The holiday season is a wonderful time to bring some festive cheer into the workplace. An office Christmas decorating contest can foster team spirit, creativity, and a sense of community among employees. Here are 21 creative ideas to inspire your office decorating contest this year.
Table of Contents
- 1. Themed Christmas Trees
- 2. DIY Ornament Station
- 3. Holiday Door Decorating Contest
- 4. Christmas Sweater Day
- 5. Festive Table Displays
- 6. Christmas Around the World
- 7. Gingerbread House Competition
- 8. Holiday Photo Wall
- 9. Recycled Decorations Challenge
- 10. Secret Santa Decor
- 11. Holiday Movie Theme
- 12. Light Up the Office
- 13. Holiday Card Exchange Wall
- 14. Christmas Countdown Calendar
- 15. Holiday Potluck and Decor
- 16. Elf Yourself Contest
- 17. Winter Wonderland Escape
- 18. Holiday Music and Dance Corner
- 19. Advent Calendar of Kindness
- 20. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
- 21. Charity Decoration Drive
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. Themed Christmas Trees
One of the most popular ideas for an office decorating contest is to have themed Christmas trees. Encourage teams to choose a unique theme for their tree, such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Retro Christmas,” or “Under the Sea.” Each team can use decorations that align with their theme, creating a visually stunning display.
To make it even more engaging, consider having a small presentation where each team explains their theme and the inspiration behind it. This not only adds a personal touch but also allows for team bonding and creativity.
2. DIY Ornament Station
Set up a DIY ornament station where employees can create their own ornaments to hang around the office. Provide various materials such as clear baubles, paint, glitter, and ribbons. This activity can be a fun team-building exercise, allowing employees to express their creativity while making personalized decorations.
Once the ornaments are made, have a designated area in the office to display them. You can even have a contest for the most creative ornament, encouraging everyone to participate and showcase their artistic skills.
3. Holiday Door Decorating Contest
Encourage employees to decorate their office doors in festive styles. This can range from simple wreaths to elaborate scenes depicting holiday themes. A door decorating contest not only brightens up the office but also allows for individual expression and creativity.
To make it more competitive, set specific categories for judging, such as “Most Creative,” “Best Use of Color,” or “Funniest Door.” This will motivate employees to think outside the box and come up with unique designs.
4. Christmas Sweater Day
Host a Christmas sweater day where employees can wear their most festive sweaters to work. This can be a fun way to kick off the holiday spirit and can be combined with a decorating contest. Employees can vote for the best sweater, and the winner can receive a prize.
To add to the fun, consider having a photo booth with holiday-themed props where employees can take pictures in their sweaters. This not only creates lasting memories but also encourages camaraderie among coworkers.
5. Festive Table Displays
Encourage teams to create festive table displays in common areas. This can include centerpieces, table runners, and themed decorations that reflect the holiday spirit. Teams can collaborate to design a cohesive look that represents their department or project.
To make it more engaging, consider having a “People’s Choice” award where employees can vote for their favorite table display. This will encourage everyone to participate and showcase their creativity.
6. Christmas Around the World
Celebrate the diversity of your workplace by having a “Christmas Around the World” theme. Each team can choose a country and decorate their area according to that country’s holiday traditions. This can be a great way to learn about different cultures and their unique ways of celebrating the season.
Encourage teams to share information about their chosen country and its traditions, creating an educational aspect to the contest. This can also lead to delicious potluck lunches featuring traditional holiday foods from around the world.
7. Gingerbread House Competition
Host a gingerbread house competition where teams can create their own gingerbread houses using kits or homemade gingerbread. This fun and delicious activity can spark creativity and teamwork as employees work together to design and build their houses.
Display the finished gingerbread houses in a common area for everyone to admire. You can even have a tasting session where employees can sample the creations, adding a sweet touch to the contest.
8. Holiday Photo Wall
Create a holiday photo wall where employees can take pictures with festive backdrops and props. This can serve as a fun and interactive way to capture holiday memories. Encourage teams to get creative with their poses and props, and consider having a contest for the best holiday-themed photo.
To enhance the experience, you can set up a digital photo frame that rotates through the best pictures taken throughout the contest. This not only adds a personal touch to the office decor but also fosters a sense of community as everyone shares in the holiday spirit.
9. Recycled Decorations Challenge
Encourage sustainability by hosting a recycled decorations challenge. Teams can create holiday decorations using only recycled materials, such as cardboard, plastic bottles, and old ornaments. This not only promotes creativity but also raises awareness about environmental responsibility.
At the end of the contest, display the recycled decorations around the office and have a voting session to determine the most innovative use of materials. This challenge can inspire employees to think outside the box and consider the impact of their choices on the environment.
10. Secret Santa Decor
Incorporate the spirit of Secret Santa into your decorating contest. Each team can draw names and decorate their designated area based on the interests or favorite things of the person they picked. This adds a personal touch and encourages employees to learn more about their colleagues.
To make it even more fun, have a reveal party where everyone can guess who their Secret Santa is based on the decorations. This can lead to laughter and bonding as employees share stories about their chosen themes.
11. Holiday Movie Theme
Have teams decorate their areas based on their favorite holiday movies. Whether it’s “Elf,” “Home Alone,” or “The Grinch,” this theme allows for a wide range of creative interpretations. Teams can use props, quotes, and scenes from the movies to bring their favorite films to life.
To enhance the experience, consider hosting a holiday movie marathon during lunch breaks, where employees can watch clips from the movies that inspired their decorations. This can create a fun and nostalgic atmosphere in the office.
12. Light Up the Office
Encourage teams to create a dazzling display of lights in their workspaces. From string lights to LED decorations, the goal is to create the most eye-catching and festive area. This can transform the office into a winter wonderland and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Consider having a nighttime viewing event where employees can walk through the office to admire the light displays. This can be a magical experience, especially if accompanied by holiday music and treats.
