How to organise the ultimate workplace christmas quiz (free printable pack included)

There's something wonderfully competitive about a workplace Christmas quiz.

Colleagues who spend eleven months politely agreeing with each other suddenly become fiercely determined to prove they know more about Christmas films than the finance department.

Someone insists that Die Hard is a Christmas film.

Someone else disputes the answer to a question about reindeer.

And the person who claimed they were "terrible at quizzes" somehow knows every obscure festive fact.

A Christmas quiz can be one of the easiest, cheapest and most enjoyable ways to bring colleagues together at the end of the year.

You don't need a professional quizmaster, expensive equipment or hours of preparation.

With the right questions, a simple structure and a little organisation, you can run a Christmas quiz that works for five colleagues, fifty employees or an entirely remote team.

In this guide, we'll show you how to organise a workplace Christmas quiz from start to finish, including:

• How to choose the right quiz format.
• The best Christmas quiz rounds for work.
• How many questions you actually need.
• How to organise teams and scoring.
• Ways to make your quiz inclusive.
• Ideas for prizes that don't cost a fortune.
• How to host a quiz for remote and hybrid employees.
• A ready-to-use running order.
• Sample Christmas quiz questions and answers.

And if you'd rather skip most of the preparation, WorkplaceHero has created a free printable Christmas Social Pack, including 26 festive quiz questions, illustrated Christmas film clues, team answer sheets, host answers and festive mingle bingo.

Explore our free Christmas Social Pack

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Why a christmas quiz works so well for workplace celebrations

A Christmas quiz has several advantages over more complicated team-building activities.

It's easy to organise

You don't need to hire a venue or arrange specialist equipment.

A meeting room, a screen and a prepared set of questions may be all you need.

It's relatively inexpensive

A workplace Christmas quiz can be organised for free using existing equipment and printable resources.

It works for different team sizes

Small teams can compete individually or in pairs.

Larger teams can form groups of four to six people.

It encourages colleagues to interact

A well-designed quiz gives colleagues opportunities to discuss answers, share knowledge and work together.

It can include remote employees

Questions can be displayed through video conferencing software, with answers submitted digitally.

It doesn't require physical activity

Unlike some workplace games, a quiz can be adapted for participants with different mobility needs.

However, accessibility still needs to be considered when designing visual, audio or timed rounds.

It creates a shared experience

Perhaps the biggest advantage is that a Christmas quiz gives colleagues something enjoyable to do together.

And after a demanding year, that can be reason enough to organise one.

Step 1: decide what kind of christmas quiz you want to run

Before writing a single question, decide on the format.

There are several ways to organise a workplace Christmas quiz.

Traditional team quiz

Participants work in small teams and write their answers on paper.

The host reads out questions, collects answer sheets and announces the results.

Best for: Office gatherings, team lunches and small-to-medium workplaces.

Interactive live quiz

Participants join a digital quiz using their phones or another suitable device.

Questions are displayed electronically, and answers are submitted through the quiz platform.

Best for: Larger teams, interactive events and workplaces that prefer automated scoring.

Virtual christmas quiz

Colleagues join through a video meeting.

The host shares questions on screen and participants submit answers using an agreed method.

Best for: Remote and geographically dispersed teams.

Hybrid christmas quiz

Some colleagues attend in person while others join remotely.

This requires a little more planning to make sure everyone can see questions, hear the host and participate equally.

Best for: Organisations with mixed working arrangements.

Self-paced christmas quiz

Questions are shared through an internal platform or messaging channel.

Colleagues complete them at a convenient time.

Best for: Teams working different shifts, across time zones or with limited opportunities to meet together.

Our recommendation: For most workplace Christmas celebrations, a traditional team quiz lasting 30–45 minutes offers a good balance of fun, simplicity and participation.

Step 2: choose the right length

One of the biggest mistakes people make when organising a workplace quiz is making it too long.

