1. Team holiday trivia
Split into teams of 4–6, play 4–6 short rounds (movies, music, traditions around the world, a round about your own company). Teams write answers on one sheet, so nobody has to shout an answer alone.
Christmas party ideas for small teams
Updated: 2026-10-19
Small teams have an advantage: everyone can join every game, and you can personalise everything – a quiz round about your projects, awards with real stories, a gift swap where people know each other’s taste.
The risk is the opposite of large parties: with only eight people, a weak game is very visible. Prepare two options and pick on the night depending on the mood.
The games
2. Two truths and a holiday lie
Each person shares three short holiday facts about themselves; the others guess which one is invented. Keep it to holiday topics (worst gift, family tradition) so nobody overshares.
3. Blind ranking
Five holiday items are revealed one by one (e.g. cookies, films, songs) and each must be placed 1–5 immediately – no moving later. Sparks easy, low-stakes debate.
4. Dice gift swap (white elephant with dice)
Everyone brings a small wrapped gift (set a budget, e.g. 10 €). Players roll a die in turns: each number triggers an action (take a gift, swap, pass left). When the timer ends, you keep what you hold. Full rules below in our guide.
5. Christmas charades
One person mimes a holiday film, song or object; their team has 60 seconds to guess. Let shy players pick ‘easy’ cards or play in pairs.
6. Forbidden words
Describe a holiday term without the three words printed below it (“Santa” without red, beard, presents). Teams of two at the table, 60 seconds per round.
7. Who’s most likely to… (kind edition)
Read a prompt (“…still be decorating on 23 December?”) and everyone points at or names a colleague. Keep prompts kind and work-safe; skip anything about drinking, money or looks.
8. Year-in-review awards
Collect nominations beforehand in light categories (“best rescue of a deadline”, “most helpful in the team chat”). Only positive categories – nobody should be roasted against their will.
9. Thank-you card swap
Everyone draws a colleague’s name and writes two specific sentences of thanks for something that happened this year. Cards are handed out (or read anonymously). Quiet, warm and memorable.
Host tips
- Ask one colleague to co-host – it halves the prep and doubles the fun.
- Book a restaurant table in a quieter corner if you want to play.
- Personalise one round of your quiz with your team’s year.
- Finish with the gift swap; it gives the evening a clear ending.
FAQ
What can a small team do besides dinner?
Combine dinner with a 30-minute quiz and a dice gift swap. Or book an escape room and do the quiz afterwards.
Is a quiz fun with only 6 people?
Yes – play in two teams of three, or everybody against the host.