24 Office Party Ideas & Games for Work Celebrations

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Office party ideas are ways to celebrate special occasions at work. These gatherings bring coworkers together and build a sense of community. These ideas include games, food, activities, decorations, and other fun elements to make your work party memorable. These occasions are also known as “work parties,” “workplace parties,” “staff parties,” and “employee parties.”

This category includes company Christmas parties, team celebrations, and office mixers, and is an in-person version of virtual team building celebrations. These activities are a form of party games.

This article includes:

• work party ideas
• company party ideas
• office party games
• annual staff party ideas
• office celebration ideas
• ideas for company parties
• corporate party ideas
• work party games
• low budget office party ideas
• office party event ideas

In categories like:

• Office party theme ideas
• Office party games
• Office party activities
• How to Budget for an Office Party
• Example office party agenda
• Office Party Checklist
• Essential Tips for an Office Party Committee

Grab your party hats because here come the ideas!

Office party theme ideas

Here are fun theme ideas for office parties to get employees excited about the event.

 1. Bad Day Party

Everyone has bad days, and sometimes the office does too. You can brighten the mood with a “bad day party.” These impromptu events can include karaoke, punch balloons, Nerf guns, motivational quotes, and snacks. These parties help employees de-stress and focus on fun instead of work.

To make spontaneous parties easier, prepare a “bad day party kit” with all the supplies you might need. Also, set aside a small budget for extra treats like food, mini-massages, or batting cage outings.

2. Black-tie Breakfast Party

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but the occasion rarely receives the pomp and circumstance it deserves. A black-tie breakfast party starts the day off with fancy attire; think dresses, suits, or upscale pajamas. This type of party is also great for days when your team has a formal presentation, and needs to arrive in formal dress.

Black-tie breakfast party ideas:

• Mimosa bar. You can limit drinks or sub sparkling cider for champagne if you host the party on a workday.
• Breakfast hor d’oeuvres, such as french toast sticks, miniature quiche, and single bite cinnamon buns
• Fancy pajama costume contest
• A tea tasting or coffee tasting experience
• Artful mugs as party swag
• A decorate-your-own sleep mask station

Breakfast is one of the best office party food ideas, since hectic mornings and commutes often prevent folks from enjoying a proper meal. By laying out a solid spread and planning energizing activities, you can ensure your team starts the day on a positive note.

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3. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)

The Great Guac Off is great for office parties, as it showcases your team’s guacamole-making skills in a friendly competition! Teams will learn to work together and communicate during this lively avocado-themed celebration.

The Great Guac Off includes the following:

• 90 minutes guided by talented hosts
• interactive icebreakers, mini-games, and avocado trivia
• delicious guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
• an optional secret ingredient to add excitement to the competition
• a guacamole mash-off followed by a judging round

For a seamless planning process, we will meet you at the venue of your choice with all the necessary ingredients. If you are interested in enhancing bonding and communication skills within teams, then check out The Great Guac Off!

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

4. Murder Mystery Party

A murder mystery game can turn your office into a live Clue game, and is one of the most popular office party event ideas.  Many companies provide scripts for you to use.

Here’s how to play:

1. Get a script: Choose a pre-made murder mystery script.
2. Assign roles: Give characters and clues to players.
3. Act it out: Participants follow the script, read lines, and look for clues to solve the mystery.

For extra fun, add props, costumes, and some drama.

Here are murder mystery party kits.

5. Casino Night

Casino Night is a popular company party idea with lots of entertainment options like food, drinks, gambling, dancing, and live performances. It’s perfect for office parties because there’s something for everyone.

You can either go to a real casino or turn your office into a casino-themed lounge. For example, decorate with glitter, feathers, cards, and dice. Also, set up game stations like blackjack and roulette, and include team-building activities like Two Truths and a Lie.

To complete the casino experience, offer food and drinks, and bring in entertainment like comedians, singers, dancers, or fire jugglers.

6. Blast from the Past

Throwback parties are great for office get-togethers. Simply pick a decade like the ’50s or ’80s, and ask staff to dress accordingly. Use period-specific food, decorations, and activities:

• 90’s: Grunge, classic cartoons, and epic afterschool snacks

• 80’s: Neons, big hair, shoulder pads, and electronic pop

• ’70s: Disco ball and funky music.

• ’60s: Tie-dye and classic hits.

• ’50s: Diner burgers, shakes, and rock ‘n’ roll.

For recent decades, share company history or have guests submit old photos for a fun guessing game.

