12 Epic Office Christmas Decorating Contest Ideas You’ll Want to Steal

Updated: September 2025 – latest office Christmas contest ideas

Looking for office Christmas decorating contest ideas for this year?

The holiday season is a great time to spread some festive vibes in the office! One fun way to do this is by throwing an office Christmas decorating contest.

It’s a perfect chance to get creative, have a blast with coworkers, and make your workspace feel extra merry.

Whether you love the classic holiday decorations or want to try something a bit different, there are tons of ideas to make your office pop.

Here are some simple and fun decorating contest ideas to help bring some Christmas cheer to everyone in the office.

Top Quick Picks: Desk challenge, ugly sweater theme, eco-friendly décor, pop-culture theme, team tree decorating.

Here Are 12 Office Christmas Decorating Contest Ideas For You

1. Classic Christmas Theme

For those who love the classic Christmas look, this theme is perfect. Think about the colors red, green, gold, and white, and use traditional decorations like:

• Christmas trees with sparkling lights and ornaments
• Wreaths on doors or walls
• Stockings hanging by desks
• Table centerpieces with candles, holly, and pinecones

This theme is cozy and perfect for anyone who enjoys the traditional holiday spirit.

2. Winter Wonderland

Turn your office into a snowy, magical place with a Winter Wonderland theme! Use cool colors like white, silver, and blue to create a frosty feel. Here are a few ideas:

• Fake snow on desks and windows
• Icicle lights hanging from the ceiling or around windows
• Snowflakes hanging from the walls

This theme will give your office a calm, peaceful winter vibe.

3. Candy Cane Land

Sweeten up the office with a Candy Cane Land theme! This fun and colorful theme is all about treats and candy. You could decorate with:

• Giant candy canes hanging from the ceiling
• Candy-themed garlands or wreaths
• Candy dish displays with colorful treats on desks
• Gingerbread houses or gingerbread man decorations

It’s a perfect theme for anyone who loves sweets and wants a fun, colorful look for their office.

4. Secret Santa Surprise

In this contest, each employee decorates their desk to match the personality or interests of their Secret Santa recipient. It’s a fun way to surprise your coworkers! Ideas include:

• Personalized gifts based on the person’s favorite things (like books, hobbies, or colors)
• Christmas decorations that match their style or interests (for example, if someone loves dogs, decorate with cute dog-themed ornaments)
• Funny or quirky items to make them laugh

This idea makes the contest more personal and fun for everyone involved.

5. Christmas Around the World

Celebrate different Christmas traditions from around the world. Each person can choose a country and decorate their space to reflect how Christmas is celebrated there. Some ideas:

• Germany: Set up a mini Christmas market with small wooden stalls and pine trees
• Mexico: Use bright colors and decorations like piñatas or paper cut-outs
• Italy: Decorate with red, white, and green and add nativity scenes or Italian Christmas treats

This theme is a great way to learn about other cultures while having fun with decorations.

6. Eco-Friendly Christmas

For an environmentally conscious twist, have an eco-friendly Christmas decorating contest! Participants can use recycled and natural materials. Some ideas:

• Upcycled ornaments made from cardboard, plastic bottles, or old office supplies
• Real plants like small potted trees or succulents for decor
• Natural elements like pinecones, wooden ornaments, or dried flowers
• Handmade decorations using scraps of fabric or paper

This theme encourages creativity and helps reduce waste while still making the office look festive.

7. Ugly Christmas Sweater Desk

Everyone loves an ugly Christmas sweater! Why not turn it into a desk decorating contest? Have each participant decorate their space like they’re wearing a fun and silly Christmas sweater. Here are some ideas:

• Tacky decorations like big bows, glitter, and oversized ornaments
• Funny holiday quotes on signs or posters
• Christmas-themed plush toys or stuffed animals on desks
• Silly lights or garlands draped around the desk

It’s a fun and silly way to bring out some laughter and holiday spirit in the office.