A quiz that starts with enthusiastic participation can become exhausting if it continues for two hours.

For most workplace celebrations, aim for 30–45 minutes of quiz activity.

That gives you enough time for several rounds without dominating the entire event.

How many questions should a christmas quiz have?

These are planning estimates, not fixed rules.

Picture rounds, discussions, answer collection and scoring all affect how long the quiz takes.

A 30-question quiz with complicated questions can take longer than a 40-question quiz with quick-fire answers.

Allow time for discussion

One of the most enjoyable parts of a team quiz is hearing colleagues debate possible answers.

Don't rush through every question.

Give teams enough time to collaborate, but keep the event moving.

Step 3: pick your christmas quiz rounds

Variety is what makes a Christmas quiz entertaining.

If every round consists of general knowledge questions, the quiz can start to feel repetitive.

Instead, combine different subjects and question styles.

Here are ten Christmas quiz round ideas you can use.

Round 1: christmas general knowledge

A classic opening round.

Ask questions about Christmas traditions, seasonal history, decorations and well-known festive facts.

Keep the opening questions reasonably accessible so teams can settle in.

Example: On which date is Boxing Day celebrated in the UK?

Answer: 26 December.

Round 2: christmas films

Christmas film questions are almost guaranteed to generate debate.

You could ask about characters, plots, locations or memorable objects.

Use a mixture of well-known classics and more recent releases.

Example: What is the name of the main character played by Will Ferrell in Elf?

Answer: Buddy.

Round 3: christmas music

Ask teams to identify festive songs, artists or song titles from original clues.

You could also include an audio round if you have appropriate permission or licensing for the music used.

Example: Which singer released All I Want for Christmas Is You in 1994?

Answer: Mariah Carey.

Round 4: christmas around the world

Explore seasonal traditions and celebrations in different countries.

This can be both entertaining and educational.

Make sure questions are accurate and avoid reducing cultures to stereotypes.

Example: In which country is the Christmas tradition of eating KFC particularly well known?

Answer: Japan.

Round 5: christmas food and drink

From mince pies to festive desserts, there's plenty of material for a food-themed round.

Example: Which dried fruit is traditionally a main ingredient in British Christmas pudding?

Answer: Raisins, currants or sultanas.

Accept any of these where the question allows.

Round 6: christmas film picture round

Show teams a series of illustrations representing Christmas films.

They must identify each title.

You might use objects, settings or character-related clues.

For example:

• A train and a bell: The Polar Express.
• A green character and a stolen Christmas: How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
• A boy left alone in a house: Home Alone.

Picture rounds can be particularly effective because they offer a change from listening to questions.

WorkplaceHero's free Christmas Social Pack includes illustrated Christmas film clues ready to use.

Get the free printable Christmas quiz pack

Round 7: true or false

Read out festive statements and ask teams to decide whether they're true or false.

This is an excellent way to include people who are less confident with traditional general knowledge questions.

Round 8: christmas emoji challenge

Use combinations of emojis to represent Christmas films, songs or traditions.

For example:

🏠 👦 🪤

Answer: Home Alone.

🚂 ❄️ 🔔

Answer: The Polar Express.

Keep clues understandable and avoid relying on ambiguous emoji combinations.

Round 9: the workplace christmas round

Create a few questions about your own workplace.

For example:

• How many new colleagues joined the organisation this year?
• How many projects did the team complete?
• Which month did the organisation launch a particular initiative?
• How many locations does the organisation operate from?

This can make the quiz feel personal and celebrate shared achievements.

Use accurate information and avoid questions that embarrass colleagues or expose private details.

Round 10: the festive final challenge

Finish with something slightly different.

You could include:

• A difficult final question.
• A Christmas anagram.
• A picture puzzle.
• A closest-answer-wins question.
• A short team challenge.

The final round should feel exciting without undoing the entire quiz unfairly.

Step 4: balance the difficulty

A good workplace Christmas quiz shouldn't feel like an examination.