13. Holiday Card Exchange Wall
Set up a holiday card exchange wall where employees can hang their holiday cards for everyone to see. Encourage teams to create handmade cards that reflect their personalities or department themes. This not only adds a personal touch to the office decor but also fosters a sense of community.
At the end of the contest, consider having a vote for the most creative card. This can lead to fun discussions and sharing of holiday wishes among employees.
14. Christmas Countdown Calendar
Create a Christmas countdown calendar in the office where teams can decorate a large board with daily surprises leading up to Christmas. Each day can feature a fun activity, treat, or decoration that employees can enjoy together. This builds excitement and anticipation for the holiday season.
Encourage teams to come up with creative ideas for each day, such as themed dress-up days, snack exchanges, or mini-decorating challenges. This interactive approach keeps the holiday spirit alive throughout the month.
15. Holiday Potluck and Decor
Combine a holiday potluck with the decorating contest. Teams can decorate their dining area while also bringing in dishes that reflect their holiday traditions. This not only creates a festive atmosphere but also allows employees to share their culinary skills and cultural backgrounds.
To make it more engaging, consider having a “Best Dish” award alongside the decorating contest. This encourages participation and creates a sense of community as everyone shares in the holiday feast.
16. Elf Yourself Contest
Encourage teams to create their own “Elf Yourself” displays, where they can decorate their workspaces with elf-themed decorations. This can include elf hats, playful signs, and even life-sized cutouts of elves. Teams can get creative by incorporating fun elf-related puns and jokes into their decorations.
To add a competitive edge, consider having a photo contest where employees can take pictures with their elf displays. The most creative and humorous photos can win prizes, making it a fun and engaging activity for everyone.
17. Winter Wonderland Escape
Transform a section of the office into a winter wonderland. Teams can use white decorations, fake snow, and icicles to create a magical atmosphere. This theme can evoke the beauty of winter and provide a serene escape from the usual office environment.
Encourage teams to incorporate elements like snowflakes, polar bears, and winter trees into their designs. A winter wonderland can be a calming and beautiful addition to the office, making it a perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
18. Holiday Music and Dance Corner
Create a holiday music and dance corner where employees can decorate a space with musical notes, instruments, and festive decorations. This area can serve as a fun break spot where employees can enjoy holiday music and even have mini dance-offs during breaks.
To encourage participation, consider hosting a “Best Dance Moves” contest where employees can showcase their skills. This can add a lively and energetic atmosphere to the office, making the holiday season even more enjoyable.
19. Advent Calendar of Kindness
Incorporate an Advent calendar of kindness into your decorating contest. Each day leading up to Christmas, teams can decorate a section of the office with a kindness theme, such as acts of service or positive affirmations. This encourages a spirit of giving and gratitude among employees.
At the end of the contest, teams can share their favorite acts of kindness and how they plan to continue spreading positivity in the workplace. This not only enhances the holiday spirit but also fosters a supportive and caring environment.
20. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Organize a holiday scavenger hunt where teams can decorate their areas with clues and festive items. Each team can create a unique scavenger hunt that leads employees around the office to discover hidden decorations and treats. This interactive activity can be a fun way to engage everyone in the holiday spirit.
To make it more competitive, consider offering prizes for the teams that complete the scavenger hunt the fastest. This encourages teamwork and collaboration while spreading holiday cheer throughout the office.
21. Charity Decoration Drive
Combine the spirit of giving with your decorating contest by hosting a charity decoration drive. Teams can decorate their areas with items that will be donated to local charities, such as toys, clothing, or food. This not only beautifies the office but also gives back to the community.
Encourage teams to get creative with their decorations while highlighting the importance of giving back during the holiday season. At the end of the contest, organize a donation event where employees can come together to deliver the items to those in need.
FAQs
1. How can we ensure everyone participates in the decorating contest? Encourage participation by creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere. Offer incentives, such as prizes for the best decorations, and promote the contest through emails and meetings to generate excitement.
2. What are some judging criteria for the contest? Consider criteria such as creativity, teamwork, use of materials, and adherence to the theme. You can also include a “People’s Choice” award where all employees can vote for their favorite decorations.
3. Can we combine multiple ideas for the contest? Absolutely! Combining different ideas can lead to a more engaging and diverse contest. For example, you can have a themed tree decorating contest alongside a holiday potluck.
4. How can we make the contest eco-friendly? Encourage the use of recycled materials for decorations and promote sustainable practices. You can also consider donating decorations to local charities after the contest.
5. What if some employees are working remotely? Include remote employees by allowing them to participate in virtual decorating contests or by sharing photos of their decorations from home. You can create a virtual gallery where everyone can showcase their holiday spirit, ensuring that remote employees feel included in the festivities.
6. How can we incorporate team-building into the decorating contest? Encourage teams to collaborate on their decorations, fostering teamwork and communication. You can also organize team-building activities related to the contest, such as brainstorming sessions or crafting workshops.
7. What are some prizes we can offer for the winners? Consider offering fun and festive prizes such as gift cards, holiday treats, extra time off, or even a trophy for the best-decorated area. Prizes can motivate participation and add excitement to the contest.
Conclusion
An office Christmas decorating contest is a fantastic way to spread holiday cheer, foster teamwork, and create a sense of community among employees. With these 21 creative ideas, you can inspire your colleagues to unleash their creativity and transform the workplace into a festive wonderland. From themed decorations to interactive activities, there are countless ways to celebrate the season together.
By incorporating elements of fun, competition, and giving back, you can ensure that everyone feels included and engaged in the holiday spirit. So gather your team, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember in your office! Happy decorating!