7. Earth-lover’s Ball

Earth Day is April 22, and you can celebrate it with an eco-friendly office party. Or, host an environmentally concious party anytime throughout the year. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteer: Care for animals, clean up trash, or plant trees.
• Learn to Compost: Hold a composting workshop.
• Sustainable Lunch: Serve locally grown, eco-friendly food.
• Upcycling Crafts: Make items like cork coasters or light bulb planters.
• Recycling Contest: Run a month-long recycling challenge and announce winners at the party.
• Garden: Do a terrarium workshop or have a garden party. You can even find a “gartender” to serve cocktails or mocktails with fresh herbs.

These activities highlight the importance of nature and encourage a greener lifestyle.

Here are some virtual Earth Day ideas for work.

8. Beach Party

A beach party is a perfect theme for an office retirement party or any office event. If you’re near the coast, head to the beach for sun and sand. If not, create the vibe with leis, lounge chairs, and seafood.

Beach Party Ideas:

• Playlist: Include hits like “California Girls” and “Rock Lobster.”
• Limbo Contest: Fun and interactive.
• Drinks: Serve fruity cocktails and mocktails.
• Games: Play beach ball keep-it-up (bonus for branded balls).
• Ice Cream: Hire a truck or stock the freezer.
• Tropical Scenes: Display on screens.
• Swag: Give out fans, sunglasses, and towels.

You can also enjoy a beach party indoors during colder months.

Here is a list of beach party ideas for work.

9. Baby Shower

Office baby showers celebrate both personal and professional milestones. They’re a great way to connect before a colleague goes on maternity leave.

Here are some office baby shower ideas:

• Gift a baby book and have all parents in the office write advice.

• Invite the colleague’s spouse or partner.

• Pool together for a bigger gift from the registry.

• Order small, fun foods for the event.

• Create a “pregnancy cravings” care kit with snacks or GrubHub coupons.

Office baby showers can include everyone, regardless of gender. Men who are fathers or are excited for their coworker’s new arrival can join in. You can even host a baby shower for a male colleague.

Office showers can also celebrate other milestones, like adoptions, pet fostering, or the start of a new project or side hustle.

Office party games

Here is a list of games to entertain employees during office parties.

10. Office Party Bingo

Bingo is one of the simplest office party games. Everybody knows the rules, and the game requires no setup or equipment beyond Bingo cards. To make your life easier, we made an Office party Bingo card you can use at your next company gathering.

Get Just the Bingo Card

by teams at FedEx, Amazon, Deloitte and 73,930+ others

To play, hand cards to party entrants, and encourage guests to play while mingling. The first player to mark five consecutive squares and shout “BINGO!” wins a prize. Preparing a few prizes is a good plan, since sometimes multiple folks hit Bingo.

Be sure to randomize the squares, so not every guest gets Bingo at the same time. Feel free to add your own ideas, too. Customizing squares to be company-specific gives the game a more personal feel.

Check out icebreaker Bingo for more ideas.

11. Ultimate Trivia Showdown (Top Choice)

If you are interested in an innovative team building experience, then check out Ultimate Trivia Showdown! Our fresh approach to this timeless team building activity is the perfect addition to an office party.

Here is what to expect:

• 90 minutes guided by an experienced host
• engaging question rounds, games, and puzzles
• trivia questions spanning various categories, such as history and pop culture
• thrilling games like The Champion Challenge and Smarty Pants Ultimate Trivia
• optional personalized trivia for a customized experience

Furthermore, we will meet you at your preferred venue with all the necessary materials. During this competition, every player will have an opportunity to shine and collaborate. So add Ultimate Trivia Showdown to your team building agenda!

Learn more about Ultimate Trivia Showdown.

12. Office Olympics

Holding Olympics-style games is a fun way to blend celebration with competition. For entertainment, partygoers can team up and square off in a series of challenges like relay races and desk chair soccer. Winners can get trophies or medals, and all the “athletes” can get festive after the games by sharing snacks, drinks, and sportsmanlike conversation.

Check out this guide to Office Olympics.

13. Desk Decorating Contest

Office decor can be plain, but you can make it exciting by having a desk decorating contest. This fun activity lets staff decorate their desks according to a chosen theme, like the eighties, Christmas around the world, or movie madness.

Set some rules, like no fire hazards, safe content, and a budget of up to $20. On party day, give departments an hour to decorate. Then, have judges or a peer vote to pick the winner. For added fun, organize a scavenger hunt to encourage everyone to visit each desk.

Check out more workplace competition ideas.

