20 Christmas Contest Ideas for Parties and Offices

Christmas contest ideas add friendly competition to parties, classrooms and offices. Each contest below needs simple supplies and clear, fair rules. You will find making, baking and styling challenges, so these christmas contest ideas suit groups of any size.

In this post: 20 ideas

Gingerbread house decorating contest
Ugly christmas sweater contest
Christmas cookie decorating contest
Ornament making contest
Christmas wreath making contest
Gift wrapping contest
Christmas tree decorating contest
Hot chocolate topping contest
Christmas stocking design contest
Holiday cupcake decorating contest
Christmas table setting contest
Snow globe crafting contest
Christmas paper snowflake contest
Festive door wreath contest
Christmas centerpiece contest
Holiday pet bandana design contest
Christmas recycled craft contest
Christmas card making contest
Holiday felt ornament sewing contest
Christmas dessert presentation contest

1. Gingerbread house decorating contest

Gingerbread house decorating contest, one of these christmas contest ideas

A gingerbread house contest is a classic group challenge. Teams build and decorate against the clock.

Give each team a kit and a time limit, then judge on neatness and creativity. A gingerbread build is a classic team task.

2. Ugly christmas sweater contest

An ugly sweater contest is pure, easy fun. Guests wear their boldest festive knit.

Set a simple sign-up at the door and judge on humor and detail. Sweater days are easy fun for offices.

3. Christmas cookie decorating contest

A cookie decorating contest is sweet and hands-on. Each guest ices a set of plain cookies.

Hand out equal cookies and shared toppings, then judge on design. Let everyone taste after the vote.

4. Ornament making contest

An ornament making contest rewards quick creativity. Guests craft one ornament from a kit.

Offer the same materials to all and set a short timer. Judge on originality and finish, then hang the entries.

5. Christmas wreath making contest

A wreath making contest suits a craft-loving group. Each person builds a small wreath.

Provide equal bases and greenery, then judge on balance. Pair the event with these Christmas party craft ideas.

6. Gift wrapping contest

A gift wrapping contest tests neat hands and style. Guests wrap a tricky item fast.

Give each entrant the same odd-shaped object and time the wrap. Judge on neatness and creative finish.

7. Christmas tree decorating contest

A tree decorating contest splits guests into teams. Each team dresses a small tree.

Give equal trees and decoration boxes with a theme and timer. Team tree challenges are lively christmas contest ideas.

8. Hot chocolate topping contest

A hot chocolate topping contest is tasty and quick. Guests build the best-looking cup.

Offer a topping bar and equal mugs, then judge on looks and taste. Keep hot pots on a stable surface.

9. Christmas stocking design contest

A stocking design contest mixes sewing and decorating. Each entry starts from a plain stocking.

Hand out blank stockings and supplies, then judge on theme and detail. These christmas contest ideas suit craft clubs.

10. Holiday cupcake decorating contest

A cupcake decorating contest is small and sweet. Each guest tops a set of cupcakes.

Provide equal cupcakes and piping tools, then judge on design and tidiness. Taste-test the winners together.

11. Christmas table setting contest

A table setting contest suits a styling-minded group. Each entrant dresses one place setting.

Give the same base items and a small budget. Styling a table gives refined christmas contest ideas.

12. Snow globe crafting contest

A snow globe crafting contest is playful and neat. Guests build a sealed jar scene.

Offer jars, figures and glitter to all, then judge on scene and seal. Keep water off the table with trays.

13. Christmas paper snowflake contest

A paper snowflake contest needs only paper and scissors. The cutting challenge suits all ages.

Hand out equal paper squares and judge on symmetry and detail. Tape the best to a window display.

14. Festive door wreath contest

A door wreath contest works for a street or office. Each door shows an entry.

Set a sign-up and judging date, and judge from a few steps back. Style doors with your Christmas party decoration ideas.

15. Christmas centerpiece contest

A centerpiece contest suits a dinner or club night. Each entrant builds a table centerpiece.

Give a shared materials table and a size limit, then judge on balance. Use the winners on the party tables.

16. Holiday pet bandana design contest

A pet bandana design contest is lighthearted and cute. Owners decorate a plain bandana.

Offer blank bandanas and fabric pens, then judge on humor and neatness. Share photos of pets wearing them.

17. Christmas recycled craft contest

A recycled craft contest rewards a green approach. Guests make decor from reused materials.

Ask entrants to bring clean recyclables, then judge on idea and finish. Add a prize for the cleverest reuse.

18. Christmas card making contest

A card making contest is quiet and creative. Each guest designs one holiday card.

Provide card stock and shared supplies, then judge on design and message. Display the cards on a line.

19. Holiday felt ornament sewing contest

A felt ornament sewing contest suits handy guests. Each entry is a small stitched ornament.

Hand out felt, thread and needles, then judge on stitching and design. These are calm christmas contest ideas.

20. Christmas dessert presentation contest

A dessert presentation contest rewards a pretty plate. Guests style a festive dessert.

Give the same dessert and garnishes, then judge on plating. This is a crowd-pleaser among christmas contest ideas.

Running and judging tips for christmas contest ideas

Give every entrant the same supplies and time for fairness. Set two or three clear judging points before you start. Offer small, fun prizes, so your christmas contest ideas stay friendly and light.