The aim is entertainment, not demonstrating who has memorised the most obscure facts.

Try to include a mixture of easy, medium and challenging questions.

A useful starting point is:

For a 30-question quiz, that means approximately 12 easy, 12 medium and six challenging questions.

This isn't a scientific formula. It's simply a useful way to plan an accessible quiz.

Avoid overly specialist questions

A quiz made entirely of obscure Christmas film trivia might delight one colleague and frustrate everyone else.

Include questions from different subjects so participants can contribute in different ways.

Check your facts

Christmas trivia is full of myths, disputed claims and questions with more than one reasonable answer.

Before hosting, verify factual answers and make a note of acceptable alternatives.

Avoid trick questions unless they're clearly intended

A clever question can be entertaining.

A badly worded question that produces arguments about the correct answer usually isn't.

Step 5: organise the teams

Team size has a surprisingly big influence on how enjoyable a quiz feels.

For 5–10 participants

Try individuals or teams of two.

For 10–30 participants

Teams of three to five usually work well.

For 30–100 participants

Consider teams of four to six.

For larger events

Use an interactive quiz format or divide participants into clearly organised teams.

Should teams be random?

Random teams can help colleagues meet people they don't normally work with.

However, allowing people some choice can make participation more comfortable.

A sensible compromise is to invite colleagues to form teams, while helping anyone who wants to join an existing group.

Avoid deliberately separating people who may need a familiar colleague or particular support to participate comfortably.

Give teams names

This is entirely optional, but it can make the event more entertaining.

Examples include:

• The Quizmas Crackers.
• Sleigh What?
• The Festive Know-It-Alls.
• The Mince Pie Masters.
• The Tinsel Thinkers.
• The Silent Knights.
• The Snow-It-Alls.
• The Bauble Brains.

The worse the pun, the better.

Step 6: decide how scoring will work

Simple scoring is usually best.

For a traditional quiz, award one point for each correct answer.

If a question has multiple parts, explain how the points will be allocated.

Example scoring system

You don't need to use this exact structure.

Should you award bonus points?

You can, but use them sparingly.

Too many bonus points can make the scoring confusing.

What about ties?

Prepare one or two tie-breaker questions in advance.

A closest-answer-wins question works well, provided the answer is verifiable and you have a clear rule for determining the winner.

For example:

Tie-breaker: In what year was the film Home Alone first released?

Answer: 1990.

If teams remain tied, you can use another question or agree to share the prize.

Avoid changing the rules halfway through

Explain the scoring system before the quiz begins.

Apply it consistently.

This saves arguments later, especially when the finance team becomes suspiciously competitive.

Step 7: prepare everything before the event

A little preparation can make the difference between a smooth quiz and an afternoon spent searching for missing answer sheets.

Workplace christmas quiz checklist

• Confirm the date and time.
• Choose the quiz format.
• Confirm the expected number of participants.
• Prepare and check the questions.
• Create the answer key.
• Decide on team sizes.
• Prepare answer sheets or digital submission methods.
• Test the screen or projector.
• Test the microphone, if needed.
• Check accessibility requirements.
• Prepare a simple scoring system.
• Choose suitable prizes, if offering any.
• Prepare tie-breaker questions.
• Share joining details with remote colleagues.
• Download or print the Christmas Social Pack.
• Allow time for breaks and informal conversation.

What equipment do you need?

For a basic in-person quiz:

• A laptop or printed question sheet.
• A screen or projector, if using visual rounds.
• Pens.
• Team answer sheets.
• A scoring sheet.
• A timer or clock.

For a virtual quiz, you'll also need a suitable video conferencing platform and an accessible way for participants to submit answers.

Step 8: make your christmas quiz inclusive

A workplace Christmas quiz should be enjoyable for as many colleagues as possible.

That means thinking beyond the questions themselves.

