The jingle bells are ringing, and the season of Christmas parties is upon us. Traditionally, these gatherings bring together coworkers for moments of merriment, dodgy karaoke, and tales of festive cheer. However, this year, the global pandemic has reshaped our celebrations, ushering in the era of the virtual Christmas party.
While some embrace the change, others miss the camaraderie of in-person gatherings. Regardless, it’s crucial to acknowledge teams’ hard work in this extraordinary year.
So, how do you turn a virtual Christmas party into a night to remember? Fear not, we’ve compiled 20 unique ideas and tips to infuse festive fun into your virtual celebration.
1. Tech the Halls: Choose Your Platform Wisely
Before delving into the festivities, ensure everyone is acquainted with the chosen video conferencing platform. Whether it’s Zoom, Mitel, WhatsApp, or Google Meet, familiarity is key to avoiding connectivity hiccups. Test out any fancy features in advance and be mindful of time limitations if using a free tool.
2. No Work Talk: Transform Your Virtual Space
To prevent the virtual Christmas party from feeling like another work call, impose a strict ‘no work talk’ policy. Embrace the mute function if needed and consider adding festive backgrounds or changing display names to create a different atmosphere. The aim is to foster social connections, not work-related discussions.
3. Theme It Up Christmas Jumpers and Beyond
Give your virtual Christmas party a distinctive touch by introducing a theme. While Christmas-themed attire is a safe bet, consider jazzing it up with creative themes like Christmas characters, worst Christmas jumper, or a blast from the past with outfits from the 70s, 80s, or 90s.
4. Set the Table: Send Festive Party Packages
Elevate the dining experience by sending out party packages ahead of the event. Include festive elements like decorative tablecloths, crackers, party poppers, a bottle of wine, and even a card or present. It’s an excellent opportunity to distribute ‘thank you’ gifts or bonuses to your team.
5. Musical Magic: Set the Festive Mood
No party is complete without music. Let the host play festive tunes as guests join, organize a ‘guess the tune’ game during meals, or host a virtual sing-along. Embrace the cacophony of voices, knowing it will end the night with laughter.
6. Virtual Quiz: Engage Minds with Fun Questions
While quizzes might be overdone, they remain a classic for a reason. Spice it up by incorporating observation rounds, drawing rounds using chat features, scavenger hunt rounds, or TV quiz show rounds. Make it interactive and entertaining for all.
7. On-Screen Entertainment: Act Out Christmas Films
Encourage your team to act out scenes from their favorite Christmas films. It’s a delightful way to discover hidden talents and add a touch of drama to the virtual gathering.
8. Talent Show: Spotlight Your Team’s Skills
Host a talent show featuring singing, dancing, impressions, poetry, or magic tricks. It’s an excellent opportunity to appreciate the diverse talents within your team.
9. Professional Performers: Bring in the Pros
If you’d rather leave the entertainment to the professionals, consider hiring magicians, comedians, musicians, or other performers. Support the live entertainment sector and treat your team to a memorable performance.
10. Virtual Games: Keep the Fun Going
Introduce virtual games using platforms like Houseparty or set up your favorite board or card games virtually. Pictionary, bingo, question games, or apps like Heads Up can add an extra layer of enjoyment.
11. Awards & Prizes: Recognize and Appreciate
Set aside time to recognize team members. Whether it’s individual thank-yous or humorous awards like ‘most likely to wear pajamas on Zoom,’ acknowledging contributions adds a personal touch.
12. Cooking Class: Blend Food and Fun
Host an online cooking masterclass, either DIY or through professional chefs. Send ingredients to participants in advance, ensuring everyone can join the culinary fun.
13. Wine Tasting or Cocktail Masterclass: Sip in Style
Bring in an expert for a virtual wine-tasting or cocktail masterclass. Elevate the drinking experience by exploring different flavors and mixing techniques.
14. Secret Santa: A Virtual Tradition
Adapt the tradition of Secret Santa by using an online generator. Set a budget, exchange gifts by post, and maintain the holiday tradition in a virtual setting.
15. Surprise Visitor: Virtual Santa for Hire
Bring the joy of Santa to your virtual party by hiring a virtual Santa. Alternatively, a team member can play the part, ensuring a festive surprise for all.
16. Festive Spirits: Drinks Delivered to Your Doorstep
Ensure everyone has a festive beverage by delivering drinks to participants’ doorsteps. Pre-prepared cocktails, wines, and beers can set the mood for a cheerful celebration.
17. Restaurant Food at Home: Support Local Businesses
If your team usually dines out for Christmas, support local businesses by ordering restaurant-quality meals for delivery. Coordinate the timing to create a shared virtual dining experience.
18. Support Local Businesses: A Win-Win Situation
Consider sourcing party items, drinks, and entertainment from local businesses. Your virtual Christmas party can contribute to supporting local establishments during challenging times.
19. Charity: Give Back During the Holidays
Redirect a portion of the usual party expenses towards charity. Organize a raffle, purchase prizes from local businesses, and donate the proceeds to those in need during the festive season.
20. Set a Time Limit: Ensure Festive Enjoyment
While traditional parties may stretch into the early hours, respect everyone’s screen time
Conclusion: Celebrate Unforgettable Moments Virtually
In the realm of virtual festivities, the possibilities are as endless as the joy they bring. This guide to hosting a virtual Christmas extravaganza with SuperParty’s unique touches ensures that distance doesn’t diminish the spirit of celebration. From themed attire to engaging activities and heartfelt recognitions, these ideas infuse the magic of the season into every pixel on the screen. So, as you gather virtually to toast the year’s end, remember that the true essence of any celebration lies in the shared moments, laughter, and the resilience to adapt, making this virtual Christmas party one for the books. Cheers to creating unforgettable memories, even when miles apart!