Reminder: Some of your guests may celebrate Christmas but follow different religious or cultural traditions than you. Others may not observe the holiday at all. Keep decorations, music, and activities welcoming to everyone. Especially at work parties, avoid placing religious activities on the itinerary. |
Virtual Christmas parties make it easier to celebrate together when friends, family, or coworkers are spread across different cities. With just a little planning, an online gathering can become a memorable holiday event.
Try these 25 virtual Christmas party ideas for gifts, games, and activities, then get tips for hosting a party for friends, family, or coworkers. Along the way, you’ll find snacks, decorations, and craft supplies you can order through Instacart before the big day.
Pre-Christmas-party gift ideas
Get the party started early by sending a few holiday surprises ahead of the scheduled event. Share a favorite recipe for guests to make and nibble on during the party. Send an advent calendar to count down to Christmas. Or have a DIY kit, such as a gingerbread house, delivered to each guest where available (order a few days ahead) so everyone can make it together before a festive competition.
1. Holiday card exchange
Ask guests to send each other digital holiday cards, found or made online, before the party. It’s an easy way for everyone to send glad tidings, and during the party you can give out awards for the funniest or most creative cards. Guests can also send traditional holiday cards by mail and open them together on camera. During the virtual holiday party, you can even give out awards for the funniest or most creative cards.
2. Holiday stockings
Fill Christmas stockings or gift boxes with small items each party attendee will enjoy. A few ideas for good stocking stuffers include:
For a work party, the package can also include company swag. But keep in mind that employees may get more use out of items chosen specifically for them, and a personal touch can make the gift feel more meaningful.
3. Advent calendars
Advent calendars are a popular way to count down the days until Christmas. You can send out traditional ones to your guests. Or you can get creative and make calendars that count down to the day of the party instead.
4. Gingerbread houses
Send each virtual party guest their own gingerbread house kit, then challenge them to create their very best designs. During the party, let everyone vote and award prizes for the best-decorated houses.
5. Holiday recipe exchange
Swapping Christmas recipes is a tried-and-true holiday tradition. Ask each guest to provide their favorite recipe a few weeks before the party, then put them all together into a digital book. Send the book out to everyone and ask them to make one recipe to enjoy during the party. This one works especially well for a family or friends party, where everyone will be thrilled to finally learn how to make Aunt Sue’s famous baked brie or Grandma’s peanut butter cookies.
6. Gift cards
Send an Instacart gift card ahead of time so guests can order groceries for a dish from your holiday recipe exchange, or a holiday meal delivery from eligible restaurants, to enjoy when the virtual Christmas party begins.
Being miles apart doesn’t mean you can’t share a holiday meal together. Encourage guests to sit down and converse over a home-cooked or prepared meal by sending an Instacart gift card. |
Set the scene with festive outfits, backgrounds, and music
Since each guest will be enjoying your virtual Christmas party from the comfort of their home, encourage them to set the tone with festive outfits, virtual backgrounds, and holiday music. Creating a festive setting can make the party feel more immersive, while contests around outfits or decorations are great conversation starters.
7. Christmas costumes
Invite guests to dress as a favorite Christmas character, such as Santa, a reindeer, an elf, or a snowman. Turn it into a costume contest with prizes for categories like most creative or best overall look.
8. Festive outfits
A full costume isn’t necessary to get into the holiday spirit. Encourage guests to wear festive colors like red, green, or gold. Sequins or embroidery add extra sparkle.
9. Festive virtual background
Virtual Christmas parties hosted on video call apps make it easy to swap a home office for a festive backdrop. Guests can choose a cozy Christmas tree, snowy winter wonderland, red-and-green plaid or candy cane scene — or any background that fits their personality.
10. Stream Christmas music playlist
Create a collaborative playlist and let everyone add songs before the party. Mix winter classics like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” with Christmas favorites such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” plus a few newer favorites.
Share your screen with computer sound on to play music as guests arrive.
Virtual Christmas party activities
Create new memories and bond over seasonal activities that give everyone a chance to get creative and connect. These remote Christmas party ideas make it easy to bring the holiday spirit to your gathering.
11. Make holiday ornaments together
When you put together your party kits, add some art supplies. During the party, set aside some time for everyone to decorate their own holiday ornaments.
