Top Team Building Activities for 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of festive celebrations blends with the opportunity to bring your team closer together. 

It’s a time not just for spreading cheer, but also for creating lasting memories that strengthen the bonds within your team. 

The right holiday team-building activities can transform this season into a powerful experience that boosts morale and enhances collaboration.

Whether your team is logging in from home, gathering in the office, or a bit of both, we’ve curated a selection of activities that capture the essence of the holidays. 

These activities are designed to unite your team, no matter the distance, and infuse your celebrations with the spirit of togetherness.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best holiday team-building ideas to make this season unforgettable!

Virtual Holiday Team Building Activities

In today’s remote work environment, virtual holiday team-building activities are a fantastic way to keep the festive spirit alive while ensuring everyone feels connected, no matter where they are. 

These activities are fun, engaging, and perfect for bringing your team together during the holiday season.

A. Virtual Escape Rooms

Virtual escape rooms are an exciting way to challenge your team’s problem-solving skills while encouraging collaboration. 

In these digital adventures, people are involved in a team and need to solve puzzles, search for clues, and escape the themed room within a certain amount of time. In the case of holiday-themed escape rooms, adding a festive spin to it is possible, which is always a plus.

B. Holiday-Themed Trivia

Challenge your team to a holiday quiz to see how much they remember. This activity is a fun way of introducing some form of competition into your virtual meetings. 

They can be as simple as worldwide traditions during the holidays or as complex as famous holiday movies and songs. It is a simple activity to coordinate and people from all over can join in.

C. Online Secret Santa

Online Secret Santa is a great way to make your online celebration more personal. Each team member selects the name of another team member and sends a gift to that person and all the arrangements are done online. 

People unwrap their gifts on the reveal day, and they do it through a video call while expressing their joy and the spirit of the holidays. It is particularly useful for keeping up with traditions in the middle of the wilderness, for instance.

D. Virtual Holiday Parties

It’s not necessary to be in the same room to have a holiday party so you can go ahead and have one. 

Some of the ways to engage the teams during the virtual holiday parties include games, music, and even ordering a meal to be delivered to the team members’ homes. 

The primary focus here is to make the atmosphere as close as possible to the real-life party, which is why people are important.

E. Festive Zoom Background Competitions

Encourage creativity with a festive Zoom background competition. Team members can design and share their most festive or creative holiday-themed virtual backgrounds. 

Whether it’s a snowy winter wonderland, a cozy fireplace scene, or something more whimsical, this competition adds a fun visual element to your virtual meetings.

F. Virtual Holiday Happy Hour

End the workday with a virtual holiday happy hour. Invite your team to unwind with a festive drink of their choice, and consider adding a theme, such as holiday cocktails or mocktails. 

This relaxed setting allows team members to connect personally, share holiday plans, and enjoy each other’s company.

In-Person Holiday Team Building Activities

If the team members can meet physically, then the holiday team-building activities present one of the best ways of building the team’s memory.

These activities are intended to involve all people and have fun during the celebration of the particular period.

A. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts that are based on holidays are a great way to get your team up and running and collaborating. 

It is possible to set a time limit and have teams search for objects that are hidden or perform any other holiday tasks.

Scavenger hunts add fun and enthusiasm to your celebrations; whether you are looking for specific decorations or solving riddles associated with the holiday.

B. Office Decorating Contests

Bring the winter spirit to your office and have a decorating contest at work. Groups or people can decorate their homes or offices in a festive, creativ, or humorous manner to compete with other groups or people.

This activity includes lighting the halls with beautiful lights, hanging garlands and ornament, or setting up a theme; it encourages creativity and brings the spirit of the holiday into the office.

C. Holiday Cooking Classes

Get your team in the kitchen and have a holiday cooking class. This is a fun way to get through the preparation of the holiday treats such as cookies for Christmas, gingerbread houses, or a traditional turkey Christmas meal where everyone gets to participate and get a share of the baked goodies at the end of it.

Cooking classes may be conducted by professional chefs or employees who have a passion for cooking and want to share it with others.

D. Festive Charitable Events

The holiday season is a time for giving, and participating in charitable events as a team can be deeply fulfilling. 

Organize a day where your team volunteers at a local charity, collects donations for those in need, or participates in a toy drive. 

These activities strengthen team bonds and contribute positively to the community, making the holidays more meaningful.

