The holiday season is an ideal opportunity to ignite some cheerful rivalry while infusing your space with festive spirit. Whether you’re organizing a cozy family reunion or a lively office celebration, these inventive Christmas contest ideas promise to spread happiness and merriment among all participants.
1. Festive Christmas Quiz Evening

Host a Christmas quiz evening to see who knows the most about holiday customs, classic films, and seasonal tunes. It’s a fantastic way to learn intriguing tidbits about Christmas while enjoying friendly competition with loved ones.
Recommended items:
- Christmas Trivia Card Game: Engage in festive trivia challenges that make for unforgettable holiday game nights.
- Holiday-Themed Snack Bowl Set: Serve your treats in style with bowls that add a seasonal flair to your gatherings.
- Cozy Christmas Throw Blanket: Stay warm and snug while enjoying the quiz with a festive, soft throw.
2. Online Gingerbread House Competition

Distance doesn’t have to dampen the fun-organize a virtual gingerbread house competition where participants share photos of their edible masterpieces. Award prizes for categories like ‘Most Inventive Design’ or ‘Best Candy Decoration’. The creativity displayed never ceases to amaze me!
Helpful supplies:
- Gingerbread House Kits: Perfect for bakers of all levels to craft charming holiday houses.
- Assorted Candy Decorations: Add vibrant colors and textures to your gingerbread creations.
- Icing Decorating Set: Create intricate details and patterns with this versatile icing kit.
3. Personalized Advent Calendar Crafting Contest

Encourage participants to design a DIY advent calendar filled with surprises behind each door-be it treats, notes, or tiny gifts. These personalized calendars make thoughtful presents and add a unique touch to holiday traditions.
Suggested materials:
- Wooden Advent Calendar Kit: A customizable base perfect for crafting your own festive countdown.
- Craft Paint Set: Bring your calendar to life with vibrant colors and designs.
- Miniature Christmas Ornaments: Fill each compartment with charming little decorations for extra cheer.
4. Holiday Ornament Swap

Arrange a Christmas ornament exchange where everyone brings a handmade or purchased ornament to trade. It’s a heartwarming way to refresh your tree decorations and share festive cheer. I treasure the unique ornament I received last holiday season!
Great picks for the swap:
- DIY Christmas Ornament Kit: Craft personalized ornaments that stand out in any collection.
- Handcrafted Glass Ornaments Set: Elegant and timeless decorations perfect for gifting.
- Personalized Wooden Ornaments: Add a custom touch to your holiday decor with these charming pieces.
5. Festive Costume Competition

Invite guests to dress as their favorite Christmas icons for a holiday costume competition. Whether it’s a jolly Santa, a mischievous elf, or a sparkling snowflake, the creativity is endless. One year, I dressed as a sparkling Christmas tree, complete with twinkling lights and ornaments!
Costume ideas and accessories:
- Santa Claus Costume Set: Become the iconic figure of Christmas with this complete outfit.
- Elf Costume with Accessories: Dress up as a festive helper with detailed costume pieces.
- Reindeer Antlers Headband: Add a playful touch to your look with these fun antlers.
6. Neighborhood Christmas Lights Contest

Encourage your community to participate in a Christmas light display contest. Transform your homes into dazzling spectacles of holiday magic and see who can create the most enchanting setup. Driving through neighborhoods aglow with lights is a cherished tradition for many families.
Recommended decorations:
- LED Outdoor String Lights: Energy-efficient and weather-resistant lights to brighten your home beautifully.
- Weatherproof Light Clips: Secure your decorations safely and neatly in place.
- Inflatable Christmas Decorations: Add whimsical, eye-catching elements to your outdoor display.
7. Holiday Puzzle Race

Organize a holiday puzzle race by selecting a Christmas-themed puzzle and timing participants to see who finishes first. This activity combines teamwork and friendly rivalry, making it a perfect way to bond during the holidays.
Helpful tools:
- Festive Christmas Puzzle: Choose from a variety of holiday-themed puzzles to challenge your group.
- Puzzle Sorting Trays: Keep pieces organized for a smoother puzzle-building experience.
- Puzzle Roll Mat: Easily store and transport your puzzle without losing progress.
8. Christmas Carol Lip Sync Showdown

Host a lively Christmas carol lip sync showdown where participants perform their favorite holiday tunes with flair. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to showcase festive spirit and talent.
Must-have gear:
- Karaoke Microphone: Amplify your performance and sing along with confidence.
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Deliver clear, powerful sound for your favorite carols.
- Stage Lighting Kit: Create a dazzling atmosphere to enhance your show.
9. Speedy Gift Wrapping Contest

Turn the often tedious task of wrapping presents into a gift wrapping race. Set a timer and see who can wrap the most gifts neatly and creatively. It’s a fun way to prepare for the holidays while sharing laughs.
Recommended supplies:
- Assorted Christmas Wrapping Paper Set: Choose from a variety of festive designs to make your gifts stand out.
- Gift Wrapping Tool Kit: Essential tools for precise cuts and perfect folds.
- Colorful Ribbon Spool Set: Add the finishing touch with vibrant ribbons.
10. Original Christmas Carol Writing Contest

