By Owen PalmerChristmas games for a staff party do two jobs at once: they get people laughing and they help coworkers who rarely cross paths talk to each other. By the end of this guide you will have a short list of games matched to your group size and space, a simple run-of-show for the evening, and a checklist of supplies so you are not hunting for a deck of cards ten minutes before guests arrive.
Start With Your Group, Space, and Time Limit
The best christmas games for a staff party depend on three things: how many people are attending, how much room you have, and how long the games segment will run. Most offices plan 45 to 75 minutes of games inside a longer party, so pick formats that can start and stop without a long explanation.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best What Napkins Are Bests for Holiday Dinner Parties (2026): Expert Picks.
- Headcount: Under 15 people suits team games and trivia. Over 30 needs parallel rounds, multiple tables, or a game that runs on a single stage.
- Space: A break room calls for seated games. A conference room or hotel ballroom can handle movement games like relay races.
- Mix of people: Staff parties include people who love competition and people who want to stay in the background. Mix quiet games with lively ones so nobody is stuck.
- Time: Plan one main game per 20 minutes, plus a short warm-up.
Choose the Right Game Types
Most christmas party games for staff fall into a few categories. Choosing one or two from each keeps the evening varied.
Trivia and Quiz Games
Holiday trivia works well because it needs almost no movement and teams can form quickly. Write 20 questions in four categories: holiday movies, office history, music, and food. Mix easy and hard questions so every team scores early. A printed answer sheet and a timer are enough. For more ideas that suit mixed groups, see Party Games for Holiday Gatherings: Ideas for Adults and Mixed Ages.
Icebreakers for New Faces
If your office spans several departments, icebreakers help people place names with faces. A simple version is “two truths and a holiday lie”: each person shares three statements about their holiday season, and the group guesses which one is false. Keep it to 30 seconds per person. You can find more starters in Icebreaker Games for Holiday Parties.
Active Team Games
Movement games lift the energy in the room. Relay-style races, balloon transfers, and “reindeer rescue” (teams pass a stuffed toy down a line using only their elbows) need little setup and reward cooperation. Clear the floor first and mark start and finish lines with tape.
Table Games
Board games and card games let people sit, talk, and play at their own pace. Bring one or two well-known titles and let each table pick. The guide to Board Games for Groups and Parties covers which titles hold attention with a mixed crowd.
12 Christmas Games for a Staff Party
- Holiday Movie Quiz: Read a quote and teams name the film. Use a mix of classic and recent titles.
- Two Truths and a Holiday Lie: Best with groups under 25 people.
- Ornament Scavenger Hunt: Hide small paper ornaments with clue numbers around the office. Teams collect and match them to a list.
- Reindeer Rescue Relay: Teams pass a plush toy down a line using only elbows or knees.
- Snowball Toss: Crumpled paper “snowballs” thrown into bins from a marked line. Count baskets per team.
- Name That Carol: Hum or play a few bars of a song; teams guess the title.
- Gift Swap Steal: A white-elephant variation where players can steal wrapped gifts up to two times.
- Wrapping Race: Two teams wrap a box with paper and tape. Judge on speed and neatness.
- Santa Says: A version of Simon Says using holiday actions.
- Cookie Decorating Contest: Pre-baked cookies, icing, and a short judging round with a small prize.
- Christmas Pictionary: Teams draw words like “sleigh” or “mistletoe” while the clock runs.
- Office Trivia Bingo: Each card lists facts about coworkers; players mark squares as they find people who match.
Plan the Run-of-Show
A simple schedule keeps the games from dragging. Here is a sample for a two-hour party with a 60-minute games block:
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:10 | Welcome and rules | Explain teams and the prize |
| 0:10–0:25 | Icebreaker | Two Truths and a Holiday Lie |
| 0:25–0:45 | Trivia round | 20 questions, 4 categories |
| 0:45–1:00 | Active relay | Requires a cleared floor |
| 1:00–1:15 | Free mingle or table games | Let people reset |
| 1:15–1:30 | Gift swap or prizes | Announce winners |
Build Teams Fairly
Teams work best when they mix departments and seniority levels. Assign teams in advance by counting off or drawing names from a hat. Keep teams between four and six people. Give each team a name tag color or a holiday-themed team name card so scores are easy to track on a whiteboard.