Remember that not everyone celebrates christmas

Some colleagues may not celebrate Christmas for religious, cultural or personal reasons.

You can still organise a Christmas-themed event, but participation should be voluntary.

Consider including broader winter, general knowledge or end-of-year questions.

Don't assume everyone knows british christmas traditions

In an international or multicultural workplace, colleagues may have different experiences of Christmas.

Mix familiar questions with accessible information and a variety of topics.

Consider visual accessibility

If using a picture round, make sure images are large, clear and high contrast.

Where appropriate, provide accessible descriptions or an equivalent alternative.

Consider hearing accessibility

Don't rely exclusively on spoken questions.

Displaying questions in writing can help participants follow along.

Provide captions where practical for online events.

Avoid unnecessarily strict time limits

Very short response windows can disadvantage some participants.

Allow reasonable time to read, discuss and answer questions.

Think about neurodiversity

Provide clear instructions, predictable rounds and opportunities to participate without public speaking.

Avoid unnecessary sensory distractions.

Make participation optional

Not everyone enjoys competitive activities.

Colleagues should feel comfortable observing, joining a team or opting out.

A successful quiz is one where people feel included, not one where everyone is forced to compete.

Step 9: choose prizes without overspending

Prizes can add a little excitement, but they don't need to be expensive.

In fact, a novelty trophy and bragging rights can be just as entertaining as a costly reward.

Low-cost christmas quiz prize ideas

• A box of chocolates.
• A festive biscuit selection.
• A small gift voucher.
• A miniature trophy.
• A reusable coffee cup.
• A desk plant.
• A puzzle book.
• A team certificate.
• A small hamper.
• The right to choose the music at the next team gathering.

If using food prizes, consider dietary requirements.

Should everyone get a prize?

Not necessarily.

But you could include a light-hearted participation award or a team appreciation activity so the event doesn't focus entirely on winning.

Avoid prizes that embarrass the lowest-scoring team.

Step 10: host the quiz with confidence

You don't need to be a professional presenter to host a great workplace quiz.

You just need to be organised, clear and reasonably enthusiastic.

Start with a friendly introduction

Welcome everyone, explain the format and let teams know how long the quiz will last.

Explain the rules

Cover scoring, answer submission, phones and any breaks.

Speak clearly

Read each question at a comfortable pace.

If you're using slides, allow time for participants to read them.

Keep things moving

Don't spend ten minutes debating every answer.

If a question is genuinely ambiguous, apply a fair decision and move on.

Encourage teamwork

Give teams time to discuss answers.

Keep the atmosphere relaxed

Some colleagues will be competitive.

Others will be there for the biscuits.

Both are perfectly fine.

Finish positively

Announce the results, thank participants and recognise the people who helped organise the event.

A ready-to-use 60-minute workplace christmas social

If you're organising a team celebration rather than a standalone quiz, you can combine several activities.

This is an illustrative schedule for a shorter quiz.

If you're using the full WorkplaceHero Christmas Social Pack, which is designed for approximately 40 minutes, allow additional time or shorten the other activities.

15 christmas quiz questions you can use today

Need a few questions to get started?

Here are 15 original question-and-answer prompts you can use for a workplace quiz.

Round 1: christmas general knowledge

1. On what date is Boxing Day celebrated in the UK?

Answer: 26 December.

2. What is the name of the plant traditionally associated with kissing at Christmas?

Answer: Mistletoe.

3. Which country is commonly associated with the modern tradition of decorating Christmas trees?

Answer: Germany.

4. What is the name of the red-nosed reindeer in the famous Christmas story and song?

Answer: Rudolph.

5. Which traditional Christmas dessert is commonly made with dried fruit, spices and suet or another fat?

Answer: Christmas pudding.

Round 2: christmas films

6. In Home Alone, what is Kevin's surname?

Answer: McCallister.

7. What is the name of Will Ferrell's character in Elf?

Answer: Buddy.

