16 HOLIDAY TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Uncover engaging activities that foster teamwork and holiday cheer.

As a small business owner, you understand the challenge of keeping your team connected and motivated, especially during the bustling holiday season. 

It's a time when the spirit of togetherness is more important than ever, yet finding activities that truly resonate with everyone can feel like a daunting task. 

That's where this guide comes in. 

Featuring a curated list of holiday team building activities for small businesses, this blog post is your one-stop resource for inspiring, engaging, and enjoyable team experiences.

Life highlights game

Unveil the unique journeys of your team members in a life highlights game.

Life highlights aims to encourage team members to share and appreciate diverse life experiences. 

It’s a great way to unwind and team-bond during the Christmas holidays.

The game enhances team bonding and fosters communication and empathy, which are vital for a cohesive and productive work environment - key reasons why team-building is crucial for small businesses.

How it works

Each participant shares a key life event first in a 30-second version, then in a condensed 3-second summary. 

This dual-format sharing encourages participants to focus on the most impactful aspects of their experiences, promoting meaningful dialogue and deeper personal connections within your team.

Planning and hosting tips to help you host an impactful life highlights game

• Create a welcoming atmosphere: Set a welcoming and festive atmosphere to encourage open sharing.

• Lead by example: Lead by sharing your life highlights, setting the tone for honesty and openness.

• Add a Festive touch: Include holiday-themed treats to make the session more enjoyable and relaxed.

Escape rooms

Discover the thrill of teamwork as you unravel mysteries!

Looking for a Christmas team building activity that's not just engaging and immersive but also encourages innovation in your small business? 

Escape Rooms are a perfect choice. 

They're more than just an exciting escape from the office; they're a brain-tingling challenge that gets your team to think creatively and work together.

How it works

Imagine this: your team, locked in a room, surrounded by puzzles and clues with only one goal  - escape before time runs out. 

It's a thrilling race against the clock where quick thinking, teamwork, and communication are key. 

And with themes from mysterious adventures to holiday wonders (our escape rooms include everything from breaking into a bank to escaping a serial killer), you’re sure to find an adventure theme that everyone in the group likes.

Tips to plan the perfect holiday season escape room team building experience

• Theme selection: Choose a theme that screams 'us' – whether it’s a classic mystery or a holiday extravaganza.

• Pre-game brief: Give your team a heads-up on what to expect so everyone’s ready for the challenge.

• Post-game debrief: After escaping (or trying to!), chat about the experience. Our Chicago team building packages include a cool debrief session to talk about all those 'aha!' moments.

• Celebration time: Win or lose, celebrate! It's all about teamwork and having fun, after all.

Office trivia

A low-key & high-impact team game.

Office Trivia is perfect for small businesses looking to rev up their team building activities to kickstart the holiday season. 

It’s an ideal setting for team members to laugh, learn, and grow closer, enhancing team spirit and morale.

How it works

You could quiz your team on the company's history and interesting facts about colleagues. Throw in a few industry-related questions for a little variety.

Office trivia can be played in teams or solo and is an excellent way to break the ice and encourage conversation in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Planning an office trivia game - tips and tricks

• Easy Peasy vs. Brainiac: Mix up the questions to cater to everyone's strengths. Balance easy ones with tougher brain teasers.

• Jingle bell questions: Bring in the holiday vibe with a round of Christmas-themed questions. Think Christmas team building or fun holiday facts!

• Prizes galore: Spice things up with small prizes. Maybe an extra day off or some festive treats?

Egg drop

Boost innovation while planning for the egg drop challenge!

Egg drop is a popular team building activity, perfect for the holiday season in small and local businesses. 

It fosters hands-on involvement, ignites healthy competition among team members, and challenges them to engage in engineering ingenuity. 

As we shall see, it involves designing a contraption that can protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height, blending fun with a test of practical problem-solving skills. 

How it works

Here’s the deal: each team gets everyday materials like straws, tape, balloons, and cotton. Their mission? Build a contraption that will keep a raw egg safe when it’s dropped from a height.

This game is a great test of creativity, teamwork, using resources productively, and problem-solving skills. 

The best part? Watching if the egg makes it without turning into a sunny-side-up!

Planning tips for egg drop game

• Mix up the materials: Offer a variety of items to encourage out-of-the-box thinking. The wackier the materials, the more creative the solutions.

• Add a dash of holiday spirit: Challenge teams to design their egg protectors with a festive flair. Think Christmas ornament-style egg cradles!

• Post-game huddle: After the drop, get everyone together to chat about the different designs and strategies. It’s a cool way to reflect on teamwork and innovation in your small business.

