Established 2011

Including those Elves still at the North Pole in your Christmas fun


Load up the virtual sleigh, there's a fun order to fill!


'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread some festive cheer than with a work Christmas party that brings everyone together - even if they're spread across different postcodes, time zones, or continents? In this age of hybrid work environments, ensuring your remote employees feel just as much a part of the yuletide celebrations as their in-office counterparts is not just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for maintaining team spirit and fostering a truly inclusive company culture.

So, grab your Santa hat (and maybe a pair of noise-cancelling headphones), because we're about to embark on a sleigh ride through the ultimate guide to creating a Christmas party that'll have your remote employees feeling more connected than a string of fairy lights!

Start the Party Before the Party

Engage Remote Employees Early


The key to a truly inclusive Christmas celebration? Getting everyone excited long before the first mince pie is devoured. Here's how to build the buzz for your remote team members:

Festive Invites for All

Send out digital invitations that would make even the Grinch's heart grow three sizes. Whether your remote employees are joining via Zoom from Zurich or Teams from Timbuktu, make sure they receive the same snazzy invite as their in-office colleagues. Include all the important details:


  • Date and time (with time zone conversions to avoid any "Home Alone" style missed-flight scenarios)
  • Links for virtual participation
  • Any dress code suggestions (Ugly Christmas jumpers strongly encouraged, of course)
  • A teaser of the festivities to come

Pro tip: Consider using a platform like Paperless Post for invites that are more "Aussie Summer Wonderland" and less "Spam Folder".


Virtual Christmas Countdown

Create a digital advent calendar of sorts in your company chat channels or intranet. Each day, share a festive meme, a holiday-themed riddle, or a prompt for employees to share their own Christmas traditions. For example:

"Day 15: Share a photo of your most outrageous Christmas decoration!"

"Day 8: What's your go-to Christmas movie? Wrong answers only."

This not only builds excitement but also helps remote employees feel connected to the office banter in the lead-up to the big day.


Remote Secret Santa Setup

Just because your team isn't sharing an office doesn't mean they can't share in the joy of Secret Santa. Set up a virtual gift exchange using a platform like Elfster, which can pair participants and even provide gift suggestions. Encourage creative gift-giving options such as:

  • eGift cards for their favourite local cafe or restaurant
  • Digital downloads (books, games, or subscriptions)
  • Locally sourced goodies from the gift-giver's area (nothing says "Merry Christmas" quite like artisanal cheese from a colleague's hometown)

Remember to set a reasonable budget and provide clear instructions for how gifts should be sent to ensure they arrive in time for the virtual unwrapping ceremony.

Festive Fun on Zoom

Virtual Christmas Games to Keep Everyone Engaged

Now, onto the main event! Just because your remote employees aren't physically present doesn't mean they can't be the life and soul of the party. Here are some game ideas that'll have everyone from the intern to the CEO laughing so hard, they'll forget they're on a video call:


Virtual Christmas Bingo

Create bingo cards filled with holiday-themed prompts and things likely to happen during your virtual party. For example:

  • "Someone's pet makes a guest appearance"
  • "A colleague uses the phrase 'You're on mute'"
  • "Someone shows off their Christmas tree"
  • "IT has to troubleshoot a technical issue"

Send the cards out digitally before the event and have prizes ready for the first few to get a line or full house. Just make sure the prizes can be easily sent electronically or by post!


Christmas Emoji Pictionary

Who says you need artistic skills to play Pictionary? Certainly not us! Challenge your team to convey Christmas movies, songs, or traditions using only emojis. For example a single house and a screaming face could be Home Alone!

This game works brilliantly over chat or video call and is sure to result in some hilarious interpretations.


Virtual Ugly Christmas Jumper Contest

Encourage everyone to don their most spectacularly awful Christmas jumper for the video call. Award prizes for categories like "Most Likely to Blind Santa", "Best Use of Tinsel in a Knitwear Emergency", and "Jumper Most Likely to be Regifted". Don't forget to take screenshots - this is prime material for next year's company newsletter!

Bringing the Best of Both Worlds

Games for In-Person and Virtual Teams Together

The real challenge (and fun) comes in creating games that seamlessly blend the experiences of your in-office and remote employees. Here are some ideas that'll have everyone feeling like they're in the same room (minus the risk of someone spilling eggnog on the company servers):


Two-Team Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items that can be found both around a typical home and in the office. For example:

- Something with the company logo

- A piece of holiday decoration

- The oldest technology you can find

- Something that reminds you of your favourite work project this year

Split your employees into mixed teams of remote and in-office members. Each team races to find all the items, with remote employees showing their finds via webcam and in-office employees bringing items to a central location. The first team to find everything wins!


Christmas Carol Charades

This classic game gets a virtual twist! Have participants act out the titles of Christmas songs while their teammates (both in-office and remote) try to guess. For remote players, make sure they have enough space to be seen clearly on camera. You might even discover some hidden talent for your next company talent show!