Invite friends and family to participate in a Christmas carol songwriting contest. Using familiar melodies, add your own holiday-themed lyrics to craft a unique seasonal tune. It’s inspiring to hear the imaginative songs everyone creates!
Helpful tools:
- Digital Piano Keyboard: Experiment with melodies and harmonies to compose your carol.
- Songwriting Notebook: Keep your lyrics and ideas organized in one place.
- Bluetooth Microphone: Record your performances and share your creations easily.
11. Christmas Karaoke Showdown

Turn up the holiday spirit with a Christmas karaoke contest. Challenge your guests to perform their favorite seasonal songs and compete for the title of Christmas Carol Champion. I always kick off with ‘Frosty the Snowman’ to get everyone energized!
Essential equipment:
- Wireless Karaoke Microphone: Enjoy freedom of movement while singing your heart out.
- Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker: Deliver crystal-clear sound for all your performances.
- Karaoke Machine Set: Everything you need for an unforgettable karaoke night.
12. Ornament Crafting Competition

Gather your crafting supplies and hold an ornament-making contest. Encourage participants to design decorations that showcase their unique style. One year, I used recycled materials to create eco-friendly ornaments that were a big hit!
Recommended crafting supplies:
- Assorted Crafting Glitter: Add sparkle and shine to your handmade ornaments.
- Ornament Decorating Kit: Everything you need to create personalized festive decorations.
- Reusable Ornament Ball Set: Eco-friendly and perfect for multiple holiday seasons.
13. Hilarious Ugly Sweater Contest

Host an ugly sweater contest and enjoy the laughter as participants sport their most outrageous holiday knitwear. The more lights, bells, and quirky decorations, the better! Last year, I won the ‘Most Creative’ prize with a sweater featuring a blinking Rudolph nose.
Fun sweater options:
- Battery-Operated Light-Up Christmas Sweaters: Stand out with sweaters that literally light up the room.
- Christmas Sweater with Sound and Motion Features: Add interactive fun to your holiday outfit.
- DIY Ugly Sweater Decoration Kit: Customize your sweater with easy-to-use decorations.
14. Family Holiday Baking Competition

Invite your family to a holiday baking competition where everyone presents their best festive desserts. From traditional gingerbread to inventive cookies, this contest is a delicious way to celebrate together. I love how it brings everyone into the kitchen and creates lasting memories!
Helpful baking tools:
- Gingerbread House Kit: Build a sweet centerpiece for your baking contest.
- Assorted Christmas Cookie Cutters: Create festive shapes with ease.
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Present your treats beautifully for judging and sharing.
15. Office Holiday Decoration Contest

Encourage coworkers to unleash their creativity in an office holiday decorating contest. Themes like ‘Winter Wonderland’ or ‘Santa’s Workshop’ inspire imaginative displays that brighten the workplace and boost morale. Our office’s annual contest always sparks the most inventive ideas!
Decoration essentials:
- Artificial Christmas Tree: A festive focal point for any office space.
- String Lights: Add warmth and sparkle to desks and cubicles.
- Ornament Decoration Set: Enhance your display with colorful and festive ornaments.
16. Snowman Sculpting Contest

If your area is blessed with snow, a snowman building contest is a delightful way to embrace the season. Bundle up and craft the most imaginative snowman, complete with accessories. This tradition brings neighbors together and creates joyful memories.
Recommended gear:
- Snowman Building Kit: Add fun props and accessories to your snow creation.
- Waterproof Winter Gloves: Keep your hands warm and dry while sculpting.
- Decorative Scarf Set: Dress your snowman in cozy, colorful scarves.
17. Holiday Baking Face-Off

Bring out your best recipes for a holiday baking face-off. From festive pies to creative pastries, this contest is a treat for both bakers and tasters alike. Sampling everyone’s creations is one of my favorite holiday traditions!
Helpful baking essentials:
- Non-stick Baking Pans Set: Ensure your baked goods come out perfectly every time.
- Decorative Cake Stand: Showcase your desserts with style and elegance.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: Measure ingredients precisely for consistent results.
18. Festive Photo Booth Experience

Set up a festive photo booth complete with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and holiday glasses. Snap silly and heartwarming pictures, then hold a vote for the funniest or most creative photo. These snapshots become treasured keepsakes of the season.
Photo booth essentials:
- Christmas Photo Booth Prop Kit: Add fun and festive accessories to your photo sessions.
- Snowy Backdrop for Photo Booth: Create a magical winter scene for your photos.
- LED String Lights: Illuminate your photo booth with warm, twinkling lights.
19. Creative Door Decoration Contest

Challenge your household or office to a door decorating contest. Participants can turn their doors into festive masterpieces, from snowy scenes to Santa’s workshop themes. One year, I transformed my door into a giant wrapped gift, which was a big hit!
Decoration ideas:
- Holiday Door Wreath: Instantly add charm and holiday spirit to any entrance.
- String Lights for Decoration: Create a warm, inviting glow around your door.
- Christmas Door Garland: Add lush greenery and festive accents to your doorway.
20. Holiday Photography Challenge

Encourage everyone to capture the magic of the holidays through a holiday photography challenge. Set themes such as ‘Winter Magic’ or ‘Cozy Christmas Moments’ and see who can snap the most captivating images. I enjoy photographing my neighborhood’s festive decorations for this contest every year.
Photography essentials:
- Digital Camera: Capture crisp, vibrant holiday photos with ease.
- Photo Editing Software: Enhance your images to make them truly stand out.
- Picture Frame Set: Display your favorite holiday shots beautifully at home.
