Looking to create a positive, happier work environment? Then you should consider celebrating your team’s achievements — especially your remote employees. 

To help you out, we’ve highlighted 21 unique virtual team celebration ideas that boost morale, reward hard work, and strengthen team bonds. 

From end-of-the-year celebrations to engaging virtual team-building activities, we’ve got something for every occasion. 

Get ready to spark joy and transform your virtual and hybrid team gatherings into memorable events!

Table of Contents

21 Unique Virtual Team Celebration Ideas

How to Measure the Impact of Virtual Team Celebrations on Team Morale

21 Unique Virtual Team Celebration Ideas

Celebrating your virtual team’s milestones and achievements is key to maintaining a vibrant and connected remote work culture. 

Let’s dive into some unique virtual team party ideas that will bring your team closer.

1. Virtual escape room extravaganza 

A virtual escape room extravaganza is a celebration idea that will unleash the inner detectives in your team. 

It’s an engaging and collaborative way to celebrate team successes and foster unity. 

This interactive event challenges team members to work together by solving riddles and puzzles to ‘escape’ a virtual room.

Requirements: 

• Online escape room platform subscription.
• Snacks for an immersive experience and custom notepads for jotting down clues and brainstorming.
• Stable internet connection for seamless participation.

Activity ideas: 

• Collaboratively solve complex puzzles to enhance team problem-solving skills.
• Use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions or clue analysis.
• Share experiences and strategies used during the escape room after the event is over to foster open communication.
• Have a celebratory virtual toast for the successful ‘escape’ using branded mugs or tumblers.

This is ideal if: You want to encourage communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking in a relaxed setting for your remote teams.

2. Home office design contest

Hold a home office design contest to encourage creativity and personal expression among your virtual teams. 

This event allows team members to showcase their unique workspace setups and offers a glimpse into their work environments. 

It’s a fun way to celebrate individuality in remote working conditions.

Requirements: 

• Online platform for photo or video submission (a shared Google Drive or a dedicated Slack channel works just fine).
• Personalized office accessories to enhance their workspace, like branded mouse pads or desk organizers.
• A voting system for the team to pick their favorite designs (use online polls or surveys).
• Prizes for winners, such as custom gift boxes or exclusive branded merch.

Activity ideas: 

• Encourage your employees to give a virtual tour of their workspace during a team video call.
• Create categories like ‘Most Creative’, ‘Best Organized’, or ‘Coziest Space’ for specific recognitions.
• Share workspace improvement tips and ideas during the contest.
• Offer a ‘before and after’ category for those who want to revamp their space.

This is ideal if: You’re looking to engage your team in a light-hearted activity that celebrates the uniqueness of their working environments. 

3. Global snack exchange

A global snack exchange virtual event allows team members to send and receive snacks from different regions. 

This activity will appeal to teams that value cultural diversity and want to create a fun, engaging, and educational experience. 

It’s also a great icebreaker to spark conversations among team members who haven’t met in person.

Requirements: 

• Pair team members randomly or allow them to choose whom they want to send snacks to.
• Provide guidelines on snack selection (considering dietary restrictions and allergies).
• Mailing addresses of team members for shipping the snacks.
• Customizable gift boxes as a convenient and branded option for sending the treats.

Activity ideas: 

• Schedule a virtual meet-up for everyone to unbox and try the snacks live.
• Encourage team members to share fun facts about the snacks they sent or received.
• Create a photo album or collage of everyone with their snacks and their reactions.
• Host a ‘Guess the Origin’ game where team members guess where each snack is from.

This is ideal if: You’re looking for a way to connect your team members across different locations and cultures. 

4. Interactive storytelling night

An interactive storytelling night invites each team member to contribute a sentence or paragraph and weave together a unique and often humorous narrative. 

This virtual gathering is perfect for teams looking to strengthen their communication skills and foster a sense of unity and fun.

Requirements: 

• A virtual meeting platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for live interaction.
• A shared document or online whiteboard for writing the story (like Google Docs or Miro).
• Custom snack boxes to keep the creative juices flowing.

Activity ideas: 

• Assign a theme or genre for the story (e.g., mystery, sci-fi, comedy).
• Choose someone to compile and read the story aloud at the end.
• Record the session for a fun recap or share the final story in a company newsletter.

This is ideal if: You have remote teams with a mix of personalities and you want everyone to express themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment.

5. Pet show and tell

This virtual team event is a nice way to celebrate the furry (or scaly) friends who keep your team company during the workday. 