14. Superhero Academy (Team Favorite)

During your next workplace celebration, experience the thrill of becoming heroes with Superhero Academy! This extraordinary comic-book adventure empowers teams to utilize their strengths and conquer challenges.

Superhero Academy includes the following:

• 90-minute session facilitated by a skilled host
• captivating storytelling that transports players into the world of superheroes
• thrilling games and activities crafted to enhance participants’ skills
• exercises that let attendees showcase their unique abilities

No matter where you would like to host this event, we will meet you there with all the necessary materials. Superhero Academy sets the stage for a dynamic experience where your team can succeed together!

Learn more about Superhero Academy.

Office party activities

Here is a list of ideas for company parties that will entertain and engage your crew.

15. Office Awards

Office award shows are a fun mix of a party and recognizing employees. They make staff feel valued and improve engagement. These events are often held annually.

At the awards show, companies give out custom trophies in various categories, like “rookie of the year” or “top performer.” You can also add funny categories, like “best at ruining diets.”

Hosting the event at a restaurant or venue adds excitement, but you can create a festive atmosphere in the office with a red carpet, gold lights, and star balloons. Be sure to encourage fancy dress, offer food and drinks, and have a lively host to present the awards.

Check out more creative office award ceremony ideas.

16. Photo Booth

Photo booths are a popular party feature. While renting a professional booth can be expensive, you can easily make your own with these items:

• Tripod or selfie stick
• Polaroid camera or a tablet/smartphone
• Photo booth app (if using a device)
• Backdrop
• Props like feather boas, cowboy hats, and big sunglasses

For a DIY booth, use dollar store props or print free accessories. A simple sheet or a balloon curtain can work as a backdrop.

Photo booths are fun and engaging. You can add excitement by hosting a photo competition and giving a prize for the funniest photo.

17. Office Movie Night

Movie nights are classic office get-togethers in part because they are so easy to throw together. At minimum, all you need to throw a movie night is a film or two and a television or screen and projector. Of course, these events are more fun if you add extras like popcorn and candy, movie trivia games, and Hollywood-worthy decor.

You may want to model your movie night after a particular theme.

Office movie night theme ideas:

• Holiday movie party
• Internet clip video party, like a cat film festival
• Oscar party
• Favorite films
• Rom com marathon
• B-movies

With streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, you can select and project a film right from your laptop or phone.

Here are more office movie night ideas.

18. Cultural Festival

Celebrating diversity enriches your workplace. You can host a cultural festival to honor various nationalities and international holidays, rather than just your own country’s celebrations. You can have different stations for a trade-show style event or hold several parties throughout the year.

Here are some global holidays and festivals to consider:

• Holi: An Indian festival in March with colorful powder throwing.
• Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): A Mexican holiday from October 31 to November 2, honoring ancestors with shrines and feasts.
• Lunar New Year: Celebrated in Asia in January or February, featuring large meals, cleaning, and ancestor honoring.
• Oktoberfest: A German beer festival in late September and early October.
• Carnivale: A mid-winter festival in Brazil and the Caribbean with parades and costumes.

You can also celebrate mainstream holidays like New Year’s and Halloween with customs from around the world. Be respectful and avoid cultural appropriation. Also, consider inviting vendors, artists, and colleagues from these cultures to lead activities and provide authentic experiences.

19. Potluck Party

Food has united humans for centuries. Potluck parties are a basic and low-cost office party idea that are easy to plan and run.

Tips:

• Create a sign-up sheet so everyone brings something different and no one forgets drinks. This also helps guests know who made each dish.
• Provide disposable plates, napkins, utensils, and cups, as people often forget these.
• Consider having serving utensils, crock pots, and extension cords available.

In a large space like a canteen, all employees can socialize at once. In a small break room, let employees come and go to chat and snack throughout the day.

20. Demolition Derby

Even the most serene office spaces get stressful sometimes. Your staff can blow off steam by participating in a demolition derby. Though unconventional, a demolition derby makes for an unforgettable office event. Destruction is the theme of the party.

How to throw a demolition derby:

1. Get cheap or free china, glassware, and other fragile materials from thrift stores, yard sales, and Craigslist.
2. Secure a spacious, and preferably sound-proof room
3. Lay down tarps
4. Provide maks, goggles, and gloves
5. Bring a baseball bat and a sledgehammer
6. Allow employees to go to town and break objects to their hearts’ content!

For even more atmosphere, build a smash-happy playlist with songs like “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus or “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister.

If you are worried about the mess, then you can move the party to a nearby rage room instead.