• Applaud the effort: Win or lose, it’s all about celebrating the team's ideas and collaboration. It’s the taking part and thinking together that counts!

Core values exercise

Discovering shared values can improve group cohesion.

The core values exercise is a low-key yet powerful team activity for New Year’s Eve, ideal for small businesses aiming to strengthen their group dynamics and company culture. 

It's a great way for team members to learn more about each other's core values, enhancing mutual respect and understanding.

How it works

Invite each team member to pick a few values that are important to them. 

Next, everyone gets together to discuss their choices in small groups or as one big team. 

Through this activity, everyone gets to see how their colleagues' values influence their work and personal lives.

It’s a great way to build empathy and align personal goals with your small business's broader mission and vision, creating a more harmonious and productive workplace.

Some tips for an effective core values team building exercise

• Your own list: Offer your own list of straightforward and diverse values for anyone who’s struggling to select their own (ask them to choose a few options from your list).

• Foster intimacy: Go for smaller group sizes and a relaxed setting to encourage open and frank discussions.

• Guide the discussion: Keep the conversation flowing with gentle prompts or questions.

Beach volleyball

Team spirit soars with every serve in beach volleyball fun.

Beach volleyball is a great pick for small and local businesses looking for an outdoor team building activity with a bit of competitive fun during the Christmas holidays. 

It's more than just playing in the sand; it's about combining physical activity with teamwork, making it a standout choice for your company.

How it works

Split your team into groups and let them face off in a fun yet competitive beach volleyball match. 

This game isn't just about hitting the ball; it requires team members to communicate, coordinate, and strategize together to win points. 

Plus, playing on the beach naturally breaks the ice and encourages everyone to cut loose and bond.

Planning tips for a beach volleyball team event

• Accessible location: Pick a beach that's convenient for everyone, with good parking and public transport access. Ensuring an accessible location is a key part of any team building event organizer worth its salt.

• Weather watch: Always keep an eye on the weather to ensure a sunny day of fun.

• Safety essentials: Stock up on essentials like sunscreen and water to keep everyone safe and hydrated.

Desk thief

Can you figure out which is whose?

Desk thief is a light-hearted game that's perfect for kicking off the end-of-the-year holidays, especially in small and local businesses. 

It not only adds an element of mystery and fun to the workplace but also allows team members to learn more about one another.

How it works

Take one item from each person's desk without them knowing. Then, lay out all the items and let everyone try to match each item to its owner. 

You could give the person(s) that makes the most correct guesses a prize.

Tips to get a game of desk thief running

• Item selection: Pick items that are noticeable but not too personal or valuable.

• Display area: Set up a spot at your party where all the items are displayed for everyone to see.

• Add a twist: For a twist, mix in a few random items that don't belong to anyone.

• Reveal & react: After the guessing game, reveal who owns each item and enjoy the reactions.

Professional development activities

Enhancing skills together to build a stronger team dynamic.

Professional development activities are a fantastic choice for team building, especially in small businesses. 

Here’s what you need to remember - this kind of activity isn't just about learning; it’s about growing together as a team. 

It’s a chance for team members to support each other's professional growth, share insights, and apply new skills in a collaborative setting.

The entire group should work more in sync as a result.

How it works

As far as the format is concerned, you have a host of choices - workshops, seminars, or even informal group discussions on industry trends. 

Same with the topic - it can be anything from communication skills and project management to the latest industry software.

The key is choosing topics that benefit both individual participants and the team as a whole.

Tips for organizing killer professional development activities

• Engage experts: You can always look in-house, but don’t rule out bringing in external experts or trainers to provide fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge.

• Interactive sessions: Make sure the sessions are interactive. Encourage participation through group activities or discussions to keep everyone engaged.

• Apply what’s learned: Plan a follow-up session where team members can share how they’ve applied what they learned in their roles. This reinforces the value of the activity and promotes continuous learning.

Picnic party games

Discover the lighter side of your colleagues with fun-filled picnic games.

Just like beach volleyball, picnic party games are a great outdoor team building option for small and local businesses. 

However, as you’ve no doubt already considered, this is a less intense activity, which would perhaps allow for more employee participation than comparatively more demanding games like volleyball.

How it works

A picnic is the perfect backdrop for a variety of games - from classic activities like sack races and tug-of-war to more modern options like team scavenger hunts or frisbee golf. 

The key is to choose games that encourage laughter, teamwork, and a bit of friendly competition. 

You could even have a mini Olympics with a series of games to keep everyone entertained.

