Office Christmas Party Games: 8 Team Games and a 45-Minute Plan

Office Christmas party games should get people laughing together without putting anyone on the spot. The best ones are quick, team-based and need almost no setup. Here are the games that work at work, plus a 45-minute plan you can run as-is.

Skip the prep: Christmas Minute to Win It + Charades is an instant download for $3.99.

What makes a good office party game

• Teams, not individuals. Nobody wants to perform alone in front of their manager.
• Short rounds. 60-second games keep things moving and make it easy to drop in and out.
• Inclusive. No drinking games, nothing physical that excludes anyone, and family-friendly content.
• Cheap supplies. Cups, candy and a timer are enough.

8 office Christmas party games

1. Christmas Tree Cup Stack

Each team sends one player to build a 6-5-4-3-2-1 pyramid of 21 cups, then stack them back down, in 60 seconds. Surprisingly tense, and great to watch.

2. Red & Green Straw Sort

Using only a straw, players move red and green candies into cups by color. Fast, quiet and works at a conference table.

3. One-Hand Gift Wrap

Two teammates each put one arm behind their back and wrap a box together with their free hands. It's the best team-building game on this list.

4. Flippin' Elves relay

Line up cups upside down at the table's edge. Each teammate flips one cup right side up by flicking the rim, then tags the next person.

5. Team charades

Use grown-up cards like "untangling Christmas lights," "white elephant gift steal" or "office holiday party." See our list of Christmas charades ideas.

6. Candy Cane Hook

Hook candy canes off the table using only a candy cane held in your mouth. Hands behind your back.

7. Keep It Up, Bauble

Keep two balloons in the air for 60 seconds. Easy to join, and perfect for a big group.

8. The Saran Wrap Ball Game

A plastic-wrap ball full of small prizes and gift cards, unwrapped while the next person rolls for doubles. Get the Saran Wrap Ball Game rules.

A 45-minute office party plan

1. 0:00 Team names: split into 2 to 4 teams and hand out team name cards.
2. 0:03 Christmas Tree Cup Stack, one player per team.
3. 0:09 Red & Green Straw Sort, one player per team.
4. 0:15 One-Hand Gift Wrap, a pair from each team.
5. 0:22 Team charades: team vs team, 10 cards.
6. 0:34 Flippin' Elves relay, so everyone plays.
7. 0:40 Awards: hand out certificates to the winning team and the best charades performance.

Score 3, 2 and 1 points per game and keep a running total on a team score sheet. Ties go to a 60-second Cookie Face showdown.

Tips for remote and hybrid teams

• Play charades on video, with the actor in a full-screen view.
• Choose games with home supplies: Cup Stack, Straw Sort and balloons.
• Have each location run the same game at the same time and compare scores.

For family and classroom ideas, see our complete guide to Christmas party games, and our list of Christmas Minute to Win It games with rules.

Printable office party kit

Our Christmas Minute to Win It + Charades Party Kit includes this exact 45-minute Office Holiday Party plan, 24 printable game cards, 100 charades cards, team score sheets, 8 team name cards and winner certificates, for $3.99. Print it on the office printer and you're set.

Frequently asked questions

What are good games for an office Christmas party?

Team-based 60-second challenges like the Christmas Tree Cup Stack and One-Hand Gift Wrap, team charades, and the Saran Wrap Ball Game.

How long should office party games last?

About 30 to 45 minutes. Long enough for everyone to play, short enough that it doesn't take over the party.

How do you make office games inclusive?

Play in teams, let people choose their role, avoid drinking games and keep content family-friendly.