It’s a delightful way for team members to connect over their pets, share cute stories, and add a dose of heartwarming fun to the virtual workspace.

Requirements: 

• A video conferencing platform like Zoom or Teams for live interactions.
• Custom pet-themed goodies, like custom pet toys or treats, to send to team members’ pets.
• A dedicated social media hashtag or team chat channel for sharing pet photos and stories.
• Virtual backgrounds or filters for added fun during the show and tell.

Activity ideas: 

• Hold a ‘Best Trick’ or ‘Cutest Pet’ contest with virtual voting.
• Share funny or endearing stories about pets disrupting work.
• Create a photo montage of all the pets to share on the company’s social media or internal newsletter.
• Include a segment for team members without pets to share their dream pets or favorite animal stories.

This is ideal if: Your team includes animal lovers or people who enjoy light-hearted, personal sharing sessions. Plus, it’s a chance for everyone to show off their adorable companions.

6. Online karaoke contest

Turn up the volume and get your virtual team ready for some musical fun with an online karaoke contest. 

This lively event is perfect for showcasing your team’s vocal talents (or hilarious lack of vocal talent). 

It’s a fun way for team members to enjoy a themed sing-along, like a festive Christmas carol night.

Requirements: 

• A virtual platform that supports audio sharing, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• Karaoke software or apps with a wide range of song selections.
• Themed decorations for the video background that match the karaoke night’s theme.
• Tech swag like branded headphones or AirPods to enhance the experience.

Activity ideas: 

• Organize a ‘Battle of the Bands’ style contest with different teams.
• Create a themed playlist in advance, so participants can practice their songs.
• Include a mix of solo and group performances for variety.
• Have non-singing team members be the judges or vote for their favorite performers.
• Offer bonus points for costumes or creative presentations.

This is ideal if: Your team enjoys music, has some hidden singing talent, or isn’t shy about belting out a tune or two.

7. TED Talk watch party

An engaging way to ignite inspiration and thought-provoking conversations is with a TED Talk watch party. 

This event is a great way to collectively experience and discuss enlightening TED Talks, allowing team members to share insights and learn together.

A TED Talk watch party is an educational opportunity that can stimulate new ideas and foster a culture of knowledge sharing.

Requirements: 

• A streaming platform or website to watch TED Talks, like YouTube or the TED website.
• A video conferencing tool for group discussions, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• A curated list of TED Talks that align with your company’s values or current team visions.
• Branded notebooks and custom pens for taking notes during the talks.

Activity ideas: 

• Pre-select a variety of TED Talks that cover different topics of interest.
• Organize a post-viewing discussion to share thoughts and key takeaways.
• Encourage team members to present their own mini ‘TED-style’ talk on a topic they’re passionate about.
• Create a shared document or forum where team members can recommend future TED Talks for the group.

This is ideal if: Your team values continuous learning and enjoys engaging in intellectual discussions. 

8. Photo scavenger hunt

Add a dash of adventure and creativity to your team’s routine with a photo scavenger hunt event. 

This lively activity involves a list of fun items or scenarios, where team members embark on a mission to capture each moment through their lens.

It helps break the monotony of the workday and is perfect for teams that enjoy creativity, humor, and a bit of friendly competition.

Requirements: 

• A digital platform to share and post photos, like a dedicated Slack channel or shared Google Photos album.
• A creative and achievable list of scavenger hunt items or scenarios.
• Virtual swag or props to include in the photos, like branded hats or coffee mugs.
• Mobile devices or cameras for taking pictures.

Activity ideas: 

• Include tasks like ‘Snap a selfie with your favorite mug’ or ‘Capture a moment of relaxation.’
• Create themed challenges based on seasons, holidays, or company events.
• Set a time limit to add an element of friendly competition.
• Hold a virtual award ceremony with prizes for the most creative, artistic, or funniest photos.

This is ideal if: You want to encourage team members to explore their surroundings, express their personalities, and share a few laughs along the way.

9. Flashback Friday

Inject a dose of nostalgia into your virtual team gatherings with a flashback Friday event. 

This activity involves sharing childhood photos that spark conversations while letting team members take a playful guess at who’s who in the pictures.

Requirements: 

• A secure digital platform for sharing childhood photos, like a private Slack channel or an encrypted photo-sharing app.
• An enthusiastic invitation for team members to dig up and share their old photos.
• A moderator to organize the event and keep the conversation flowing.