8. In The Polar Express, what type of transport takes children to the North Pole?

Answer: A train.

9. Which actor plays the Prime Minister in Love Actually?

Answer: Hugh Grant.

10. What is the name of the green character who attempts to steal Christmas from Whoville?

Answer: The Grinch.

Round 3: christmas music and traditions

11. Who released the song Last Christmas in 1984?

Answer: Wham!

12. Which singer is famous for All I Want for Christmas Is You?

Answer: Mariah Carey.

13. What is traditionally hidden inside some Christmas puddings as a symbol of good luck?

Answer: A coin.

14. What is the name of the ballet featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy?

Answer: The Nutcracker.

15. What is the name of the period beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day in many Western Christian traditions?

Answer: Advent.

A note on question writing

For a workplace quiz, avoid relying too heavily on questions that require very specific cultural knowledge.

Also check whether questions have more than one reasonable answer.

For example, some traditions have different origins depending on how the question is worded.

If a question is ambiguous, clarify it before the event or accept reasonable alternative answers.

How to run a christmas quiz for remote employees

Remote Christmas quizzes can be just as entertaining as office-based events.

However, they need a slightly different approach.

Share joining instructions in advance

Make sure everyone knows which platform to use and how to participate.

Test your screen sharing

Check that questions are readable on smaller screens.

Use accessible answer methods

You could use a digital form, shared document, chat-based responses or a suitable quiz platform.

Avoid relying on cameras

Some colleagues may not be comfortable appearing on video.

Make camera use optional where possible.

Allow for connection delays

Avoid extremely short response windows.

Make scoring transparent

Explain how answers are submitted and how points are awarded.

Include informal interaction

Allow a few minutes for conversation before or after the quiz.

For remote colleagues, this may be one of the few opportunities to socialise with the wider team.

How to organise a hybrid christmas quiz

Hybrid events can be more challenging because in-person participants and remote colleagues may experience the event differently.

A few practical changes can help.

Use one shared question display

Ensure everyone sees the same questions.

Check the audio

Remote colleagues should be able to hear the host and any relevant discussion.

Avoid room-only advantages

Don't give in-person teams access to clues or information that remote participants can't see.

Consider mixed-location teams

If your technology supports it, you can include remote and office-based colleagues in the same teams.

Alternatively, allow teams to compete separately using the same questions and scoring rules.

Test everything beforehand

A short technical rehearsal can prevent a surprising number of problems.

Should you use a printable quiz or a live digital quiz?

Both formats have advantages.

When to choose a printable quiz

A printable quiz is ideal if you want something straightforward, relaxed and easy to organise.

It also works well when teams want time to discuss their answers.

When to choose a live digital quiz

A digital quiz can be useful when you want a more interactive format, simpler scoring or participation across different locations.

WorkplaceHero offers live quiz rooms where participants can join using a QR code.

Explore WorkplaceHero's live quizzes

Download WorkplaceHero's free christmas social pack

We've created a free printable resource to make workplace Christmas planning easier.

The WorkplaceHero Christmas Social Pack includes:

26 festive quiz questions

Three rounds of questions to test your team's Christmas knowledge.

Illustrated Christmas film clues

A visual round that encourages discussion and teamwork.

Host answers

A reference sheet to help you run the quiz.

Team answer sheets

Printable sheets for collecting responses.

Two festive mingle bingo cards

An additional icebreaker to help colleagues interact.

Host instructions

Guidance to help you organise the activity.

The pack is designed for approximately 40 minutes of festive entertainment.

It's suitable for a range of workplace settings and can be adapted to your team.

Your christmas social, sorted

Whether you're planning a small office gathering, a department celebration or a larger team event, our free pack gives you a ready-made starting point.

Download the free WorkplaceHero Christmas Social Pack

Common workplace christmas quiz mistakes

Even simple activities can become frustrating when they're poorly planned.

Here are some mistakes to avoid.