12. Host a Christmas movie watch party
Pick a holiday special or animated short that runs about 30 minutes or less. To keep everyone in sync, share your screen with sound on or use a watch-party tool. Hosting a longer, more relaxed party with friends and family? A full-length holiday movie works well there.
Make sure you have a tasty beverage like non-alcoholic eggnog or Mexican hot chocolate on hand before hitting play. A snack never hurts either — try Christmas popcorn, Christmas tree brownies, gingerbread cookies, or cookie butter reindeer chow to keep the festive mood going.
13. Decorate holiday cookies
Have each party guest make some simple sugar cookies, then get creative by using icing, frosting, and sprinkles to decorate them together.
14. Design your own Santa hats
Wearing a Santa hat is a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit. It's even more fun when it's personalized. Send some glitter, glue, felt, pom poms, and other items in a no-sew prop-making kit to make sure everyone has what they need.
15. Secret Santa gift exchange
A Secret Santa exchange is a simple way to add gift-giving to a virtual Christmas party. Set a budget the company covers, or keep it optional and clearly voluntary. Have each person draw a recipient and choose a fun or useful gift based on that person’s interests.
Have the organizer collect addresses privately, and only from guests who opt in, then set a price limit so everyone spends about the same. Ask each guest to order their gift a few days early and send it straight to their recipient, using Make it a gift on Instacart where available. Add a gift message asking them to wait until the party so everyone can unwrap together on camera.
Encourage guests to choose something thoughtful rather than a random gag gift, especially novelty items or merch that could come across as insulting.
Virtual Christmas party games
There’s nothing like a bit of friendly competition and conversation to liven up any party. If you need some inspiration for fun online games, check out these video chat Christmas party ideas.
16. Icebreakers
Give guests an easy way to start chatting with a few holiday-themed questions. Choose prompts that invite stories and conversation without putting anyone on the spot.
Does your family have any unique Christmas traditions or other holiday traditions?
Do you have a Christmas movie or wintertime movie you watch every year?
What’s one holiday activity you look forward to each year?
What’s the best Christmas song for getting you in the holiday spirit?
What dish has to be on the table at your holiday meal?
What’s your go-to seasonal treat or drink?
What’s one holiday activity you look forward to each year?
What’s your ideal way to spend a cozy winter day off?
What’s a new tradition you’d like to start this year?
17. Holiday bingo
Use a free online bingo card generator to make a unique card for each guest, filled with things that might happen during the call, such as: a pet appears on camera, someone’s wearing a Santa hat, a tree is visible in the background, someone mentions snow. Give out e-gift cards as prizes to make things even more exciting.
18. Virtual Christmas trivia
From the tradition of roasting chestnuts to the history of Krampus, there's a lot to know about the holiday season. Have some fun and test your guests' knowledge with a virtual holiday trivia game.
19. Charity competitions
If your guests aren't motivated by prizes for themselves, consider allowing them to compete for donations to their favorite charity. Whether you make a cash donation or give dog food to a local animal shelter, this is a prize everyone can feel good about.
20. Guess the gift
Many of us have shaken a wrapped box to guess what’s inside, which is what makes this game so much fun. Have each guest choose an item, wrap it up, and take several pictures, each with a bit more of the wrapping paper removed. During the party, each guest shares their photos one at a time on screen, and everyone else guesses after each reveal. Players can ask yes-or-no questions between photos for extra hints. The first person to guess correctly before all of the gift wrap is removed wins the round.
21. Mini Christmas tree decorating challenge
Ask each guest to bring a small tabletop tree, or make one from paper, plus a few Christmas lights, ornaments, ribbon, or garland. Set a 10-minute timer, let everyone decorate live on camera, then vote for the most festive tree.
22. Ugly ornament contest
Most Christmas ornaments are beautiful, but there are always some exceptions. Ask each guest to go on a quest for the ugliest ornament they can find. Let everyone vote, then give the winner a prize.
23. Name that tune
Play the first 5-10 seconds of a holiday song and have guests type the title into the chat. The first correct answer earns a point. Pull clips from your collaborative playlist so guests hear songs they picked.