Activity ideas: 

• Create a guessing game where team members try to identify who’s in the photo.
• Encourage team members to share funny or heartwarming stories linked to the photos.
• Award prizes for the most surprising or funniest childhood story.
• Have a ‘Then and Now’ segment where team members share how they’ve evolved since the photo.

This is ideal if: You want to strengthen personal connections within the team and foster deeper understanding among remote team members.

10. LinkedIn profile makeover

Elevate your team’s professional presence with a LinkedIn profile makeover session event. 

This virtual event focuses on team members collaboratively refining their LinkedIn profiles, exchanging constructive feedback, and sharing improvement tips. 

It’s a productive way to help each other grow professionally.

Requirements: 

• Access to LinkedIn and a stable internet connection for each team member.
• Branded notebooks for jotting down ideas and feedback.
• A guideline document or checklist outlining key elements of a strong LinkedIn profile.
• A facilitator to guide the session and ensure everyone gets feedback.

Activity ideas: 

• Break into smaller groups for detailed review sessions.
• Share best practices for profile pictures, summaries, and experience descriptions.
• Discuss endorsements and recommendations – perhaps even write some for each other.
• Incorporate a ‘Before and After’ showcase to display profile improvements.

This is ideal if: You want a virtual party idea that emphasizes the importance of networking, personal branding, and online presence for your team.

11. Online paint and sip night

This event involves a virtual painting class — guided by a professional instructor — where team members can express their creativity and enjoy their favorite beverages. 

An online paint and sip night is perfect for teams that appreciate artistic activities and want to connect beyond the usual work-related discussions. 

It’s also great for celebrating team milestones or just as a fun, casual get-together.

Requirements: 

• Painting supplies: canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints (which could be sent as part of a virtual employee care package).
• A virtual platform for the live painting session (like Zoom or Microsoft Teams).
• A selection of beverages, which could be wine, beer, or non-alcoholic options like coffee or tea.
• A professional painting instructor to lead the session remotely.

Activity ideas: 

• Choose a theme or subject for the painting, like landscapes or abstract art.
• Encourage team members to share the finished artworks and discuss the creative process.
• Host a mini-exhibition at the end where everyone showcases their masterpiece.
• Include a relaxation segment with soft music and casual conversation.

This is ideal if: You’re looking to foster creativity and offer a relaxing, informal way for your virtual staff to bond. 

12. Team trivia game show

A team trivia game show is an engaging virtual event where team members participate in a trivia tournament. 

It’s perfect for teams that enjoy quiz-based challenges and want to break the routine with an entertaining and inclusive activity. 

It’s also ideal for celebrating team achievements or as a regular fun event to boost team morale.

Requirements: 

• A virtual meeting platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for hosting the trivia game.
• A set of trivia questions, prepared in advance.
• Scorekeeping system or assign someone to track team points.
• Gift cards or branded gifts as prizes for the winning team or individuals.

Activity ideas: 

• Break into teams or play individually for a friendly competition.
• Include a variety of categories to cater to different interests, such as sports, movies, or company history.
• Introduce fun challenges or bonus rounds for extra points.
• Have a final jeopardy-style question to decide the winners in a thrilling conclusion.

This is ideal if: You’re looking for a lively, interactive event that encourages team bonding and a bit of healthy competition.

13. Virtual costume party

Transform your virtual gathering into a festival of creativity with a virtual costume party. 

All you need to do is choose an exciting theme and invite your team members to dress up in creative costumes. 

This idea is especially perfect for Halloween or themed events like ’80s Retro’ or ‘Superhero Day’. 

It’s also a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions or just to spice up a regular meeting.

Requirements: 

• An online meeting platform (like Zoom or Microsoft Teams) to host the virtual party.
• A theme for the costume party (e.g. Halloween, Hollywood Stars, Superheroes).
• Voting system, like polls or surveys, for ‘Best Costume’ awards.

Activity ideas: 

• Organize a virtual parade where participants show off their costumes and explain their choices.
• Host a costume contest with categories like ‘Most Creative’, ‘Funniest’, and ‘Best DIY’.
• Include virtual games or activities that align with the theme, like themed trivia or charades.
• Share stories or inspirations behind the costume choices.

This is ideal if: You want everyone to express their personalities and enjoy a shared experience, regardless of their location. 

14. Awards ceremony night

An awards ceremony night is a fantastic way to acknowledge contributions and celebrate the unique talents of your team members. 

