A Party season is here, and in today’s connected world, celebrating the holidays doesn’t require everyone to gather under one roof. Whether your team is spread across cities, your friends are traveling, or your family lives across time zones, a virtual holiday party can bring people together in a fun and festive way, right from the comfort of their homes. As remote work continues to grow and people embrace digital connection, virtual celebrations have become more than just a substitute for in-person events, they’re a whole new way to make meaningful memories.
Let’s explore how to throw a online holiday party that’s engaging, inclusive, and just as joyful as any in-person gathering. From planning logistics to party games, gift exchanges to theme ideas, this guide will walk you through every step of hosting a celebration your guests will never forget.
1. Why Host a Virtual Holiday Party?
There are many reasons why you might choose to host your holiday celebration online:
- Remote teams: If your workplace has employees working remotely, a virtual party keeps the team spirit alive and shows appreciation for the year’s hard work.
- Long-distance friendships: A great way to reconnect with friends or family members who live far away.
- Increased flexibility: No need to dress up (unless you want to), commute, or even leave your couch.
- Budget-friendly: You can save money on venue rentals, catering, and decorations.
- Safe and inclusive: Ideal for those who may not be comfortable with large gatherings due to health concerns.
2. Start With a Plan
Just like an in-person party, a successful virtual party starts with thoughtful planning. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
Choose a Platform
Pick a video conferencing platform that works for your group Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or even Discord. Make sure it allows screen sharing, breakout rooms, and enough participants for your guest list.
Set the Date and Time
Choose a time that accommodates different time zones if needed. Weekends or early evenings are usually best. Send digital invites at least two weeks in advance, and include all the details like the platform link, dress code (if any), and what to prepare.
Decide on the Format
Will it be a casual hangout, or do you want structured activities? You can mix both plan a loose agenda so everyone knows what to expect, but leave room for spontaneity.
3. Set the Scene: Virtual Party Themes and Decor
Even though you’re not in the same room, creating a festive vibe is key.
Festive Backgrounds
Encourage guests to use holiday-themed virtual backgrounds like snowy cabins, cozy fireplaces, or twinkling lights. You can even create a branded background for company parties.
Dress the Part
Make it a themed dress code! Some ideas include:
- Ugly sweater party
- Pajama party
- Winter wonderland (all white or blue outfits)
- Formal sparkle night
Offer a prize for the best outfit to make it more fun!
Decor From Home
Ask everyone to decorate their space with lights, garlands, or a mini tree visible on camera. It adds to the atmosphere and encourages creative participation.
4. Party Activities Everyone Will Love
The heart of any party is the entertainment. Virtual games and activities can be just as engaging as in-person fun.
Holiday Trivia
Create a trivia quiz with fun categories like holiday movies, global traditions, song lyrics, or famous holiday foods. Use platforms like Kahoot or Google Forms for an interactive experience.
Scavenger Hunt
Host a virtual scavenger hunt by calling out things for people to find around their homes: “something red,” “a gift,” “a candle,” etc. First person back gets a point!
Virtual Escape Room
There are many online escape room companies offering holiday-themed adventures. Great for team bonding or a group of friends who love puzzles.
Online Games
Play games like:
- Pictionary (use Skribbl.io or draw over Zoom)
- Charades
- Bingo
- Jackbox Games
- Among Us (for something a little different and competitive)
Holiday Karaoke
Use a shared playlist and let guests pick their favorite songs to sing. It’s lighthearted and brings lots of laughs!
5. Gift-Giving Ideas
No holiday party feels complete without gifts. Here are a few virtual-friendly options:
Secret Santa
Use websites like Elfster or Draw Names to assign gift recipients. Guests can ship their gifts in advance and open them live during the party.
White Elephant (Yankee Swap)
For this chaotic and hilarious holiday party game, guests purchase and wrap a gift under a certain price, then take turns choosing and stealing gifts. Modify the rules to fit your virtual setup, and ship the gifts to the recipients after the game ends.
Digital Gifts
Think eGift cards, subscriptions (like Netflix or Spotify), or charity donations in someone’s name. These are instant and thoughtful.
6. Food and Drinks: Keeping It Tasty Online
Eating together is a classic holiday tradition. Even virtually, you can still share a culinary experience.
Shared Recipes
Send out a simple holiday recipe in advance, cookies, cocktails, hot cocoa, and ask everyone to prepare it before the party. You can bake or mix together in real time.
Food Delivery
If it’s a company party, consider sending food delivery credits via apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, so everyone can order dinner before the event.
Drink Toast
Wrap up the night with a toast! Encourage everyone to bring their favorite drink, whether it’s wine, cider, or hot chocolate, and share what they’re grateful for this year.
7. Keep It Inclusive
Holidays mean different things to different people. Make your party inclusive and respectful by:
- Using neutral language (e.g., “holiday party” vs. “Christmas party”)
- Including diverse cultural traditions if your group is multicultural
- Offering non-alcoholic drink options and fun for all ages
Encouraging participation without pressure makes everyone feel welcome.
8. Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to document the event!
- Screenshots: Take a group photo with silly poses or matching backgrounds.
- Recording: If everyone’s okay with it, record the party to create a short highlight reel later.
- Photo Contest: Ask guests to share their decorated spaces, holiday outfits, or festive pets in a group chat.
You can even create a shared Google Photos album or a digital scrapbook to look back on.
9. Follow Up With Gratitude
After the party, send out a thank you message or a recap email with highlights, photos, and maybe a fun poll (“What was your favorite moment?”).
If it’s a workplace party, consider mailing a small token of appreciation, a gift card, or even a digital ecard with a personalized note of thanks.
A thoughtful follow-up shows that you value their time and effort, and helps build lasting connections beyond the event.
10. Bonus: Ideas by Group Type
Need ideas tailored to your guests? Here are some suggestions based on different groups:
For Remote Teams
- Virtual awards show (“Best Team Spirit,” “Funniest Slack Message”)
- Year-in-review slideshow
- Company trivia
- Personalized holiday messages from leadership
For Families
- Cookie decorating contest
- Holiday movie watch party (use Teleparty)
- Storytime or reading a holiday book together
- Online games that kids can enjoy too
For Friends
- Cocktail/mocktail making competition
- Secret Santa reveal
- Meme contest (holiday edition)
- DIY ornament craft session over Zoom
Final Thoughts
A holiday party may look a little different from the traditional get-together, but the heart of it, joy, connection, and shared laughter, remains the same. With a bit of planning, creativity, and enthusiasm, you can create a festive digital experience that brings people together no matter how far apart they are.
Whether you’re raising a toast on Zoom, singing karaoke in your living room, or exchanging digital gifts with coworkers across the globe, what matters most is celebrating the season together.