Making the quiz too difficult

An entire round of obscure facts may be entertaining for one person but discouraging for everyone else.

Making it too long

Keep the event focused and allow time for other activities.

Having unclear answers

Check questions in advance and prepare acceptable alternatives.

Forgetting remote colleagues

If the event is hybrid, make sure remote participants can take part equally.

Overcomplicating the scoring

A simple point-per-answer system is usually enough.

Using embarrassing workplace questions

Avoid personal trivia about colleagues unless they have explicitly agreed to participate.

Making the event compulsory

Allow people to choose whether to join.

Forgetting the answer sheets

A surprisingly easy mistake.

Download and print everything before the event.

Forgetting to test the technology

Always check your slides, audio and internet connection if using digital tools.

Taking the competition too seriously

A little rivalry is fun.

An argument about the third-place tie-breaker probably isn't the festive atmosphere you were hoping for.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions should a workplace christmas quiz have?

For a typical 30–45-minute quiz, around 25–35 questions is a useful starting point. The ideal number depends on question difficulty, team discussion and scoring time.

How long should an office christmas quiz last?

Most workplace quizzes work well at around 30–45 minutes. Shorter 10–15-minute versions can also work as team icebreakers.

What are the best christmas quiz rounds?

Popular options include general knowledge, Christmas films, festive music, food and drink, picture rounds, traditions around the world, emoji challenges and true-or-false questions.

How do you make a christmas quiz fun?

Use varied rounds, balance the difficulty, encourage teamwork and keep the atmosphere relaxed. Light-hearted team names and modest prizes can add to the experience.

How many people should be in a christmas quiz team?

Teams of three to five often work well, although the best size depends on the number of participants and the quiz format.

Can you run a christmas quiz without spending money?

Yes. You can use free questions, printable answer sheets and existing workplace equipment. WorkplaceHero also provides a free Christmas Social Pack.

How do you organise a christmas quiz for a large office?

Divide participants into manageable teams, use a clear scoring system and consider a digital format if manual answer collection would be difficult.

Can remote employees join a workplace christmas quiz?

Yes. Use video conferencing, digital answer submission or a suitable live quiz platform.

What prizes should you give for a christmas quiz?

Small gift vouchers, chocolates, desk accessories, novelty trophies and certificates are all possible options. Prizes don't need to be expensive.

How do you make a christmas quiz inclusive?

Offer voluntary participation, include varied question topics, consider accessibility and avoid assuming everyone celebrates Christmas or shares the same cultural background.

Is a christmas quiz suitable for team building?

A quiz can encourage communication, collaboration and shared enjoyment. It shouldn't be treated as a formal assessment of teamwork or workplace competence.

Where can i download a free printable christmas quiz for work?

WorkplaceHero offers a free Christmas Social Pack with quiz questions, illustrated film clues, answer sheets, host answers and festive bingo.

Get the free Christmas Social Pack

Final thoughts: a great christmas quiz doesn't need to be complicated

The best workplace Christmas quizzes aren't necessarily the longest, most difficult or most elaborate.

They're the ones that give colleagues an opportunity to enjoy themselves together.

A few well-chosen rounds, clear instructions, a relaxed atmosphere and a little friendly competition can turn an ordinary team gathering into a memorable end-of-year celebration.

And you don't need to spend hours creating everything from scratch.

WorkplaceHero's free Christmas Social Pack gives you a ready-made quiz and festive icebreaker, so you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying the event.

Download your free Christmas Social Pack

Or, if you'd prefer a digital experience, explore WorkplaceHero's live quizzes.

Because after a busy year, your Christmas social should feel like a celebration — not another project to manage.

Related reading

• 50 Christmas Team Building Activities for Work
• 75 Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Work Under £5, £10 and £20
• 25 Christmas Party Games for Small and Large Teams
• How to Organise an Inclusive Office Christmas Party
• 30 Christmas Activities for Remote and Hybrid Teams