Whether it’s for fun superlatives like “Best Zoom Background” or more serious accolades like “Employee of the Year,” this team event can help boost morale.

It’s a meaningful way to boost morale, foster a sense of belonging, and highlight the value each team member brings to your organization.

Requirements: 

• A reliable video call platform to host the awards ceremony.
• Customized virtual certificates or awards.
• A list of award categories and nominees.
• Virtual backgrounds or decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

Activity ideas: 

• Have team leaders or peers present the awards with a short speech about each winner.
• Include a virtual red carpet segment where team members can share their ‘home office’ outfits.
• Incorporate a live or pre-recorded performance, like a musical number or comedy skit, to entertain attendees.
• Create a post-event social media campaign to give a shout-out to the winners and share highlights.

This is ideal if: You’re looking to formally recognize your virtual employees in a way that aligns with your company culture. 

15. Cook-along fiesta

A cook-along fiesta is perfect for team bonding, as cooking and eating together can be a deeply communal and enjoyable experience. 

It’s also a great way to learn about different cultures through cuisine, making it suitable for diverse and multicultural teams.

Requirements: 

• A selected recipe that everyone can follow, preferably something that can be cooked within the duration of the virtual event.
• Basic cooking utensils and ingredients for the chosen recipe.
• A video conferencing platform to host the cook-along session.
• Branded aprons or kitchen items to add a personalized touch to the event.

Activity ideas: 

• Start with a short introduction where everyone shares their favorite cuisine or a cooking story.
• Cook the dish together, step-by-step, allowing team members to ask questions or share tips.
• Once the cooking is done, sit down together (virtually) to eat and discuss the dish.
• Share recipes and photos of the completed dishes on a team platform or social media.

This is ideal if: Your team enjoys culinary adventures and is open to experimenting with new recipes. 

16. Movie night madness

A movie night madness event is a fantastic way to enjoy some great movies together and engage in lively discussions about favorite scenes, characters, and plots. 

It’s especially great for movie buffs and those who appreciate a good film discussion.

Requirements: 

• A streaming platform (like Netflix) or a list of movies accessible to all team members.
• Movie-themed gifts like a cozy blanket for an authentic movie experience.
• A video chat or call platform for discussing the movies in real time.
• Themed decorations or virtual backgrounds related to the movie genre.

Activity ideas: 

• Kick off the night with a brief introduction, discussing the chosen theme and the lineup of movies.
• Watch the movies together using a shared streaming platform or synchronize start times.
• Pause between films for discussions, trivia, or sharing personal movie reviews.
• Encourage team members to share movie suggestions for future events.

This is ideal if: You’re looking for a relaxed and casual way to connect deeper with your team. 

17. Digital wellness retreat

A digital wellness retreat is a great way to promote mental health and well-being among your virtual employees. 

This virtual event focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring activities like guided meditation, yoga sessions, and enlightening wellness discussions. 

Organizing a wellness event is a thoughtful way to support your team’s overall wellness.

Requirements: 

• A professional yoga or meditation instructor who provides online sessions.
• Links to guided meditation or yoga videos.
• Branded wellness kits including yoga swag, water bottles, or aromatherapy candles.
• A stable video conferencing platform for interactive sessions.

Activity ideas: 

• Start with a guided meditation session to set a calm and peaceful tone.
• Follow with a gentle yoga class suitable for all fitness levels.
• Hold group discussions on wellness topics, like stress management or healthy habits.
• Include breakout sessions for more personalized activities or small group discussions.

This is ideal if: You’re aiming to enhance your team’s mental health and work-life balance, especially if they have demanding routines. 

18. Board game bonanza

Bring out your team’s competitive spirit and camaraderie with a virtual board game bonanza. 

This event allows team members to engage in a friendly tournament featuring a selection of online board games. 

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to break the ice and encourage team bonding.

Requirements: 

• Access to online board game platforms.
• A list of available games and rules for easy reference.
• Personalized snack gift baskets for participants to enjoy while they play.
• A stable internet connection and a platform for video calls.

Activity ideas: 

• Organize a tournament bracket for competitive play across multiple games.
• Include team games for collaborative gameplay experiences.
• Offer prizes for winners, such as gift cards or custom trophies.
• Schedule breaks for socializing and discussing game strategies.

This is ideal if: Your team loves a bit of friendly competition and enjoys strategy games that build relationships. 