21. Spring Cleaning

Cleaning is few folks’ favorite task, but tackling messes together is more fun than sprucing up alone. If your building is due for a spring cleaning, then turn the event into a party.

Some office spring cleaning party ideas include:

• Take before and after photos
• Schedule a tutorial with an organizational expert
• Hire a DJ or play music on speakers
• Offer food like sandwiches, pizza, and cookies
• Gamify the tidying process by initiating cleaning races
• Screen episodes of “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” in the background
• Gift each attendee with swag bags full of home cleaning products
• Allow employees to reimburse the cost of a cleaning service to tidy their own homes
• Hold a flea market where departments trade unwanted items like spare furniture or extra desk organizers.
• Thank the custodial crew for always keeping the building clean and offer a present

There are many ways to make the event fun. Best of all, once the party ends, your staff will have a clean and serene work environment free of distractions.

22. Company Tailgate

A tailgate is a parking lot party where folks hang out in or around their vehicles, enjoying food, drinks, and sports. This theme is a great office party idea for major sports events like the Super Bowl or company games, but you can also host one just for fun.

To organize a tailgate:

• Reserve a section of the parking lot or use the top level of a parking garage.
• Have a few employees with big cars set up the area.
• Encourage team colors or jerseys.
• Set up a large outdoor screen to show the game.
• Organize a flag football game.
• Give out themed company items like hats and foam fingers.
• Host a car-decorating contest.
• Rent grills or food carts, or order pizza and wings.

Tailgates are a fun for all folks, even non-sports fans, to enjoy being outside, socializing, and eating good food with coworkers.

How to Budget for an Office Party

Cost is one of the main factors when planning a party for the office. Whether you have a big budget or a small amount to spend, here are tips and office party budget templates for getting the most of your money and investing in elements that will make the most impact.

Tips for Budgeting a Low-Cost Office Party

• Plan a Potluck: Ask employees to bring a dish to share, reducing catering costs.
• DIY Decorations: Create simple decorations in-house using craft supplies. Bonus: decorating can be part of the activities.
• Utilize Office Resources: Use office equipment for entertainment, like a projector for movies or karaoke.
• Encourage RSVPs: Having a headcount will help you budget more accurately for food, drinks, and entertainment, so that you do not wind up overspending with lots of leftovers

Estimated Cost Breakdowns

Budget-friendly Office Party (Average costs)

• Food and Drinks: $5 – $7 per person – simple snacks and beverages.
• Decorations: $20 – $60 – basic items like balloons, streamers, and tablecloths.
• Entertainment: $40 – $80 – low-cost activities like board games or trivia.

Special Occasion Office Party (Average costs)

• Catering and Drinks: $50 – $10+ per person – catered food with alcoholic and non-alcoholic  beverages
• Decorations: $500 – $1,000+ – upscale decorations like balloon arches, lighting
• Entertainment: $750 – $1,250+ – live bands, DJ’s, magicians, team building facilitators
• Miscellaneous: $250 – $500+ – other costs like favors, activity stations, tips for event staff

These are starting costs for more remarkable, special occasion office parties like annual company parties or product launches. However, more extravagant parties can have even higher expenses.

Example office party agenda

Here is an example run of show that your office party could follow.

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Check-In and Arrival

• Guests arrive and check in at the welcome desk.
• Name tags distributed.
• Light background music plays as team members mingle.

6:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Opening Remarks

• Welcome speech by the host or organizer.
• Brief overview of the evening’s agenda.
• Acknowledge any special guests or milestones.

6:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner and Socializing

• Buffet or plated dinner served.
• Time for informal mingling and conversation.
• Background music continues.

7:30 PM – 7:45 PM: Icebreaker Game

• Play a simple icebreaker game like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Human Bingo” to get guests talking and laughing.

7:45 PM – 8:15 PM: Main Activity/Game

• Organize a fun activity such as a trivia quiz, team-based game, or a photo booth competition.
• Teams or individuals compete for small prizes.

8:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Awards/Recognitions

• Present any awards or recognitions planned for the evening.
• Acknowledge achievements and milestones.

8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Dessert and Loose Socializing

• Serve dessert and coffee.
• Time for more relaxed socializing and catching up.
• Optional: Background music or a light entertainment.

9:00 PM – 9:15 PM: Wrap-Up

• Closing remarks and thank yous from the host.
• Announce any final notes or upcoming events.
• Inform guests of any follow-up actions, such as feedback surveys.

9:15 PM: Event Ends

• Guests start to leave.
• Optionally, offer a small party favor or memento as they depart.

Feel free to adjust the timing and activities based on the specific needs and preferences of your group.