Some tips to help you plan an enjoyable and memorable picnic party for your coworkers and employees

• Location, Location, Location: Choose a scenic spot that's easily accessible for everyone. A local park or a beachside spot could be perfect.

• Game on: Select games that suit your team's preferences. Mix up physical activities with more relaxed games like trivia or charades.

• Don't forget the picnic: A delicious spread of food and drinks is crucial. Go for potluck style or cater if the budget allows. Remember, happy bellies make for happy teams!

• Inclusive fun: Ensure the games and activities are inclusive and accessible to all team members, considering different abilities and preferences.

Virtual cooking class

Forge deeper ties while preparing culinary delights with your coworkers!

If you’re a small business working remotely, a virtual cooking class is an innovative and engaging way to wrap up the year with a great event that brings everyone together.

Or, to put that another way - It's a unique blend of team bonding, skill-building, and just plain fun, making it a great holiday team building activity for small businesses operating remotely.

How it works

Like with professional development sessions, you can go for a professional chef to guide participants, or you can ask cooking aficionados in the team itself to step up.

We prefer the latter approach, as it also nudges group members to rise to a challenge.

Even when held virtually, the shared experience of cooking and eating together, can be incredibly bonding.

Tips to spice up your virtual cooking class

• Ingredient kits: If you’re working with a chef, decide the dish(es) in advance and send out ingredient kits to your team. This ensures everyone has what they need and adds an exciting unboxing element.

• Encourage creativity: Allow team members to put their own twist on the recipe. This encourages creativity and makes for some fun presentations at the end.

Scavenger hunt

Discover hidden gems in your city while strengthening team bonds.

Ready for a little adventure right in your city? A scavenger hunt is the perfect blend of exploration, team collaboration, and friendly competition. 

It’s a refreshing way to take team bonding out of the office and into the vibrant streets, brimming with holiday excitement and Christmas spirit.

How it works

Teams will embark on a thrilling quest, navigating through clues and tasks scattered around. It's a playful race against time and each other, igniting a spirit of discovery and camaraderie among team members.

The hunt challenges teams to work together in new ways, fostering critical thinking and creativity outside the conventional workspace.

Tips for organizing a memorable scavenger hunt

• Choose a theme: Whether it's holiday-themed, local landmarks, or company history, a fun theme adds an extra layer of excitement.

• Mix up the challenges: Include a variety of tasks, from taking creative photos to solving riddles or finding specific items.

• Safety first: Make sure the routes and challenges are safe and accessible for everyone.

• Celebrate together: End the hunt with a group gathering, maybe over snacks or drinks, to share stories and laughs from the day’s adventure.

Mood pictures

Discover the creative vibes of your team with a mood pictures session.

Dive into the world of visual storytelling with mood pictures, a unique activity that unlocks your team's creative potential. 

It's a visually engaging and thoughtful way for team members to express their thoughts and feelings in a refreshingly artistic manner.

How it works

Each group member creates a 'mood board' using pictures, drawings, or even items representing their current mood, aspirations, or reflections on the year. 

It's a canvas for imagination, encouraging everyone to think outside the box and share a piece of themselves without the need for words.

This engaging exercise sparks creativity and fosters a deeper understanding among colleagues as they explore the stories behind each mood board.

Tips and tricks for a successful mood pictures session

• Resource pool: Provide different kinds of materials like magazines, printouts, fabric scraps, and stationery for team members to craft their mood boards.

• Virtual twist: For remote teams, use digital mood board platforms where everyone can contribute and present their creations online.

• Sharing circle: Once completed, have a casual sharing session where each person can explain their mood board, adding a personal touch to the activity.

• Embrace diversity: Encourage diverse expressions. Remember, there’s no right or wrong in creativity!

Charity bike buildathon

Discover the joy of giving as your team assembles bikes for charity.

Imagine combining the spirit of the holiday season with the satisfaction of helping others. That's exactly what a charity bike buildathon is all about. 

This unique event gets your group hands-on to assemble bikes for children in need, creating a powerful sense of teamwork and generosity.

It’s a wonderful way to end the year on a high note, fostering a culture of giving and empathy in your business.

How it works

Participants work collaboratively to assemble bicycles, which are then donated to local charities or community groups. You can subdivide your office group into smaller teams for a little friendly competition.

Collaborating to understand the mechanics of building bikes can be a real help in developing a shared problem-solving capacity.

Plus, the knowledge that these bikes will bring smiles to children's faces adds an extra layer of motivation and joy.

