The holidays are coming up, and if you’re managing a remote team, you might be wondering how to keep everyone feeling connected. It’s tricky—people are spread out, there’s end-of-year fatigue, and honestly, it’s hard to recreate that office buzz over a screen. But there’s good news: even if your team is miles apart, there are plenty of ways to bring them together for some holiday cheer. And you don’t need a big budget to do it. In this guide, we’re diving into some fun, mostly free, ways to help your team bond.

Let’s take a look at how you can make this holiday season a little more festive—even if it’s virtual.

Why Remote Team Building Matters at the End of the Year

The end of the year can be exhausting. People are tired, and with remote work, that feeling of isolation can creep in. This is why a well-planned virtual team-building event can do wonders for morale. It’s not just about throwing a party—it’s about giving everyone a chance to relax, reconnect, and celebrate the year you’ve all made it through together. Done right, these activities give your team something to smile about and a sense of connection that can carry into the new year.

Free (and Fun!) Virtual Team-Building Activities

You don’t need to spend a lot to make the holidays special. Here are a few free tools that will help your team let loose and have fun.

1. Crowdparty
   Think of Crowdparty as the life of your virtual party. It’s a fun way to mix up meetings or host a quick team trivia game, and the free plan is enough to keep smaller teams entertained. Your team can join with just a QR code—no downloads or complicated setup. Whether it’s trivia or a lively game of charades, Crowdparty brings a little magic to those video calls.
2. Kahoot Holiday Quiz
   Kahoot is always a winner. Picture this: a holiday-themed quiz where your team can compete on everything from movie trivia to random facts about the year. With Kahoot’s free plan, you can easily create your own quiz or pick a ready-made one. Get your team ready to laugh and show off their knowledge.
3. Elfster Virtual Secret Santa
   Yes, Secret Santa can be virtual! Elfster helps you organise everything online—from drawing names to creating wish lists. It keeps the gift-giving fun, even if you’re not all in the same room. Plus, there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up over a surprise gift, even through a screen.
4. Skribbl.io
   This is your go-to for a hilarious game of virtual Pictionary. Skribbl.io lets your team sketch out prompts while others guess what’s being drawn. It’s free, easy, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing at their (probably terrible) drawing skills.
5. Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party)
   Want something more low-key? Set up a virtual movie night with Teleparty. Sync up your screens and enjoy a classic holiday movie together—chatting as you watch. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure way to let everyone unwind at the end of the day.

The Event Planning Checklist

Now, onto the logistics. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your event runs smoothly:

• Pick a Date and Time: Everyone’s schedules are packed this time of year, so send out invites early.
• Choose Your Activities: Go with the free options listed above, or mix in some paid options if your team is up for it.
• Test the Tech: Make sure you and your team know how to use the platforms. No one wants to spend the first 15 minutes figuring out why they can’t join the game.
• Add Some Personal Touches: Shoutouts, mini awards, or team highlights—this is the time to recognise everyone’s hard work.
• Kick Off with an Icebreaker: Start things off on the right note with a quick icebreaker to loosen everyone up.

And if you’re struggling to put it all together, we’ve made it even easier for you! Banana Life has created a ready-to-go Canva presentation packed with trivia rounds, Pictionary prompts, and notes for running an icebreaker. 

Click here to access a view-only URL, just click to access and you’re all set!  

Looking for a Little Extra?

If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and want to really surprise your team, Banana Life offers some exciting virtual team-building games:

• Space Escape: An immersive escape room experience where your team must solve puzzles to break free from space. It’s a great way to get everyone collaborating.
• Murder Mystery: Play detectives as you solve a mystery together. It’s interactive, thrilling, and sure to create some unforgettable moments.

These options add a bit more structure and excitement to your virtual event, and the best part? They’re all hosted virtually, so you can join from anywhere.

Tech Tools to Keep Things Running Smoothly

A few tech tips to ensure everything goes off without a hitch:

• Breakout Rooms (Zoom/Google Meet): Perfect for smaller group activities or more intimate discussions during the event.
• Virtual Whiteboards (Miro/Jamboard): Great for brainstorming sessions or interactive games like Pictionary.
• Google Calendar/Outlook: Don’t forget to send out reminders and event invites so no one misses the fun.

End-of-Year Tips for Engaging Your Team

As you plan your event, remember these final tips to make sure it’s a hit:

• Keep It Inclusive: Make sure the activities cater to everyone, regardless of location or time zone.
• Focus on Fun: This is about relaxation and enjoyment—steer clear of anything that feels too much like work.
• Personalise It: Every team is unique, so tailor your event to reflect your group’s personality. Whether it’s funny trivia or meaningful shoutouts, add those personal touches that make everyone feel valued.

Wrapping It All Up

The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate your team’s achievements, and even if you’re not in the same room, you can still create an unforgettable experience. With these tools, ideas, and tips, you’re well on your way to hosting a remote holiday event that’s not only fun but meaningful. 

And if you need a little help along the way, Banana Life has you covered with games and resources to make it even easier.