7 ideas for planning virtual holiday parties in 2021

Summer has come and gone, and it’s hard to believe that the holiday season is fast approaching. But with pandemic concerns continuing, it can be difficult to imagine what end-of-year celebrations might look like.

Event organisers need to get creative as they plan hybrid or virtual employee get-togethers. From quirky gift boxes and festive video-chat backgrounds to Uber gift cards, here are some of our favourite ideas for making the parties of 2021 special from afar.

Everyone loves a good costume contest. Have guests dust off their favorite ugly sweater or themed hat. Put it to a virtual vote with the most festive taking the crown. We’ll let you decide on the prize.

COVID-19 has led to a rise in virtual, hands-on fun. Have a mixologist or a chef host a video cocktail experience or cooking class. Guests can toast their success through the screen while they enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The tradition of the office Secret Snowflake or Secret Santa lives on! Use an online gift exchange generator to have employees opt in, set a budget, and make a wish list. Have everyone open them at the virtual party and let the cheer roll in.

Host a virtual watch party and “live” stream a holiday classic. Bonus points for those who theme their snacks or outfits with the movie. 

Invite employees to take a virtual trip with their video-chat backgrounds. Inspire them to create their own cheer-filled screens, or let them choose from a selection of pre-made ones. 

Events might be virtual or hybrid, but that doesn’t mean the good old post is dead. Send employees gift boxes with themed treats, like cookies to decorate together…but apart. Or include some fun props for a not-so-planned video-chat photo shoot. 

Uber vouchers and gift cards are a great way to add sparkle to your event or say thank you for a year’s worth of hard work. Employees can order their favorite meals for delivery during the party or get their caffeine fix the next day. And if they want to request an airport ride for their in-laws, we won’t object to that either.

Just because people might not physically be together this year doesn’t mean that the celebrations will be any less festive. Learn more about how Uber for Business can help you upgrade your holiday events.