19. Holiday recipe exchange

Let your team celebrate the festive season with a holiday recipe exchange. 

This event is a delicious way to share and prepare favorite holiday recipes from different team members. 

Plus, it’s a perfect virtual holiday party idea for team members to share their cultural traditions and favorite festive dishes. 

Requirements: 

• A platform for video calls to conduct the cooking class.
• List of recipes shared in advance for preparation.
• Cooking utensils and ingredients for each recipe.
• Cooking-related or custom gift exchange between team members.

Activity ideas: 

• Have each team member present their recipe and share its significance or story.
• Cook along together while chatting and sharing tips.
• Conduct a virtual taste test and describe the flavors and textures.
• Share photos of the completed dishes on a shared social media page or team chat.

This is ideal if: Your team enjoys cooking and exploring new cuisines, and you want to foster a sense of community and togetherness.

20. Virtual happy hour olympics

This online party idea transforms your regular virtual happy hour into an exciting series of fun and light-hearted office party games. 

This unique event combines relaxation with a touch of healthy competition, making it an engaging and enjoyable team-bonding experience.

Requirements: 

• A video conferencing platform to host the event.
• A selection of simple, quick virtual games.
• Ingredients for a common cocktail or mocktail for everyone to make together.
• Drinkware like custom mugs or tumblers for the team to enjoy their beverages in style.
• Scorecards to keep track of points during the games.

Activity ideas: 

• Start with a cocktail-making session where everyone prepares the same drink.
• Rotate through a series of quick games and keep scores.
• Have mini-breaks between games for casual conversation and cheers.
• End with an award ceremony, giving out virtual medals or gift cards to winners.

This is ideal if: You want an end-of-week relaxation and team bonding event or game night for your team to connect and de-stress together.

21. Emoji charades challenge

Engage your team in a playful and modern twist on charades with an emoji charades challenge. 

It involves communicating phrases, movie titles, or book names using only emojis, and letting team members guess the correct answers.

This activity is a great icebreaker or a quick fun break during a longer virtual team meeting. 

Requirements: 

• A platform for group messaging or video calls, like Slack or Zoom.
• A list of movies, phrases, or book titles to be translated into emoji sequences.
• A timer to add a sense of urgency to the guessing game.
• Custom emoji stickers for added fun and as a keepsake from the event.

Activity ideas: 

• Divide into teams and take turns sharing emoji sequences to the group chat or video call.
• Use a timer for each round to make the game more exciting.
• Include a mix of easy and challenging sequences to cater to all skill levels.
• Have a bonus round with emoji sequences representing something about the company or team members.
• Share the correct answers after each round and keep score for a friendly competition.

This is ideal if: Your team enjoys creative thinking and loves using emojis. Plus, it’s an entertaining way to test everyone’s emoji interpretation skills!}

How to Measure the Impact of Virtual Team Celebrations on Team Morale

Understanding the impact of virtual team celebrations on morale is essential for continuous improvement and ensuring these activities truly benefit your team.

Because it’s not just about having fun; it’s about fostering a positive and productive work environment. 

That said, here’s how you can gauge their effectiveness:

• Collect feedback: Post-event surveys or feedback forms can provide direct insights into how your team members felt about the celebration. So, look for comments on enjoyment, engagement, and suggestions for future events.
• Analyze participation rates: Track attendance and active participation during these virtual events. High participation often indicates a successful and appealing celebration.
• Observe team dynamics: Pay close attention to how team interactions evolve post-celebration. Increased collaboration, communication, and a sense of belonging are good signs.
• Track impact: Look at project completion rates, attendance records, and communication frequency before and after the event. An improvement in these areas indicates a boost in morale.
• Record observations: Don’t rely on a single event’s data. Assess the impact over multiple events to see long-term trends in employee engagement and satisfaction

While these metrics provide valuable insights, there’s always room for new ideas and improvements.

Need More Team Building Ideas?

As we’ve explored, virtual team-building activities play an important role in motivating your employees and inspiring a sense of unity among remote teams. 

Whether it’s through fun activities, thoughtful team recognition, or shared experiences, these celebrations are key to a thriving remote work culture.

But the journey doesn’t stop here. 

Beyond the 21 ideas we’ve shared, there are countless ways to foster a strong team spirit and a positive work environment. 

Craving more inspiration? Dive into the SwagDrop blog for more tips and ideas on crafting the perfect virtual work event.

Keep experimenting, keep celebrating, and watch your team soar!