24. Holiday scavenger hunt
Call out household items one at a time, like an ornament, a candy cane, something red, or a holiday mug, and give guests 60 seconds to find each one and show it on camera. Award points for speed, plus bonus points for the most creative stand-in.
25. Fa-la-emoji
Share a string of emojis that spells out a holiday song or movie, (like 🔔🔔🎸 for “Jingle Bell Rock.”) Post one at a time in the chat and see who can decode it first.
Tips to plan a virtual Christmas party
Start with the basics when planning a virtual Christmas party. Choose a video platform that can accommodate your guest list and the time you want to host the event, then send invitations with the date, time, meeting link, and any details guests need to prepare. From there, tailor the activities and schedule to your group.
Planning a virtual Christmas party with friends and family
Online Christmas parties give friends and family a chance to celebrate together even when they live far apart. A little structure can keep the gathering moving without making it feel like a formal event.
Plan a mix of activities and free time: Leave room for guests to catch up naturally between games and other planned activities.
Use breakout rooms for large groups: Smaller rooms can make it easier to have one-on-one conversations or run activities such as holiday trivia and recipe swaps.
Choose activities for different ages and tech comfort levels: Mix simple games with more hands-on activities so everyone can easily participate.
Give guests a heads-up about anything they need to prepare: Send recipes, craft supplies, or activity instructions ahead of time so everyone can join without scrambling at the last minute.
Pick a time that works across time zones: Confirm the start time in each guest’s local time on the invite.
Do a quick tech check: Send the link early and offer a 5-minute test call for anyone less familiar with video apps.
Assign a co-host: Have someone else manage the link, music, and breakout rooms so you can enjoy the party too.
End with a shared tradition: Wrap up with a toast or, with everyone’s OK, a group screenshot to give the party a clear ending.
Planning a virtual work party for Christmas
Virtual office Christmas parties need a little more structure, especially when employees are balancing the event with their regular schedules. Keep the gathering easy to join and focused on celebrating the team. Keep in mind that some employees may prefer to stay off camera or skip performance-style activities, and respect the different cultural backgrounds and holidays people may be celebrating this season.
Choose an inclusive name for the party: If your workplace consists of people with different religious or cultural backgrounds, consider names such as “holiday party” or “winter celebration.”
Keep the celebration inclusive: Plan on games, activities, food, and decorations that don't require employees to share the same religious traditions, and make participation in holiday activities optional.
Keep the party to about 60 minutes: A shorter event respects employees' time while leaving room for conversation and activities.
Send an agenda: Let employees know what to expect so they can plan around the party and decide which activities they want to join.
Choose an upbeat emcee: A host can introduce activities and keep conversations moving to prevent awkward pauses.
Prepare conversation prompts: A few light questions can help start conversations when the group falls quiet.
Schedule the party during work hours when possible: That way, employees don’t need to rearrange personal time to attend.
Make gift exchanges optional: If you host a Secret Santa, make it clearly opt-in and set a modest spending limit so no one feels pressured to buy a gift. To keep costs off employees entirely, consider having the company cover the gift budget.
Try a cross-team trivia tournament: Assign employees to teams across departments to encourage interaction beyond their usual coworkers.
Consider a stipend for food and festive extras: If your budget allows, give employees a small stipend for a meal, snacks, or a festive desk display. Check with your HR team on how to handle it.
Include a recognition moment: Take a few minutes to recognize team milestones or accomplishments from the year.
Record only planned segments, and tell attendees ahead of time: If you want to share the event afterward, record a welcome, awards, or another planned portion rather than the entire party. Note which segments will be recorded in the agenda, and announce it before you hit record.
Offer an asynchronous option: Employees who can't attend live can still participate through a holiday photo board, gift exchange, or another activity that doesn't require everyone to be online at once.
Plan your virtual Christmas party
From a gingerbread house showdown to a Secret Santa unboxing on camera, a virtual Christmas party can feel just as festive as one in person. As you plan, order all your party essentials through Instacart.
To send gifts straight to guests, select Make it a gift at checkout (where available) and add a personal message, or send an Instacart gift card so friends, family, or coworkers can order groceries or a meal from eligible restaurants to enjoy during the celebration.