8. Movie-Inspired Christmas

Many people love Christmas movies, so why not use them as inspiration for your office decor? Participants can choose a favorite holiday movie and decorate their desk to match. Some ideas:

• The Grinch: Create a “Who-ville” corner with lots of green decorations, trees, and Grinch-themed items.
• Elf: Decorate with candy canes, striped stockings, and Buddy the Elf’s favorite things.

This theme adds a fun, nostalgic touch to the office.

9. DIY Craft Decorations

Encourage everyone to get crafty! This contest idea is all about handmade decorations. Set up a crafting station where people can make their own ornaments, wreaths, or garlands. Some craft ideas include:

• Handmade ornaments using felt, buttons, or beads
• DIY wreaths using pine branches, ribbon, and glitter
• Personalized stockings decorated with names and fun designs

This gives everyone a chance to show off their crafting skills while getting into the holiday spirit.

10. Santa’s Workshop

Create a fun and lively “Santa’s Workshop” theme! Turn your office into a busy toy-making factory. Here are some fun decorating ideas:

• Elves: Decorate with elf hats, shoes, and mini “workshops” at each desk
• Toy-making: Use toys, tools, and wooden crates to create the feel of a workshop
• Santa’s sleigh: Build a mini sleigh out of cardboard or wood and fill it with presents

This theme brings the fun and magic of Santa’s world to life in your office.

11. Recycled Christmas Tree

Instead of a traditional tree, use recycled materials to create a unique Christmas tree. You can make it from:

• Old office supplies like paper, folders, or sticky notes
• Plastic bottles stacked into a tree shape
• Wooden pallets arranged in a tree design and decorated with lights

This theme promotes creativity and sustainability, and it’s perfect for offices looking for something different!

12. Funky Holiday Lights

Lights make everything feel festive, so why not make them the main focus of your decorating contest? Here’s how:

• Over-the-top lights: Use bright, colorful lights around your desk, and even in creative ways like forming shapes or patterns.
• Light-up signs: Display fun holiday messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Ho Ho Ho” using string lights.
• Glowing ornaments: Use LED ornaments or light-up decorations to brighten up your space.

This theme is all about shining bright and creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.

Final Thought

Hope you liked our office Christmas decorating contest ideas for this year!

No matter which theme you choose, an office Christmas decorating contest is a great way to bring some holiday cheer to your workplace. It encourages teamwork, sparks creativity, and makes the office feel more festive.

So, gather your supplies, get decorating, and most importantly, have fun spreading the holiday spirit!

FAQs on Office Christmas Decorating Contest Ideas

What is a good theme for an office Christmas decorating contest?

Themes like Winter Wonderland, Nutcracker Suite, Gingerbread Village, or Eco-Friendly Christmas give structure while leaving room for creativity.

How do I set rules for an office decorating contest?

Define the budget, time limit, judging criteria, allowed materials, and how winners will be decided (judges, peer votes, or both).

What’s a fair prize for participants?

Prizes can be gift cards, extra time off, a trophy, or even simple recognition like certificates or team shout-outs.

When should the contest start and end?

Begin in early December, give 1–2 weeks to decorate, and hold judging on a fixed date so participants know the timeline.

Can personal items be used in decorating?

Yes, as long as they’re safe, appropriate, and follow contest rules on size, placement, and materials.

How do you judge an office decorating contest?

Use a rubric with creativity, adherence to theme, teamwork, aesthetics, and use of space. You can also add a “people’s choice” vote.

How do you make the contest budget-friendly?

Encourage DIY and recycled materials, set spending limits, and reward creativity over expense.

Can decorating contests improve team morale?

Yes, decorating together fosters collaboration, gives employees a break from routine, and adds festive joy to the workplace.

How many people should judge the contest?

3–5 impartial judges work best, ideally from outside teams. Peer voting can also add fairness and fun.

What is a quick contest idea if time is short?

A desk decorating sprint: give participants 30–60 minutes and a basic set of decorations. The fastest, most creative setup wins.