Festive Fact or Fiction

Prepare a list of outrageous Christmas "facts" - some true, some completely made up. For example:

- "In Japan, it's a Christmas tradition to eat KFC." (Fact!)

- "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was invented by a department store as a marketing ploy." (Also fact!)

- "In Sweden, it's tradition to hide a pickle in the Christmas tree." (Fiction - that's actually a German tradition!)

Read each statement aloud and have teams discuss and decide whether it's fact or fiction. This game works brilliantly across virtual and in-person settings and is sure to spark some lively debates!

Holiday Cheer from Afar

Creative Gift Ideas for Remote Employees

Just because your remote employees aren't there to participate in the office gift exchange doesn't mean they should miss out on the joy of receiving a thoughtful present. Here are some ideas to make sure your virtual team members feel the love:


Customised Christmas Care Packages

Put together a box of festive goodies tailored to each remote employee's tastes. You could include:

- A branded company mug (perfect for sipping hot cocoa during those virtual meetings)

- Gourmet snacks or treats from local suppliers near your office

- A mini desk Christmas tree or other festive desk decor

- A cosy branded blanket for those chilly work-from-home days

Pro tip: Include a handwritten note from the team to add a personal touch that'll make your remote employees feel truly appreciated.


Virtual Experiences

Gift your remote team members with unique online experiences they can enjoy from the comfort of their own homes:

- A virtual wine tasting session (with wines delivered to their door)

- An online cooking class with a celebrated chef

- Tickets to a streamed theatre performance or concert

- A subscription to a meditation or fitness app for those New Year's resolutions


Charitable Donations

For the employee who has everything, consider making a donation in their name to a charity of their choice. It's a thoughtful gesture that spreads goodwill beyond just your team.


After the Festivities

Keep Remote Employees Engaged Post-Party

The party might be over, but the festive spirit doesn't have to end! Here are some ways to keep the holiday cheer going for your remote employees:

Virtual Photo Booth

Set up a virtual photo booth where employees can add festive filters and props to their photos. Encourage both in-office and remote employees to share their snaps on a dedicated channel or in a shared online album.

Digital Yearbook

Create a digital yearbook or newsletter summarising the highlights of the party. Include photos, quotes, and maybe even some "awards" (like "Best Virtual Background" or "Most Enthusiastic Dancer"). This gives remote employees a chance to see what they might have missed and feel part of the shared experience.

New Year Virtual Coffee Catch-ups

Schedule some casual virtual coffee meetings in the new year, pairing up remote and in-office employees who might not usually work together. It's a great way to maintain those social connections built during the party.

Inclusive, Festive, and Fun: Making Every Team Member Feel Valued

Inclusive, Festive, and Fun: Making Every Team Member Feel Valued

As we wrap up our guide (much like we'll soon be wrapping presents), remember that the key to a successful hybrid Christmas party is making sure every employee feels valued and included, regardless of their location.

By putting in the extra effort to engage your remote employees before, during, and after the festivities, you're not just throwing a party - you're strengthening your team bonds, boosting morale, and cultivating a company culture that values every member of the team.

So, whether your team is spread across different offices, cities, or continents, with a bit of creativity and the right attitude, you can create a Christmas celebration that brings everyone together in the spirit of the season. After all, in the world of hybrid work, it's not about being in the same room - it's about being on the same page (or in this case, the same video call).

Here's to a Christmas party that's merry, bright, and inclusive for all! Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a virtual ugly Christmas jumper to knit. Happy planning!

Author Bio - Article Written By Josephine Callahan

This work christmas party inspo article was proudly written by Josephine (Josie) Callahan - Lead Trend Specialist here at My Ultimate Team! Seen here on our office rooftop! With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Diploma in Events Management, Josie brings a unique blend of storytelling and logistical expertise to the world of corproate events and work parties. Over her 15-year career, Josie has turned her passion for celebration into a career of crafting unforgettable team building experiences and her articles have helped thousands of business owners and managers across Australia plan the perfect team event, from SME gatherings to large-scale themed extravaganzas for our large corporate clients. Josie stays at the forefront of party trends through active participation in industry events and her hands-on approach to research, which often involves sampling the latest cocktails and adventure experiences firsthand! Her articles on team building planning have been featured in leading Australian business journals and magazines, solidifying her status as a trusted voice in the industry.

Disclaimer: We are event planners, not accountants. The information provided in this article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice or financial guidance. My Ultimate Team Events is not a tax advisor or accountant, and this content is based on our personal experience and understanding. Every business is unique, and tax laws can be complex and subject to change. We strongly recommend that you conduct your own research and consult with a qualified accountant or tax professional to ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations before making any decisions regarding claiming work Christmas party expenses. My Ultimate Team Events accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, or liability arising from reliance on this information. Use this content as a fun guide and not as a substitute for professional advice.