From mid-December through to the end of the year, holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa bring joy, generosity, togetherness — and, of course, plenty of tasty food. In the office, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the season by celebrating the year's achievements, strengthening team bonds, and creating moments that feel meaningful.
From sharing a festive meal with coworkers to making DIY decorations for display around the office, here are holiday celebration ideas for the end of year.
Why celebrate the holidays at work?
More than just a feel-good gesture, workplace celebrations are foundational in building a thriving workplace culture. Employees who feel valued are more likely to enjoy their work, and are more productive as a result.
When companies take the time to celebrate, it sends a clear message: their people matter. Tie in the holiday season, and employers can highlight this appreciation in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and inclusive.
Holiday party food ideas
No matter the holiday, food is always at the heart of celebrations. When planning your workplace event, think about dishes that are both comforting and easy to share that incorporate a number of culturally diverse winter holidays.
Roast turkey or ham: A rich main course, often seasoned and roasted to perfection, served sliced with savory sides.
Stuffing & mashed potatoes: Seasoned bread stuffing baked until golden, and creamy potatoes whipped with butter and cream.
Gingerbread: Spiced cookies with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, often transformed into decorative houses with icing and candy.
Jollof rice: A one-pot West African classic with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices.
Okra stew: Thick and hearty, with tender okra simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, often made with meat or seafood.
Sweet potato pie: Creamy, spiced filling made from sweet potatoes, baked in a flaky pie crust.
Brisket: Rich, slow-cooked beef, often served alongside latkes or roasted root vegetables.
Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes, best enjoyed with applesauce or sour cream.
Sufganiyot: Soft, pillowy doughnuts filled with jam or custard, and dusted with powdered sugar.
Office holiday party activities to try
Celebrating the holidays in the workplace is a chance to foster inclusivity, spark curiosity, and bring people together over shared experiences (and plates). Here are some office holiday party activities to inspire your team.
Cater a holiday lunch
With DoorDash for Business, admins can grab delicious food for their holiday party that works for every individual diet and preference.
Group orders: Smaller teams can individually add meals to a shared group cart and enjoy together.
Catered office meals: Admins select the restaurant and menu for larger groups, and the order is delivered either in classic large tray formats or easy-to-distribute boxed meals.
Host a gift exchange
A little lighthearted gifting always sparks joy. Whether it’s Secret Santa or a White Elephant swap, set a spending limit, encourage creativity, and gather the team for the big reveal. If you're looking for ideas, DoorDash gift cards are always a fan-favorite! They’re available individually or in bulk, and never expire.
Run a cookie decorating challenge or bake-off
Turn dessert into a team activity! Set up cookie-decorating stations or run a bake-off challenge. It's a recipe for creativity, laughter, and a touch of friendly competition.
Organize a charity drive
Keep the spirit of giving at the heart of your holiday celebrations by organizing a toy drive, fundraising for a local cause, or volunteering together as a team.
Introduce games and learning opportunities
Play traditional games, host holiday trivia, or invite guest speakers to help employees learn amidst the festivities.
Create a resolution wall
The holidays roll right into the new year — so why not make it a two-for-one celebration? Invite employees to share reflections on the past year and set goals for the next on a resolution wall or slideshow. It's the ultimate way to lead the next chapter with positivity and collective growth.
Celebrate with culture, food, and community
Beyond bright decor and hearty meals, the values and traditions of the season can translate into stronger teams, happier employees, and a culture that people truly feel a part of.
With these holiday celebration ideas for the office, and DoorDash for Business handling meal logistics, you can focus less on planning and more on enjoying these special moments alongside your team.
Learn more about how DoorDash for Business can transform your office meals.