E. Ugly Sweater Competitions

Nothing says holiday fun, like an ugly sweater competition. Encourage your team to wear their most outrageous and festive holiday sweaters. 

You can add categories like “Most Creative” or “Most Outrageous” to keep things interesting. This lighthearted activity will bring laughter and smiles, making it a memorable part of your holiday celebration.

F. Holiday Potluck Dinners

A holiday potluck dinner is a classic way to bring people together. Each team member contributes a dish showcasing their favorite holiday recipes. 

This communal meal allows everyone to share in the holiday spirit, enjoy diverse flavors, and bond over good food. It’s an inclusive and warm way to celebrate the season together.

Hybrid Holiday Team Building Activities

For teams spread across different locations, hybrid holiday team-building activities are a great way to include everyone in the festive fun. 

Blending virtual and in-person experiences ensures that all team members feel connected, no matter where they are working.

A. Virtual and In-Person Gift Exchanges

Hybrid gift exchanges allow both in-office and remote team members to participate in the holiday tradition of giving. 

Names are drawn through an online platform, and gifts are either mailed to remote colleagues or exchanged in person. 

On the designated day, everyone can gather on a video call to open their gifts together, sharing the excitement and holiday cheer across both virtual and physical spaces.

B. Collaborative Holiday Crafting

Get creative with a holiday crafting session that involves everyone, whether they’re working from home or the office. 

Send crafting kits to remote team members and set up a craft station in the office. Everyone can work on their holiday projects simultaneously, sharing progress and final creations through video calls or in-person interactions. This collaborative effort produces beautiful holiday crafts and strengthens team bonds.

C. Hybrid Festive Game Shows

Bring the thrill of game shows to your holiday celebrations with a hybrid approach. Team members can participate in festive-themed games like trivia, charades, or Pictionary, with some playing in the office and others joining via video call. 

The hybrid format keeps everyone engaged and ensures that all team members can participate in the fun, regardless of location.

D. Virtual Holiday Baking Contests

Organize a holiday baking contest where team members can bake from their kitchens, whether at home or in the office. 

Everyone can share their creations via video call, with the option to vote on categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Presentation,” or “Tastiest Treat.” 

This activity combines the joy of baking with friendly competition, allowing team members to bond over shared holiday traditions.

E. Hybrid Team Storytelling Sessions

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect, especially during the holidays. Organize a hybrid storytelling session where team members, whether in-person or virtual, can share their favorite holiday memories, traditions, or even fictional festive tales. 

This activity fosters a sense of togetherness and allows everyone to participate, creating a shared holiday experience that transcends physical distance.

Inclusive Holiday Activities for Diverse Teams

Creating an inclusive holiday atmosphere is essential for teams with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. 

Embracing various traditions and preferences in the form of these activities ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued during the holiday season.

A. Non-Denominational Celebrations

Non-denominational celebrations focus on the universal themes of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, making them inclusive for everyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background. 

Instead of centering activities around specific holidays, these celebrations can highlight the end of the year, accomplishments, and shared goals, ensuring all team members feel comfortable and included.

B. Customizable Holiday Events

Offer customizable holiday events where team members can choose activities that resonate with their beliefs and traditions. 

This might include allowing people to pick from themes like winter wonderland, New Year’s celebrations, or festive crafts. By providing options, you allow everyone to participate in a way that feels meaningful to them.

C. Multicultural Festivities

Celebrate the richness of your team’s diversity by organizing multicultural festivities. Encourage team members to share their holiday traditions, foods, and customs. 

You can create a calendar of various cultural holidays celebrated during the season and recognize each with a small event or activity. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different cultures within your team.

D. Holiday Traditions Sharing Sessions

Host sessions where team members can share their holiday traditions, whether cultural, religious, or family-based. 

These storytelling sessions can be done in person or virtually, giving everyone a chance to learn about how their colleagues celebrate during the holiday season. 

This activity promotes inclusivity by acknowledging and valuing the variety of traditions within the team.

E. Inclusive Holiday Music Playlists

Music is a powerful way to bring people together. Create an inclusive holiday playlist that features songs from different cultures and traditions. 

Invite team members to contribute their favorite holiday music, ensuring a mix that represents the diverse backgrounds of your team. 

Playing this playlist during holiday events or in the office helps create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.