Tips and tricks for a great charity bike buildathon

• Engage with the cause: If possible, invite representatives from the charity to speak about the impact these bikes will have. It adds a personal touch and makes the experience more meaningful.

• Safety first: Ensure all necessary tools and safety equipment are provided and that participants are briefed on safe assembly techniques.

• Celebrate the impact: After the bikes are built, take a moment to reflect on the positive impact your team has made. It's a great way to reinforce the value of teamwork and charity.

Fun Slack channels

Explore new dimensions of team bonding with fun Slack channels.

Whether your team is in the office or connecting remotely, creating fun Slack channels offers a vibrant and engaging platform for team bonding. 

Think of these channels as your digital water cooler – a place where Christmas cheer and everyday chatter come together. 

Let laughter, creativity, and camaraderie bloom as everyone in the group tries to come up with engaging channels.

How it works

Ask everyone to create dedicated Slack channels for non-work-related topics. It could be anything from ‘Holiday Recipes’ to ‘Pet Pictures’ or ‘Funny Christmas Memes’. 

These channels become a hub for team members to share and engage with each other in a light-hearted way, offering a much-needed break during the busy holiday season.

Tips for creating engaging and fun Slack channels

• Theme variety: Offer a range of channel themes to cater to different interests. You might be surprised at what brings people together!

• Participation encouragement: Prompt participation with weekly themes or challenges, like sharing the best holiday decoration or ugliest Christmas sweater.

• Respectful interaction: Encourage respectful and inclusive conversations. It’s all about positive vibes and making everyone feel welcome.

• Channel moderation: Have a team member occasionally moderate the channels to keep the content fresh and engaging.

Remote campout

Discover the warmth of team bonding even if you’re not together.

Who says you need a campfire to feel the cozy camaraderie of a campout? A remote campout is a creative and fun way for teams working remotely to bond and create unforgettable memories right from the comfort of their own homes. 

It's about capturing the essence of a traditional campout, but with a digital twist, perfect for the holiday season.

How it works

Set a date and have everyone set up a mini-campsite at home. You can use tents, makeshift forts, or just cozy corners with blankets and pillows. 

Connect via video call. The evening can be filled with classic camp activities: storytelling, virtual games, or even a ‘talent show’ where team members showcase their hidden talents.

This virtual gathering brings everyone closer, fostering a sense of togetherness and fun transcending physical distances.

Tips for a successful remote campout

• Virtual campfire: Enhance the remote campout ambiance by using background effects and videos to create a camp-like atmosphere.

• Campout kits: Send out campout kits in advance with snacks, a mini flashlight, or themed goodies to add to the experience. Companies like KraftyLab and tiny campfire can help you out here.

• Interactive activities: Plan activities that everyone can participate in, like virtual scavenger hunts, storytelling, or fun quizzes.

• Photo memories: Encourage everyone to take photos of their home campsite setup and share them in a dedicated Slack channel or during the call.

Fitness challenges

Energizing teamwork with a fitness twist to boost health and collaboration.

Step up the team spirit with fitness challenges, where health meets teamwork! 

Perfect for small business teams, these challenges add an active, fun, and health-focused dimension to your holiday team building activities. 

They're not just about breaking a sweat; they're about breaking barriers and building stronger connections.

How it works

Create a series of fitness challenges ranging from daily step count competitions to weekly yoga sessions. 

These can be tailored to suit all fitness levels, ensuring everyone in the team can participate. The idea is to encourage physical activity, healthy competition, and mutual support.

Whether it's a virtual workout session or a group jog in the park, these fitness challenges get everyone moving, motivated, and, most importantly, having fun together.

Tips for organizing inclusive and enjoyable fitness challenges

• Variety is key: Offer different types of activities - from running and cycling to yoga and dance workouts.

• Track and celebrate: Use apps or trackers to monitor progress and celebrate milestones, no matter how small.

• Encourage team spirit: Create team challenges where members can motivate and support each other.

• Mindful of all: Ensure activities are accessible and adaptable for different fitness levels and abilities.

Christmas team building for small businesses - key takeaways

We hope this journey through diverse and exciting holiday team building activities for small businesses has sparked ideas and enthusiasm for your own team. 

These activities are more than just fun; they're a gateway to stronger bonds, enhanced creativity, and a more cohesive team dynamic. 

Remember, the Christmas holidays are a prime opportunity to reinforce your team's camaraderie and spirit.

If you're a Chicago-based small business and these ideas have inspired you, why not take the next step? 

Get in touch with us to explore tailored team building packages and bring these ideas to life in your workplace.

Let's make this holiday season a memorable and enriching experience for your entire team!