobody gets left out.
Prizes that don't cause problems
Small and neutral is best: gift cards for coffee, a box of chocolates, an extra long lunch (if management agrees), or silly trophies. Avoid alcohol as a prize and avoid anything that could feel personal.
Games to skip at work
- Drinking games of any kind
- Games with physical contact or racing in tight spaces
- Anything that asks people to share relationship, health or money details
- "Roast" style games that can turn mean
- Gift swaps with no price limit (set a clear cap if you do one)
A simple party timeline
- First 20 minutes: Food and casual chat, with bingo cards on the tables for people who want something to do.
- Next 20 minutes: One team game, like trivia or the survey game.
- Next 15 minutes: A quick, silly game like "would you rather."
- Last part: Prizes, thank-yous, and open time to chat.
Prep checklist
- Pick two or three games and one backup.
- Print materials a day early (bingo cards, answer sheets, scavenger lists).
- Bring pens, a timer and small prizes.
- Choose a host who is comfortable reading aloud.
- Tell people in the invite that games are optional.
Common questions
How many games should we plan for an office party?
Two or three for a party of about two hours, plus a backup. People appreciate free time to talk and eat.
What's the easiest office party game to run?
Bingo. It needs printed cards and a caller, works for any group size, and doesn't put anyone on the spot.
How do we make games inclusive?
Keep every game optional, avoid alcohol and personal questions, use teams, and choose general winter and holiday themes so people of different backgrounds can join comfortably.
Want it ready to print?
The Keepsake Depot office Christmas party games pack is a printable set of ready-made games you can print, hand out and run without writing your own questions. Instant download.
See the office Christmas party games pack on Etsy
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More ideas: all Keepsake Depot guides.