Virtual holiday party games

Set up the call

• Pick a host who runs the schedule and a helper to watch chat.
• Send a short agenda with start time and what to have ready, like paper and a pen.
• Test video and sound five minutes before.
• Keep the call to 45 to 60 minutes, since long video calls are tiring.
• Use breakout rooms for groups over 10 people, if your call tool has them.

Fold in a gift exchange

A remote swap fits well. Draw names ahead with a link everyone can open on a phone, ship or deliver gifts by a set date, and open them together on the call. See virtual Secret Santa and virtual white elephant. Hollyhush works in a browser with no app or account, and its TV mode can be shared on screen for the reveal.

Set up the remote swap now. Share one link, no app or signup. Create your group, free

Tips for remote parties

1. Say that cameras are optional, and that joining the chat is fine.
2. Start with a two-minute warm-up like a photo of your holiday mug.
3. Make rules fit on one screen and post them in chat.
4. Time zones matter, so pick a time that is not midnight for anyone.
5. End on a high note, with a group photo screenshot if everyone agrees.

For in-person ideas see office holiday party games and Christmas party games for adults.

1. Virtual white elephant

   Gifts are shipped or purchased ahead and numbers are drawn on the call. Players pick or steal in turn. See the virtual white elephant page for rules.

2. Holiday scavenger hunt

   The host calls out items like something red, a candle or a holiday mug. First player back on camera with it scores a point. Keep each round to 60 seconds.

3. Holiday trivia

   Teams answer ten questions via chat or breakout rooms. Keep questions general and fun, not personal.

4. Guess the gift

   Each person describes a wrapped gift they have, with three clues. The group guesses what it is. Open it at the end.

5. Virtual ugly sweater contest

   Everyone shows their sweater on camera. Votes are posted in chat by name. Give a prize for each category.

6. Holiday charades

   One person acts out a holiday movie or song on camera while others guess in chat. Use a 60-second timer.

7. Show and tell a tradition

   Each person shares a favorite tradition or food in 60 seconds. Skip anyone who passes.

8. Name that tune

   Play five seconds of a holiday song by sharing audio. Players type the title in chat. First correct answer wins.

9. Bingo

   Share a bingo card with squares like pet appears or someone is on mute. Players mark squares during the call. First line wins.

10. Draw it

    One player draws a holiday item on a shared whiteboard or paper held to the camera while others guess.

11. Two truths and a holiday

    Each player gives two true holiday facts and one false one. The group guesses by chat.

12. Gift reveal and guess your Santa

    In a Secret Santa, players guess who had them before the reveal. Open gifts one at a time on camera.