Prepare Supplies and Setup
A short checklist prevents last-minute scrambling:
- Printed rules and answer sheets, one per team
- Pens, pencils, and a few spare markers
- A timer or phone with a countdown app
- Scoreboard (whiteboard or large paper)
- Prizes wrapped and labeled by place
- Tape for marking lines on the floor
- Paper, scissors, and tape for craft-based games
- A backup game in case something runs short
If you are serving food during the games block, plan food that does not require cutlery or constant attention. The guide to Make-Ahead Party Food Plan: What to Prep and When offers timing ideas that keep the buffet stocked without hovering.
Keep Drinks Flowing
Games build thirst, and staff parties often include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Set up a separate non-alcoholic station near the games area so guests can refresh without leaving the action. A simple guide to Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Parties: Mocktail and Punch Station Ideas can help you plan something festive and easy to refill.
Common Mistakes
- Running games too long. Stop a game while people are still having fun, then move on.
- Explaining rules for ten minutes. Print the rules on one page and read them aloud once.
- Forgetting quieter guests. Offer a seated option for every active game.
- Choosing games that require alcohol. Some staff members do not drink, and some workplaces restrict alcohol. Keep games inclusive.
- Making prizes awkward. Small, funny, or useful prizes land better than expensive ones that single out a few people.
- Skipping a test run. Read through trivia questions and time a relay once before the party.
Tips for a Smooth Games Block
- Appoint one person as game MC so the host can stay with guests.
- Keep a short, clearly marked “backup” list of two or three games ready.
- Praise effort, not only winning, to keep the mood light.
- Check accessibility: avoid games that require jumping or floor work for people with mobility concerns, and offer seated alternatives.
- Collect feedback afterward with a one-question survey to improve next year.
Recommended gear
A few supplies make the games run more smoothly. For a holiday trivia setup, a large dry-erase board helps teams track points visibly. Dice and card-style party games suit table rounds, and a plain timer keeps each round on schedule.
- Dry-erase scoreboard: A large board keeps team scores visible from every seat. View on Amazon
- Party trivia card game: Ready-made question cards save hours of writing. View on Amazon
- Kitchen countdown timer: A loud, simple timer keeps rounds on schedule. View on Amazon
FAQ
How long should christmas games for a staff party last?
Most staff parties run a games block of 45 to 75 minutes. Shorter blocks keep energy high, while longer ones suit larger groups or full-day events.
What are good games for a mixed-age staff party?
Trivia, Pictionary, and gift swaps work across age groups. Avoid games that depend on physical stamina or on a single generation’s pop-culture references.
How many people should be on a team?
Four to six people per team works well. Smaller teams can stall, and larger teams leave some people with little to do.
Do we need prizes for every game?
No. Prizes for the overall winners or a single final round are enough. Small, lighthearted prizes keep the focus on fun.
What if some coworkers do not want to play?
Offer a scorekeeper, judge, or MC role, and keep a seated option available. Most people join in once they see a low-pressure way to contribute.
Are games suitable for remote or hybrid staff parties?
Yes. Trivia, Pictionary with a shared screen, and online “Name That Carol” work well. Share rules in advance and keep rounds short.
Should we include alcohol-free options during games?
Yes. Offer non-alcoholic drinks at the games area so all guests can take part comfortably. Consult your company’s policy on alcohol at events.
How do we keep games inclusive for everyone?
Avoid games that single out personal details, require physical contact, or depend on drinking. Ask guests about accessibility needs when you send invitations.
Conclusion
Good christmas games for a staff party balance energy with ease: a few team games, one trivia round, and a table option for quieter guests. Match the games to your headcount and space, print your rules, and run a quick test before the day. With a clear schedule and a backup list, your games block can give coworkers a memorable shared experience.
Related reading
Ready to choose one?
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday hosting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