Office Party Checklist

Here is a checklist for your office party to make sure you nail all the details.

1. Define the Purpose and Budget

• Purpose: Decide if you want to hold a celebration, team building, or recognition event – or some combination.
• Budget: Set a clear budget for food, drinks, decorations, entertainment, and any other expenses.

2. Plan the Date and Time

• Date: Choose a date that avoids major deadlines or conflicts. (Be sure to check team, city, community, and cultural or religious calendars for possible conflicts.)
• Time: Consider a time that works best for the majority of attendees (like after work hours).
• Survey: Consider sending out a survey with a few options for date and time to determine availability and preferences

3. Select a Venue

• Office Space: Determine if it will be held in the office or at an external venue.
• Layout: Ensure there’s enough space for dining, activities, and mingling, but also make sure the area is intimate enough to encourage socializing.
• Transportation: If offsite, decide whether you will provide transportation or have employees make their own arrangements.

4. Send Invitations

• Invitation Method: Use email, physical invites, or a company-wide announcement.
• RSVP: Include a way for guests to confirm attendance.
• Details: Include date, time, location, dress code, and any special instructions.
• Accommodations: Encourage guests to reach out with any requests for accommodations.

5. Arrange Catering and Drinks

• Catering: Decide on food options (buffet, plated, or potluck). Consider dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Drinks: Arrange for a mix of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages if appropriate. Consider a signature drink or themed cocktails.
• Quantities: Ensure there’s enough food and drink for all guests, and a bit extra just in case.

6. Plan Activities and Entertainment

• Games: Choose engaging activities like trivia, photo booths, or team-building games.
• Entertainment: Book any necessary entertainment (e.g., DJs, bands, comedians). Confirm their setup needs and timing.
• Interactive Elements: Plan for interactive activities like a DIY craft station or a small raffle.

7. Decorations and Setup

• Theme: Decide on a theme that suits the occasion and office culture.
• Decorations: Purchase or create decorations (banners, table centerpieces, lighting). Consider using themed colors and items.
• Setup: Arrange tables, chairs, and activity areas. Plan for how to transform the space into the event’s theme.

8. Prepare Logistics

• Check-in Desk: Set up a check-in area for guests, if needed.
• Name Tags: Provide name tags if the event includes many unfamiliar faces.
• Music/Audio: Ensure sound equipment works for background music or speeches. Test the setup beforehand.
• Seating Arrangements: Arrange seating to encourage mingling, or use assigned seating if necessary.

9. Handle Miscellaneous Details

• Serving Utensils: Ensure you have enough serving utensils, plates, napkins, and cups.
• Clean-Up: Plan for post-event clean-up. Assign a team or arrange for a cleaning service.
• Transportation/Parking: Ensure there’s ample parking or transportation options for external venues.

10. Follow-Up

• Thank You Notes: Send thank-you notes or emails to attendees and any external vendors or entertainers.
• Feedback: Collect feedback from participants to improve future events.
• Review: Evaluate what worked well and what could be improved for next time.

Essential Tips for an Office Party Committee

Many workplaces have party-planning committees that oversee social events for the office. Here are tips and best practices for forming and running these committees.

• Form a Diverse Team: Include members with various skills and from different departments for a well-rounded perspective.
• Set Clear Goals and Roles: Assign specific tasks and hold regular updates to stay on track.
• Leverage Technology: Use event apps for RSVPs and real-time updates. Create a private social media page, group chat, intranet area, cloud drive, for engagement, feedback, and photos.
• Prioritize Inclusivity: Offer diverse food options and ensure activities are culturally sensitive.
• Be Budget-Savvy: Use DIY solutions and seek sponsorships to manage costs creatively.
• Have Contingency Plans: Prepare for unexpected changes with backup plans.
• Engage Employees Early: Invite ideas and feedback to increase involvement and anticipation.
• Post-Event Reflection: Review the event’s success and gather feedback for improvement.
• Celebrate Contributions: Acknowledge committee efforts and offer small tokens of appreciation.

These groups are similar to company culture committees.

Conclusion

Celebrations help coworkers connect and build a sense of community. They allow employees to mingle and bond, making the workplace more cohesive. Parties also give staff a break and show appreciation.

While standard events like birthday cakes or Secret Santa are nice, the ideas on this list are unique and exciting ways to impress and engage your team.

For more workplace party tips, check out these corporate party entertainment ideas, and this guide to holiday party etiquette.

We also have a list of fun break room ideas for work, breakfast ideas for the office and return to office celebration ideas.